Physicians’ Assistants (Anaesthesia) are part of the multi-disciplinary anaesthesia team, led by a Consultant Anaesthetist, who look after patients undergoing many aspects of Critical Care. A full job description can be found on the Scope of Practice page.

A rewarding career as a Physicians’ Assistant (Anaesthesia) is open to applicants from one of two different groups:

1) Registered healthcare practitioners
e.g. nurses, operating department practitioners (ODPs) with one or both of the following:
a) At least three years, full-time, post-qualification work experience in a relevant area and evidence of recent (within three years) and successful academic activity
b) A first degree in a health-related subject.

2) New entrants to healthcare (graduates or graduate equivalent)
• With a biomedical science or biological science background
• Preferably with a second class Honours degree or better, or other evidence of recent and successful academic activity
• With a demonstrable commitment to a career in healthcare.

Health care practitioners may be seconded from their post on a protected salary or AfC band 6 whilst training. Science graduates are paid a bursary. http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=766

Qualified PA(A)s with an expanded scope of practice will be graded accordingly. The 27 month post-graduate training programme is delivered jointly by a university provider and the employing organisation. Full information on the course content can be found in the DoH Toolkit and Curriculum documents; http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_074709

The large vocational component of the course means that it can only be undertaken by candidates employed by hospitals who have been approved for the purpose. Organisations wishing to train PA(A)s should refer to the toolkit document for a full explanation of the requirements.

Links to university providers

University of Birmingham
University of Edinburgh
University of Hertfordshire
University of Hull