Training Requirements

What should you look for in a physician associate?

When identifying PAs to join their PCN, GPs should look for candidates whom:

• Are recognised and qualified by the Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA).
• Are on the Managed Voluntary Register (please link to https://www.bnssgtraininghub.com/wp-content/uploads/PA-Managed-Voluntary-Register.pdf)

• Have completed their postgraduate medical training in PA studies.
• Have trained in the UK.

How much training do physician associates have?

PA students already have an undergraduate degree in life science, and / or a background in health care. To become a PA, students must complete a two-year, full-time, intensive postgraduate course at diploma or masters’ level in Physician Associate studies, which includes over 1,400 hours of clinical placement experience in both acute and community settings.

A new route to becoming a PA, via a four-year undergraduate Masters' of Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) programme has now been launched in a select few universities. 

Once qualified, PAs must maintain 50 hours of CPD per year and sit a re-certification exam every 6 years.

A quick guide to introducing a PA Apprentice into primary care – PA role overview

Pathway showing the steps to employ Physician Associate (PA) Apprentices in Primary Care