Physician Associate Studies

To join this MSc you should have a degree equivalent to UK first or second class honours (2:2 or above) in a science or health related subject. You should also have GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Previous experience of working in healthcare is desirable but not essential. An interview forms part of the selection process. If you accept an offer from Edge Hill you will need to submit a Declaration of Health in respect of physical and mental fitness and will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of 'Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults'. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Physician associates provide patient care under the direct supervision of a doctor. They have responsibility for interviewing and examining patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and making decisions about patient management and therapy. Over the last 10 years, physician associates have been employed throughout the UK in increasing numbers. There is great demand for newly qualified professionals in this emerging role within the NHS in both acute and primary care. This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective practitioner in this innovative professional healthcare role. A combination of teaching and practical placements will enable you to gain expertise in medical history taking, clinical examinations, analysing test results, clinical reasoning and diagnosis, and the development of evidence-based patient management plans. You will graduate as a flexible and adaptable clinician ready to sit the national exam set by the Faculty of Physician Associates, successful completion of which enables you to apply to be listed on the Managed Voluntary Register (MVR) of physician associates.

You will be assessed through a combination of written assignments, objective structured clinical examinations, short answer questions, multiple choice questionnaires, case studies, e-portfolios, seminar presentations, writing a research proposal and an appraisal of your subsequent research.