On completion of the MPAS programme students will be expected to be able to demonstrate that they can:  

• formulate and document a detailed differential diagnosis based on an appropriate history and physical examination; 

• develop and deliver a comprehensive patient management plan which involves the patient and his/her personal context, on behalf of the supervising physician; 

• perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and prescribe medications (subject to the necessary legislation); 

• request and interpret diagnostic studies and undertake patient education, counselling and health promotion. 

In addition to these fundamental clinical skills, graduates will possess the following abilities as recommended in The Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Assistant (DoH, 2006): 

• be aware of the limits of their competence and committed to acting within these limits, thereby being safe practitioners; 

• be capable of working in a wide variety of clinical settings within their scope of practice and under agreed supervision; 

• be competent communicators who are empathic in a manner appropriate to a healthcare professional; 

• understand the need to maintain and promote health, as well as to cure or palliate disease, while balancing their obligations to the wider community as well as to individuals; 

• critically examine health inequalities and the challenges of working in a multicultural environment with patients from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds; 

• be capable and motivated life-long learners who are continually engaged in active professional development, able to integrate theoretical and clinical learning, while critically appraising the evidence underpinning their practice; 

• understand the complexities of working as part of a multi-professional team and participate as a strong team member; 

• be adept in the use of communication and information technology (C&IT) skills for health care. 

Clinical Placement Learning Outcomes 

The learning outcomes to be achieved as a result of the experience from all clinical placements fall into three categories: Core Professional and Practice Competences, Core Clinical Conditions and Core Procedural Competencies. To successfully complete the course, students must demonstrate competence in various areas of three primary domains.