This highly regarded Physician Associate programme has been designed to train a new generation of healthcare professionals to support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. Physician Associates (PA) are trained to perform a number of roles including taking medical histories, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses, analysing test results and developing management plans.

This is a two-year full time programme requiring ninety weeks of study and combines the theoretical and scientific basis of medicine with clinical experience. The programme leads to the award of MSc in Physician Associate Studies. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to sit the national examination which entitles entry onto the national register and practise as a PA in the UK.

Physician Associates are a new and rapidly growing group of graduate professionals in the UK. Whilst not doctors, they work to the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the general medical and/or general practice team under defined levels of supervision. With ever increasing demands on our National Health Service, the role of the PA is designed to supplement the medical workforce, ultimately improving patient access.

Upon successful completion of the University of Aberdeen assessments, students are eligible to present for the national exam graduates. Upon passing the National Exam, candidates are eligible to be entered on the voluntary national register (PA MVR) and to practice as a PA in the UK. Following the two year course and after qualification, PAs can expect starting salaries of Agenda for Change Band 6. Thereafter career progression will be dependent upon competency, attributes and opportunities to progress to higher pay scales.

The Physician Associate role has been identified as a key profession in NHS service within the UK. It is envisaged that a large number of job vacancies will become available in forthcoming years.