Applications open this fall for the new Master of Physician Assistant Studies program and then students will begin their learning next fall.

A news release from the university explains that physician assistants are a newly regulated health care profession in the province.

They are trained clinical professionals who work under the supervision of doctors to improve patient access to quality care.

It’s a two-year program and graduates will work with physicians and health care teams in clinics and hospitals.

Some of the tasks may include patient assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, counselling patients on preventative health care, performing procedures or assisting in surgery.

The provincial government funded $2 million to establish the Master of Physician Assistant Program as part of its Health Human Resource Action Plan.