This course will prepare students to work in one of the most exciting new professions in Medicine in the United Kingdom (UK) today. A Physician Associate (PA) is defined as someone who "works to the medical model, with the attitudes, skills and knowledge base to deliver holistic care and treatment within the general medical and/or general practice team under defined levels of supervision” (Department of Health, Competence Framework for Physician Associates, 2012).  

The course will align with the new Faculty of Physician Associate curriculum devised in collaboration with the General Medical Council (GMC), the Royal College of Physicians and the Physician Associates Schools Council (PASC). The University curriculum will provide you with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes expected of a newly qualified PA and will optimally prepare you for the PA registration assessment (PARA). The learning, teaching and assessment strategy of the course will utilise innovative digital learning platforms, state-of-the art simulation facilities and the University's Anatomy Learning Centre to support an inspirational, inquisitive, and supportive environment in which students can thrive and fulfil their potential. 

As a newly qualified PA you will be in the vanguard of those PAs driving forward the step change in the development of the profession. As a graduate of Canterbury Christ Church University, you will be well placed to play a central role in the further establishment of PAs as a well understood, essential part of NHS health care delivery whether that be in an acute or community setting. 

The course works closely with NHS Trusts and healthcare providers throughout Kent to help ensure that you receive the highest quality teaching and placement experience that will allow students to develop and become safe and competent clinicians. Our aim has been to pool best expertise to develop a course of national, international standing and will graduate Physician Associates who will go on to lead the profession. 

Can I take this opportunity to wish you every success in your studies at our University. The course is challenging and intensive involving both clinical teaching and clinical skills development. You are, however, joining a University with a proven track record of delivering high quality health care education and you will be working with academic and professional services staff who will provide you with close support, guidance, encouragement and, above all, enthusiasm for learning. 

I look forward to getting to know you over the next two years. 

Other than revising anatomy and physiology, we do not expect you to complete any preparatory work before you arrive. However, you might find it useful to read the resources on the Faculty of Physician Associates webpage before you start: https://www.fparcp.co.uk/.

Please click on the link for details regarding GMC Physician Associate and Anaesthetic shared learning outcomes: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/standards-and-outcomes/pa-and-aa-prequalification-education-framework/pa-and-aa-generic-and-shared-learning-outcomes

Please ensure that you engage with occupational health clearance and DBS processes required by the Admissions Team. Failure to complete this by the time you register on the course may result in you not being able to proceed with your studies. Please also ensure you engage with the Placement Planning Form FoMHSC 2024/2025.

Welcome and Induction

Please ensure you view and engage with your Welcome Schedule.

Visit us in the Health Hub to get your questions answered and have a soft drink and biscuit on us!

In addition to your course welcome activities, you can also join us at our Health Hub, timings below, where we can help you with any questions you may have or direct you to the most appropriate service.

You are now on your own exciting journey, but you are also part of our community where we support each other to grow and flourish at university and beyond. Drop in and stay connected, meet new friends and your peers. Meet and chat to our placements team, academic course administration team and existing students.

Drop in on the 1st floor of the Rowan Williams Court building in RWf39 during any of the times below:

• Thursday 19 September, 9am to 4pm
• Friday 20 September, 9am to 4pm

Follow us on our CCCU_Health Instagram account to keep up to date with what is happening for students.

Occupational Health Clearance

As part of starting your studies here at Canterbury Christ Church University, you will need to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment during Welcome Week.  

Please note, as a Physicians Associate Studies student you will not be supplied with uniform by the university.

Students need to obtain occupational health clearance to ensure they are fit to practice. You will be prompted via your ‘MyRecord’ to complete a clearance check and directed to an online health questionnaire.  

Once you have submitted your questionnaire, you are required to attend an occupational health vaccination appointment appropriate to your placement requirements. We use an external company called OH Works for this. Ahead of your appointment, please gather any vaccination documentation (paper or electronic) from your GP or workplace to take to your occupational health appointment.  

Click here for your occupational health appointment location and time.  

For enquiries about your occupational health clearance please email cccustudents@ohworks.co.uk or phone 01227 286288.

We would encourage you to review the course structure and module options via your course page before you arrive.

Please prepare for the course by revising anatomy and physiology for all systems with an appropriate (level 6/7) textbook. It would also be useful to familiarise yourself with the principles of clinical examination.

Lynn Bickley’s book: Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking is good but there are many other texts available.