PA Program Frequently Asked Questions

How many applicants are being interviewed this year and how many will be chosen for the class?

We are interviewing approximately 140 applicants this year and will be choosing 56 for the next class.

When can we expect to hear about our status regarding being chosen for the next class?

We anticipate admission decisions will be finalized by mid-February. You will receive a phone call and a follow-up letter of invitation if you are being invited to join our class. If you are being placed on the alternate list or rejected, you will receive a letter regarding your status.

How many alternates are being chosen and when are alternates told that they are invited?

We will inform you of your alternate status in late-February. We will not be calling you with updated information regarding changes in the alternate list. However, you are free to call us and inquire. We have invited people to join the class as late as 1 week into the program in the past.

Are we expected to do anything to hold our space in the class if we are invited?

You will be expected to make a $500 deposit to hold your seat within 10 days of receiving your invitation. This money is applied to your tuition and is non-refundable.

How many residents from North Carolina are invited to attend?

Wake Forest University is a private institution, and we therefore have no quota of North Carolina residents affecting our admission decisions.

What factors affect your Admissions decisions?

The factors we consider as we make admission decisions are:

• GPA
• GRE Score
• Clinical experience
• Personal statement and references
• Interview score (both group and individual)

Who sits on the Admissions Committee?

The Admissions Committee consists of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Studies Faculty, other School of Medicine faculty and alumni of the PA Program who are also practicing Physician Assistants.

How do the Program's PA graduates do on the National Certifying Examination?

Last year, the Wake Forest University School of Medicine PA Program had an 87% pass rate for first-time takers.  Over the past four years, the percentage of our students passing the National Certifying Examination on the first attempt has been 92%, consistent with the national average of 92%.

How are the rotations for the second year chosen?

Wake's PA Program learners have some control in selecting rotation sites. Wake Forest has 1,100 active clinical site locations, 500 of which have been used over the last 3 to 4 years. The Director of Clinical Education handles rotation final selection. Most learners use both Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center sites as well as extramural sites.

For the elective rotations, learners are given a considerable amount of responsibility in selection of these sites. Some learners in the past have chosen to extend some of their core rotations to use the 4-week elective time, while some have elected to complete rotations out of state or in preparation for an employment opportunity.

Can I work and be a PA student?

According to our policy, employment by or in the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program during the period of matriculation is strictly prohibited.

Due to the rigorous nature of the curriculum, employment outside of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program during the period of matriculation is highly discouraged.

Is a background check performed for admission?

Upon acceptance of an offer of admission, applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. Should the background check yield any criminal information, the offer of admission may be revoked. Acceptance into the Wake Forest University School of Medicine PA Program does not imply or guarantee that the student will be able to obtain state licensure upon graduation.