谢菲尔德大学

Our course gives you a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills you'll need to support doctors in ‘first contact’ health care, either in general practices or in hospitals. Our integrated, systems-based approach places the patient at the centre.

Physicians Associates (PAs) are health professionals who see patients and address their health needs while working under the supervision of doctors. Qualified PAs have direct contact with patients in their assessment: taking histories, performing examination, making diagnoses and considering management plans, supported by the Faculty of Physician Associates.

A career as a Physician Associate is a great option if you're passionate about working in a clinical environment but haven't had the opportunity to do clinical practice during your undergraduate studies.

Students benefit from our world-class facilities and expertise. You will acquire a firm grounding in the knowledge and skills of generalist medical care to equip you to support doctors in ‘first contact’ health care, either in general practices or in hospitals. The course will be delivered in a systems-based, integrated way which places the patient at the centre.

The University is working closely with local Acute Trusts (hospitals) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (primary care) so that our graduates have the right qualities to meet the needs of potential employers and the public as a whole. Students who have sat a postgraduate diploma course in PA studies will have the opportunity to convert their diploma to a masters with the dissertation component undertaken while working in a clinical environment. For more information please contact the course director.

At present, the UK Physician Associate qualification does not allow you to work as a Physician Associate in other countries.

Teaching

You’ll study a nationally agreed curriculum outlined by the Physician Associate Competency Framework. Throughout the course you’ll have contact with patients both on placements in GP practices and local hospitals, and through our Patients as Educators programme where you’ll hear first-hand from patients about their experiences.

Assessment

Assessment takes place throughout the course in the form of written assessments, multiple choice tests, clinical examinations and workplace-based assessments.

Physician Associates are required to pass a national exam in order to practice in the UK. Students take this exam after completing the course and are required to fund the exam as it isn’t run by the University.

Your career

After successfully completing your course, you can apply for Physician Associate roles and employment after completing the PA National Examination.

Past students have gone on to work in GP Surgeries, Acute Hospital Trusts such as A&E and respiratory medicine, as well as Mental Health Trusts.