Two Wake Forest School of Medicine graduate education programs have been ranked among the top 10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The school’s Physician Assistant (PA) program is ranked number 7 and its Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) program is ranked number 10. The two programs have been ranked among the Best Graduate School programs for a number of years. 
The annual U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2020 were released early this morning.
“We are thrilled with this recognition of our long-time graduate education programs that have truly changed the way health care is practiced today,” said Julie Ann Freischlag, M.D., CEO, Wake Forest Baptist Health and Dean, Wake Forest School of Medicine. “As dean of the medical school, I am especially proud of the culture of learning that exists throughout our institution and the diverse opportunities that these programs provide to improve the health of those we serve.”
The Physician Assistant program at Wake Forest Baptist began in 1969 and features small group learning complemented by instruction in basic sciences, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine focused on real patient medical conditions. Students learn through real-life cases, with a focus on primary health care delivery. Our PA students study on campuses in Winston-Salem and at Appalachian State University in Boone. Graduates are awarded the Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree.
The Nurse Anesthesia program at Wake Forest Baptist was founded in 1942, making it the oldest in North Carolina. The program provides a rigorous curriculum, advanced training and global opportunities. With the benefit of Wake Forest Baptist’s Center for Experiential Learning students experience situations in a controlled environment. Optional global health study exposes students to diverse health systems and cultures. Graduates are awarded the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia degree by the Wake Forest School of Medicine.
U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to help prospective students research more than 2,000 graduate programs.
Media contacts:
Joe McCloskey, jmcclosk@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1273
Eryn Johnson, eryjohns@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-8228