Physician assistant
Physician assistants support doctors with diagnosing and managing patients in hospitals and GP surgeries.
Also known as: Physician associate
- Starter salary£48,000 a year
- Experienced£57,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a physician assistant, you'll work under the supervision of a doctor. You could:
- examine patients and take medical histories
- help to diagnose conditions and make referrals
- create a healthcare management plan
- perform medical procedures
- collect and analyse patient data
- give advice on keeping healthy and promote wellbeing
You'll support the work of the medical team to provide care for patients with a range of medical conditions.
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a health centre.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a physician assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
To become a physician assistant you'll need to complete a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification in physician associate studies.
For this, you'll usually need a first undergraduate degree in a health or life sciences subject, such as:
- 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 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
You'll usually need:
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply for a Physician Associate Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, depending on your qualifications and experience.
The apprenticeship takes around 3 years to complete.
It is under revision, so speak to your employer to find out more about this option.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own 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 assistant.
You'll need to take a postgraduate qualification in physician associate studies to do this.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
Once you're qualified you have to complete 50 hours of continuous professional development each year and sit a renewal exam every 6 years.
Career path and progression
As an experienced physician assistant 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.
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the General Medical Council
Guides for this industry
Related roles
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