Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program

The Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program is an intensive, hands-on training course that prepares participants for the demanding responsibilities of an Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant. 

Over the course of a year, participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• Orientation: A three-week introduction to the program and clinical environment.
• Seminar Series: In-depth sessions covering equipment, monitors, devices, pharmacology, and cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• Clinical Simulation: Hands-on training with 12 scenarios across four simulation sessions to develop practical skills.
• OSCEs: A series of 24 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) conducted over four sessions to assess clinical competencies.
• Clinical Preceptorship: One-on-one mentorship with experienced preceptors, providing personalized guidance and support throughout the program.

This program, conducted within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, offers a rigorous and supportive environment that ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in their roles as Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistants.

Expected duration: 1 year

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Professional Background: Candidates must be registered nurses (RN), registered respiratory therapists (RRT), international medical graduates (IMG), or clinical/physician assistants (Cl.A/PA) licensed to practice in Canada.
• Licensure: Applicants must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
• Experience: A minimum of two years of recent experience (within the last five years) in critical care or anesthesia-related operating room settings is required.
• Commitment: A two-year return-of-service agreement is mandatory for those accepted into the program.

Please note that this program is a specialized training course, not a Master's or Bachelor's program, and it is not currently accredited through the University of Manitoba or other secondary education institutions.

How to apply

The next intake is planned for January 2026, with applications being accepted in late fall 2025.

Applications for the Anesthesia Clinical/Physician Assistant Program are accepted through the Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network.

To apply, prospective candidates should:

1. Prepare Documentation: Ensure your credentials, proof of licensure, and documented experience in critical care or anesthesia-related settings are up-to-date.
2. Submit Application: Open the Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network portal. Once the application window opens, complete and submit your application.
3. Contact for Information: For further details or questions about the application process, candidates are encouraged to contact Susan Rubin, Regional Program Manager for Anesthesia/Surgery, at srubin@wrha.mb.ca.

Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further instructions on the orientation and training schedule.