Physician Associates

Physician Associates are one of the Medical Associate Professions (MAPs) and can be found working throughout primary and secondary care. Physician Associates are overseen by a dedicated medical supervisor but they can work autonomously with appropriate support. 

The MAPs Core Capabilities Framework is now available on the Medical Associate Professions page.

Physician Associate (degree) apprenticeships

Health Education England is implementing a national framework to support employers to access quality assured PA degree apprenticeship training programmes. Ten higher education institutions (HEIs) have been approved to deliver programmes, starting from September 2023. See the link below for more information, including information on funding, other FAQs and up to date provider/course information. Employers can also access a template job description and business case.     

FAQs on the Healthcare Apprenticeship Standards Online (HASO) website.

Physician Associate preceptorships

Health Education England offers a £5,000 preceptorship allowance paid to employers to support the supervision and educational needs for newly qualified physician associates working in primary care (see below). 

Go to the Faculty of Physician Associates website for more employer information.

Physician Associate ambassadors

There are a number of PA ambassadors who act as advocates for the profession across England. They help to form links with universities and work on local workforce engagement and development. Contact details on the FPA website.

For more information

Learn more about Physician Associates roles from NHS Health Careers and these sites:

• Employing PAs in General Practice (FPA)
• Faculty of Physician Associates (FPA)
• NHS Employers
• Physician Associates in Mental Health
• Physician Associates in Primary Care
• General Medical Council