personal statement for physician associate uk

A Winning Personal Statement Physician Associate UK

The Personal Statement for the Physician Associate Programme

Becoming a physician associate (PA) can lead to a fulfilling career aligning with your personal and professional goals. PAs learn about human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and other basic sciences. In addition, they must complete two years of clinical training before being licensed to practice.

If you are passionate about caring for patients and have the required communication, leadership, empathy, and determination , this career will be perfect for you.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a physician associate, you need to gain work experience or shadowing.

This will be useful to write about and will help you understand their roles as collaborators, empathetic clinicians, and problem-solvers in healthcare.

You can also supplement your experiences by volunteering to gain experience caring for patients in various healthcare settings.

What to add in a Personal Statement - Physician Associate

The personal statement for a physician associate applicant can MAKE or BREAK your application.

They provide admission committees with information on your professional experiences and characteristics to help them determine whether you will be an asset to their program.

Personal Statement Physician Associate UK Format

If you’re applying through UCAS, then you’re limited to 4000 characters (including spaces) and up to 47 lines. Check your length by pasting your draft here

Personal Statement Physician Assistant U.S. Format 

Those applying to Physician Assistant Studies in the U.S. will apply through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). The personal statement will be uploaded to CASPA and should be no more than 5000 characters.

Table of Contents

• What to include
• How to structure the personal statement
• Winning Personal Statement Physician Associate Example UK

What to include!

A well-crafted personal statement for a physician associate course should show your strengths as an applicant. You must include details about your academic background, employment, volunteering , extracurriculars, and future goals .

If you’ve taken courses related to healthcare, you should include these too.

A personal statement begins with an introductory paragraph introducing the admission team to you and explaining your motivations, a bit about your background, and how your experiences have led you to this application.

The introduction also provides context for the rest of the statement by explaining how you chose PA school as a career path.

What makes you unique?

In addition to providing context for your application, the introductory paragraph should explain why you chose to become a PA.

You should demonstrate your interest in helping others through patient experiences, research, and wider reading while emphasising your desire to help patients in need.

The best way to stand out is to be very specific with your statement.

Think about it, if someone else can copy your personal statement and use it as their own, it’s far too generic.

To overcome this and make it more authentic , you want to be specific with your experiences.

Make it personal by using anecdotes from your experiences to explain your point.

To explain your journey, pick your most unique and influential work experiences, employment, and extracurriculars.

How to structure the Personal Statement for the PA course

Step-by-step

I am going to break it down as simply as possible with a short description and example of each:

Introduction

Always remember that the admission tutors will skim through hundreds of application essays. It’s a competitive course, so how can you get them to slow down and really pay attention?

THIS IS HOW:

Grab their interest immediately , evoke their emotions and make them feel what you felt. Go straight to the point by starting with an anecdote or explaining the highlights of your experience.

“What if I’m starting with a negative experience, for example, a close family member receiving a cancer diagnosis?”

Same situation- get straight to the point

“ My mother came home, and her expression was enough to determine the outcome of her scan. “It’s cancer,” she mumbled as she slumped herself on the sofa, looking lifeless, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. At merely sixteen years of age, I found out my mother was diagnosed with metastatic cancer amid a pivotal academic stage of my life. I was helpless, heartbroken, and entirely unaware of the toll chemotherapy would have on our family. ” MY THOUGHTS ON THIS This story evokes sympathy and curiosity. We know the applicant was young, which would have impacted their family, home life, and education. We now want to know how things pan out, and it’s clear this is their biggest motivation for applying to become a physician associate.

Body of the Personal Statement

This main chunk of the statement will include the essential ingredients to creating an outstanding personal statement.

Work experience/Shadowing

Discuss your experience in a healthcare environment—roles you had and what you observed. Note which skills are required in that role. Include any encounters that inspired you. If you don’t have work experience, talk about your employment or your undergraduate education – research, dissertation, clinical skills work.

Volunteering

Include your top two meaningful experiences. Alternatively, you can talk about tutoring, mentorship, leadership positions during your undergraduate, and involvement in societies. Relate these experiences to the skills you’ve gained. Reflect on each experience and relate it to your future goals.

Include any other extracurriculars, hobbies, or future goals – Work with a sports team, coaching, sports, cooking, listening to podcasts, wider reading, and content creation. This paragraph shouldn’t be too serious; it can show your human side and focus less on academia.

Summarise your experiences and how these have led you to your application. Tell them what you wish to bring to the university.

Do you hope to become a student rep, join their research team, continue existing research, create a society for likeminded PAs, contribute to a specific cause, etc…

Tell them EXACTLY how the physician associate course aligns with your personal and professional goals.

-What can they offer you that other programmes can’t?

-How will THEIR course structure and opportunities enable you to become a successful PA?

Personal Statement for Physician Associate Studies- Winning Example

“Mrs P eagerly asked if I would be coming to the residential home the following week. I was a weekly volunteer and would regularly catch up with her when I came to help. I reassured her I would be there weekly and offered to bring her favourite magazine during my next visit. During my time at the home, I came to learn about Mrs P’s time as a nurse in the 80s, and she was always keen to learn about my goal of becoming a physician associate (PA). Helping to provide for patients like Mrs P and many others confirmed my desire to serve patients in my community. Not only was it rewarding, but I expanded my knowledge of various physical conditions and the impact of ageing on one’s ability to care for themselves. This further drew me to becoming a physician associate, and I was eager to gain insight into the profession.” Transition into your second paragraph, where you will talk about your most meaningful academic experience or shadowing. Highlight the roles of the PA, skills required, and how your experience has developed those skills. Show, don’t tell. “Shadowing a physician associate at a primary care facility helped me to understand the skills required. I observed the variety that each patient brought. The most memorable aspect was the PA’s ability to determine the cause of their concerns, convey possible diagnoses, and calmly discuss the next steps of the investigation. His tone of voice suggested confidence, which I feel built the patient’s trust in his decision. I genuinely felt that he could effortlessly build a rapport and make a patient feel cared for by recognising how their issues were affecting their daily lives. This empathy was supplemented with superior teamwork, analytical skills, and organisation.” So we know they shadowed in a primary care setting. Observed a PA in action and noted their rapport-building and other essential skills. What else did they learn, and how have they developed the specified skills? “I aided the PA by relaying information between the staff and helping behind the reception desk. I gauged the pressure of meeting the demands of many patients and being unable to tend to their needs due to a lack of appointments. Nevertheless, I apologised and provided alternative options to help the patients. I learned to prepare for each day, write notes during consultations and organise the patient records during the afternoons to help the reception staff with any backlog. This experience enabled me to see the rewarding and challenging aspects of primary care. However, I was drawn to the dynamicity and variety .” What makes you a better candidate than others? In other words, how can your experiences make you stand out? “My work experience at my brother’s physical therapy clinic provided additional insight into another aspect of care. Rehabilitation brought patients with diverse conditions, from musculoskeletal issues and trauma to post-operative cases. I witnessed the practical side of care and the need for physicians to liaise with physiotherapists. From speaking to many patients, I learned that physical conditions took a mental toll on their lives. I recognised how simple activities that I would often overlook could become so complex for a patient. My brother would encourage preventive physiotherapy, which intrigued me. Prevention has become a running theme in my experiences, and I hope to use this knowledge to become a forward-thinking PA who can advise my patients on the best preventive measures, such as having balanced meals, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.” You should include any relevant extracurricular, leadership, research, mentorship positions, or tutoring experience. If you have volunteered in non-healthcare areas such as a local animal shelter, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or other organisation, then you can add them. “Aside from my work experience, I often helped at homeless shelters in London and aided in providing nutritious meals to those on the streets. I delegated which team member would cook, prepare, and distribute food among the volunteers. As the most experienced volunteer, I was able to identify the task which best suited each member, which increased our efficiency, and we delivered the maximum number of meals – beating our record. Furthermore, I liaised with multiple organisations and the charity manager to plan how to expand our reach. This was a rewarding role, highlighting the medical issues that are more prevalent in the homeless communities. Many people I spoke to shared their fear of COVID-19 and blood-borne diseases. Being a volunteer enabled me to make a difference in their day. In the future, I wish to make a greater impact via preventive education, increased healthcare access, and offering medical care.” Now, reiterate the primary motivation, summarise the essential experiences, and conclude with what you hope to bring to the programme. “I have worked with many people in a range of healthcare and non-healthcare settings, which has taught me to connect with those of various backgrounds, sexual orientations, ages, and ethnicities. I truly feel these experiences have built my resilience and increased my awareness of prevalent issues in healthcare. I now wish to further supplement my knowledge and community work in a physician associate program dedicated to providing quality healthcare. An opportunity to meet these goals at your university would be invaluable to me.”

This personal statement for Physician Associate Studies led to interview invites from St. Georges University, the University of Reading and the University of Surrey.

**Disclaimer: Copying any part of this statement will lead to an immediate rejection due to plagiarism** The writer of this statement was highly ambitious and wanted to gain acceptance that year despite nearing the application deadline.

We worked closely to create this personal statement from scratch. This involved us detailing each and every experience that could be mentioned—determining the most valuable experiences and working through each paragraph to create a coherent and engaging personal statement. If you’re suffering from writer’s block or simply need a fresh pair of eyes to read your personal statement, please get in touch with Dr Radhika.

Sentence structure, flow, spelling, and grammar are equally important. Without flow and good transitional sentences, it becomes difficult to read, losing the admission tutor’s interest.

Therefore, I advise getting professional help with your personal statement. Invest in your future to increase your chances of getting into your dream physician associate course.

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Writing your Physician Associate Personal Statement

So, you’ve decided you want to become a Physician Associate. Great! Now its time to actually write your application. It can be a daunting task but I’ve put together some hints and tips that will help you stand out from the rest.

Why do you want to be a Physician Associate?

This is the obvious question you’ll need to think about and answer. Whatever your answer is, make sure its personal and honest because if you get an interview, its potentially something you will get asked about. There may be variations on this e.g. why PA Studies over Medicine? There are many advantages to being a PA such as the job flexibility (primary care to secondary care and vice versa), potential better work-life balance, providing continuity of care and much more. Again, its about being personal and honest to ensure your application is unique and reads well.

Sell yourself

This is not the time to be shy and modest. Don’t want to brag but I thought my application was pretty good. This was because I read the application requirements and made sure I matched nearly all if not all of the specification. Make sure to do the same. This course is intense so you want to be using key words and skills to show that you’re ready to take on those challenges. Time management, organisation, commitment and professionalism are just some examples. Don’t just dump them in there either, show examples of where/when you’ve been these things. Each uni might word their specification (what they’re looking for) differently so make sure you’ve read carefully and tweak if you’re applying for more than one course.

Any clinical or relevant experience

It’s not always possible to get clinical experience, sometimes you have to think outside the box. Hospitals aren’t the only place to gain experience. Although I worked as a Healthcare Assistant before applying for my PA course, I also volunteered twice a week at a Neurodisability centre which provided rehab and long-term care for patients. You can also consider approaching local GPs, walk-in centres, charities, anywhere that involves giving up your time to help and care for others.

I’m a big believer in turning past experiences into relevant experience. If you’ve worked or volunteered in positions where you’ve been public facing or worked with confidential public information you can turn this into relevant experience. You’ll find that a number of the skills you have are transferable to working in a medical environment, you just have to reflect on this and sell it the right way.

Show you know about the PA profession

You need to demonstrate that you understand the profession that you’re applying for as this will massively strengthen your application. It is also a topic that is likely to be discussed at interview. Here are a few topics you can think/write about:

Why does the NHS need PAs?

How you think the PA profession will improve patient experience?

How do you think PAs fit into the MDT (multidisciplinary team)?

Where do you see the profession in the future? – here you should read up on the situation with statutory regulation and what this means in terms of prescribing rights and furthering our scope

The Faculty of Physician Associates has information here http://www.fparcp.co.uk/about-fpa/Who-are-physician-associates.

There are articles like this you can read with helpful information

https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/case-studies/the-physician-associate-will-see-you-now-new-role-to-assist-patients-in-primary-care/

You can also look at information and studies done in America looking at the impact of PAs on their healthcare system.

Check and Optimise

Give yourself enough time to write your application, you don’t want to be rushing and scrambling something together at the last minute. It took me a few drafts before I was happy with my application so give yourself a few attempts. Take a break and come back to it with a fresh pair of eyes. You’ll be more likely to phrase things better and find those mistakes you missed the day before. Obviously use a spell-checker and ask friends and family to have a read and get feedback. These are the people that are likely to remind you abut things you’ve done and not mentioned, or help you phrase things in a way that better reflects you.

All that’s left to do is apply! Hopefully you’re feeling more confident and inspired to write a great application using these tips. Good luck!

If you like what you're reading feel free to leave a comment or share on social media.

Completing the UCAS form

All applications are coordinated by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

How to apply

You will need to register first if you do not have a UCAS account and then submit an application via  UCAS Hub .

A step-by-step guide is available on the same webpage. Please do not worry about any UCAS references to 'Undergraduate' and proceed to complete all the required sections.

You will need to enter The University of Manchester's UCAS institution code and the UCAS course code of your chosen Physician Associate course in the 'Choices' section as shown in the example below.

• Institution code: M20
• Course code for MSc Physician Associate Studies: A300
• Course code for PGDip Physician Associate Studies: A301

Deadline and important information about completing your UCAS form

The deadline for submitting the UCAS form for the Physician Associate Studies course is 18:00 (UK time) on  31 January .

Applications received after this date may still be considered, but we recommend you to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close the course once we reach capacity.

The UCAS form is your opportunity to tell us about your current qualifications and how you match up to our published entry criteria. The form needs to be complete and accurate at the point of submission, and is assessed as it is received.

All qualifications, including those which are pending and any in which you have been unsuccessful, must be declared. For pending qualifications, a predicted grade from an appropriate educational professional at your current institution of study should be provided. Unfortunately, we cannot progress an application without predicted grades, so if none are present, the application will be rejected.

Please note that we do not normally accept subsequent declarations of additional qualifications or revised predicted grades that are provided to us after the January UCAS deadline, so it is important that your form is accurate at the point of submission.

Applicants who meet the minimum academic requirements for Physician Associate Studies at The University of Manchester progress to the next stage of the selection process.

Personal statement

You will be required to write a personal statement as part of your UCAS application, and this will be seen by the admissions departments for each of your course choices.

At Manchester, we do not usually read the personal statement that comes to us via UCAS; instead, we ask applicants to complete a Non-Academic Information Form. Applicants who do not submit a Non-Academic Information Form by the required deadline will be rejected. More information can be found on the  Non-Academic Information Form  page.

There are some circumstances where we will look at the personal statement, however, so it is important that you complete it. The sorts of areas we would expect to see covered in the personal statement are as follows:

• reasons for choosing/changing to the Physician Associate Studies course;
• amount of work experience relevant to the role of a physician associate;
• knowledge/experience of the UK healthcare system;
• interests/hobbies;
• team-working skills;
• communication skills;
• abilities in dealing with difficult/complex situations;
• determination;
• conscientiousness;
• intellectual potential.

A reference must be submitted as part of your UCAS application rather than sent to us separately by email. A member of academic staff who knows you from your previous university-level studies should write this reference. Alternatively, if you are currently employed in a healthcare role, this may be your employer.

A 'character reference' is not sufficient. We do, however, want to know what the writer of the reference thinks about you as a person, not just about your academic achievements and potential.

We strongly recommend that any mitigating circumstances that may have affected your academic performance or any other aspect of the information contained in the UCAS form should be included in the referee's report.

Once we have received an application, we would also expect to be informed of any mitigating circumstances that might occur during the application process. Please contact us for further information on mitigating circumstances.

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What do you want to do?

• Physician Associate MSc

Course code

Placement available

Mode of study

2 years full-time

UK   £12,650

International   £23,615

Entry requirements

Application is now closed for 2024 entry

Watch our latest virtual open day talk here

By graduating as a Physician Associate (PA) from Brunel Medical School, you’ll be part of an exciting, important, and emerging group of clinical professionals who support doctors and medical teams within the NHS.

Working in the healthcare profession can be inspiring and rewarding. A career as a PA will mean that you’ll support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. This might be in a hospital or a GP surgery. You’ll be part of a growing profession in the NHS where vacancies currently exceed the supply of skilled professionals.

Our experienced and passionate lecturers will prepare you with all the skills you need to provide care and treatment to patients.

You’ll learn to carry out a range of medical activities such as medical histories, physical examinations, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. You’ll also learn how to request and interpret test results, diagnose illness, and develop treatment and management plans.

At Brunel, we have great links with some of the most highly regarded health providers in London, so you’ll add exceptional work experience to your CV. Your Physician Associate qualification includes over 1,700 hours of professional practice, so you’ll be equipped with the experience and expertise to give you an excellent start as you then embark on your career as a Physician Associate.

As a Physician Associate student, you will be joining the internationally renowned and well-established College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.

In the past, Health Education England, now merged with NHS England, has provided a national funding strategy for Physician Associate courses in England. This funding provided £5,000 per student via their university; £2,500 in Year 1 and £2,500 in Year 2 and is available for students entering in 2023.

Please note that this funding is subject to annual review and may not be available in the future.

Physician Associate National Examination

Successful completion of the Physician Associate MSc programme provides eligibility to sit for the Physician Associate National Examination and join the Managed Voluntary Register, until regulation by the General Medical Council (GMC) comes into effect .

Physician Associate recognition

Please note, the Physician Associate qualification may not currently be recognised in some countries e.g. USA. Please contact [email protected] for further information.

National Health Service (NHS) Values

The NHS Values as shaped by patients, public and staff have helped inspire passion in the NHS and that should underpin everything it does. Individual organisations will develop and build upon these values, tailoring them to their local needs. The NHS values provide common ground for co-operation to achieve shared aspirations, at all levels of the NHS.

If you are considering studying the Physician Associate MSc Programme at Brunel then you're committed to working jointly with the NHS to demonstrate the values and beliefs of the constitution.

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +44(0)1895 268083

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Got a question about this course? Please view our Frequently Asked Questions .

Course content

Your course will be delivered over a period of 45 weeks in year one and 48 weeks in year two. The programme is exciting, innovative, and intense, usually requiring you to study on campus from 9am to 5pm, five days a week. You’ll have significant contact hours.

Your first clinical placement will start in the first term of year one, with weekly one day GP placements. In year two most of your time will be spent on clinical placements in a variety of practice settings. You’ll adopt the working patterns of your supervising clinician, so you’ll be working a 40-hour week.

Please note that in July 2019, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has asked the General Medical Council (GMC) to regulate the Physician Associate profession in the UK. Information will be updated for applicants when further details are available.

This course can be studied 2 years full-time, starting in August/September.

This course can be studied 2 years full-time, starting in September.

This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available .

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel

Careers and your future

Your varied clinical placements will equip you for the working world. In fact, the positive relationships made on your placement can often lead to the offer of permanent employment on completion of your MSc.

On your placements, you’ll have the opportunity to work in the following areas:

• Accident and Emergency
• Acute Medicine
• General Practice
• Mental Health
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Paediatrics

Whilst on clinical placements, you’ll be supervised by doctors and physician associates. All clinical placements are organised on the student's behalf by the clinical co-ordination team. This allows us to provide you with a balanced clinical experience both in terms of the specialities/patient groups you work with and the range of healthcare settings you work in. At Brunel, we recognise the importance of ensuring you're exposed to a variety of health settings which are reflective of current clinical practice.

We're sympathetic to your needs when we assign clinical placements. However, we're unable to guarantee your clinical placements will be located close to your home, or term-time address, and you may have to commute or live away from home for the duration of a placement or two. We do try to give special consideration to students whose personal circumstances fall within specified criteria, i.e. they have young children, are a main carer, or have a declared disability etc.

You’ll be joining a growing profession where there are currently plenty of vacancies. Typically, Physician Associate salaries start in band 7 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale. However, some Physician Associate roles where an internship is offered fall within band 6.

Physician Associates work in a variety of clinical settings and specialties including GP surgeries, hospital inpatient wards, and A & E departments. Please see the FAQ page of the Royal College of Physicians Faculty of Physician Associates (RCPFPA) website for more information. The RCPFPA’s most recent census information can be viewed at Census Results .

For additional information regarding the Physician Associate profession please explore:

Royal College of Physicians Faculty of Physician Associates

Matrix Specification of Core Clinical Conditions for the Physician Assistant

UK entry requirements

How to apply

Please be aware that to apply for this course you will need to submit an application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Undergraduate degree

A UK first or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in a Life or Health Sciences subject area (e.g. Anatomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Medical Engineering, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Paramedic Pharmacy, Physiology).

Postgraduate degree

We also accept applicants who have a Master's degree graded Merit or above in a Life or Health Sciences related subject provided they have a solid foundation of the basic sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Pathology, etc.).

All applicants must have a minimum of GCSE English grade 4/C or above or equivalent qualification.

Personal statements

You should submit a personal statement focused on your motivation to become a physician associate detailing your experience, qualifications and personal qualities as they pertain to becoming a member of the profession. You will be able to submit your statement when you apply through UCAS.

We require a copy of your up-to-date CV. This should detail your education and work backgrounds and a meticulous history of your patient contact experience. The latter should include your role, responsibilities and completed hours, etc.

One satisfactory reference is required to support your application this must be dated within the last year. If you have studied in the last 3 years the reference must be an academic reference. Your referee should know you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. We do not accept references from family, friends, partners, ex-partners or yourself.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an invite to a Selection Day or a place on the programme.

Health screening

Successful applicants will have a satisfactory health clearance and are required to undergo appropriate blood tests and immunisations such as hepatitis B, MMR, TB, chicken pox, tetanus and polio (please note, this list may be updated).

Disclosure and Barring Service

Successful applicants are required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly a Criminal Records Bureau check). 

Professional registration

If you are a current healthcare professional or a member of a registered professional body, please provide details of your registration.

Applicants may apply for the next entry point only. While the Physician Associate MSc does not typically permit the deferral of offers, should you receive an offer and need to defer your offer to the entry point following the one you applied for, you should put your request in writing to the Admission Office. They will liaise with the Admissions Tutors for the course and let you know the outcome. You should have a strong reason for the deferral and we regret that we are not able to guarantee that we can accommodate your request.

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 7.5 (min 7.0 in all areas)
• Pearson: 73 (64 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 73% (68% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 108 (min 20) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/25 entry.

£12,650 full-time

International

£23,615 full-time

More information on any additional course-related costs .

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase. 

See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount
• Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship

Teaching and Learning

How the course will be delivered, required equipment, how you'll learn on your course, assessment and feedback.

You’ll be assessed on single best answer/multiple choice questions, written short answer questions, papers and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) to begin early preparation for the National Examination. Other assessments will include written assignments, oral presentations, reflective writing and a portfolio of evidence.

You will be assessed on placement by your supervising clinician(s). The assessments from clinical placement modules will contribute to your final degree classification.

All modules must be passed in order to proceed through the course. Normally you’ll be given two attempts at passing each assessment.

Peninsula Medical School

MSc Physician Associate Studies

This full-time, 2 year course is ideal for life sciences graduates wanting the opportunity to train for a new healthcare role, or for healthcare practitioners who would like to develop and expand their skills and scope of practice.

Key features

• High graduate pass rate at National Certification Examination
• Experience an integrated curriculum designed to prepare you for clinical practice
• Sharpen your skills on this intensive programme which uses multiple forms of teaching and learning methods to support your personal and professional development
• Benefit from early patient contact, continuing and increasing throughout the programme, ensuring that your personal, practical and professional development is patient-centred
• Clinical placements with key NHS partners across the South West
• Access highly-developed teaching resources
• Learn and practice clinical skills in our advanced and dedicated clinical skills centre, including using high-fidelity simulation
•  Advance your understanding with fully integrated clinical skill development and clinical placements throughout the programme
• Join one of England’s top medical schools and make a difference to patient care

Course details

Core modules.

Foundations in Clinical Medicine 1 (PAS711)

This module advances students' knowledge in pathophysiology and clinical reasoning appropriate to clinical practice. Students are exposed to relevant basic medical and human sciences and their application to practice; and a wide range of clinical experiences using Inquiry-Based Learning. They will develop clinical reasoning skills for managing undifferentiated presentations of common and important medical conditions.

Clinical, Diagnostic and Communication Skills 1 (PAS712)

This module deals with the acquisition of the basic core clinical competences and communication skills underpinning modern clinical practice. Through supervised practice in a predominantly simulated environment students will develop and demonstrate the clinical competencies required of a Physician Associate and learn to effectively communicate with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals.

Personal and Professional Development 1 (PAS713)

Modern healthcare requires students to be reflective, holistic practitioners to provide patient-centred care. During this module, students work in small groups and on clinical placement to achieve the professionalism standards required of a Physician Associate (PA). They are exposed to the ethical and legal principles relevant to healthcare, and are expected to take an active role in developing as reflective practitioners.

Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods (PAS714)

Medical knowledge is constantly evolving. Students must be able to 'keep up to date' with advances and know what evidence is relevant and appropriate to their clinical practice. This module enables students to develop the skills required to search, retrieve, critically appraise and synthesis conclusions from the current medical literature and make recommendations for clinical practice.

Foundations in Clinical Medicine 2 (PAS724)

The module gives students an opportunity to expand their theoretical knowledge and apply their learning to clinical practice. Students enhance their clinical reasoning skills in the management of a range of conditions. Students are exposed to advanced pathophysiological concepts relevant to their day to day practice.

Clinical, Diagnostic and Communication Skills 2 (PAS725)

During this module, students are predominantly based in the clinical environment. They are to develop their basic clinical competencies with real patient encounters, and in doing so are able to apply the skills learnt in the simulated environment within both primary and secondary care. Students are expected to develop their communication skills to successfully support shared-decision making and patient-centred care.

Personal and Professional Development 2 (PAS726)

As a qualified Physician Associate, students must exemplify the professional standards expected of a healthcare professional. This module enables them to develop the skills and values they have learnt in an immersive clinical environment. Students will also develop their skills of reflective writing and practice to enable them to use personal and professional experiences to enhance their future clinical practice.

Evidence in Practice (PAS727)

This module allows students to apply and expand their knowledge of evidence based practice and appreciate the need for continuous clinical evaluation and improvement. They will and combine this learning with their developing clinical knowledge to create and disseminate a clinical case report in the style of a published report

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Physician Associate Studies Programme Specification 2023-24 6510

Entry requirements

• Chiropractic Studies
• Dietetics and Nutrition
• Paramedic Medicine
• Physiotherapy.
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Human Biosciences
• Combined or Integrated Science
• Diagnostic Imaging, Diagnostic Radiography, Radiography
• Medical Science
• Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band 7 or above.
• Please view our entry requirements for international students page for more information.

Fees, costs and funding

How to apply.

• Evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements.
• Evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language.
• Personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in this course and outlining the nature of previous and current teaching experience. You can write this into the online application form, or send it as a separate attachment.
• Two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course. 
• Two passport photographs.
• Curriculum Vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers.
• Proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
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• / Admissions enquiry
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Help & enquiries

Student insight – matthew tamblyn.

“I have worked within the ambulance service for the past nine years, and felt that the PgDip Physician Associate Studies course would be a positive change. It’s a two year PgDip designed for people with a clinical background or a life science degree.”

Student insight – Alice Hobbs

“The way that the course is delivered is designed to teach us the skills needed to find the best way to manage any clinical scenario we may come across while working, rather than didactically teaching us the information.”

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Mr James Edgar

Lecturer in clinical education (physician associate studies).

Mr Ross Raymond-Jones

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Dr Ann Rigby-Jones

Lecturer in pharmacology (education).

Mrs Amanda Hardy

Lecturer in clinical education (physician associate).

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MSc Physician Associate Studies

Year of entry: 2024

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Applicants should hold or be predicted an Upper Second class degree (2:1). This may include the life sciences (e.g. biomedical science, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, healthcare science) or allied health professions (eg pharmacy, audiology, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy).

Although we encourage applications from other healthcare professionals, we do not accept applications from candidates with medical degrees or those who have previously studied for, but not completed, a medical or healthcare degree.

All applicants should hold GCSE qualifications in Maths and English Language at grade B (6) or equivalent. Applicants with equivalent or non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

From the 2022/23 admissions cycle we will be gradually integrating the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) into our selection process. Applicants who have taken UCAT and achieved a total cognitive test score in the top third of UCAT test takers and Band 1 or 2 in the Situational Judgement test will receive a guaranteed interview, subject to meeting our other criteria for admission. Applicants with a Band 4 SJT will not be considered for admission. Where UCAT has been sat it must be declared on the application. Applications are still encouraged from applicants who did not sit UCAT and these will be shortlisted following our normal process.

Full entry requirements

The deadline for submitting your application to our Physician Associate programme is normally 18:00 (UK time) on 31 January in the year of entry. Applications received before this date will receive equal consideration. Late applications may be considered subject to capacity.

Course options

Course overview.

• Train to work as a core member of the medical team and perform physical examinations, take histories, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and recommend therapy.
• Undertake over 1,600 hours of clinical training, including placements across the full range of medical specialities at teaching hospitals and primary care providers.
• Have the opportunity to undertake an overseas elective in Year 2.
• Receive financial support during training.
• Study at a university ranked among the top 40 in the world for Medicine (QS World University Rankings 2022).

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days.

If you wish to be added to our mailing list and receive information on upcoming open days, please contact us at [email protected] .

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £9,750 International, including EU, students (per annum): £25,500
• PGDip (full-time) UK students (per annum): £9,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £20,400

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Student support available includes a £5,000 travel grant, spread across the two years of your studies. This covers the cost of travel to placements. Students registered on the MSc programme may also be eligible for a Postgraduate Loan of up to £11,836. There is no further funding available and you would be required to partly self-fund this programme.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Contact details, courses in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview, english language.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system.

We ask for English language proof if you are from non-majority English speaking countries (a list of majority English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found here).

Specifically, we require a minimum of:

• IELTS - 7.0 overall (with 6.5 in all components)

See further information about requirements for your country.

English language test validity

Relevant work experience, application and selection, how to apply, advice to applicants.

Information about the application process for this course can be found on our website: Application process.

How your application is considered

Applications are first screened according to whether or not they meet our standard academic threshold as published on our website.

Those applications that do not meet the appropriate academic criteria will not progress to the next phase of the screening process, and will receive notification that their application has been unsuccessful through UCAS in due course.

Applicants who pass the initial screening will be shortlisted by a panel of academic staff members. All components of your application will be taken into account at this stage, but the most crucial part will be your Non-Academic Information Form (NAIF). Please take your time and carefully consider every answer when completing the NAIF.

Please note that we do not read the UCAS personal statement. A personal statement is therefore not required.

See more information about the application process.

Interview requirements

We do not make any offers without interview. Please see our interviews page for more information.

Interviews are likely to take place between February and June. If you are shortlisted for an interview we will contact you by email. Unsuccessful decisions and offers will be made via UCAS.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

All offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. The health screening is based upon the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) standards of medical fitness to train for medical students [PDF, 71KB].

A potential student may be concerned that their health or disability may affect their ability to fulfil the competency standards of the course. Any such applicants are encouraged to contact the Occupational Health Service and/or The Disability Advisory and Support Service at an early stage in order to explore the situation in depth and consider the feasibility of making reasonable adjustments. Hopefully the process will prove helpful to the student in deciding whether to pursue an application.

The health screening requires the completion of a detailed health questionnaire by the applicant and a possible appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. In order to be admitted and continue on the programme, students must be deemed as medically fit for both practice and theory by the Occupational Health Department. You will be required to comply with any viral screening as requested by the Department of Health.

General enquiries about health screening should be addressed to Student Occupational Health, Tel +44 (0)161 275 2858, Fax +44 (0)161 275 3137.

Please see also the Procedure for Admission to Courses Requiring Medical Fitness Assessment [Word, 59KB].

Disclosure and Barring Service check

You will be required, as part of the non-academic conditions of your offer, to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In the UK, this takes the form of an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and will reveal any criminal convictions, spent or unspent, as well as any police cautions, warnings or reprimands.

Regulations and record systems in other countries vary. If you receive an offer from us, you will receive a link to further information.

Anyone who considers it possible that a criminal record or other disclosure may reveal any offence must contact the Admissions Team before applying.

You may apply for deferred entry for a year, although we would generally recommend that you apply with up-to-date academic information and work experience. Please note that receiving an offer in the current admissions cycle does not guarantee you a place in the following year.

Please also be aware that the funding model is subject to change and may not be available in future years. Students deferring a place will receive a funding scheme (if available) applicable to the year in which they start the course, rather than the year of application.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting, re-applications, course details, course description.

Physician associates are permanent members of the medical team, responsible for performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and recommending therapy. The role of physician associates is increasingly important within the healthcare workforce and individuals with this qualification are in demand.

Our PGDip/MSc in Physician Associate Studies aims to develop the skills required to become an effective practitioner through a combination of teaching and practical placements.

You will be trained according to the medical model and will work in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage a wide range of common and complex diseases. Students registered for the Masters programme will also undertake a clinically relevant research project in their second year of study.

A range of benefits are provided by the University to support your career development:

• you may be eligible to receive some financial support during the course;
• Year 2 provides you with an elective period and the opportunity to develop your skills through working abroad;
• develop your skills with the help of our excellent tutors and state-of-the-art clinical teaching facilities;
• integrated training in prescribing safety (in anticipation of prescribing rights for physician associates) and communication skills is provided;
• the University will provide iPads with access to a range of online resources, which are essential during placements.

You will develop:

• intellectual skills in problem solving and enquiry, critical analysis, logical thinking, clinical reasoning and reflection;
• your knowledge and understanding of relevant principles and practical approaches in the clinical, behavioural and social sciences;
• patient-centred consultation skills;
• advanced clinical skills;
• a detailed knowledge of pharmacology and prescribing safety (in anticipation of changes to legislation to allow physician associates to prescribe).

Special features

Extensive clinical experience

You will receive over 1,600 hours of clinical training, including placements across the full range of medical specialities at teaching hospitals and in community settings. Placement time is split between the first and second years of the programme and you'll spend 24 weeks on placement during year one rather than having to wait until the second year to get hands-on clinical experience.

Work abroad

You have the opportunity to develop your skills by working abroad in Year two. Travel bursaries are available to support this.

Specialist course

This course has been developed as a stand-alone postgraduate taught programme with a graduate-entry ethos and a fully integrated course structure based on clinical presentations rather than body systems.

Excellent teaching

We use a combination of problem based learning (PBL) tutorials, small group teaching and lectures to deliver a course with very high levels of staff-student contact time and excellent student satisfaction. The curriculum is delivered through a mixed methods approach incorporating early clinical skills training, reflective practice, clinical immersion, a short elective, distance learning, and a dedicated 'preparation for practice' block.

Whole Body Anatomy

You will learn about the intricacies of human anatomy through whole body prosection based teaching.

Excellent reputation

Graduates of our programme rank amongst the highest achieving cohorts in the National Examinations. We have an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research, including close links with the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre - the only academic health science centre outside of the south-east.

Coursework and assessment

Course unit details.

The course is non-modular, providing you with an opportunity to develop and consolidate skills throughout each year of the course.

Taught content is delivered in blocks of study of increasing complexity alongside the two longitudinal themes of Personal and Professional Development (PPD) and Consultation Skills (CS), with assessment periods at the end of each year. Each taught block feeds seamlessly into the next and all components of the programme are compulsory.

You have the option of spending an elective period in the Second Year experiencing healthcare or socially responsible activities overseas, carrying out a research project or experiencing a new medical or surgical specialty.

Course content for Year 1

The first year of the course begins with a four-month period of intensive study where you will develop your understanding of the essential basic and clinical sciences that facilitate safe and effective practice.

After this core block, you will rotate through a series of clinical placements before returning to campus for additional teaching.

The curriculum is built around a core content of common clinical presentations and pathologies that are organised according to their relative biomedical complexity. The content of each taught block is delivered using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach through the study of clinical cases/scenarios.

Each case integrates elements of the taught content and you will learn about and reflect upon the related biomedical, behavioural and population sciences appropriate to the case.

PBL is supported by small group teaching, lectures and workshops to form a truly integrated curriculum with very high levels of contact time.

Course content for Year 2

The second year of the course provides more advanced specialist instruction in the core medical and clinical sciences alongside a comprehensive programme of clinical reasoning to prepare you to sit your national postgraduate examinations.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Course collaborators

Disability support, cpd opportunities, career opportunities.

The physician associate role was first developed in the United States during the 1960s, and the profession has grown considerably in the last 15 years to the point where there are now over 130,000 registered physician associates in the US and over 3,000 in the UK.

The government has set regional targets to increase the number of physician associates working across primary and secondary care and there is considerable demand for newly qualified physician associates within the NHS. Some physician associates also undertake work in the private sector.

Accrediting organisations

• Royal College of Physicians
• Health Education England

Associated organisations

• Faculty of Physician Associates at the Royal College of Physicians
• Physician Associate Schools Council
• General Medical Council

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There’s a growing demand for Physician Associates across the UK.

Key course details, course overview.

Are you interested in a career as a Physician Associate, working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team in hospitals and GP surgeries, assessing, diagnosing and managing patient treatment? There’s a growing demand for Physician Associates across the UK and your skills and degree qualification will be highly sought after in a range of settings.

Our integrated two-year Masters in Physician Associate Studies (MPAS) degree is a full-time, intensive educational course teaching you to work as a safe and competent medically trained healthcare professional in the National Health Service.

Year one will be university-based, comprising of systems-based clinical learning and practical sessions led by experienced clinicians. In addition to this you will have early exposure to clinical placements in primary care and later in the year exposure to secondary care. Year two will be predominantly placement based with placements across Wales and subsequent periods of time spent back in university to consolidate learning. In clinical placement, you will apply your learning in the care of real patients under the supervision of a clinically qualified mentor. 

Throughout your degree you will have opportunities to work effectively with patients, develop a range of practical and clinical reasoning skills, and reflect on practice to identify your individual learning needs.

You must pass all assessments to be eligible to progress from year one into year two of the programme and from year two to the PA national examination. Regardless of which programme you have undertaken in the UK, you must pass the PA national examination to enter professional practice and work as a qualified PA.

International Applicant Information

Why Physician Associate Studies at Swansea University?

Our integrated two-year Masters in Physician Associate Studies degree is the only course in South Wales and will help you develop the knowledge and clinical skills to pass the PA National Examination and start your new healthcare role. We have a outstanding pass rate and this achievement makes us a leading place to study and train to become a Physician Associate in Wales and the UK. We use our Top 5 ranking for overall Research Quality (REF2021) to inform our teaching and ready you, our students, to practice in the Welsh NHS.

Early in the programme you will benefit from clinical placements with a high level of patient contact. Your clinical placements are underpinned by clinical skills labs and clinical teaching delivered by our dedicated teaching staff. We use a systems-based teaching method to deliver the educational material across all body systems and utilise a variety of teaching modalities (lectures, small groups, role play) to cater for a range of learning needs. Whilst the programme is face to face we do deliver some sessions remotely and make time for directed and self-directed learning enabling students to manage their work-life balance.

Through our curriculum we aim for you to graduate from our Physician Associate programme as confident, competent and safe Physician Associates delivering healthcare across the breadth of clinical practice.

Your Physician Associate Studies experience

From the moment you arrive at the Medical School, our specialist staff will help you plan and prepare for your future by identifying and developing skills that will enable you to make the most of your postgraduate degree and enhance your career options.

You will be allocated an academic mentor for the duration of the programme who will offer regular meetings, guidance, encouragement and support. In addition to this we have regular contact with students through monthly cohort meetings and termly listening forums. We value student feedback and use this to continuously improve the programme.

Clinical Placements may take place in GP surgeries and hospitals across Wales. There is an individual circumstances procedure for any students who may need to have placements local to them, but this is not always guaranteed. Accommodation and travel expenses may be provided or refunded, depending on the location of the placements.

Physician Associate Studies employment opportunities

There’s a growing demand for Physician Associates, with an increased number of Physician Associate roles being advertised regularly across the UK. As a commissioned programme via Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) all students who accept a place to study at Swansea on the MPAS programme will be required to commit to working in Wales for 18 months post qualification. Should you not take up a post or fail to stay for the 18 months, you may be required to pay back tuition on a pro rata basis. 

Students are required to undertake 100 credits in year one and 80 credits in year two

Year 1 (Level 7T)

Fheq 7 taught masters / pgdip / pgcert.

Students choose 100 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Optional modules.

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

Year 2 (Level 7T)

Students choose 80 credits from the following:

Entry Requirements

To apply for this programme, you must have achieved the following by the time of application:

• Minimum grade C at GCSE in Mathematics
• Minimum grade C at GCSE in English/Welsh

AND achieved or predicted* to achieve a minimum of one of the following:

• 2:2 undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Masters degree in a healthcare or biosciences subject (examples below), or
• 2:1 undergraduate Bachelors or integrated Masters degree in a non-healthcare or non-biosciences subject, with relevant work experience and demonstration of values in line with the NHS constitution. These will be considered on an individual basis.

Examples of relevant healthcare and biosciences degrees include:

• Life sciences : Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, Human Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Psychology, Biological Science, Microbiology
• Healthcare : Physiotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging; Radiotherapy, Paramedic Studies, Audiology, Dentistry, Nursing, Operating Department Practice, Optometry, Midwifery 
• Biomedical sciences : Biomedical Science, Applied Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Medical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Genetics 

*Pending results of degrees used in support of applications must be confirmed no later than 31 July in the year of intended enrolment. Offers which are conditional on degree results will be withdrawn if results are outstanding after this date.

Concurrent enrolment

University regulations do not permit concurrent enrolment in the Physician Associate Studies programme and any other award-bearing programme at this or any other university. All other degree programmes must be completed before enrolment on this programme.

Previous study

This programme is not open to applicants who have previously pursued a Physician Associate Studies programme (fully or in part), and transfers from other PA Studies programmes are not permitted. We do not consider applications from students who have previously commenced a Physician Associate Studies, Medicine or health related programme and not progressed due to academic failure, fitness to practise or professionalism issues.  If an applicant has left a previous programme for other reasons, their application may be considered on a case-by-case basis, which must be supported by evidence provided by their previous Higher Education Institution.

Bursary eligibility

The Physician Associate Studies MPAS programme is open only to applications from UK/EU (Home) candidates who are eligible for NHS Bursary funding. Information about how to confirm your eligibility can be found on the University's  Fee Status Assessment page.  Information on the NHS Bursary can be found here .

How You're Taught

We are proud to provide an outstanding educational experience, using the most effective learning and teaching approaches, carefully tailored to suit the specific needs of the course.  Teaching is mainly face to face on campus, enabling full engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. Practical skills sessions, lab work seminars, and workshops predominantly take place in person, allowing for group working and demonstrations. We also operate virtual labs and Simulated Learning Environments which will facilitate greater access to training opportunities in the future. However, our approach also includes the use of some online learning to support and enhance traditional face-to-face teaching. 

Online learning may take place ‘live’ using software such as Zoom, allowing you to interact with the lecturer and other students and to ask questions. Lecture recordings also allow for more flexibility to revisit material, to revise for assessments and to enhance learning outside of the classroom. Some modules have extra resources in Canvas, such as videos, slides and quizzes enabling further flexible study.  

A variety of teaching modalities are used to deliver sessions including but not limited to lectures, small group work, clinical skills lab and simulation. Clinical placements form a significant part of the programme which provide excellent learning opportunities enabling you to link theory to practice. Placements are throughout Wales.

You will be assessed across both years of the programme using different assessment methods; Progress Tests, presentations, essays, and Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) web-based and e-learning. Throughout your degree, the emphasis will be on practical as well as analytical skills.

Welsh Provision

At least 40 credits.

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh. Many University departments develop and offer Welsh medium or bilingual modules as part of their courses so you will need to discuss the possibilities with the relevant Programme Director. You can study a module or modules through the medium of Welsh where possible or submit your dissertation in Welsh with guidance from a subject specialist through the medium of Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study  scholarships or bursaries .
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the  App Store  and  Google Play .
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

• a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
• a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
• a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
• a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

You will have the option to have your interview conducted through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place on our PA MPAS course.

Meet Your Lecturers

Physician Associate Studies students will be taught by a range of qualified physician associates, doctors, other healthcare professionals and world leading researchers based at the Medical School, giving you unrivalled access to teaching on our latest medical research.

Principle staff supporting the MPAS Physician Associate course are:

• Programme Director: Professor. Jeannie Watkins, PA-R
• Dr Sharon Hartwell
• Andrew Leckie, PA-R

Module Leads

• Clinical Skills: Dr Sharon Hartwell
• Foundations in Clinical Medicine: Andrew Leckie PA-R
• Ethics and Law: Angela Smith
• Research and Evidence Based Practice: Jeannie Watkins, PA-R
• Placements: Andrew Leckie, PA-R

Other Leads

• Procedural Skills, Mandatory Training and Academic Mentor: Mrs Collette Hill
• Anatomy Lead: Dr Chris Summers
• Community Based Learning Lead: Dr Llinos Roberts
• Student Support and Guidance Lead: Collette Hill
• Health and Conduct Lead: Mr Neil Price
• Quality Lead: Emma Westwood

Assessment Leads

• Progress Test Assessment: Mr Steve Capey
• OSCE Assessment: Dr Sharon Hartwell

Admissions Leads

• Dr Arun Ramachandran
• Dr Mike Gilbert

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Funded Places

The PA programme is currently supported through the Welsh Government bursary. 

Welsh Government has advised that funding for this course is only available for students who are willing to commit to 18 months of post-qualification employment in Wales. By accepting an offer of an interview you are confirming that you commit to this. Only individuals prepared to make this commitment will be eligible for the full funding package. Please advise us at your earliest opportunity if you wish to withdraw your application or do not wish to take up your offer of an interview. At this time we are not able to offer places for self-funding students.

NHS Wales Bursary Scheme

The Welsh Government, through NHS Wales, provides funding for the Physician Associate Course here at Swansea including the cost of the tuition fees. A non-means tested grant of £1000 for living costs can be applied for. A further means-tested bursary is also available. If eligible for the means-tested bursary may be supported for travel, accommodation (whilst on placement), Childcare, Disabled Student Allowance, Dependents Allowance and Parental Learning Allowance. 

*For further details please consult the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme Terms and Conditions document , as these bursaries are administered by NHS Wales and not Swansea University. 

We also have a range of  Taught Master's Scholarships  available.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Placements take place across the region and transport between sites is at the expense of the student. Please contact the Medical School Student Information and Education Office for further information.

• Buying a stethoscope
• Books, course materials and printing or photocopying costs (many recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University or hospital site libraries)
• Parking  locally and travel to and from campus or Morriston Hospital Teaching site
• Photocopying and buying stationery, USB sticks
• Hiring robes for graduation

The National Certification Examination for Physician Associates is not part of the course and students will need to make their own arrangements to sit this exam. All costs involved in this will be borne by the student.

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Applications are to be made via UCAS, and open in late September each year. 

We understand that applicants may include different types of course in their UCAS choices. As a result, some applicants’ Personal Statements may not reflect all that they want to say about their experiences and motivation to study to be a Physician Associate. We will be happy to receive supplementary Personal Statements directed to the PA Admissions Team. These will replace any Personal Statements submitted via UCAS.

*The application process is under continual review - please note that Swansea University Medical School reserves the right to alter the assessment process deemed suitable for each application cycle.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.

How we Decide

Application scoring.

Applications will only be considered following the closing date. A set number of interviews will be offered to eligible applicants with the highest application scores, which will be calculated using the following criteria:

• Academic achievement – This category has the maximum score. Weightage will vary based on agreed criteria. Undergraduate degree classification (First > 2:1 >2:2) and GCSE (A/A* > B > C) will be given weightage. Scores are awarded for any higher degrees (PhD, Masters, intercalated degree). Peer reviewed publications will also carry weightage. The academic scores are additive, which would mean than scores in various sections are added together.
• Work experience – Scores are given for paid or unpaid (volunteering) experience in medical or non-medical fields. Previous experience in healthcare is given a higher weightage. Scores in this section are not additive. The area where you will get the highest score will be considered.
• Contextual factors – Residency in Wales, undergraduate degree in Wales and GCSE in Wales are given weightage. Verifiable information that evidences financial and educational status of the individual or their family will be considered. Examples would be receiving income support, free school meals, universal credit, time spent in care, asylum support, no other family member completing secondary education or higher education. Scores in this section are not additive. The area where you will get the highest score will be considered.

The interview process is designed to take account of the personal and academic qualities needed as a Physician Associate, and the capacity to meet the requirements of the  Physician associate and anaesthesia associate generic and shared learning outcomes (gmc-uk.org) ;  PA_curriculum ;  Physician associate registration assessment (PARA) content map (gmc-uk.org) , as follows:

• Communication Skills
• Coping with pressure and resilience
• Insight and Integrity
• Team working
• Problem solving
• Understanding the scope of practice of the Physician Associate role

On your interview day, you will be invited to attend two separate interviews, each of 20 minutes duration. They are conducted by pairs of trained interviewers, taken from our panel of clinicians, academics and Physician Associate colleagues. Your personal statement will be made available to interviewers for review and you may be asked about it.

Conditions of Offer

Any offer made is conditional, subject to evidence of qualifications, satisfactory references, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or police check and occupational health clearance.

*The application process is under continual review - please note that Swansea University Medical School reserves the right to alter the assessment process for each application cycle. 

Increasing Provision of Allied Healthcare Professionals in Wales

We have a commitment to increasing intake of physician associate students from Wales. Rank list will be developed based on the points-based weighted scoring system. The initial offers for interviews will be sent out in the rank order. A waiting list will be maintained. Offers of interview places from the waiting list will be determined based on domicile, secondary school attended and region of origin with preference for remaining places given to students applying from Wales.  

Fitness to Practise

Candidates with disabilities.

Medical schools have to consider the impact of health conditions and disabilities on students’ fitness to practise as a doctor. This is because they have a responsibility to ensure that students are eligible to be registered by the General Medical Council.   All offers are subject to occupational health and fitness to practise clearance. The details you provide will also help us consider what reasonable adjustments are possible in order to assist with specific health challenges and disabilities.

If you have a disability, ensure you declare it on the UCAS form by ticking the relevant box.  Disclosure will not affect screening of your application. If an offer is made you will be contacted by the Occupational Health Department to discuss your situation.

If you are unsure of how a disability will fit in to the application process or you need more information, contact  occupational health team . You should also inform the admissions team if you are eligible for any special considerations during the written tests or interviews on the basis of your disability.

Health Screening and DBS Checks

All successful applicants accepting a place will be required to complete health declaration and immunisation forms. Your General Practitioner will have access to details of your immunisation history and should be able to share with you on request. These will be screened by our Occupational Health Department. Some students will be contacted by an Occupational Health Physician for further information where appropriate. Occupational health review could involve blood tests and immunisations to ensure your safety as well as safety of patients.

Students will be required to complete a successful Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before admission to the course.

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Medicine Personal Statement Example 2

Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example. The applicant received offers from Bristol and Plymouth - and also got an interview at Cambridge.

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Check out this successful Medicine Personal Statement example for inspiration to help you plan and structure your Personal Statement .

Shadowing surgeons racing against the clock to save a kidney was one of the most exciting experiences of my life. With only twenty-five minutes to resect an extensive tumour before the entire kidney was lost, I was moved by the surgeons’ determination and synergy. However, the limitations of medicine were demonstrated when I was told the patient had an additional unresectable tumour. This experience illustrated the responsibility entrusted to medical professionals; not always to save a life but to treat patients with a biopsychosocial approach. Reflecting on this, I knew I wanted to learn more about medicine. However, it was after observing the communication skills and empathy of a physician allaying a pre-operative patient’s fears that my decision to become a doctor was confirmed.

In my local hospice I was inspired by a doctor comforting an anxious, elderly patient; adapting his terminology to ensure effective communication. In my eight months there I developed the clarity of my conversation with patients, in a way that benefitted their needs. I used this skill at a GP surgery with an elderly patient who was distressed about waiting times. Using a calm demeanour, I deescalated the situation and sought help from a receptionist, who had previously established a rapport with the patient. My leadership skills were enhanced through the realisation that being a good leader involves asking for guidance. My aim is to further these skills in my future medical career.

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Exposure to multiple GP surgeries highlighted how a large elderly population correlates with the need for more home visits; thereby illustrating the effect of demographic transition in healthcare. The importance of teamwork was demonstrated in the multidisciplinary team meetings I have observed on various placements. The healthcare professionals deliberated in order to ensure the best quality of life for the patient.

One of my responsibilities as head of boarding is to comfort younger students who are missing home and this helped me realise that collaboration within the boarding house helps to improve their well-being. Understanding and empathy comes from staff and students alike and my teamwork has improved. Responsibility and advocating for patients in a team is something I look forward to in my future career.

At the hospice it was moving to witness the composure of a doctor who was delivering news of a patient’s rapid deterioration. This exemplified how emotionally demanding medicine is. However, when facing academic challenges I have developed a positive work-life balance. Running and playing the violin provide stress outlets and I look forward to representing my university’s orchestra. There are many new challenges as a medical student and doctor, however, I know that I have the emotional maturity to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

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Research is a vital element of medicine as it advances patient care. At Nuffield Health an umbrella sticker on a patient’s door is the universal symbol for dementia. This inspired me as it is an innovative way to maintain confidentiality whilst adapting to patients’ needs and I wrote about this in an article I published in Mentor Magazine. After reading ‘Somebody I Used To Know’ by Wendy Mitchell, which details her experience with dementia, I researched dementia treatment. This topic was further explored within my EPQ where I investigated socially assistive robots that improve behavioural and psychological dementia symptoms, through social exchange. This experience helped me to appreciate the importance of research in evidence-based medicine. I look forward to improving my research skills at medical school.

The empathy and compassion I have seen in healthcare professionals has helped me confirm my commitment to holistic, patient-centred care. I appreciate the academic, emotional and practical challenges of a career in medicine and feel well prepared to meet these as I enter medical school next year.

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Physician Associate Studies MSc

Become part of a skilled new workforce, with the knowledge and practical experience to improve patient access to care. This course will train you to support doctors with the diagnosis and management of patients across general practice, hospitals and community healthcare.

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• Entry Criteria

Structure and assessment

Facilities and features, opportunities and careers, take your next steps.

Physician associates perform an integral and skilled role in healthcare, supporting medical supervisors in performing physical examinations, formulating differential diagnoses, interpreting diagnostic tests, and recommending treatment plans. 

Designed and delivered in collaboration with practitioners from local healthcare providers, this course will equip you with the experience and expertise required to practice as a physician associate. You will develop transferable skills that are invaluable in both the healthcare sector and across industries. 

We deliver teaching through tutor-led sessions and clinical placements, reinforcing your knowledge through self-directed study. We will develop your ability to work as part of a multi-professional team and provide contemporary and informed insight thanks to input and guidance from experienced clinical colleagues.

During the course you will cover a range of modules, gaining comprehensive understanding of clinical human anatomy and physiology, diseases and health conditions associated with major organ systems, an in-depth view of community health, and key clinical and professional skills such as history taking, physical examination and ethics. You will also complete an independent supervised practice-related project.

Key features

• This programme is designed and delivered by dedicated academic staff and healthcare professionals who have a wealth of knowledge in the field.
• Benefit from mandatory placements in general practice, community and acute hospital settings to equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career as a physician associate
• Purpose-built clinical skills areas will allow you to apply theory to practice in a safe environment
• Improve your critical thinking skills and your ability to design, execute and present findings of practice-based research
• Study a range of modules including; Anatomy and Physiology, Community Health, General Medicine and Speciality Medicine 
• There is currently a high demand for physician associates in the East Midlands NHS workforce

I really enjoyed my time at placement, as I was able to apply my clinical skills in real time, which helped consolidate my learning. My favourite placement was at the General Practice, as I was able to hold my own clinics and was able to develop my skills in patient interaction. Joyti Verma - Second Year Physician associate student

DMU has been shortlisted for the Postgraduate Award in the 2024 Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), as voted for by students.

• EU/International

Duration:  Two years full-time

Start date: September 2024

Attendance:  This is an intensive course; you should expect to attend university/placement full-time (e.g. 9am-5pm Mon-Fri) and complete self-directed study in your own time. Placements may include shift work outside of these hours.

Location of study:  All academic studies take place at De Montfort University, Leicester. Placements may take place at locations across the East Midlands (please note that you may be required to travel to attend placement).

Application deadline:  The application deadline for the next intake is 31 January 2024 . Due to limited number of places on the course, applications received after this date cannot be guaranteed an interview or place on the programme for an Autumn 2024 start.

Fees and funding:  

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,500 per year

How to apply

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Not available to international students

Key facts for International students

Duration: Two years full-time

Start date:  September 2017

Attendance:  This is an intensive course; you should expect to attend university/placement full-time (e.g. 09.00-17.00 Mon-Fri) and complete self-directed study in your own time. Please note that some placements may involve shift work outside of these hours.

Location of study : All academic studies take place at De Montfort University, Leicester. Placements may take place at locations across the East Midlands (please note that you may be required to travel to attend placement).

Fees and funding:  TBC

Find out more about  course fees and available funding.

Find out more about  additional costs and optional extras  associated with this course.

How to apply:  International students can apply to study at DMU directly using our  online portal  or by submitting a  direct application form .

Please visit  dmu.ac.uk/international  for more information or call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

Entry criteria

• Minimum of a 2:1 BSc Hons, or equivalent, in a life sciences or health-related subject (anatomy, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, healthcare science, medical science, medical engineering, nursing, paramedic, pharmacy, physiology, etc.)
• Alternatively, applicants with a 2:2 or equivalent and significant experience (6months) within a patient-facing healthcare/clinical role may be considered on an individual basis if the above requirement is not met.
• Equivalent international qualifications will be reviewed with the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of at least 7.0 in each domain (speaking, listening, reading, writing), with an overall score of at least 7.5, is essential. This must be achieved in a single sitting and within 24 months of the time of application to this course.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited  Centre for English Language Learning  (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

As part of the application you will be required to write a personal statement outlining your motivation for becoming a Physician Associate, and your relevant experience and personal qualities.  

We will select candidates for interview based on their application and personal statement. If selected for interview, you will be invited to a Multiple Mini interview (MMI).

Non-academic requirements

Professional behaviour

Whilst working towards becoming a physician associate, you will be expected to display a high standard of professional behaviour, as you will be joining a soon to be regulated profession.  

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

You must complete a declaration form and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) application form before starting the course, which needs to be cleared in accordance with DMU’s admission policy.

We strongly advise that you opt for the DBS update service as it is possible that future placement providers may request a recent DBS and not one from the start of the programme. If you decide not to opt for this service then you will have to pay for the DBS again if requested by your placement provided – the university will not cover this cost. 

Applicants must also complete a satisfactory health screening.

Please note that it is not currently possible for Physician Associates who have trained in the UK to practice outside of the UK.

Course modules

Teaching and assessment, accreditation.

Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits): This module will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Clinical anatomy will be taught using a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops using 3D anatomical models. The knowledge gained on anatomical structure will be complemented with functional knowledge through teaching on medical physiology topics.

Community Health (15 credits): This module provides an in-depth view of community health, with a focus on populations and communities rather than individual patients. Content includes primary care, mental health and public health, with discussion on the impact of significant health issues upon local and national health services. 

Clinical & Professional Skills (30 credits): In this module, you will develop key clinical and professional skills related to working as a Physician Associate. For example; research methods, clinical skills, history taking, physical examination, ethics, communication skills, professional guidelines and regulation, evidence-based medicine, inter-professional education. 

General Medicine  (30 credits): This module provides a systemic approach to learning about organ systems and clinical pharmacology.  Content will include diseases and health conditions associated with major organ systems (e.g. muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, urinary,  and digestive), and how they are treated. The role of the Physician Associate in therapeutics and prescribing will also be discussed.

Specialist Medicine  (30 credits): This module will equip you with a sound knowledge of different areas in the clinical setting, and the role of such specialisms in primary and secondary care. Content includes: Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT (ears, nose and throat), Haematology, Neurology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Practice-Related Project (60 credits): This module involves completion of an independent (but supervised) evidence-based, practice-related project. The project will develop your ability to relate research concepts and topics to a clinical setting.

You, in conjunction with a clinical supervisor, will identify a research question or area for development and then design an original project to highlight potential solutions.

You will also complete a clinical portfolio – this module is not credit-bearing, but essential for a qualification which enables eligibility to sit the Physician Associate National Exam administered by the Royal College of Physicians and once passed, allows practice as a Physician Associate. The cost for sitting this exam is borne by the applicant.

All modules are compulsory and all modules must be passed in order to complete the qualification of MSc in Physician Associate Studies.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars, practical skills sessions and workshops. You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend reading and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.

The majority of your studies will take place at the university but we also incorporate hospital and community-based learning experiences on your placement activities.

Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.

You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for MSc level study.

Assessments include a variety of forms, including written and practical exams, case study reports and presentations. You will also be expected to undertake formative assessment, such as self-reflection and peer-review of fellow students. Bespoke guidance materials are provided for all forms of assessment on the course.

Year two of the course is largely placement based, however students will still be expected to attend university for revision sessions and engage in personal study

Physician Associate courses in the UK are not currently subject to formal accreditation; however this is going to change in the near future, as Physician associates will be regulated by the GMC. The course is working to meet the General Medical Council standards.  

Health and Life Sciences facilities

Substantial investment in Health and Life Sciences has developed our teaching and learning facilities to help you develop your practical experience and theoretical knowledge beyond the classroom.

The 19th century Hawthorn Building has facilities designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to apply theory to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from staff, to ensure that your practical ability in the clinical skills suites is accurate.

Library services

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available. 

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our  Library website , e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose. 

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including Learning Zone, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub. 

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live  LibChat , online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our  Learning Services , and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

Learning zones

Our Learning Zones and The Greenhouse also provide space for group or individual work and study.

There are 1,600 study places across all library locations, more than 700 computer stations, laptops to borrow, free wi-fi and desktop power outlets.

You can also book rooms with plasma screens, laptops and DVD facilities for group work and presentations, secure an individual study room with adjustable lighting or make use of our assistive technology.

Find the people who will open doors for you

The first year of this programme will include some short clinical placements. The second year is predominantly placement-based, and you will spend approximately 41 weeks on clinical placement.

Placements will be provided in general practice, community and acute hospital settings. Placements will be across the east midlands and it will be your responsibility to arrange travel to placements.

Graduate careers

This programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career as a Physician Associate.

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Physician Associate Studies, MSc

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Introduction

Taught in a thriving medical school, our MSc in Physician Associate Studies delivers a modern and dynamic curriculum which ensures that you are equipped with the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to become a valued and key member of the clinical team.

**OPEN DAY** We are hosting an in person Open Day for MSc Physician Associate Studies on Wednesday 22 May 2024, as well as two Online Info Sessions on Thursday 28 March 2024 and Tuesday 21 May 2024, where you can find out more about the degree programme. Find out more and register here .

Study Information

At a glance.

This highly regarded Physician Associate programme has been designed to train a new generation of healthcare professionals to support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. Physician Associates (PA) are trained to perform a number of roles including taking medical histories, performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses, analysing test results and developing management plans.

This is a two-year full-time programme requiring ninety weeks of study and combines the theoretical and scientific basis of medicine with clinical experience. The programme leads to the award of MSc in Physician Associate Studies. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to sit the national examination which entitles entry onto the national register and practise as a PA in the UK.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 1st September each year for studies commencing the following January.

What You'll Study

Programme runs from January to August

Compulsory Courses

• Medical Science 1 (ME5519)
• Advanced Clinical Method 1 (ME5520)
• Anatomy 1 (ME5521 )

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Programme runs from September to August

Through the second year there are a series of clinical rotations through specialities such as general surgery, emergency medicine, reproductive health and paediatrics where students learn about common disease presentation whilst dealing with real patients. During these rotations, students will benefit from bedside teaching, seminars and tutorials whilst working alongside a variety of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.

There is potential to do your second year rotations in various NHS Boards within Scotland including East region and Highland.

• Medical Sciences 2 (ME5019 )
• Advanced Clinical Method 2 (ME5020)
• Anatomy 2 (ME5021 )
• Clinical Placement 1 (ME54C1 )
• Clinical Placement 2 (ME57C2 )
• Clinical Placement 3 (ME57C3 )
• Clinical Placement 4 (ME57C4 )
• Clinical Placement 5 (ME58C5 )
• Clinical Placement 6 (ME59C6 )
• Clinical Placement 7 (ME59C7 )
• Clinical Placement 8 (ME59C8 )

Programme runs from September to December

• Clinical Placement 9 (ME50C9 )
• Clinical Placement 10 (ME50C0 )
• Clinical Placement 11 (ME541C )
• Clinical Assessment OSCE (ME5400)
• Transitions to Practice (Written) (ME5401)
• E-portfolio Reflection in Practice (ME5402 )

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints . Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Related Information

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Fee Information

Please note that the PA national exam is not include as part of the MSc Physician Associate Studies course fee.

This means that upon successful completion of the course, graduates are liable for fees and associated costs of sitting the exam. Further information can be found on the Faculty of Physician Associates website.

Additional Fee Information

• In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses .
• For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.

International Applicants

Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen

Funding Opportunities

The University of Aberdeen is pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More information can be found on the Finance and Funding page .

Scholarships

Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3000 to £8,500, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here .

To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database .

How You'll Study

In 2006 the Department of Health released the Competence and Curriculum Framework (CCF) for the Physician Associate, developed in partnership with The Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of General Practitioners. The CCF defines the role and scope of practice standards for education and assessment of Physician Associates. This document has recently been reviewed in order to update it in light of the changing role of the Physician Associate.

During year 1 there is an emphasis on communication and clinical skills whilst learning about the scientific basis of medicine. As the course progresses towards the end of the first year and through the second year there are a series of clinical rotations through specialities such as general surgery, emergency medicine, reproductive health and paediatrics, where students learn about common disease presentation whilst dealing with real patients.

During these rotations, students will benefit from bedside teaching, seminars and tutorials whilst working alongside a variety of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals consolidating knowledge and developing their skills.

Learning Methods

• Clinical Learning
• Group Projects
• Peer Learning
• Professional Placements

Assessment Methods

Assessment is continuous ensuring that basic skills are mastered before moving on to more advanced topics.

Summative written and clinical assessments are at the end of the academic year.

Why Study Physician Associate Studies?

• Taught in a thriving medical school,  that is co-located on one of the largest clinical sites in Europe with superb teaching and extensive facilities.
• The Physician Associate programme at Aberdeen is the second longest running in the UK, and we are currently the only University in Scotland to offer this exciting programme.
• On our established programme you will benefit from a modern, dynamic and clearly delivered curriculum using a systems-based, integrated approach. Student feedback is encouraged and is extremely important in informing future developments of the programme.
• The MSc aims to produce professionals who have the knowledge, skills and behaviours to function as Physician Associates and the personal and intellectual attributes necessary for lifelong professional development.
• MyPA is a bespoke virtual learning environment for Physician Associate staff and student course materials and interactions. In addition to timetable and learning resources provision, MyPA hosts and processes Student Course Evaluation Forms, allow students to “star rate” teaching events, and provide very detailed feedback on formative and summative assessments.
• Aberdeen has a long and proud history teaching medicine with the earliest English-speaking Chair in Medicine endowed at the University in 1497.

Interested in this programme?

What our students say.

Studying MSc Physician Associate Studies has given me the perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge and learn practical and clinical skills to suit me well to life as a Physician Associate.

Entry Requirements

A personal statement and two references must be submitted with each application.

One of these should provide an academic reference and the other should be able to comment on your suitability to enter the healthcare profession.

Applicants from the USA should be aware that the UK PA qualification is not verified or recognised in the USA.

**Please note that the deadline for applications is 1st September each year for studies commencing the following January**

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.

1 st class or 2:1 honours degree in a health related medical science.

• Higher/A level Chemistry at grade C or above
• Nat 5/GCSE grades B or above in English and Mathematics (Experience in healthcare may contribute and compensate if the above requirements have not been fully met).

For full information, please visit the Physician Associate Studies Entrance Requirements webpage.

Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 7.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 7.0; Writing - 6.0

OVERALL - 100 with: Listening - 21; Reading - 22; Speaking - 28; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 70 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 70; Writing - 59

Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 185 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 185; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here .

Document Requirements

You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.

• Information about visa and immigration requirements

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded post graduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.

Physician Associates are a rapidly growing group of graduate professionals in the UK. Whilst not doctors, they work to the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the medical team under defined levels of supervision. With ever increasing demands on our National Health Service, the role of the PA is designed to supplement the medical workforce, ultimately improving patient access.

Upon successful completion of the University of Aberdeen assessments, students are eligible to present for the PA national examination. Upon passing the National Exam, candidates are eligible to be entered on the Managed Voluntary National Register (PAMVR) and to practice as a PA in the UK. Following the two-year course and after qualification, PAs can expect starting salaries of Agenda for Change Band 6. Thereafter, career progression will be dependent upon competency, attributes and opportunities to progress to higher pay scales.

The Physician Associate role has been identified as a key profession in NHS service within the UK. It is envisaged that a large number of job vacancies will become available in forthcoming years.

Useful Websites

• Faculty of Physician Associates
• NHS Scotland Recruitment
• NHS Recruitment

Industry Links

The University of Aberdeen has close links with the NHS in Grampian, Highland, Fife, Lothian, Borders, Lanarkshire and Tayside, where students can undertake clinical attachments.

Accreditation

In 2019 the Department of Health and Social Care alongside the four UK governments asked the GMC to regulate the Physician Associate profession. For updates on the progress of this, please visit the GMC website

1st in the UK for Medicine

The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition is ranked 1st in the UK for Medicine (Guardian University Guide 2024)

Our Experts

Information about staff changes.

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.

Suttie Centre

The Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning in Healthcare is a purpose-built facility providing excellent teaching and training facilities. Each floor is dedicated to topics such as Anatomy, MBChB, NHS Grampian training and Clinical Skills.

Foresterhill Health Campus

The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute.

Library facilities

A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.

Get in Touch

Contact details.

• Enquire Now Using an online form

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PA Personal Statement: The Definitive Guide

Including 8 pa school personal statement examples.

Your PA personal statement is one of the most important PA school requirements . Writing a stellar PA personal statement is difficult for many students, however, this statement is vital for distinguishing your application from all the others and getting into the best PA schools . A well-crafted, memorable statement is your golden ticket to a PA school interview, so in today's blog, you'll learn what to include in your PA personal statement, common mistakes to avoid and you'll even be able to review PA personal statement examples.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 28 min read

Pa personal statement example #1.

During my kindergarten graduation, I walked on stage and gave my exit speech: “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher because it’s easy.” Reflecting back, I see the comedy in my naivety as every profession has its own unique challenges. I had no intention to pursue medicine, as I often had a sense of jealousy towards the field. Growing up, my mother was also attending school, first undergraduate then medical school. Exposed to the rigor and competition of higher education, she felt the need to share the importance of dedicating my time to education. While my classmates had work-free weekends, I spent my time completing extra homework, assigned by my mother. Initially, I misinterpreted her teachings as favoritism for studies over spending our days indulging in games.

My passion to become a physician assistant took root the day my grandmother fell from the top of a ladder. My mother shouted for my help with two simple tasks: grab a blanket and call 911. Trapped by fear and hesitation, I was unable to react. This response may seem understandable; however, I was my harshest critic and felt shame from my inability to aid. Sitting in the hospital waiting room, I reflected on my actions and vowed to never again be a mere observer. With this experience, my outlook on the medical field began to change from that of jealousy to intrigue. I started to understand that my mother’s intentions were not to spend less time with me but rather she aspired to be in a position where she could offer herself to support others, an attribute I strive to emulate. My kindergarten dreams to teach were expanded to embody care and compassion, with goals to empower and provide protection to others feeling helpless.

Aware of my lack of knowledge pertaining to handling trauma, I enrolled in an emergency medical response course that equipped me with the skills to handle unforeseen situations, and the strength to grow from criticism. Others questioned my ability to complete this physically rigorous course, given that my stature is a mere four feet and nine inches. Using this criticism as motivation, I excelled in the course and partook in a twelve-hour responder shift. This exhilarating experience strengthened my ambition to study medicine, as my interests lie in the shortcomings of human-design.

• This statement utilizes strong transitional sentences to link paragraphs which creates an easy-to-read essay with excellent flow.
• At the end of each experience, this student does an excellent job of reflecting. They discuss what they learned, why it was significant, and how it will help them in a career in medicine.
• Instead of discussing a variety of different experiences, the student focussed on quality experiences over quantity. This allows each experience, whether the experience with their grandmother or the experience as an emergency medical responder to really develop throughout the essay, ultimately creating a unifying theme that ties together well in the conclusion.
• The essay really comes to life due to the inclusion of details that describe experiences and interactions that were significant to the student such as time spent with their grandmother and patient interactions during shadowing.

The PA school personal statement is one of the most important of the PA school requirements .

Before you begin writing your physician assistant personal statement, it's important to understand the purpose of the personal statement. Essentially, your personal statement will serve as your introduction to admissions committees. It's a way for you to demonstrate why you have chosen to pursue medicine, and why you want to become a PA specifically.

Admissions committees want to understand where your first interest in becoming a physician assistant began, what memorable experiences you've had since that moment, and what steps you've taken towards turning that initial interest into desire and passion for the profession. As with all types of personal statements, your personal statement must address the “why” behind the profession. In this case, why do you want to be a PA? Why did you choose PA school over a related discipline, such as medical school or nursing school? What about the PA profession appeals to you and what have you done to explore the field? What contribution can you make to the PA profession?

Your PA personal statement is the first introduction of who you are and serves as a first impression to the admissions committees. It’s also a way to clinch a PA school interview and move on to the final round of admissions evaluations.

Keep in mind that you'll also be expected to answer this question, and other common PA school interview questions during your interview, so be sure to reflect a bit on your answer and craft a strong response for both your personal statement and your interview answer. Similar questions to this can come up during your PA school interview essay or you can explore your “why” when you’re asked “tell me about yourself” during your interview.

In short, your personal statement is an important tool to getting through the initial rounds of PA school admissions, it provides background information on you to admissions committees and puts a face to your application.

Here's a summary of the requirements for PA school:

How to Write A Killer PA Personal Statement

#1 be honest..

No two personal statements should be alike, each person has had their own set of experiences that have led them to want to pursue this vocation. So don't try to fabricate your statement or exaggerate your experiences. Instead, be honest, tell the admissions committees about your exposure to medicine, what you've learned, how you've grown, what you have accomplished, why it was important and how all of these experiences led to you wanting to become a PA. Don’t try to butter up the admissions committee or make grand statements. Stick to the main reasons why you want to be a PA and why you want to pursue the profession specifically.

#2 Highlight your experiences and skills appropriately.

You want to highlight a few experiences that have helped you understand more about the life and work of a PA and ultimately helped solidify your decision to pursue this field. You can talk about your reasons for choosing PA vs MD if its relevant to your experience. Reflect on the instances that sparked your interest in the field or made you consider a career as a PA. Think about your volunteering, shadowing, and clinical experiences and reflect on any moments that have stood out for you or were significant in developing your interest in the profession. Remember to use details and specific examples to highlight the skills and lessons you earned from these experiences. Perhaps your participation in creating a treatment plan for a particular patient stood out for you or you witnessed an interaction between a physician assistant and a patient during your shadowing that gave you further insight into the profession. In short, you need to be able to answer why the PA is the best route for you, and what you’ve done to prepare yourself for this career.

Additionally, you can draw on related experiences and skills you’ve developed that will help you reach your goals as a future PA. For example, if you want to work specifically with underserved communities, and you’ve taken on volunteering opportunities that put you into contact with such communities, this is a great experience to include in both your personal statement or as some of the best extracurriculars for PA school . If you want to work among immigrant or refugee communities and took the time to learn a new language in order to better communicate with these individuals, that will not only show initiative, but also dedication to effectively communicating with patients you want to help serve in the future. Also think about which of the PA specialties you might want to work in and what experiences you have which can contribute to this specialty.

When it comes to sitting down and writing your PA personal statement, it's important to note that the most successful statements are those that tell a story. Not unlike a medical school personal statement , your PA personal statement is not a recitation of your CV. Listing accomplishments, awards, and your education will not interest the admissions committee. That information is already available in your medical school resume and elsewhere in your application; the personal statement is a piece of art, not a dry informational document. It should allow members of the admissions committee to gain insight into your personal story and take them on your journey to becoming a PA.

Stories are excellent for a few different reasons. First, stories are interesting. As humans, we tend to be drawn to stories, we love books, movies, articles - anything that allows us to be transported to another time, another place, another experience. If the story is well written, it moves us by eliciting an emotional response from us. Whether that is happiness, sadness, compassion, love, desire, or amusement, stories have the power to affect us and that's exactly what you want the admissions committees to experience: emotion. Emotional content is powerful content, and it leaves an impact. It's memorable, it stays with you, and it stands out.

In addition to being captivating, writing your personal statement in the form of a story is also beneficial because it helps tell your story in a chronological manner. The last thing you want, other than a boring personal statement, is one that doesn’t make sense and leaves admissions committee members confused. Jumping from one point in time to the next, from one experience to the next without order will only create a disjointed, unstructured essay. Instead, tell your story chronologically, beginning with an introduction to your interest or exposure to medicine, flowing into a few significant experiences throughout your life, and ending with a powerful conclusion that ties the entire essay together.

#4 Be Original.

You are not like anyone else; despite what you might think, you're an original personal with individual thoughts, experiences, and interests. Don't get sucked into using clichés, common quotes, and unoriginal statements. It's not about writing what you think the admissions committee wants to hear such as “I want to be a doctor because I want to help people” or “I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor”.

Let your personal statement highlight what makes you unique as an applicant, how your personal qualities complement the profession, and what skills and key competencies you can bring to the entering class. Overall, it's important to consider what experiences and skills distinguish you from other applicants. Admissions committees will be reviewing hundreds if not thousands of PA school personal statements; what is going to make your statement stand out? What do you have to offer? How can you contribute to the profession?

What makes a strong PA personal statement?

Let your personal statement highlight what makes you unique as an applicant! "}]">

Why show, don’t tell is the #1 rule to follow for personal statements:

Common PA Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid

#1 reciting your cv..

Admissions committees already have this information so this isn't suitable for your personal statement. Focus on quality of experiences. When brainstorming, write down the most significant experiences, either professional or personal, which led to you pursuing a career as a PA.

#2 Casting yourself as the victim.

Many people have experienced difficult situations, such as emigrating from another country or suffering an injury. This can be powerful to discuss in your PA personal statement, but only if you can show resilience and ensure you're not playing the victim. As a general rule of thumb, be sure to only include an experience if you can discuss how it shapes you as a person, how it helped you grow, and will help you become a better future physician assistant.

#3 Telling instead of showing.

It's not enough to say statements such as “I am a good listener” or “My experience shadowing has made me compassionate”. You need to show, or demonstrate, how you are a good listener, and how shadowing has helped you become compassionate. Discuss how interacting with patients helped you develop compassion or how your listening skills helped a specific patient with their problem. Discuss real experiences that can support and provide evidence for any statements.

The opening sentence in your PA school personal statement is the hook for your entire essay. If it's not enticing, unique, and memorable, you risk your essay blending in with the thousands of other admissions essays and ending up at the bottom of the pile. Your opening sentence and paragraph need to be engaging, you want to create a sense of desire so that admission committee members won't want to put down your statement, they should want to continue reading to find out the rest of your story. Remember that admissions committees tend to read these essays quickly, so if you don’t grab their attention right away, your essay will be quickly forgotten. PA school personal statement editing can be a big help in rewriting or tweaking your essay so it is polished and engaging. It’s always a good idea to get another set of eyes on your essay, too, to make sure there are no mistakes or get objective feedback. For students who want professional feedback on their work, expert physician assistant application help can be a great resource to use.

Having trouble writing a good introduction? Check out our tips:

#5 Failing to have a strong conclusion.

Just like a strong introduction, a good conclusion bookends a strong PA personal statement. A strong concluding paragraph not only sums up the main points of your previous paragraphs, but it should end on an engaging note. You want to leave the admissions committee wanting to know more about you, as this makes them more likely to call you for an interview. Your conclusion should be more than just “this is why I’ll make a good PA”, or “and that is why the PA profession is for me.” Your conclusion should bring back your main points, but an excellent closing statement can call back to your engaging opening sentence while also inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

#6 Relying on clichés.

The purpose of your PA personal statement is to stand out, not blend in. So don't use clichés and popular quotes that are tired and dry. Be original and use your own thoughts instead of the thoughts of others. It can be easy to fall into the habit of using common phrases or cliched language, but revising your draft can help you pick these out and rewrite them.

#7 Failing to reflect.

Any experience you describe in your PA personal statement should be followed by thoughtful reflection. You can't simply state that you worked as a research assistant in a lab and contributed to a publication. Think about why you want to discuss an experience in the first place and always be answering, why was it significant? What did you learn from it? How will it help you in your career as a physician assistant? How did this experience encourage me to become a PA? Your personal statement should demonstrate a deeper understanding of yourself and your goals, so self-reflection and self-insight is key here. While you’re brainstorming ideas for your personal statement, take some time to ask yourself these questions.

#8 Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

Your PA personal statement should be free from all errors and mistakes. Keep in mind that your personal statement is a direct reflection of who you are as a person. Mistakes indicate that you rushed your statement, are not detail-oriented and that you're not really invested in your potential career. An excellent PA personal statement has been through many revisions and has had multiple reviewers. It's a good idea to seek professional help such as a medical school advisor not only to ensure your statement is free from errors but so that you can receive personalized feedback on your statement to ensure you are putting your best self forward.

Want more PA personal statement tips?

7 More PA Personal Statement Examples

Pa personal statement example #2, pa personal statement example #3.

I have one person to thank for inspiring me to become a physician assistant: my great-grandmother Lucia. She was the catalyst behind me entering health care, and she is also the reason I’ve decided to change my career and apply to PA school and start a new direction in my professional life. My great-grandmother was never the sort to be content with simply standing still or not taking chances, and from a young age she encouraged me to chase my passion and pursue work that fulfills me. Having reached a point in my professional life that I need to take a chance, I recalled my great-grandmother’s sage advice.

As a child, my family and I visited my great-grandmother at her nursing home whenever possible. Although the drive was long, it was worth it to spend a few hours in her company. She was a funny, bright and charming woman, and to a child, her stories of growing up on a homestead in the early 20 th century were fascinating and eye-opening. She never seemed to be afraid of anything, whether it be moving across the country, welcoming another child or standing up for herself. Spending time with my great-grandmother and her neighbors gave me an appreciation for seniors and the stories they could tell me. Now, I remember pieces of stories from people who came from all diverse backgrounds and circumstances: a retired police officer from St. Louis, a former nanny who spoke 4 languages, a classical musician who once played in Carnegie Hall. My experiences with my great-grandmother and her neighbors stayed with me as I grew up, and after graduating I decided to become a CNA. I worked in several nursing homes and eventually, I began working as a hospice care worker.

Working in hospice was a fulfilling experience for me because I was able to spend longer periods of time with patients and once again get to hear their stories and all about their lives. I met many incredible people, including a Vietnam war veteran, a former jazz singer, and a housewife who raised 8 children, had never learned to drive but tried skydiving for the first time when she was in her 60s. Hospice care allowed me to form stronger bonds of friendship with the seniors in my care, and it reignited the spark I’d felt when visiting my great-grandmother, who at that point had passed on. In my work I found the passion that Lucia told me to look for and also the fulfillment of knowing that I was providing meaningful physical, mental and emotional care to my patients.

As personally fulfilling as my position was, I knew that it would not be a position I could stay in forever. Hospice care is a professionally demanding job, and it can be emotionally and mentally challenging. When I reached a point of having itchy feet, as Lucia put it, I knew it was time to think about next steps. I briefly returned to working in a local hospital as a CNA and shadowed two nurses and a PA to get a better idea of the kind of work I could transition to. After examining my shadowing experiences, my work history, and listening to Lucia’s voice in the back of my head, I knew that applying to PA school was the next step. Being a PA would let me keep working closely with the patients I loved working with, but allow me flexibility and variety—a breath of fresh air and a welcome change.

I know my great-grandmother Lucia would approve of my choice of work and my care of others, and that she would smile at seeing me stop thinking and do something to change my life when I’m not satisfied. Most of all, I thank her for instilling in me a sense of care and helping me be attuned to myself, so I can confidently start this new path in my life. (656 words)

Need help writing your personal statement? Here’s what students say about our services:

PA Personal Statement Example #5

I started caring for my first patient when I was 8 years old. My younger sister, Amelia, was only 3, and because of her chronic health conditions, including asthma and various allergies, our mother frequently brought her into the health clinic for check-ups, blood draws and chest scans. Since I was too young to be left alone, I was part of the after-school doctor’s visit routine. My sister, who like many children dreaded the phlebotomist coming at her with a needle, hated these visits. To help her feel better and manage her fears, I took on the role of sisterly caregiver. I held her hand during every blood draw, talked her through every scan and did my best to distract her from anything new and scary. Seeing how my efforts calmed her and made the doctor’s visits less anxiety-inducing, I committed to being her “doctor-buddy” and going with her for any health-related appointments.

After dozens of appoints, both for my sister, myself and other siblings, I began to recognize our regular nurses and medical assistants by name. They were always kind to me and my siblings, offering comforting words and lollipops. I began to anticipate seeing the various nurses, phlebotomists and scribes, talking their ears off about school or soccer practice. The doctors we met rotated with every visit, and our time with them was always short, as they had many other patients to see at the busy clinic.

Thinking that being a nurse was more fulfilling than being a doctor, and having acted as my sister’s carer, I decided in high school that nursing school would be my goal. I worked hard at school, taking the necessary courses and taking a volunteer position with a mobile health clinic that served hard-to-reach areas in our community. All too soon, I found the work dissatisfying. Because we were a mobile clinic, we were always on the move to the next patient. I couldn’t take my time with each patient and form a bond, as I had with my sister and her nurses. I didn’t feel I was getting the experience or developing the level of patient care I aspired to. I switched to working in a nearby rural St. Joseph hospital as a medical assistant, and there I found the work experience I was craving. I enjoyed working with underserved patients in the rural areas, but I wanted to spend more time with patients instead of paperwork, and I liked having a home base to stay at.

It was here that I met Carmen, one of a handful of physician assistants in the area. She was a constant presence a St. Joseph’s, and since everyone knew everyone, everybody knew Carmen. She had a warm personality and a well-known sharp wit, so she was a great teammate to work with no matter your position in the hospital. When it came to patients, she knew everyone. When a long-term care patient had a birthday, Carmen was organizing the celebration with other residents. When a child came in for a check-up, Carmen was right there asking them about school and family. Carmen exemplified the kind of personalized patient care I aspired to and knew that patients like my sister and I appreciated so much.

Carmen became a mentor to me, and I asked her about her journey to becoming a PA. Since Carmen knew my plan was to become a nurse, she told me “we have many excellent nurses her, but we need more excellent PAs to fill the gaps between nurses and doctors—there are too many patients and too many health workers spread thin. PAs can be the bridge that our patients need.”

Carmen’s words stuck with me and realizing that she was right inspired me to reroute my intended path into healthcare. There is a need for diverse healthcare workers of every discipline, and PAs are underrepresented compared to nurses and doctors. As a PA, I know I have a better chance of increased patient interaction and entering the kind of workplace environment I enjoy. I believe as a PA I’ll be able to excel in work and bring my passion for patient-centred care to my job every day. (698 words)

Synergy has always been important to me. I’ve always liked balance and seeing projects through to completion. The sense of fulfillment of a job well done is a satisfying cap for any task. Teamwork and collaboration are important values for me in both personal and professional environments. These values were never more apparent to me than when I played college volleyball.

I’m a fairly independent person, but competing on my college’s volleyball team allowed me to appreciate the synergy of a team sport. As someone who abhorred the lack of synergy and teamwork in most academic group projects, competing with my teammates was a great balance between relying on my own independent skills and knowing I could count on the efforts and skills of other players. Alone, I knew I could score a point, but as team, we could win a tournament. In fact, our volleyball team won nationals two years in a row, and we completed the Wild Rose Collegiate Volleyball Tournament undefeated. I found that seeing my teammates work so hard made me strive to work just as hard. To push myself and become a better player so I could be a better teammate in turn.

Just as my volleyball team was able to work in sync to achieve our high-level goals, the medical team was a perfect example of teamwork and collaboration. They cared for the team’s players throughout our seasons, monitoring their health or jumping in to tend injuries or handle crises whenever needed. All parts of our team worked together to help each other excel, and the resulting synergy meant we could achieve remarkable things.

Since I excelled in school and was always drawn to the science of sports, I started exploring a career in sports health. I talked often to the volleyball medical team, curious about the ins and outs of a career in sports medicine and what the possibilities were. I also knew sports medicine would provide that special blend of teamwork and independent work, of science and health I was seeking.

Knowing of my interest in the field, my brother offered to introduce me to his college hockey team’s medical officer. A physician assistant by trade, Adam had been working with the team for several years, and like me, he shared an interest in sports and medicine. I asked to shadow Adam for a season, and he agreed. Whenever a player was injured, I assisted Adam in treating it. When Adam conducted regular check-ins, I served as his assistant, getting to know the players on the team and collaborating with Adam on treatment plans. Especially rewarding for me was creating a physiotherapy treatment plan with Adam for Blake, a player who tore his ACL. Where insurance fell short of covering his sessions with a licensed physiotherapist, Adam and I created a personalized plan for at-home treatment, and we followed up with Blake every week during practices to check on his progress. Seeing Blake through his recovery and back onto the ice was immensely satisfying, and the collaborative energy of Adam and I working together and problem-solving was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Adam was my guide to the PA profession, and offered me invaluable insights into what the work is like, especially getting into a niche specialty like sports medicine. He helped solidify my position to apply to your school, and he has graciously written me a recommendation letter for my application.

I have never been satisfied with one thing or the other, always looking for that perfect combination. That perfect niche. I think becoming a PA is the right foundation for my ultimate goal of specializing in sports medicine, and it will embody that synergy of multiple disciplines coming together to create something altogether better. (623 words)

PA Personal Statement Example #7

In 2009, I was one of the only women in the world to perform a triple twisting lay out on the floor exercise in gymnastics. The skill was rare because of the combination of proprioception and technique required. Even the most minute error could spell disaster, which is exactly what happened during a NCAA competition. I executed the skill at an extreme angle, rupturing my Achilles tendon as I launched into the air. Feeling lucky to have landed on my feet, I collapsed to the floor after a few clumsy steps. The athletic trainer immediately assessed my injury calmly and purposefully, which left a lasting impression. Not only did she take care of me in that moment, she continued to support me through my surgery, 8 months of physical therapy, and a successful comeback to the sport. As a college student, I was uncertain of my future career, but this moment inspired me to make it my mission to be equipped with the skills to be of use in a moment of need, and support others in recovery and success. However, it would take ten years, a teaching career, a job lay-off and an insightful conversation to find my way to physician assistant (PA) school.

Before embarking on my journey to become a PA, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in communications, and I went on to work in Madrid, Spain, where I taught English and learned Spanish for 3 years. I strived to tailor my instruction to the unique needs of each student; a skill that has prepared me to provide individualized care to meet patient’s needs. One of my students wanted to become more marketable to jobs. I curated lessons to build grammar and vocabulary while incorporating resources he was interested in such as sports podcasts. I helped him practice interviews and draft emails until he landed his dream job at a multinational company. This instilled my confidence in supporting the success of my students and it felt rewarding to pave a way for more opportunities in their lives.

My next opportunity would prove less rewarding but pivotal. When I returned to the United States, I landed a job at a marketing firm that would fold and lay off its entire staff two years later. This ultimately led to a conversation with my friend, a urologist, which opened my eyes to many unmet medical needs and the growing demand for PAs. I saw my use through the combination of my ability as a teacher to help others succeed and my experience recovering from my gymnastics injury to be an integral source of support and care. I felt the pieces of my mission fit together and embarked on my journey to become a PA.

I took action to get health care experience as a medical assistant (MA) and physical therapy (PT) aide. Working as a MA at memory care facilities, I have gained insight into patient interaction and built my compassion by spending time with each patient to explain procedures in a slow and concise manner to gain their trust. As a PT aide, I collaborate with the physical therapist but independently administer treatment to diverse patients with a patient-centered approach. On one occasion, I supported two patients recovering from a hip replacement. I intended to give them both the same exercises for treatment, but I learned that Patient A had neuropathy in his feet, making standing exercises unsuitable due to his inability to balance. I modified exercises to be done seated and provided balance support when necessary. Additionally, Patient B’s religious values precluded her from accepting therapy in the communal treatment area, so I set up a private space for her. Accommodating these specific medical needs and sociocultural values helped me understand the importance of providing individualized care that is attuned to patient’s unique circumstances. Though these roles have been formative, I feel a nagging sense of futility when patients come to me for additional medical treatment beyond my scope, which fuels my ambition toward becoming a PA. I aim to have the medical knowledge to comprehensively treat with a balance of autonomy and collaboration.

I observed this balance when shadowing Sallie C., an otolaryngology PA. She assessed a patient with a foreign body in his ear, planned a procedure for removal but proved to be unexpectedly complex. She collaborated with the physician and the case was resolved with surgery. Through this, I also saw how PAs fill gaps in the healthcare system by treating, diagnosing, and prescribing medication, thus increasing the number of patients that are treated every day with quality care.

I aspire to fill these gaps and provide quality care and support to patients in moments of need, much like my athletic trainer did for me. If compassion, collaboration, and versatility make a successful PA, then the combination of my experiences has uniquely prepared me to succeed.

At the core of my teaching and health care experiences is my desire to become a PA to grow my medical skills to serve diverse individuals and ensure their health needs are met over the next ten years and beyond.

When I was sixteen, I was diagnosed with a fibroadenoma in my left breast. Although the mass was benign, I was concerned about potential complications of breast cancer and made the decision to have it surgically removed. After I recovered from the anesthesia, my surgeon pulled up a chair beside me and gave me his undivided attention. He reassured me that the surgery was a success and that my recovery would be uneventful. His compassion and unwavering support during this difficult time inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Today, I strive to become a physician assistant (PA) so I can embody the same level of empathy and care with my future patients. 

During my internal medicine rotation at Richmond Medical Center (RUMC) in 2010, I acquired the skills necessary to succeed in the medical field. There, I was responsible for taking histories, conducting physical exams, creating patient management plans, completing morbidity and mortality rounds, and attending lectures with the residents. During rounds, I introduced patients to the attending doctor and discussed plans of care. I also helped interns by following labs, imaging studies, and reporting any concerns or complaints. I learned good bedside manners and how to effectively communicate with patients and their families. Not only did I understand how to establish rapport with patients, but I also learned how to respond to criticism constructively and confirm suspected diagnoses. I also understood how to apply my medical knowledge to manage and treat conditions such as asthma, COPD, and urinary tract infections. As a PA, I will continuously build on my expertise to improve the care of my patients. 

A PA is more impactful than people realize. At RUMC, I was inspired by one PA in particular. Intrigued by her competency, I often inquired with her about the profession. Her continuous emphasis on the patient-centered approach is what initially drew me to the field. My interest in becoming a PA solidified when I was able to put this approach into practice. During one of my rotations, a 90-year-old Alzheimer’s patient was admitted to the unit with a urinary tract infection. Quickly, she became restless, irritable, and confused, and she tried to pull out the IV. Since the attending physician was unavailable, I proceeded to care for the patient. While holding her hand, I reassured her that we were there to help, and I explained that she needed the IV medication to get better. Soon after, she calmed down and we were able to continue the treatment. At that moment, I understood why I wanted to be a PA. From my personal experience I know very well that being sick can make one feel vulnerable and scared. I also know that having empathetic medical professionals can make a big difference in the patient experience and the outcome of care. I aspire to be a PA not only to be skillful and competent in my profession but also to be fully present for my patients and to extend a compassionate hand to them when they are at a low point in their lives. 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been volunteering in a free clinic where I extend empathy and care to the underserved community. Last year, I attended to a homeless patient named James. He complained that his eyes and skin were yellowing and that he was bruising easily. When I took James’s history, he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and was unsuccessful in AA. Based on his history and physical exam, I suspected alcoholic liver disease, so I ordered various clinical tests to confirm the diagnosis. The next day before we could discuss his test results, I found him lying near the front door of the clinic, unconscious. I called 911 and performed CPR until he was taken to the hospital where he was treated for an upper GI bleed. Two months later, James passed away from severe recurrence. Through this experience, I recognized the importance of conducting thorough patient screenings and extensive clinical tests to facilitate a prompt diagnosis and an early treatment plan. While it was already too late to save James, as a PA I will ensure that patients in my care receive timely preventive care to reduce the risk of future health complications.

Throughout my life, I have learned that I am strong and competent enough to relate to other people’s suffering without falling apart, and that I have a good work ethic with the intrinsic motivation necessary to get the job done. When I get admitted to the Miami Dade College Physician Assistant Program, I will contribute my life experiences, my determination to overcome obstacles, my desire to work in teams, and my enthusiasm to learn. Five years from now, I see myself working as a competent physician assistant, providing healthcare services to medically underserved residents in urban and rural communities. This time, I will be the one who pulls up the chair and provides my patients with undivided attention. I will be their reliable source of compassion and support. 

Your personal statement will be structured as a short essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Your opening paragraph should serve as a short introduction of yourself and why you want to become a PA. The body paragraphs will outline specific examples or experiences you have which contributed to your journey to become a PA, and the conclusion will sum up your statement while inviting the reader to continue the conversation.

To write a good personal statement for PA school, you’ll need an intriguing and engaging introduction, 1-3 significant experiences or examples of how you are suited for the PA profession or why you want to become a PA, and a strong conclusion which invites admissions committees to learn more about you.

Your PA school personal statement should be between 500 and 750 words. The typical limit for personal statements if 5,000 characters, with spaces included.

PA school admissions committees are interested in your personal statement because they want to know more about your background, personal qualities and why you want to become a PA. It should include significant personal and professional experiences you have which led you to the profession and contributed to your desire to become a PA. Admissions committees expect to see some self-reflection and insight into your goals and motivations. They also want to see that you have the skills and qualities of a good physician assistant.

The best way to stand out in a PA personal statement is to have both strong writing and a strong story. Admission committees will read thousands of personal statements outlining many different stories, but you can stand out by providing interesting details and weaving an engaging story. The details of a personal story will be remembered more clearly by your reader than generic statements about your experience shadowing a PA, so remember to personalize your essay and make it unique!

In a PA statement, avoid reciting your resume or relying on cliches. It’s also important not to have any grammar or spelling mistakes. Most importantly, don’t talk about pursuing a career as a PA due to a failed medical school application or because you view it as a “back-up” option. You should have a strong reason for applying to PA school specifically, not because it is “easier” than medical school or related professions.

Yes. You should write out “physician assistant” in the first instance, but you can include the “PA” abbreviation in follow-up instances. 

Your opening statement needs to “hook” your reader or engage them right off the bat. A good way to start is with a personal story or statement that sums up the key theme of your essay. 

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Position Statement on Physician Associates in the UK

Colleagues will be aware of the significant ongoing concerns surrounding the development and deployment of the Medical Associate Professions (MAPs) in the UK. This statement outlines the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's ("the College") position on the specific role of the physician associate.

The College recognises the invaluable contributions of all members of the multiprofessional healthcare team in providing high quality and safe patient care, and we believe that with appropriate education, training, regulation and support, physician associates can contribute to such care.

However, clinical medicine is increasingly complex and the unique role of the doctor as the clinician - with the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills to allow highly skilled clinical reasoning, complex decision making and the management of uncertainty - must be preserved and strengthened.

There are clear differences in the education and training of doctors and physician associates:

• The award of a full licence to practice as a doctor in the UK requires the completion of an undergraduate medical school degree (of four to six years, with two to three years of clinical experience and in-depth knowledge based biomedical education and assessment) and one year as a Foundation Doctor, working full time in an accredited NHS post.
• Progression to consultant in internal medicine or its specialties requires a further seven to ten years of training, which is primarily experiential, but also includes completion of ongoing workplace-based assessments and high-stakes postgraduate examinations of knowledge, clinical reasoning and clinical skills.
• The training pathway for physician associates is substantially different and much shorter – a physician associate can practice clinically following completion of a prior undergraduate degree, not necessarily in the biosciences, and only two years of clinically based experiential training.

The College further notes the following specific points:

• Physician associates are not doctors and must not be regarded as substitutes for doctors, but as supplementary members of the multiprofessional team.
• Statutory and meaningful regulation of physician associates is essential to enable the quality management, training and career framework and possible future career progression for this group to be more clearly defined. This regulation must include standards of practice and formal mechanisms to investigate and sanction malpractice.
• If the GMC becomes the regulator, the register they hold must clearly and simply differentiate doctors from physician associates.
• Supervision of the clinical practice of physician associates is vital if standards of patient care and patient safety are to be assured. We recommend that physician associates always have direct in-person medical supervision available to them.
• Patients and families should know the capability of those who meet and treat them. We recommend the renaming of the profession to the internationally recognised term "physician assistant" to avoid confusion for the public with existing medical roles such as Associate Specialist.
• Clear guidance regarding the scope and limits of the clinical practice of physician associates is essential. We are deeply concerned that “scope creep” in clinical practice will rapidly develop if this does not occur, with significant potential concerns for standards of patient care and patient safety. 
• The teaching and training of our future medical staff is crucial. Doctors responsible for providing teaching and training must have sufficient time in their job plans to acquire the skills and expertise to become competent teachers; have sufficient time in their job plans to deliver teaching and training and; prioritise the teaching and training of medical students and postgraduate doctors in training to allow them to meet their curricular requirements and develop their own capabilities and roles. The training of physician associates should not compromise, in any way, the training of future or current doctors.
• Guidance on the scope and limits of physician associates must also extend to their role in the teaching and training of doctors. Physician associates should not be substitutes for doctors as teachers but they should supplement and support the medical teaching and training that is delivered. 
• Physician associates should recognise that their work should assist and support all members of the medical team, from foundation doctor to consultant. Specifically, their roles should not be confined to the support of aspects of the work of a consultant or “senior” trainee. They should provide as much support to other members of the medical team, such as foundation doctors and specialty trainees in internal medicine, and share the burden of work that is regarded as rote, such as phlebotomy, performing simple procedures such as ECG recording, test ordering, and results checking.

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is a registered charity, which helps qualified doctors to pursue their careers in specialist (internal) medicine through medical examinations, education and training. We also provide resources and information to support and facilitate professional development for doctors throughout their careers. The College has a strong UK and international presence with over 14,000 Fellows and Members in over 100 countries – including in every part of the UK - covering 54 medical specialties and interests.