Physician Associate Studies (Masters Apprenticeship Programme) MSc
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-19 | 2023-08-01 |
2024-01-09 | 2023-12-01 |
2025-01-01 | - |
2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Physician Associate Studies (Masters Apprenticeship Programme) MSc is a 30-month program that combines classroom learning with practical clinical experience. It prepares students to become physician associates, collaborative healthcare professionals who work alongside doctors and surgeons. The program is delivered in a blended learning format, combining campus, online, and work-based learning. Students will receive tuition fees paid by their employer and have the opportunity to rotate through different clinical specialties and areas of practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
The Physician Associate Studies (Masters Apprenticeship Programme) MSc is a 30-month course that combines classroom learning with practical clinical experience.
This program is a blend of learning on campus, online, and in your workplace. The program prepares you to become a physician associate, a collaborative healthcare professional with a generalist medical education. Physician associates (PAs) work in a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, surgeons, and GPs, providing medical care to patients in hospital and community settings.
Objectives:
- Equip you with the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors necessary to become a PA.
- Provide you with a strong foundation in medical sciences, relevant clinical skills, and the ability to apply them in a variety of clinical settings.
- Develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Prepare you for the Physician Associate national licensing exam (PANE).
Program Highlights:
- degree apprenticeship
- tuition fees paid by your employer
- blended learning format
- rotate through different clinical specialties and areas of practice
- team of experienced and qualified faculty
- dedicated support team
Outline
Program Structure:
- 30-month duration
- Starts in January
- Blended learning format: campus, online, and work-based learning
- 7 core modules + Research project + Professional practice portfolio
Clinical Skills Labs:
- Robin Brook Centre, West Smithfield campus
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Hands-on training in clinical skills
Modules:
- Applied Medical and Social Sciences
- Clinical Medicine: Physical and Mental Health
- Women and Children's Health
- Surgery and Medicine
- Community Medicine I
- Community Medicine II
- Healthcare Improvement
- Research Project
- Professional Practice Portfolio
Course Schedule:
- Year 1: Induction week, core modules, and clinical placements.
- Year 2: Core modules, clinical placements, and research project.
- Year 3: Professional practice portfolio and final exams.
Individual Module Descriptions:
- Applied Medical and Social Sciences: Explores the fundamental principles of clinical medicine and introduces healthcare systems and social sciences.
- Clinical Medicine: Physical and Mental Health: Covers the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions.
- Women and Children's Health: Discusses the specific healthcare needs of women and children.
- Surgery and Medicine: Focuses on surgical principles and common surgical procedures.
- Community Medicine I: Examines the organization and delivery of healthcare services in the community.
- Community Medicine II: Advanced study of community healthcare, including public health policies and strategies.
- Healthcare Improvement: Introduces methods for improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.
- Research Project: Develops your research skills and applies them to a healthcare-related topic.
- Professional Practice Portfolio: Reflects on your professional development and experiences as a PA.
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
- Written exams
- Clinical placements
- Research project
- Professional practice portfolio
Assessment Criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Clinical skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Clinical skills workshops
- Simulation exercises
- Supervised clinical placements
Faculty:
- Experienced and qualified physician associates
- Clinicians from various specialties
- Academics with expertise in medical sciences
Unique Approaches:
- Blended learning format allows for flexibility and personalization.
- Clinical skills labs provide hands-on training in a simulated environment.
- Apprenticeship model offers a real-world learning experience.
Careers
Career Paths:
- Physician Associate
- Emergency Medicine PA
- Surgical PA
- Psychiatric PA
- Public Health PA
Career Opportunities:
- NHS Trusts
- Private hospitals
- Community clinics
- Urgent care centers
- Public health agencies
Career Outcomes:
- High employment rates
- Competitive salaries
- Job satisfaction
- Career advancement opportunities
Other
Funding:
- Your employer will pay your tuition fees.
- You may be eligible for additional funding, such as student loans.
Entry Requirements:
- 2:2 or above at undergraduate level in a Life Sciences, Biomedical or Health Profession Degree.
In addition, you will earn a salary while you study.