The evolution of the PA profession in Switzerland

The physician associate (PA) profession was introduced in Switzerland through an informal hospital-based training program in 2014. In 2016, a formal education process was instituted at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) Institute of Public Health. ZHAW remains the only university with a PA curriculum in Switzerland. Presently, PAs are trained through a multi-tiered certification program with an option to complete a master's degree. Approximately 300 PAs practice in Switzerland as of 2025. As the number of PAs steadily increases, professional organizations, academic institutions, medical leaders, and Swiss authorities are working to develop policies for governance of the PA profession and to establish consistent expectations for PA education, training, and scope of practice.