New health degree to be launched

The University is one of the first to introduce a new Postgraduate Diploma Physician Associate Studies, which starts in October 2014.

Physician Associates (PAs) support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. They are trained to perform a number of roles including performing examinations, diagnosing illnesses and analysing test results.

The intensive two-year full-time Post Graduate Diploma has been designed to enable students to develop the skills required to become a competent and confident Physician Associate.

Students will develop a range of core skills across a range of clinical practice areas supported by, and working with, consultants, doctors and a range of other healthcare professionals. The curriculum includes many of the same elements as the standard four or five-year medical programme that doctors study.

The course at the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing is aimed at graduates with a science background or qualified health professionals.

Professor Linda Lang, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, said: “The University has developed this innovative programme in response to anticipated demand for an increased number of Physician Associates within the NHS.

“The role provides a new way of working that complements others already developed in primary and secondary care and strengthens the professional healthcare team.

“The course allows students to develop core competencies across a range of clinical practice areas supported by, and working with, doctors and a variety of healthcare teams.”

The programme aims to equip students with core PA skills such as holistic assessment techniques and the ability to diagnose and manage clinical problems.

Students may go on to specialise in a range of areas including surgery, emergency medicine or primary care.

For more information, call 0800 953 3222 or email Ann Saxon.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date Issued: Tuesday, 01 July 2014