Wake Forest PA Program: Admissions Guide 2025-2026

The Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program stands out for its rigorous 29-month curriculum delivered through the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For the 2025-2026 admission cycle, prospective applicants must submit applications via CASPA, including a CASPA ID, with a distribution deadline of September 29, 2025. The program requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient contact healthcare experience, GRE scores sent via CASPA code 5923, and accepts the English Casper test only, with multiple test dates available through September 2025. It also accepts the Fee Assistance Program (FAP). This guide covers eligibility, selection factors like GPA and Casper, interview process, curriculum details, campus life, tuition context, and preparation strategies, equipping you with everything needed to apply competitively.

Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Admissions Statistics

The program admits 87 students per class, as seen in the Class of 2027 profile with 33 in-state and 54 out-of-state matriculants. Average total GPA stands at 3.64, science GPA at 3.58, and verbal GRE at 156. These figures highlight the program's competitiveness, comparable to medical school admissions, where applicants need strong academics alongside substantial clinical experience.

• Matriculants: 87 total
• In-state/Out-of-state: 33/54
• Average Total GPA: 3.64
• Average Science GPA: 3.58
• Average Verbal GRE: 156

Strategic applicants target these benchmarks to align with admitted profiles, recognizing that fewer than two total withdrawals or fails further strengthens candidacy.

Eligibility Requirements for Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

All candidates must hold a bachelor's degree and achieve an average overall GPA of 3.2 or greater as calculated by CASPA at the time of application. Direct patient contact through healthcare employment totals at least 1,000 hours, a threshold that underscores the program's emphasis on practical readiness.

1. Complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Attain a CASPA-calculated overall GPA of 3.2 minimum.
3. Accumulate 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience.
4. Submit GRE scores via CASPA code 5923.

These prerequisites position applicants who have shadowed PAs or worked in clinical roles effectively, as programs like this prioritize hands-on exposure equivalent to medical school competitiveness.

Selection Factors Wake Forest School of Medicine Considers

GPA Requirements

CASPA calculates the overall GPA, requiring a 3.2 minimum for consideration. Competitive applicants exceed this, matching the Class of 2027 average of 3.64 total GPA and 3.58 science GPA. Programs review both overall and science metrics holistically, favoring candidates with consistent performance and minimal course withdrawals.

GRE Scores

GRE scores must arrive through CASPA using Wake Forest University School of Medicine PA Program code 5923. Admitted students average 156 verbal; submit all sections for a complete profile. Test early to meet rolling admissions timelines.

Casper Test

The program accepts only the English Casper test for the 2025-2026 cycle. This 65-85 minute assessment includes 11 scenarios: 4 video-response and 7 typed-response, each with 2 questions and 3.5 minutes for typed replies, scored individually per response. Available test dates are:

• May 1, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• May 15, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• May 29, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• May 29, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Jun 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Jun 10, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Jun 26, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Jun 26, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Jul 8, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Jul 8, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Jul 20, 2025 - 1:00 PM EDT
• Jul 20, 2025 - 4:00 PM EDT
• Jul 31, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Jul 31, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Aug 12, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Aug 12, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Aug 26, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Aug 26, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
• Sep 16, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
• Sep 16, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT

Completing at least 50 practice scenarios builds familiarity with ethical and interpersonal themes. Many applicants access The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses, to simulate the updated format.

Healthcare Experience

Minimum 1,000 hours of direct patient contact is non-negotiable, often through roles like EMT, medical assistant, or scribe. Competitive profiles exceed this, demonstrating sustained commitment in clinical settings.

Interview Format and Selection at Wake Forest School of Medicine

The Wake Forest School of Medicine PA Program employs rolling admissions, evaluating applications as they complete via CASPA by the September 29, 2025 distribution deadline. Interviews assess fit through behavioral questions on clinical experience and motivation. Students report positive experiences on SDN, with the Interview Experience Score reflecting strong impressions. Prepare by practicing responses to scenario-based prompts; The Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator replicates timed conditions for traditional or panel formats commonly used.

Post-interview, selections prioritize holistic fit, including Casper performance and patient care hours. Receive decisions promptly due to rolling nature—follow up professionally if invited.

Curriculum at Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program

This 29-month program integrates didactic and clinical phases, emphasizing competency-based training at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center sites. Students complete rotations in primary care, surgery, and specialties, building skills for certification. Matriculated students describe a structured progression that prepares for the PANCE exam.

Wake Forest School of Medicine Campus and Facilities

Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the program operates within the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, offering access to advanced simulation labs and diverse clinical affiliations. Campus life centers on collaborative learning, with students noting a supportive environment amid competitive peers. Housing options near campus accommodate the 29-month commitment; secure leases aligning with program start dates.

Tuition and Funding at Wake Forest School of Medicine

Tuition exceeds comparable programs by $10,000-$15,000, reflecting premium facilities and affiliations. FAP eligibility eases costs for qualified applicants. Explore institutional scholarships based on merit and need post-acceptance.

How to Prepare Your Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Application

Begin 12-18 months ahead: log 1,000+ patient care hours by spring 2025, take GRE by early summer, and complete Casper by September. Submit CASPA early for rolling advantage. Use The Bright Doctor's platform for Casper practice (50+ scenarios minimum), AI simulations, and current med student mentorship to refine essays and interviews. Tailor personal statements to highlight clinical depth; leverage the Application Material Hub for CASPA optimization.

1. Verify 1,000 hours documentation by April 2025.
2. Schedule GRE and Casper from listed dates.
3. Submit CASPA before September 29, 2025 deadline.
4. Practice interviews weekly post-invitation.

Competitive applicants track metrics against Class of 2027 data, adjusting timelines accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wake Forest School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program 2025-2026

Does Wake Forest PA Program require Casper for 2025-2026?

Yes, it accepts only the English Casper test. Schedule from May to September 2025 dates; practice 50+ scenarios for the 11-scenario format with 3.5-minute typed responses.

What is the minimum GPA for Wake Forest School of Medicine PA Program?

CASPA requires a 3.2 overall GPA minimum. Competitive averages are 3.64 total and 3.58 science, per Class of 2027.

Is GRE required for Wake Forest PA admissions?

Yes, submit via CASPA code 5923. Admitted students average 156 verbal.

What patient care hours does Wake Forest PA Program need?

Minimum 1,000 hours of direct contact healthcare experience. Exceeding this strengthens applications in this competitive cycle.

Does Wake Forest PA Program have rolling admissions?

Yes, with CASPA distribution by September 29, 2025. Apply early for interview invitations.

What is the interview format at Wake Forest School of Medicine PA?

Rolling interviews focus on behavioral and experiential questions. SDN reports positive experiences; prepare with scenario practice.

How long is the Wake Forest PA Program?

29 months, including clinical rotations at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Is financial aid available for Wake Forest PA Program?

FAP accepted; merit scholarships offered post-matriculation.