Key Takeaways
- A physician associate is a trained medical professional who works with doctors to care for patients.
- This role is mostly found in the UK, while a similar job in the USA is called a physician assistant.
- Both roles require a university education and a special national exam to qualify.
- Physician associates in the UK cannot currently prescribe medicine or request X-rays, but this may change.
- There are many job opportunities in the UK, especially in places that lack enough doctors.
Are you looking for a job where you can help treat patients, work closely with doctors, and avoid the long journey of becoming a medical doctor? If yes, then the physician associate role might be the right fit for you.
You may have also heard of the term physician assistant. Nevertheless, it’s a similar role, but commonly used in the United States. However, in the United Kingdom, the correct title is physician associate. Though the titles are slightly different, the responsibilities are largely the same.
So, in this blog, we’ll break everything down clearly so you can understand the role, the training required, and whether this career fits your future goals in healthcare.
What Is a Physician Associate?
A physician associate is not a doctor, but they are a key part of the healthcare team. They specifically work under the supervision of a doctor and help care for patients in clinics, hospitals, and GP surgeries as well.
Responsibilities of a Physician Associate:
The physician assistant is entitled to perform the following tasks:
- Talking to patients and taking their medical history
- Doing physical check-ups
- Helping to find out what illness or condition a patient might have
- Creating treatment plans with the help of a doctor
- Carrying out minor medical procedures
- Giving advice to patients on how to manage their health
Even though physician associates do many important tasks, they are not yet allowed to prescribe medication or order medical imaging such as X-rays in the UK. However, this may change in the future as the role continues to grow.
What Is the Difference Between a Physician Associate and a Physician Assistant?
You may have seen both terms online or on job boards: physician associate and physician assistant. They refer to similar roles but are used in different parts of the world.
In the UK, the term physician associate is used. Whereas in the USA and Canada, the same kind of healthcare job is called a physician assistant.
However, the main differences are:
- In the USA, physician assistants can prescribe medications and request X-rays or other scans.
- In the UK, physician associates cannot yet do these things. However, discussions are ongoing to expand their responsibilities.
- The training and exams are different in each country based on their health systems.
- The role of the physician assistant is more established in the USA, while the physician associate role is still developing in the UK.
Still, both roles help doctors and improve patient care. So, the name may be different, but the purpose is the same.
For more detailed insight, read our other blog: Physician Associate vs Physician Assistant: What’s the Difference?
How Do You Become a Physician Associate?
To work as a physician associate, you need both academic training and hands-on experience. Here’s the usual path:
1. Get a science-based undergraduate degree
Most students complete a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, healthcare, or any related field.
2. Complete a postgraduate program in physician associate studies
This is a two-year full-time course that includes both classroom lessons and hospital placements.
3. Pass the PANE exam
PANE stands for Physician Associate National Exam. You must pass this test to begin working in the UK.
Once you are qualified, you may also need to stay updated with medical knowledge and renew your certification every few years.
What Can Physician Associates Do – And What Can’t They?
Physician associates are allowed to do many clinical duties, for example:
- Seeing patients on their own.
- Giving physical exams.
- Diagnosing conditions.
- Helping to create treatment plans.
- Assisting doctors in surgeries or procedures.
- Giving advice about health management.
However, in the UK, they are not currently allowed to do the following two things:
- Prescribe medicine.
- Order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans .
That said, the government is continuously working on regulations that could allow physician associates to do more in the future.
Where Do Physician Associates Work?
You can find physician associates in many healthcare settings, such as:
- NHS hospitals.
- GP (general practitioner) surgeries.
- Speciality clinics such as dermatology or cardiology.
- Urgent care centers.
- Community health clinics.
Since their flexibility allows them to serve in both rural and urban areas, they are especially in demand in locations facing physician shortages. So, try to find relevant opportunities in those areas, using terms like physician associate jobs near me or physician associate jobs.
Salary and Job Outlook
In the UK, a new physician associate typically earns between £37,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on the NHS pay band and experience level.
This career is growing fast due to the shortage of doctors and the need for more support staff in healthcare. As a matter of fact, new physician associate jobs are being created every year, and the role is expected to expand in the coming years.
Should You Choose This Career?
If you want a meaningful job in healthcare and enjoy working with people, then becoming a physician associate might be the right path. This role gives you the chance to:
- Work with patients every day.
- Help doctors treat illnesses.
- Avoid long and expensive medical school.
- Grow in a career that is stable and in demand.
On the other hand, if you are living in or planning to move to the USA or Canada, becoming a physician assistant might make more sense for you. That role allows for more clinical freedom, such as prescribing medications and doing more advanced procedures. Also, you can read: How to Secure Your First Physician Assistant Job Successfully. It will help you land your desired job.
Final Thoughts
In short, the physician associate role is a respected and growing profession in the UK healthcare system. Thus, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a hands-on medical career without becoming a doctor. Moreover, you will be making a real difference in the patient’s lives while enjoying job security, good pay, and room to grow.
So, if you’re ready to take the next step, start by searching for physician associate jobs in your area or reach out to recruitment services like Health Care Talent Link. They help you connect to healthcare recruiters and land desired jobs accordingly.
