Ontario’s first graduating class of 21 Physician Assistants (PAs) will soon be bringing their training and skills to the province’s health care system following a two-year program at McMaster University.Graduates have secured employment at hospitals and health care facilities across the province, as employers have shown great interest in this new innovative approach to improving patient services.  Working as part of the health care team, PAs help reduce wait times and improve access to patient care in high need areas including emergency rooms. PAs also work under the supervision of a medical doctor.

Prior to the launch of the program at McMaster, PAs working in Ontario have been trained in the Canadian Forces, the United States, or are International Medical Graduates who completed a program through the Centre for the Evaluation of Health Professionals Educated Abroad.

Investing in front line health care is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.