Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a 24-month, two-campus Physician Assistant program leading to a Master of Medical Science degree. Applicants apply through CASPA and complete a Wake Forest supplemental application. Requirements include a qualifying degree, a 3.2 overall GPA, prerequisite courses, GRE scores and 1,000 hours of direct patient-contact experience. Interviews are selected on a rolling basis; Casper is not an admissions requirement.
- Program
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Credential
- MMS
- Location
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
- Casper
- Not required
- Next deadline
- September 1, 2027 (CASPA application deadline)
- Seats
- 87 enrolled
- Length
- 24 months
Casper Requirement for Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant
Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant does not require Casper for the 2027-2028 cycle.
Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2027-2028
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Application fee
- $100 supplemental application fee; eligible CASPA fee-waiver recipients, veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel may receive a supplemental fee waiver.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASPA application deadline | September 1, 2027upcoming |
| Supplemental application deadline | October 1, 2027upcoming |
| Official GRE scores received and posted by CASPA | October 1, 2027upcoming |
| 1,000 healthcare experience hours completed | October 1, 2027upcoming |
| Prerequisite courses completed | December 31, 2027upcoming |
| Degree requirement completed | December 31, 2027upcoming |
Rolling admissions; applications are evaluated as they complete via CASPA. Apply early for interview invitations.
Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Class of 2028
- Seats / class size: 87 enrolled
- Applicants: 1,517
- Interviewed: 208
- Admitted: 174 accepted
- Average GPA: 3.74 total; 3.74 science
- Average test score: GRE verbal 155; quantitative 154
- In-state enrolled students: 42
- Out-of-state enrolled students: 45
- Average clinical hours at application: 2,620
A competitive applicant has fewer than two total undergraduate course withdrawals.
Eligibility Requirements for Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an institution the school determines equivalent; a master's or doctoral degree may satisfy this minimum.
- Citizenship
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply.
Applicants educated outside the U.S. or Canada must obtain an academic-equivalency transcript evaluation. Prerequisites must be taken at qualifying institutions in the U.S. or Canada.
Other requirements
- References: Submit at least three through CASPA; one must be from a healthcare professional.
- Separated military applicants: Upload an official DD214 with the supplemental application.
- Before matriculation: Complete a criminal background check, health assessment and immunization review, and meet the program's technical standards.
Selection Factors Wake Forest School of Medicine Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Genetics | One semester; at least 3 semester or 4 quarter hours Molecular-based; social-based genetics does not qualify. |
| General Chemistry | One semester; at least 3 semester or 4 quarter hours One semester of Organic Chemistry also qualifies. |
| Biochemistry | One semester; at least 3 semester or 4 quarter hours Survey or combined courses do not qualify. |
| Human Anatomy and Human Physiology | One academic year; at least 6 semester or 8 quarter hours Separate Anatomy and Physiology semesters, or two combined semesters. |
| Microbiology | One semester; at least 3 semester or 4 quarter hours |
| Statistics | One semester; at least 3 semester or 4 quarter hours |
| Medical Terminology | One course Contact admissions before taking an online course that will not receive a grade on a college transcript. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA calculates total overall GPA from completed coursework at application submission; post-submission GPA updates are not considered.
- Minimum
- 3.2 overall
- Competitive
- Class of 2028 enrolled-student averages: 3.74 total GPA and 3.74 science GPA.
Each prerequisite requires a transcript grade of C or higher; C- does not qualify.
Admissions tests
- GRE General Test (required): Take within five years of the application deadline. Send official scores through CASPA using program code 5923; CASPA must receive and post them by the published GRE deadline. Applicants with a recent health-related graduate degree who cannot obtain GRE scores may submit scores from the degree-granting institution.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
At least 1,000 hours of healthcare employment or other direct patient-contact experience must be completed by the published deadline. Hands-on care and community service in healthcare strengthen an application. PA shadowing is encouraged but does not count toward the required hours.
Supplementary application
Complete the Wake Forest supplemental application after the program receives a verified CASPA application.
How applicants are ranked
Rolling interview selection prioritizes highly qualified applicants who submit CASPA and supplemental applications early. Holistic admission review considers the supplemental application, GPA, GRE, undergraduate withdrawals, clinical experience, personal statement, references, interview evaluations, leadership, service, life experience and aptitude for inquiry-based learning.
Interview Format at Wake Forest School of Medicine
The interview format has not been published.
- Who is invited
- Highly qualified applicants; early CASPA and supplemental submissions receive priority for limited interview places.
- When
- Fall 2027
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 24 months
- Structure
Didactic and clinical phases with competency-based training
- Campuses
- Winston-Salem, Boone
Rotations in primary care, surgery, and specialties at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center sites, building skills for certification and the PANCE exam. Matriculated students describe a structured progression.
Campus and facilities
The PA program teaches students at its Winston-Salem campus and its Boone campus at Appalachian State University. Clinical placements include Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist sites and other practices.
Tuition and Funding at Wake Forest School of Medicine
- Anticipated 2027-2028 tuition, first year: $47,837 for 12 months at either campus
- Anticipated 2027-2028 tuition, second year: $47,837 for 12 months at either campus
The published cost-of-attendance budget also includes program fees and estimated living costs. Incoming-student tuition scholarships are considered after interview.
Wake Forest School of Medicine's Mission and Values
Produce highly capable, compassionate PAs who deliver patient-centered care, contribute to the healthcare community and advance the PA profession.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report positive interview experiences on SDN, with the Interview Experience Score reflecting strong impressions. Matriculated students describe a structured curriculum progression that prepares for the PANCE exam. Students note a supportive campus environment amid competitive peers.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Application
- Document at least 1,000 hours of direct patient-contact experience; PA shadowing does not count toward them.
- Arrange GRE scores through CASPA using program code 5923.
- Check prerequisite courses and transcript grades against Wake Forest's requirements.
- Submit CASPA and the subsequent supplemental application early for rolling interview consideration.
- Prepare to discuss clinical experience, service and inquiry-based learning if invited to interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant
Does Wake Forest PA require Casper?
No. Casper is not listed among the PA program's admissions requirements.
What is the minimum GPA?
A CASPA-calculated total overall GPA of at least 3.2 at application submission.
Is the GRE required?
Yes. Send GRE General Test scores through CASPA using program code 5923.
How much patient-care experience is required?
At least 1,000 hours of direct patient-contact experience; PA shadowing does not count.
Does Wake Forest PA use rolling admissions?
It selects interviewees on a rolling basis and prioritizes early CASPA and supplemental submissions.
What is the interview format?
The interview format has not been published.
How long is the PA program?
24 months, at the Winston-Salem or Boone campus.
Is financial aid available?
Incoming students may be considered for tuition scholarships after interviewing; other financial-aid options are listed by the school.
Sources
- Wake Forest PA Admission Process
- Wake Forest PA Admission Requirements
- Wake Forest PA Admission FAQs
- Wake Forest PA Class Profile
- Wake Forest PA Program
- Wake Forest PA Costs and Financial Aid
- Wake Forest PA Accreditation
- Class of 2029 Academic Calendar
Last updated: September 26, 2026