University of Saskatchewan opens first PA program, aiming to ease doctor shortages with 20 students from 350 applicants.
Saskatchewan Opens Doors to First Physician Assistant Program
The University of Saskatchewan (U of S) has officially welcomed the inaugural class of its new master’s program in physician assistant studies, marking a historic first for the province’s health-care education system.
Ceremony Welcomes 20 Students
On Tuesday, 20 students took part in a symbolic stethoscope ceremony, celebrating the start of their training. The event follows an intense admissions process, with more than 350 applicants vying for a spot.
Addressing Health-Care Shortages
Provincial health officials say the program is designed to help relieve pressure on Saskatchewan’s overburdened doctors. Physician assistants (PAs) perform tasks such as conducting preliminary patient exams, reviewing lab results, and assisting in treatment plans under a physician’s supervision.
A First for Saskatchewan
Until now, aspiring PAs in the province had to seek education elsewhere. Saskatchewan licensed PAs to practise in 2023, investing over $1 million to hire 12 positions. The province now becomes the only jurisdiction in Canada where PAs can hold both clinical and teaching roles.
Significant Government Investment
The Ministry of Advanced Education has allocated $7.1 million to establish the program, as announced in the 2025-26 provincial budget. About 75 per cent of the first cohort are Saskatchewan residents, reflecting the province’s goal of training and retaining local health talent.
Long-Term Workforce Strategy
Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill emphasized that the program is part of a broader plan to address staffing shortages. Saskatchewan currently has about 1,600 health-care vacancies, and several rural ERs have faced temporary closures this year.
Promising Career Prospects
Cockrill predicts all graduates will have job offers upon completion in two years. “They’ve already been in our hospitals. If they want to be here in Saskatchewan, we’ll have a job for them,” he said. At present, only four PAs are working in the province, with 32 positions open.
Looking Ahead
Officials hope the program will expand in future years to further strengthen Saskatchewan’s health system. Training PAs locally is expected to boost recruitment and retention, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
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