The role of a physician associate
At Surrey, we'll help transform you into a physician associate who can make a difference in both primary and secondary care. Find out more about what the role involves and how you can make an impact in the NHS.
On completion of the Physician Associate Studies PGDip at Surrey, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to complete the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA).
What does a physician associate do?
As a physician associate, you'll work directly with patients to support doctors based in GP surgeries and hospitals. Examples of day-to-day tasks include:
- Performing physical examinations
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Taking patients’ medical histories
- Analysing test results.
Find out more about the role of a physician associate on the NHS careers website.
Why does the NHS need physician associates?
Physician associates currently work in over 40 specialities across GP practices, hospitals, and community care, and provide crucial support in the delivery of medical services across the healthcare system.
On completion of the Physician Associate Studies PGDip at Surrey, you’ll have the academic requirements needed to complete the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA). Once you have passed the PARA, you can register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practise clinically in the NHS.
Why choose Surrey for your studies?
Placements with our partner NHS trusts
On our Physician Associate Studies PGDip you’ll spend 50% of your time in clinical placements, getting the hands-on experience you need under the supervision of qualified practitioners.
Stand-out facilities
On campus, you’ll learn in our state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Centre, which has two eight-bed wards, a critical care unit, a community flat, an ambulance bay and an immersive learning environment. You’ll also be taught anatomy in our new Centre for Anatomical and Surgical Education (CASE) which is part of our School of Medicine.
Hands-on learning
You’ll be taught by healthcare professionals who all have experience working in the NHS, including registered physician associates.
You’ll also take part in our annual real-time simulation event in your second year, alongside our health sciences students. Our Clinical Simulation Centre is transformed into a mock NHS hospital where scenarios are carried out with actors and manikins, with the support of professionals from our partner network. You’ll assume the role of a newly qualified physician associate, putting your skills to the test before you graduate.
