Physician associate

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

To become a physician associate you'll need to complete a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification that is recognised by the Faculty of Physician Associates .

For this, you'll usually need a first undergraduate degree in a health or life sciences subject like:

• biochemistry
• medical science
• healthcare science
• nursing

The postgraduate qualification takes 2 years to complete. It combines study with practical clinical experience in general, community and emergency medicine.

Some universities now offer an undergraduate degree that includes an integrated Master of Physician Associate Studies (MPAS). These courses take 4 years to complete.

If you're already a qualified medical professional, contact universities offering the postgraduate course about their entry requirements.

Entry requirements:

• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

Depending on your qualifications and experience, you could do a Physician Associate Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. This will take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

Work

If you're a registered healthcare professional, like a nurse or midwife, you might be able to apply to become a physician associate.

You'll need to take a postgraduate qualification in physician associate studies to do this.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine
• knowledge of biology
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• active listening skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of psychology
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with your hands
• maths skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Physician associates support doctors to diagnose and manage patients in hospitals and GP surgeries.

You'll support the work of the medical team to provide care for patients with a range of medical conditions.

You'll do many of the day-to-day tasks of doctors, like:

• examine patients and take medical histories
• diagnose and make referrals
• create a healthcare management plan
• perform medical procedures
• give advice on keeping healthy and promote wellbeing

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a health centre.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £44,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 42 hours week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

As an experienced physician associate you might be able to move into management, medical teaching or research.

You might move from general or emergency care into a specialism like paediatric care or mental health.