Master of Pathologists' Assistant (MPath) Course-based, Medicine

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

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

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.

English Language Proficiency

For applicants required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language:

• a minimum TOEFL internet based score of 105 (with no section less than 20) (for tests taken prior to January 21, 2026), or

• a minimum TOEFL internet based score of 5 (with minimum section scores of 4.0 in reading, writing and speaking and 4.5 in listening) (for tests taken after January 21, 2026), or

• a minimum IELTS overall band score of 7.5 (with no individual band less than 6.0), or

• a CAEL overall score of 70 (with no section less than 70), or

• a minimum PTE academic version score of 75, or

• Duolingo with score of 145 (with no subscore below 125), or

• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency with score of 200, or

This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of A- in each course.

Immunizations

All students in graduate programs in the Cumming School of Medicine are required to complete a series of immunizations and diagnostic tests as outlined on the Student Immunization Worksheet.

Throughout their graduate program, students are required to ensure that immunizations are current and provide proof of updates to the Cumming School of Medicine. Failure to do so may result in students being removed from the program until such time as adequate proof has been provided. Please note that requirements may change during the program as determined by Alberta Health Services guidelines. Contact your Graduate Program Administrator for more information.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants are required to submit two reference letters. References must follow the guidelines posted on the program’s website for prospective students.

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Students in the program will be required to complete a police background and vulnerable sector check before their practicum placements in the second year.

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Suggested Preparatory Courses & Activities

The MDPA Program and Pathologists’ Assistant profession involve a comprehensive theoretical and hands-on application of human anatomy, biology, physiology, and pathology principles.  Courses, personal/professional activities, and volunteer experiences related to these aforementioned areas are strongly encouraged.  Advanced coursework in human anatomy, pathology, clinical laboratory medicine, histology, molecular genetics, developmental embryology, forensics, immunology and microbiology are encouraged.  Shadowing of practicing Pathologists and Pathologists’ Assistants in clinical laboratory and autopsy environments, self-research into the PA profession, attending pathology rounds (in-person or virtual), and other activities which help applicants better understand the PA profession are valuable.  Professional experience in medical laboratory departments and hospital/forensics autopsy services (Medical Laboratory Technologists/Scientists, Histotechnologist, Grossing Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Diener, Morgue Assistant, Forensic Tech, etc.) can be beneficial for applicants.