Emerging Leaders Program

Within the healthcare industry, the physician’s assistant (PA) profession in particular is predicted to grow about 30% in the next 5-10 years (the average rate for most professions is 7%). Simultaneously, the industry is facing unprecedented change from technological innovation and new regulation. The increase in regulatory oversight, as well as the demand for healthcare reform, is impacting the delivery of services and the healthcare economy.

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a cross-disciplinary, sequential degree program designed to provide a future generation of PA leaders with the knowledge they need to transform the delivery of health care while navigating a complex legal marketplace. Offered in partnership with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, students first earn a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) over the course of 12 months followed by a Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Program in 24 months (36 months total).

Online Master of Studies in Law (MSL) Curriculum

ELP-Law students enroll in the online MSL, Health Law & Policy Track. The curriculum is market-driven and developed by Wake Forest Law faculty in collaboration with industry leaders in health law and policy. The Wake Forest MMS in PA Studies degree is grounded in student-centered learning theory, including the signature inquiry-based learning model. ELP-Law students must be in good academic standing with the MSL program in order to matriculate into the PA school. ELP-Law students may receive a total of 6 transfer credits of MMS coursework toward the MSL.

Application Instructions

Candidates must apply and be accepted to both the MSL and MMS programs in advance of beginning the sequential degree. Interested candidates should complete the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application and indicate their interest for Emerging Leaders Program — Law on the Wake Forest University School of Medicine supplemental portion of the application. Those who have expressed interest and have also met the admission criteria for the PA Program will be invited to interview for the Emerging Leaders Program and complete the MSL Program application process.