Physician assistant

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• finance for postgraduate courses|https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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.

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.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Career Tips

When applying for courses and jobs, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about training and working as a physician assistant from Health Careers.

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.

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.