Taught course

Physician Associate Studies

Institution
Canterbury Christ Church University · Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this course are:

  • An upper second class Honours degree (2:1) or better in a relevant subject in the life sciences (e.g. Biomedical Science, Biological Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, etc.).
  • A good lower second class Honours degree (2:2) may be considered combined with substantial relevant practical healthcare skills and experience.
  • GCSEs (or equivalent) grades A-C in Maths and English
  • Preferably, some experience of health care (if not in employment then through voluntary activity such as St John Ambulance, etc.)

If English is not your first language you require an IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 for most standard undergraduate and postgraduate courses. There are some exceptions and if the IELTS requirement differs it will be specified on the course page.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Physician Associates are skilled members of the health care team who are qualified to provide a wide range of medical services in practice with a licensed physician. Training as a Physician Associate allows you to develop and direct your healthcare career in a primary care setting or almost any medical specialty. This flexibility is unique to the Physician Associate role and makes it an exciting new career choice. Physician Associate training is based on a ‘fast track’ medical school model that was developed in the U.S in 1965.

You will spend a significant portion of the first year in the simulation suite learning hands on skills. The simulation suite is equipped with mock wards as well as a surgical suite with anesthesia and laparoscopic equipment. Highly sophisticated human simulation models will be used in the teaching of hands on skills to prepare you for your second year clinical based modules. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Physician Associate Studies is delivered within the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences at the Medway campus where students have the added benefit of training in a specialist facility with qualified medical practitioners engaged in postgraduate education and research.

The Physician Associate role was introduced in the UK in 2003. Physician Associates are now recognised as skilled and valued members of the health care profession. The newly qualified Physician Associate post has been evaluated under the NHS Agenda for change at Band 7 with potential to advance to Band 8 with experience and advanced education.

Physician Associates can perform medical history and physical examinations, screen and interpret results of diagnostic studies, diagnose patients, implement treatment plans, counsel patients regarding illness and preventative medicine and facilitate access to appropriate health care resources.

As with many types of medical providers, duties of a Physician Associate will depend on the medical setting where they work, their level of experience, their specialty and their supervising physician.

Physician Associates may provide care to individuals across the age spectrum in a variety of healthcare settings. More information on the Physician Associate profession and salary may be found on the Royal College of Physicians Physician Associate Faculty webpage.

Information for international students

Canterbury Christ Church University welcomes applications from International Students. For more information please visit our website.

Fees and funding

For up to date fee and loan information please visit our website.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Medical Sciences Administration
Email
medicalsciences@canterbury.ac.uk