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Graduate Studies Calendar 2018-2019 Program Descriptions Medicine Programs Medicine, Pathologists' Assistant MDPA
Medicine, Pathologists' Assistant MDPA
Contact Information

Location: Health Sciences Centre, Graduate Science Education, G341B
Program Number: 403.210.6689
Fax: 403. 210.8109
Email address: mpath@ucalgary.ca
Web page URL: cumming.ucalgary.ca/gse/programs/pathologists-assistant

1. Degrees and Specializations Offered

Master of Pathologists’ Assistant (MPath), course-based

This degree is accredited by NAACLS and allows graduates to qualify for the ASCP and CCCPA examinations.

All students are considered full-time. Part-time status may be considered and must be approved by the Graduate Program Director.

Master of Science with a Pathologists’ Assistant specialization is also offered as a thesis-based program. Contact the Medical Science Graduate Program for further information.

2. Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Cumming School of Medicine requirements, the program requires:

a) Qualifications

  • Four-year BSc degree in biological sciences, or its equivalent.
  • A minimum admission grade point average of 3.30 (on the University of Calgary four-point system; equivalent to a "B+") based on the last two years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units (10 full-course equivalents).

b) English Language Proficiency

See Medicine Programs.

c) Immunizations

See Medicine Programs.

d) Additional Requirements

  • Applicants are required arrange for the submission of two reference letters. References must follow the guidelines posted on the program’s website for prospective students.
  • A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Ability to perform the Essential Functions of a Pathologists' Assistant, as described on the program's website.

Suggested Preparatory Courses

Principles of Genetics (Biology 311 or equivalent), Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology (Biology 331 or equivalent), Introduction to Biochemistry (Biochemistry 393 or equivalent), and senior-level course work in at least two of the following subject areas: anatomy, physiology, or molecular biology.

3. Application Deadline

For application deadline, see the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/pathologists-assistant-master-pathologists-assistant-course-based.

4. Advanced Credit

In consultation with the Graduate Program Director, advanced credit may be requested in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations (see Advanced Credit). Applicants must make advanced credit requests as part of the admission process. Credit will not be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma or for courses taken to bring the grade point average to a required level for admission. Any credit to be given for courses completed will be included in the letter of offer for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

5. Program/Course Requirements

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Cumming School of Medicine requirements, the program requires all Pathologists' Assistant students to successfully complete 45 units (7.5 full-course equivalents):

  1. Medical Science 751.43 (3 units)
  2. Medical Science 620: Topics in Systems Physiology (3 units)
  3. Medical Science 703 (3 units)
  4. Medical Science 744 (6 units)
  5. Medical Science 515 (3 units)
  6. Medical Science 745 (3 units)
  7. Medical Science 748.01 (3 units)
  8. Medical Science 748.02 (3 units)
  9. Medical Science 749.01 (3 units)
  10. Medical Science 749.02 (3 units)
  11. Medical Science 747 (3 units)
  12. Medical Science 750.01 (3 units)
  13. Medical Science 750.02 (3 units)
  14. Medical Science 746 (3 units)

It is required that all PA students will successfully complete (minimum "B-") all Fall and Winter courses prior to beginning their practicum.

In addition to the courses listed above, students must complete a medical terminology course.

6. Additional Requirements

Research Integrity Day

See Medicine Programs.

7. Credit for Undergraduate Courses

With the exception of Medical Science 515, credit will not be given for courses taken below the 600-level.

8. Time Limit

It is highly recommended that the program be completed in two years on a full-time basis. It may also be completed on a part-time basis with the Director's approval.

9. Supervisory Assignments

The Graduate Program Director will serve as interim supervisor for all newly admitted students. In the course-based Pathologists’ Assistant program, there is no official requirement for students to have a supervisor. We do recommend, however, that students have a faculty supervisor and/or a mentor within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Master’s students in the Leaders in Medicine program will be evaluated and advised by a Joint Liaison Committee composed of the Associate Dean (Graduate Sciences Education) and the Associate Dean (Undergraduate Medical Education).

10. Financial Assistance

None.

11. Other Information

A program fee applies to this program. See Program-Specific Fees.