FAQ

Academic Prerequisites
Q. I have 15 years experience as a health care professional, but did not attend university. Can my experience be counted as the 2 years university?
A. We do appreciate the health care experience – that is definitely something we are looking for. As a second-entry academic program, however, the university requires the previous 10 credits to add to the credits received in the program, in order to grant the undergraduate degree

Q. If I do more than 2 years of University, will you only take my best two?
A. ALL undergraduate University courses will be included – not just two years. Only undergraduate university courses will be included in the cumulative GPA.


Health Care Experience
Q. Does volunteering count towards my hours?
A. While we appreciate volunteerism in health care (we know that hospitals would fall apart without it!), we require applicants to have had a professional role in health care – a role with responsibilities and accountabilities.

Q. I’m a new graduate from an allied health program – I have less than one year experience since graduation. Can I include my student clinical experience?
A. Yes – as a student, although you are supervised, it was still expected that you meet responsibilities and accountabilities of the role for which you were training.

Q. Does the program recognize my profession, even if it is not on the government website provided?
A. The website is not exhaustive. On the supplemental application form you have the opportunity to describe your role and your direct patient contact.


Education Outside of Canada
Q. My post-secondary education occurred outside of Canada. Do I have to have my transcripts evaluated through WES or ICES?
A. No – the University of Toronto Office of Admissions and Awards will be able to assess international transcripts (at no additional fee). The assessment of international transcripts occurs internally only. The University of Toronto does not use ICAS, ICES, WES or any other external service. Applicants do not send in international transcripts directly to the program, but are required to have them sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Awards. http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/contactus.htm

Q. On the OUAC application, do I need to apply as an internationally trained graduate?
A. No –not necessary to apply under the internationally trained graduates - apply through the link provided on the www.Paconsortium.ca website (assuming you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident - if not, you are not eligible to apply to the PA program).

Q. What are the requirements to prove English language proficiency?
A. Office of Admissions and Awards information regarding proof of English facility (linked on the PA program website - direct link to the page is: http://www.adm.utoronto.ca/adm/adm_other_req/adm_english_facility.htm). If you have additional questions regarding the English facility requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions and Awards directly, at 416- 978-2190.


Applying for the Program
Q. How do I know if you’ve received my application?
A. There are three key steps:
- OUAC application – within a couple of days of applying, you will be e-mailed a UofT applicant number. This number can be used to track progress of the OUAC portion of the application
- Supplemental application – once you have completed the application, you will be sent an e-mail indicating this
- Registration, Reference letter, Letter of Employment – once these are received by the program, you will be sent an e-mail indicating this

Q. Where do I drop off my transcripts?
A. Instructions on submitting your transcripts should be available within the first part of the process, the Internal OUAC Application ("Step One"). Any transcripts that are not sent electronically through OUAC must be sent directly to the Admissions

Q. Where do I drop off my Reference letter and/or letter of employment?
A. Instructions are on the website, but reference letters and letters of employment should come to the program directly from the source. The applicant should not be the one submitting them (should not see them at all).

Q. How can I ensure that I am invited to interview?
A. There are no guarantees, as it will depend on the applicant pool. However, the Supplemental Application is your place to “shine” – tell us as much as you can regarding why you are best suited to this program and career, within the word count limits.


Planning for the Program
Q. Would I be able to work during the program?
A. Although this is essentially an on-line program, it is a full-time program (30+ hours per week). It is highly recommended that you not work during the program.

Q. Can I be exempt from courses based on my previous education and experiences?
A. No advanced standing will be granted. It is expected that all students will complete the full program.

Q. Can you provide a resource to help me prepare for the interview?
A. The website links to MMI information (provided on Michener’s website) which then provides resources. MMI is an interview process that you cannot truly ‘study’ for.

Q. Can I use this program to get into medical school? Or Residency?
A. We are unable to comment on what Medical School admissions would consider for their candidates.

Travel for Placements
Q. Do I have to travel to Toronto for group session other than the Residential Blocks?
A. Although students are required to attend face-to-face sessions for the Residential blocks, the rest of the term is spent completely on-line, without any face-to-face requirements (other than the local Clinical Experiences- see below). In between The Residential Blocks, study groups and interactions with faculty and with other students will be done completely in a "virtual" environment, be it on-line all at the same time ("synchronous") or at unscheduled times ("asynchronous"), like in a discussion board. Skype and Webinars are also used for Synchronous meetings. The University of Toronto uses Blackboard as the Learning Management System to support the on-line courses.

Q. Do I have to go a SWAP site for ½ my clinical placements?
A. Yes. This is mandatory. One of our guiding strategies is “The commitment to educate PA students and to encourage and support clinical experiences in rural, remote and underserved areas, in order to increase access to healthcare throughout Ontario.

Q. Can I complete my clinical training outside of Ontario?
A. No – all clinical placements are to take place within Ontario.

Q. There seems to be a lot of travel involved. Is there funding support available?
A. There is funding support for travel and accommodations for clinical placements in the SWAP locations.