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Physician Assistants
What are Physician Assistants?
Physician Assistants (PAs) are highly skilled health-care professionals trained in the medical model that can provide a broad range of medical services under the supervision of licensed physicians. Under physician supervision, PAs take medical histories and perform physical exams, order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests, perform selected diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, prescribe medications, and provide patient education and counselling.
Physician Assistant Education Program (PAEP)
In 2008, the Province welcomed the first class of PA students to the Physician Assistant Education Program (PAEP) at the University of Manitoba. A joint partnership between the faculties of Graduate Studies and Medicine, the two year program is the only Master’s level program in Canada. The education and training the students receive in this program enable them to practice in a wide range of health care settings. For more information on the program, please visit: http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/education/paep/
Physician Assistant Regulation in Manitoba
Manitoba is currently the only jurisdiction in Canada that has specific legislation in place regarding Physician Assistant (PA) practice. Physician Assistants are regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM), and have their own distinct category of registration.
Resources for Physician Assistants
- Canadian Association of Physician Assistants
- Canadian Medical Association
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM)
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants
Resources for Employers
In order to post a job description for PAs, the description must be approved by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM).
For sample templates, please contact the CPSM directly at: 774-4344.
For further questions regarding PAs in Manitoba, please contact the PRCO directly at: (204) 788-6624, or toll free at: 1-866-239-4329
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does a physician supervising a physician assistant require full registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba?
A. No. The physician must be registered on the Manitoba Medical Register with a full licence. This includes conditional registrants.
Q. In the absence of the primary supervising physician, is the PA still able to practice?
A. Yes, provided a delegated supervising physician(s) has signed the contract of supervision as approved by the College of Physicians of Surgeons of Manitoba. There may be multiple delegated supervising physicians one of whom would assume the responsibilities of the primary supervising physician.
Q. Where can I get a contract of supervision and templates for drafting a job description for Physician Assistants?
A. These may be obtained by calling the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, 1 (204) 774-4344; toll free in Manitoba 1-877-774-4344.
Q. Does a physician need to be at the same location as the physician assistant to be supervising?
A. Supervision is dependent on the delegation of function and the experience of the PA. An inexperienced PA must have more intensive supervision, which is likely to require on-site presence.
Employment Opportunities
Please return to the website for future updates regarding employment opportunities in Manitoba.
