Swansea University’s physician associate course is celebrating a remarkable hat trick – its students recorded a 100 per cent pass rate in the September PA National Exams for the third year running.
The MSc Physician Associate Studies course was only launched in 2016 but it has already achieved great success and been rewarded by receiving funding for additional places.
Physician associates are increasingly seen as an important part of an evolving health care system. Trained like a doctor during the two-year degree, they support doctors in clinical practice. A physician associate undertakes similar tasks to a doctor including examination, diagnosis and management of patients.
After qualifying their general medical expertise means they can take up a career across a variety of specialisms in hospital or general practice.
The latest cohort being trained at Swansea University Medical School had 100 per cent pass rate in the PA National Exam held in September, one of just four courses in the UK to achieve this.
Programme Director Professor Wyn Harris said: “The last academic year was a challenge like no other but everyone involved in this course helped to continue to educate our students and, more importantly, to maintain the quality of that education.
“These fantastic exam results are a credit not only to our students but also to the collective team effort that allowed them to succeed. We are so proud of our students and the positive impact they are having in the NHS workforce.”
Dean of Health & Life Science Professor Keith Lloyd described the MSc as one of the Medical School’s success stories.
He said: “We are committed to developing and supporting the health and life science workforce of the future and our physician associates are a very important part of that.
“We are thrilled to see yet another fantastic set of results. Congratulations must go to all involved in making this course such a success.”
Dr Lisa Williams, consultant gastroenterologist at Singleton Hospital and one of the clinicians involved in the training, said: “Clinically the PAs are fantastic – a great addition to our teams.”
To find out more about the MSc ahead of the January 31st application deadline visit the course page and also see how you can register for a virtual open day
Caption:
Successful students celebrate graduating from the PA course in 2019.
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