3.6 - Role Deep Dive: Physician Associates

Entry Requirements, Skills and Training

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Entry Requirements

Must-Have Skills

Training and Development

Physician associate training usually lasts two years, with students studying for 46-48 weeks each year and involves many aspects of an undergraduate or postgraduate medical degree. The training covers a large range of specialities at a generalist medical level in both adults and children. There will also be 1,600 hours of clinical training, taking place in a range of settings, including 350 hours in general hospital medicine. You'll also spend a minimum of 90 hours in other settings, including mental health, surgery and paediatrics. With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.

Don’t forget – academic qualifications aren't everything. You’ll need to be able to demonstrate experience of working with the public, an interest in health or social care, the right values to work for the NHS and excellent communication skills.

You’ll usually need a first degree in science or healthcare to get onto one of the available training programmes. Undergraduate integrated Master of Physician Associate Studies programmes are now available, and these courses require A-levels or equivalent for entry. Following this, you need to complete two years of training at Master's level study. Alternatively, if you’re a registered healthcare professional such as a nurse, allied health professional or midwife you can also apply to become a physician associate. There is also a Level 7 apprenticeship for physician associates. Apprenticeships give you the chance to earn a living while gaining your qualification.