Physician Associate Studies MSc

University of Portsmouth

Physician associates are a new type of healthcare professional, who – while not doctors – work to the medical model. As a physician associate, you'll have the attitudes, skills and knowledge to deliver holistic care and treatment within the general medical and general practice team, under supervision.

This MSc Physician Associate Studies degree course is the perfect next step to take a relevant undergraduate degree further, and work towards becoming a physician associate. You'll get the skills and knowledge to become a confident medical professional, working and learning under the guidance of experienced staff and assisting patients in real healthcare settings.

While fairly new in the UK, the number of physician associates is increasing and the Government wants to have 1,000 physician associates working in general practice by 2020. When you finish the course, you'll be in a strong position to work in this important role.

What you'll experience On this course, you'll:

• Access facilities that include the latest simulation training equipment, representative of the healthcare environment you'll experience in your career

• Experience practice-based learning opportunities

• Observe, examine, assess and engage with patients

• Be trained to take medical histories, perform exams, diagnose illnesses and analyse results

Careers and opportunities This programme will prepare you to complete the Physician Associate National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and take on the role of a physician associate in the healthcare environment.

As a physician associate, you can look forward to a career supporting doctors with diagnosing and managing patients, whether in a hospital setting or GP surgery.

In the future, other areas you could work in include leadership, service development, research, mentorship and practice education.

You'll be able to get advice and support from our Career and Employability Service for 5 years after you leave the University.

Work experience and career planning To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, you'll get experience of working in real and simulated health settings. Our Careers and Employability service can also help you find relevant work experience that complements your studies.