Overview
As a member of the military, a Physician Assistant (PA) is a health care provider who extends the hand of the supervising physician to remote or isolated locations. A Canadian Armed Forces Physician Assistant is part of the greater military health services team, providing primary and emergency health care for Canadian Armed Forces members domestically and abroad. Physician Assistants are employed throughout Canada in Health Services Clinics, on board ships or overseas in support of a myriad of operational missions.

Responsibilities

Provide primary health care

Provide emergency care

Promote health protection and education

Practice environmental medicine and hyperbaric medicine

Promote occupational health and safety

Work Setting
Physician Assistants may serve anywhere that CAF members are based. They work in fully equipped medical clinics, whether at a base or garrison, or in a temporary clinic while supporting operations. PAs are also employed independently in isolated locations including on board ships and submarines. If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings, accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. If you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit.

Entry Plans and Qualifications
Requirements:

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

If you already have a Baccalaureate or Master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program,



are a certified PA holding a current Physician Assistant Certification Council of Canada (PACCC) certification and current registration to practice as a Physician Assistant in a Canadian province or territory, the CAF may place you directly into the required on‑job training program following basic training.

Due to the requirement for CAF officers to obtain a university degree, the CAF will pay successful recruits to complete a two‑year bachelor degree program at an approved civilian Canadian University. Recruits will receive full‑time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full pay in exchange for working in the CAF for a period of time. Candidates must attend a civilian Canadian University as the Royal Canadian Military College System does not offer a degree that matches this occupation.

Training
After enrolment, Physician Assistants attend Basic Officer Military Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec, for 12 weeks. Topics covered include general military knowledge, principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid.



Opportunities will also be provided to apply newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training.

Physician Assistants must complete the Common Health Services Officer (CHSO) course, an eight‑day e‑learning course available on the Defence Learning Network (DLN). The CHSO course introduces Physician Assistants to Canadian Armed Forces policies, procedures and HR management of military members and civilian personnel. Physician Assistants attend the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre in Borden, Ontario, where they are introduced to the organizational structure and history of the Canadian Forces Medical Service and the unique circumstances of practicing military medicine.

As they progress in their career, Physician Assistants who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available training includes:

Basic Aviation Medicine

Basic Dive Medicine

Advanced Dive Medicine

Part‑time Options
The role in the Health Service Reserves is to provide trained personnel to support, augment and sustain Canadian Forces Health Services organizations. Health care professionals in the Reserves must have an unrestricted licence to practice in their clinical field, maintain clinical currency, and may serve part‑time while pursuing other employment or studies. They are paid during training and are not required to relocate.

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📌 Physician Assistant (British Columbia)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 British Columbia