We are thrilled to share exciting news that marks a turning point in global recognition for our profession. The UK General Medical Council (GMC) has officially opened registration pathways for Physician Associates (PAs) and comparable professionals—including Clinical Officers from Kenya—to apply for GMC registration and practice in the United Kingdom.
This milestone not only enhances career mobility for our graduates but also validates the high-quality training and contribution of Clinical Officers in strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
It is important to note, there is no automatic recognition of qualifications for Physician Associates (PA) who have qualified outside the UK.
If a Physician Associate (PA) who qualified overseas wants to gain registration in the UK, GMC reviews their qualification individually against the acceptable overseas qualification criteria to determine whether the qualification meets the same standards as UK PA training.
The registration processes
If GMC confirms and accept their qualification as have met the stated standards, the prospective applicant must then pass a two-part assessment overseen by the GMC before they can apply for registration.
The assessment comprises:
- 200-question knowledge-based assessment
- 14- station OSCE, delivered on our behalf by the Royal College of Physicians.
Verification of Qualifications: The applicant will also need to have their qualification independently verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates.
Application for Registration: Once both the qualification and assessments are successfully completed, applicants may submit their registration application. They will need to provide supporting documents demonstrating that they meet all the standards outlined in Article 3 of the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order 2024 before registration can be granted. This includes, among other requirements, proof of English language proficiency.
The GMC’s decision reflects the growing recognition of the vital role played by Clinical Officers, PAs, and their equivalents in delivering accessible, quality healthcare globally. It also aligns closely with the advocacy efforts of the Global Association of Clinical Officers & Physician Associates (GACOPA) and the International Academy of Physician Associate Educators (IAPAE) to standardize education, accreditation, and professional practice across borders.
This opens new opportunities for trained Clinical Officers to:
- Pursue careers in the UK under the GMC’s recognized framework.
- Contribute to global healthcare as trusted, skilled professionals.
- Enhance professional mobility by benefiting from international recognition of their qualifications.
GMC’s New Registration Framework
For more information about Registration guidance for international physician associates
