Physician Associate Studies MSc / PGDip MSc

Course informationThis is an intensive two-year clinical course open to applicants with a first-degree in a health or science related subject. This course prepares you to work as a Physician Associate (PA) in the NHS. PAs are healthcare professionals who work to a medical model alongside doctors in hospitals or GP surgeries. This course will prepare you to take a medical history, examine patients, diagnose common problems, perform procedures, and recommend treatment. The Department of Health is committed to increasing the number of PAs in the NHS, particularly in general practice. In Dorset there is a real need for additional healthcare staff in all of the acute hospitals and in GP surgeries. It is expected that PAs will be part of the solution to this workforce shortage, so employment is highly likely following successful completion of this course. A typical starting salary for PAs is over £30,000.Course overviewThe Physician Associate Studies programmes at BU involve the integration of theory and clinical practice throughout the curriculum. This integration is based upon the key tenet that experience and learning are closely intertwined. Unlike more traditional courses, students gave substantial clinical exposure from the second month of the course. Fundamental examination and assessment skills are learned initially from simulated patients and in the clinical skills laboratory. As the programme progresses, students will continue to develop and learn more complex skills both in the simulation labs and under the supervision of clinical supervisors in 1400 hours of practice placements.The programme is underpinned by problem based learning to develop habits of inquiry and innovation that will promote continued knowledge acquisition throughout a lifetime of learning. Repeated formative assessment will be used to consolidate learning throughout the course and in preparation for the National Examinations for Physician Associates. There will be a key focus on the formation of professional identity throughout the course, underpinned by the four domains of Good Medical Practice (GMC 2013). Team building, peer support, group learning and mentorship will reinforce professionalism and help students to develop resilience. This has been designed to help students prepare themselves for the challenges that working in healthcare demands and to meet the high expectations commanded by the inter-professional team and patients alike.