Physician assistant
Also called Physician associate.
Physician assistants support doctors with diagnosing and managing patients in hospitals and GP surgeries.
- Potential salary
- £48,000 starter to £57,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 42. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
- Career area
- Health and care
- Where they might work
- You could work in an NHS or private hospital or at a health centre. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear a uniform.
- A typical task
- examine patients and take medical histories
- Subjects that may help
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- Typical route
- To become a physician assistant you'll need to complete a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification in physician associate studies.
- Interest area used here
- Health and laboratory science, Helping and teaching
What you might do
- examine patients and take medical histories
- help to diagnose conditions and make referrals
- create a healthcare management plan
- perform medical procedures
- collect and analyse patient data
- give advice on keeping healthy and promote wellbeing
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- knowledge of medicine
- knowledge of biology
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- active listening skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
More skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Routes into this career
University route
- To become a physician assistant you'll need to complete a postgraduate diploma or master's qualification in physician associate studies.
- For this, you'll usually need a first undergraduate degree in a health or life sciences subject, such as:
- biochemistry
- medical science
- healthcare science
- nursing
- The postgraduate qualification takes 2 years to complete. It combines study with practical clinical experience in general, community and emergency medicine.
- Some universities offer an undergraduate degree that includes an integrated Master of Physician Associate Studies (MPAS). These courses take 4 years to complete.
- If you're already a qualified medical professional, contact universities offering the postgraduate course about their entry requirements.
- You'll usually need:
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
- equivalent entry requirements
- student finance for fees and living costs
- finance for postgraduate courses
- university courses and entry requirements
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Medicine
Related, but not enough on its own. Physician associate training is a different qualification, often after a first degree. Medicine is not that course.
- Physician associate studies
Direct qualifying route. This is the relevant university route, usually after a first degree. It is not a medical degree.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You may be able to apply for a Physician Associate Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, depending on your qualifications and experience.
- The apprenticeship takes around 3 years to complete.
- It is under revision, so speak to your employer to find out more about this option.
- Employers will set their own entry requirements.
- guide to apprenticeships
- search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs
Career progression
- As an experienced physician assistant you might be able to move into management, medical teaching or research.
- You might move from general or emergency care into a specialism like paediatric care or mental health.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to register with the General Medical Council
pass enhanced background checks
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study