Physician Associate

Physician Associates play a vital role working alongside doctors to provide front-line care to patients and there is a growing demand for the profession in the UK healthcare sector.

The apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure participants become compassionate and professional Physician Associates.

• The programme focuses on varied learning such as patient centred history taking, physical examinations, improving clinical decision making, enhancing clinical planning, procedures and therapeutic interventions.
• Participants will develop necessary skills such as nurturing good relationships with patients, updating records, and maintaining continued professional development through self-directed learning and acting as a professional mentor to others.

The apprenticeship has been formulated to be delivered in a work-based learning environment and uses a hybrid model of delivery. Each module will provide participants with the opportunity to learn essential theory and apply this in their practice. 

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will be required to undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA) which will be the national Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA) set by the Royal College of Physicians.

Indicative modules include.

• Principles of General Medicine.
• Principles of Speciality Medical Practice.
• Preparation for Qualified Practice.

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Physician Associate Apprenticeship typically requires.

• A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or health care related sector.
• GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent.

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

• Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
• This relationship does not stop once you start an apprenticeship at Keele University. We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

• Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
• Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...