Physician Associate

THE WORKING DAY

Physician associates support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients.

You will be a graduate who has undertaken postgraduate training and you will work under the supervision of a doctor. You will be trained to perform a number of day-to-day tasks including taking medical histories from patients, performing physical examinations, diagnosing illnesses, seeing patients with long-term chronic conditions, performing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, analysing test results, developing management plans, provide health promotion and disease prevention advice for patients.

Most physician associates currently work in general practice, acute (internal) medicine and emergency medicine.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

You will need:

knowledge of medicine
knowledge of biology
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to understand people’s reactions
active listening skills
to be thorough/pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

WHAT'S NEXT?

You will usually need 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science and a bioscience-related first degree to get onto one of the training programmes available. Undergraduate integrated Master of Physician Associate Studies programmes are now available and these courses require A-levels or equivalent for entry.

Alternatively, if you are a registered healthcare professional such as a nurse, allied health professional or midwife you can also apply to become a physician associate.

There is also a level 7 apprenticeship for physician associates. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification.

Physician Associate

THE WORKING DAY

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

WHAT'S NEXT?

IT'S AS SIMPLE AS A TO Z

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