Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
Mission and Approach
Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program aims to develop highly competent and compassionate PAs who provide patient-centered care, contribute to the healthcare community, and advance the PA profession (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, n.d.). The program’s unique approach emphasizes inquiry-based, small-group, self-directed learning centered on real patient medical problems. This patient-centered approach immerses students in real-life cases, fostering their clinical problem-solving abilities (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, n.d.).
Program Profile
The Wake Forest PA Program attracts diverse students from across the United States and prepares them to serve various communities and practice in primary care and specialty areas (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, n.d.). The program operates on two campuses in North Carolina: Winston-Salem and Boone, providing students with both rural and urban experiences (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, n.d.).
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Wake Forest PA Program is competitive, and applicants must meet specific criteria (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023). These criteria include:
Key Facts
- Mission: The mission of the Wake Forest PA Program is to produce highly capable, compassionate PAs who deliver patient-centered care, make significant contributions to the health care community, and continually advance the PA profession.
- Unique Approach: The Wake Forest PA Program has a unique history of innovation in medical education. It utilizes inquiry-based, small-group, self-directed learning centered on real patient medical problems. This patient-centered approach immerses students in real-life cases and fosters their clinical problem-solving abilities.
- Program Profile: The program attracts diverse students from across the United States and is dedicated to preparing PA providers to serve across all communities and the entire spectrum of primary care and specialty scopes of practice. The program is located on two campuses in North Carolina – one in Winston-Salem and one in Boone, incorporating both rural and urban exposures for students.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants for admission to the Wake Forest PA Program must satisfy criteria in various areas, including US citizenship/residency, educational requirements, letters of reference, GRE scores, Casper situational judgment test, health care experience, non-cognitive factors, background check, and technical standards.
- Educational Requirements: Applicants must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent institution. Prerequisite courses in genetics, general chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and medical terminology must be completed. Computer literacy is also encouraged.
- Letters of Reference: The PA Program requires at least three letters of reference, with one reference being from a health care professional.
- GRE and Casper: Applicants must take the GRE General Test within five years of the application deadline. They are also required to complete the Casper test, which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics important for successful students and graduates of the program.
- US citizenship or residency
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Prerequisite coursework in genetics, general chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and medical terminology
- Three letters of reference, including one from a healthcare professional
- GRE General Test scores
- Casper situational judgment test
- Healthcare experience
- Non-cognitive factors, such as leadership, volunteering, and diversity of life experience
- Background check and technical standards
Educational Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent institution (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023). Prerequisite courses must be completed in the United States or Canada from an accredited institution. Computer literacy is also encouraged (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023).
Letters of Reference
The PA Program requires at least three letters of reference, with one reference being from a health care professional (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023).
GRE and Casper
Applicants must take the GRE General Test within five years of the application deadline (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023). They are also required to complete the Casper test, which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics important for successful students and graduates of the program (Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2023).
References
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (n.d.). Physician Assistant (PA) Program. https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/pa-studies/pa-program
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (2023). Admission Requirements. https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/pa-studies/pa-program/admission-requirements
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine. (n.d.). Class Profile. https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/pa-studies/pa-program/class-profiles
FAQs
Does Wake Forest University have a PA program?
Yes, Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a Physician Assistant (PA) Program.
What is the mission of the Wake Forest PA Program?
The mission of the Wake Forest PA Program is to produce highly capable, compassionate PAs who deliver patient-centered care, make significant contributions to the healthcare community, and continually advance the PA profession.
What is unique about the Wake Forest PA Program?
The Wake Forest PA Program has a unique history of innovation in medical education. It utilizes inquiry-based, small-group, self-directed learning centered on real patient medical problems. This patient-centered approach immerses students in real-life cases and fosters their clinical problem-solving abilities.
What are the admission requirements for the Wake Forest PA Program?
Admission to the Wake Forest PA Program is competitive, and applicants must meet specific criteria, including a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, letters of reference, GRE scores, Casper situational judgment test, healthcare experience, non-cognitive factors, background check, and technical standards.
What is the curriculum of the Wake Forest PA Program like?
The Wake Forest PA Program curriculum uses an inquiry-based learning model complemented by instruction in basic sciences, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine with a focus on primary health care delivery.
Where is the Wake Forest PA Program located?
The Wake Forest PA Program is located on two campuses in North Carolina: Winston-Salem and Boone.
How long is the Wake Forest PA Program?
The Wake Forest PA Program is a 24-month program, and graduates earn a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree.
What are the career prospects for graduates of the Wake Forest PA Program?
Graduates of the Wake Forest PA Program are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They can practice in primary care and specialty areas, providing a wide range of patient care services.