At least seven universities suspend physician associate courses ‘due to lack of jobs’

Exclusive Seven universities running physician associate courses have halted the recruitment of new students less than a year since being approved by the GMC, Pulse has learnt.

Several universities told Pulse they had suspended their GMC-approved courses in light of the Leng review; because of a ‘decline’ in student applications and ‘lack of employment opportunities’ for graduates.

According to data gathered by Pulse, seven universities have paused the recruitment of new students, while 17 courses are still running and nine universities did not respond to Pulse’s question.

A total of 33 PA courses had been approved by the GMC in April following quality assurance checks carried out by the regulator for the first time.

But since then, the Leng review found that PAs should be renamed, more thoroughly trained and they should not see undifferentiated patients; while RCGP guidance said there was no role for PAs in general practice.

As of April 2024, there were around 1,950 full-time equivalent PAs working across primary care in England. However, the latest additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) statistics showed an FTE number of just 1,064.

The University of Aberdeen told Pulse it took the decision to pause student intakes for its PA course after ‘very careful consideration’.

A spokesperson said: ‘As is the case with several institutions in the UK, student recruitment and selection for the MSc in Physician Associate Studies programme has paused for the 2026 intake.

‘This decision has been taken following very careful consideration of many factors including a decline in student applications and lack of subsequent employment opportunities for graduates.’

Brighton and Sussex medical school said its PA programme would not be recruiting a new intake for the 2025 academic year.

‘This pause allows time to reflect on the outcomes of the Leng Review and to consider the evolving landscape around employment opportunities for physician associates,’ a statement on their website said.

Canterbury Christ Church University confirmed to Pulse its course is ‘currently teaching out, with no plans for further recruitment’, while the University of Chester said it had suspended recruitment while awaiting the outcome of the Leng review implementation.

Meanwhile, the University of East Anglia’s PA programme took its final intake in January and is now closed.

‘This decision was made in light of a significant decline in student applications and employment opportunities,’ a spokesperson told Pulse.

University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) said it took the ‘difficult decision’ to pause recruitment to the 2025 intake of our PA programme following the publication of the Leng review, and Sheffield Hallam’s course is ‘no longer accepting applications’.

According to the GMC, the 33 PA courses it approved earlier this year have a combined capacity for up to 1,059 PAs to qualify each year.

This is below the baseline of 1,297 which was set out in NHS England’s long-term workforce plan in 2023.

It aimed to achieve a training intake of 1,370 in 2025 – but the current Government has committed to reviewing the plan, and the Leng review is expected to feed into this.

Trade union UMAPs general secretary Stephen Nash said it was ‘incredibly disappointing’ that universities are pausing their PA courses.

He said: ‘Our judicial review against the Government, NHS England, and Professor Leng is gaining momentum and we are confident in challenging the irrational changes to PAs’ work which have prompted this concern over a lack of opportunities. 

‘We urge universities to maintain their courses as best as possible so that – following the judicial review – they are well placed to deliver exemplary training, as well as develop fast-track reintroduction programs alongside the College of Medical Associate Professionals (CMAPs) to help Associates re-enter the workforce.’

RCGP chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne said: ‘The College’s position, following consultation with members and discussion at our governing Council, is to oppose a role for PAs in general practice. This is due to valid concerns about patient safety and the suitability of the role in a general practice setting.

‘Recognising that there are already PAs working in general practice settings, we have developed guidance on induction, supervision and scope of practice for practices already employing PAs. Our position and our guidance are advisory, and decisions regarding recruiting PAs rest with GPs as employers.’

Pulse has contacted the Department of Health and Social Care for comment; while the GMC declined to comment.