MKU Celebrates Historic Breakthrough as UK GMC Opens Registration for Physician Associates and Clinical Officers
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking development that marks a turning point in the global recognition of the Physician Associate (PA) and Clinical Officer profession.
The United Kingdom’s General Medical Council (GMC) has officially opened registration pathways for Physician Associates (PAs) and comparable professionals—including Clinical Officers from Kenya, Ghana, and other recognized countries—to apply for GMC registration and practice in the UK.
This milestone enhances career mobility for MKU graduates and validates the high-quality training and contribution of Clinical Officers in strengthening healthcare systems worldwide. For MKU, it reaffirms the university’s commitment to producing competent, globally competitive Clinical Officers ready to serve both locally and internationally.
“This is a proud moment for MKU and for the Clinical Officer profession at large. The world is opening its doors wider for our graduates’ skills and dedication,” the university noted.
Why This Matters
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 across the globe. 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), which have long championed harmonized education, accreditation, and professional practice standards worldwide.
GACOPA President, Austin Oduor Otieno, hailed the milestone as “a victory for all of us striving to elevate the profession on a global stage,” adding that it comes at a time when international collaboration is at its peak.
GMC Registration Framework
According to the GMC, international applicants will be required to meet the following criteria:
- Qualification Assessment – Applicants must demonstrate that their PA/Clinical Officer qualification meets GMC standards, including coursework depth, clinical rotations, and supervision.
- English Language Proficiency – Proof of effective communication in English (IELTS or OET) is mandatory.
- Registration Assessment – All applicants must pass the Physician Associate Registration Assessment (PARA), conducted by the Royal College of Physicians.
- Recognition of PA Equivalents – Qualifications from countries where the profession is regulated by law will be assessed for parity with UK standards.
Registration is now open, with qualification assessment fees set at £500. The GMC has also announced a two-year transition period (2024–2026), giving practitioners time to meet all requirements while continuing to practice in their home countries.
Recognized Countries for Registration
The GMC currently recognizes qualifications from: Bangladesh, Canada (varies by region), Ghana, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Malawi, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, and Zimbabwe.
Looking Ahead
This development coincides with preparations for major global engagements, including the International Summit hosted by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) on March 21–22, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, where discussions will focus on extending international accreditation to PA programs. Graduates could soon be eligible to sit for the PANCE exam and earn NCCPA certification.
Later in August 2025, the 5th GACOPA International Delegates Conference at Aston University, UK, will further advance conversations on global professional harmonization.
A World of Opportunities for MKU Graduates
For MKU-trained Clinical Officers, this milestone opens unprecedented opportunities to:
- Pursue careers in the UK under the GMC’s recognized framework.
- Contribute to global healthcare as trusted, skilled professionals.
- Enhance their professional mobility through international recognition of their qualifications.
As the profession gains momentum, MKU and its partners remain steadfast in their mission to nurture highly skilled health professionals who not only serve Kenya but also impact healthcare systems across the globe.
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