In this section
The Faculty of Physician Associates (PAs) describes PAs as “healthcare professionals who work as part of a multidisciplinary team with supervision from a named senior doctor (a General Medical Council registered consultant) providing care to patients. PAs are part of the government’s medical associate professions (MAPs) grouping in the health and care workforce and have been working in the UK since 2003.”
PAs at MFT
MFT currently employs over 50 PAs based across 6 of our hospitals and provides placements for students undertaking a PGDip/MSc in Physician Associate Studies at The University of Manchester.
What does a PA do?
Physician associates work within a defined scope of practice and limits of competence. They:
- take medical histories from patients.
- carry out physical examinations.
- see patients with undifferentiated diagnoses.
- see patients with long-term chronic conditions.
- formulate differential diagnoses and management plans.
- perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- develop and deliver appropriate treatment and management plans.
- request and interpret diagnostic studies.
- provide health promotion and disease prevention advice for patients.
Becoming an employed PA
PAs are qualified Medical Associated Professionals (MAPs) who have completed an MSc or PGDip in Physician Associate studies. This programme is available to graduates with a 2:1 healthcare or life science related undergraduate degree.
Following graduation from a recognised course, PAs must pass a national examination run by Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA) at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to become a member of the PA Managed Voluntary Register (PAMVR). Membership of this register is a condition of employment at MFT; however, we encourage application from those awaiting registration.
The GMC will become the statutory regulator for PAs.
Any vacancies at MFT will be advertised here.
PA students at MFT
At MFT we provide clinical placements for PA students studying at the University of Manchester (UoM). Click here for the course details/entry requirements.
You will also find a list of other course providers on the FPA website.
More information
If you are interested in the PA role at MFT please contact the team below via: PhysicianAssociates@mft.nhs.uk
Useful Links:
The Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians