About the program
The Wingate University Physician Assistant Program – Hendersonville PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The Wingate University Physician Assistant Program is dedicated to developing educated, productive and ethical physician assistants to serve the healthcare needs of the community in which they practice."
Ultrasound (POCUS)integrated into the curriculum, Robust simulation/task trainer utilization, Clinical Transition Course, Students offered two elective rotations and eight core rotations, Student-centered program with robust advising/remediation processes, two campus environments
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 7 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Wingate University Physician Assistant Program, located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, offers a 27-month MPAS degree with ARC-PA Continued accreditation and an anticipated August 2027 start. With an estimated incoming class size of just 20 students, the program functions as a closely structured, student-centered environment with an explicit commitment to robust advising and remediation processes - a meaningful detail for applicants who want individualized support through a demanding curriculum.
The mission centers on producing educated, productive, and ethical PAs prepared to meet the healthcare needs of the communities where they practice. Instruction follows an organ-based and systems-based approach, and the curriculum integrates point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) from the outset alongside significant simulation and task trainer work. A Clinical Transition Course helps bridge the didactic and clinical phases. During clinical training, students complete eight core rotations and two elective rotations, providing some flexibility to pursue areas of personal interest. The program operates across two campus environments, though no distance learning or part-time options are available.
Competitive applicants should note that matriculants have averaged a 3.67 overall GPA and a 3.63 science GPA, though the minimum prerequisite GPA required for consideration is 3.20. Required prerequisites include Human Anatomy with lab (4 credits), Human Physiology with lab (4 credits), Microbiology with lab (4 credits), and Statistics (3 credits), all completed within the past seven years, with no more than two prerequisites still outstanding at the time of application. The GRE is required; the MCAT is not accepted.
The patient-care threshold is 500 hours of paid direct patient care, which is a firm requirement rather than a recommendation. Healthcare experience beyond direct patient care is recommended but not mandatory. Applicants must submit at least two reference letters. The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, with the caveat that international applicants should consult the program's website for applicable exceptions.
Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis with an application deadline of January 15, 2027, so early submission is strategically important. Interviews include both a traditional format and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), and attendance is not required to be onsite. Total tuition runs $101,150 with a $1,500 seat deposit; there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.
An applicant should assess fit here primarily by considering whether the small cohort size, the paid patient-care requirement, the POCUS and simulation emphasis, and the community-focused mission align with their professional goals and learning style.