Physician Associates have existed in many countries across the world for decades. The profession first started in the UK in the late 1990s and has grown ever since. The NHS has ever-increased demands and has to deliver services in the right place at the right time, with highly qualified high-quality clinical staff, so innovation in the delivery of healthcare is paramount.
The Physician Associate is that innovation and has become one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the NHS. Working as part of the medical team, alongside other great clinical staff, Physician Associates get the opportunity to practice medical healthcare in almost every specialty across the NHS. From Orthopaedics to ENT, Dermatology, Oncology, Neurology, Women's Health, Surgery, Transplantation and every conceivable specialty Physician Associates are working in these teams.
At Aston University, will be learning in a nurturing environment with clinical academics who have vast experience in teaching and training Physician Associates in the UK.
You will engage in a patient environment from year 1, term 1, to work with clinicians and general practice experts to get an understanding of the healthcare environment. You will always be supervised by a clinical practitioner.
As the study develops you will become part of a key clinical support, working as an independent practitioner, working with patients, and supporting medical professionals in a collaborative working way.
On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to apply to sit the national qualification of the Faculty of Physician Associates (a part of the Royal College of Physicians) which will give you formal registration as a member of the Physician Associates Register, the qualification clinical practices are looking for.
Extensive partnerships with NHS regional trusts in the wider West Midlands area ensure you are best placed to get the most beneficial clinical placements throughout the course, gaining real-world, first-hand experience which is key to a successful future career as a Physician Associate.
You will also be able to enhance your skills in real-life scenarios using our new, £1.5m state-of-the-art healthcare simulation facilities in our Aston Medical School; including our high-fidelity manikins, which allow students to simulate treating patients with acute health conditions, and our clinical skills simulation room, where students can practice in emergency settings in a safe learning environment.
