North West Physician Associate Programme
Thank you for your interest in the physician associate programmes offered across the Northwest England.
Physician associates are healthcare professionals who work as part of a multidisciplinary team with supervision from a named senior doctor (a General Medical Council registered consultant or general practitioner), providing care to patients in primary, secondary and community care environments. PAs are part of the government’s medical associate professions (MAPs) grouping in the health and care workforce and have been working in the UK since 2003.
Although physician associates are dependent practitioners, they can also practice independently and make independent decisions. This is enabled by collaboration and supportive working relationships with their medical supervisors, meaning that there is always someone who can discuss cases, give advice and review patients if necessary.
As a qualified physician associate you will be able to consider a career in the acute, specialist, and or Primary Care settings meaning you could work in a large hospital or a GP Practice.
The Royal College of Physicians hosts the Faculty of Physician Associates. You will be able to find out more information about the training and role of physician associates on their website
The course in the North West runs over a 48 week year of which 50% will be academic (university based) and 50% in clinical placements. Whilst on placement you will be supported by an Educational Supervisor (Consultant or GP depending on the setting)
, clinical supervisors and the wider multi-disciplinary team. All your placements will be arranged for you and will be aligned to your required learning outcome as determined by the Faculty of Physician Associates Competence and Curriculum Framework.
NHS England, in line with the national funding model for supporting student physician associates will pay students £2,655 per annum - in the North West this payment is paid in line with the courses required clinical placements and is aimed at assisting students with travel costs. This payment is not means tested and you do not need to apply for it. NHS E make payments to our university partners every four months, however it is at the descretion of the university to deicde when these payments will be allocated to students.
For further information on the universities offering the physician associate programme in the North West please follow the links below which will take you to the websites of our university partners.
Programme start - September
Programme start - February
Programme start - September
Programme start - September
Programme start - September .
The following links may be of use to current or upcoming students
NHS - Our Work - Physician Associates
RCP - Faculty of Physician Associates
PATH - Physician Associates Transforming Healthcare
PA Regulation Update from the GMC
Post Graduation
Once qualified, physician associates work across the acute and primary care sectors in areas such as GP practices, mental health teams, O&G , theatre support and A&E. Newly qualified PAs should be provided with a supportive learning environment, in which they can strengthen and develop their skills. While a newly qualified PA should be able to deliver service, they will still require training and supervision, as would any new member of staff in a first job.
NHS E offer a £5100 preceptorship allowance to employers to support the supervison and education of newly qualified PAs working in Primary Care. These roles are available across the Northwest and are listed on on the NHS jobs website.
Primary Care Recruitment
If you are an employer and thinking about recruiting a PA for the first time,
Please read the guidelines around PA preceptorship funding and mentorship requirements before emailing for an application form.
Physician associate (degree) apprenticeships
NHS England is implementing a national framework to support employers to access quality assured PA degree apprenticeship training programmes. In the Northwest, two higher education institutions (HEIs) have been approved to deliver programmes. See the link below for more information, including information on funding, other FAQs and up to date provider/course information. Employers can also access a template job description and business case.
FAQs on the Healthcare Apprenticeship Standards Online (HASO) website.
If you require any additional information please e-mail england.physicianassociates.nw@nhs.net
Unfortunately, due to the high level of interest in these programmes, NHS England in the North West are unable to accept enquires by phone.