April 9, 2024

Three programs in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions have received top rankings in the latest U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Schools.

• Nurse Anesthesia was ranked No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia out of over 130 programs in the U.S.
• Occupational Therapy was ranked No. 14 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia out of over 260 programs in the U.S.
• Physical Therapy was ranked No. 29 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia in the 2024 rankings out of nearly 250 programs in the U.S.

“At the VCU College of Health Professions, we deliver an exceptional experience for students preparing to become future leaders and skilled professionals in health care’s most in-demand roles,” said Paula Song, Ph.D., interim dean and Richard M. Bracken Chair, College of Health Professions. “Our departments and programs promote academic excellence through teaching, research, diversity and innovation – all under one roof. With five programs consistently ranked among the top in the nation – three of which are ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report – the VCU College of Health Professions is unparalleled in excellence.”

In total, the College of Health Professions has five nationally ranked programs, three of which are in the top 10. In April 2023, the college’s health care management program was ranked No. 3 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia, while the rehabilitation counseling program was ranked No. 6 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia.

“Being named among the top nurse anesthesia programs in the nation is a testament to our longstanding history and distinguished reputation of training the most skilled professionals in nurse anesthesia,” said Nickie Damico, Ph.D., chair and Herbert T. Watson endowed professor, Department of Nurse Anesthesia. “I commend our students, faculty, staff, and alumni for the tremendous impact they continue to make on our communities as part of an elite specialty in health care.”

“I am proud of our department for remaining dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of patients and their families,” said Carole Ivey, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. “Because of the hard work and perseverance of our faculty, staff and students, we have been recognized as a top 20 program in the country for over 20 years.”

“Our premiere program continues to lead the way in advanced, interdisciplinary physical therapy education,” said Benjamin Darter, P.T., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. “I am grateful for the support and dedication of our world class faculty and staff, as well the college and university leadership for their many contributions to advancing the field of physical therapy.”

Across VCU, 12 graduate programs ranked in the Top 50 in the country. To learn more about the latest graduate school rankings at VCU, read the full announcement on VCU News. To see the full list of graduate school rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report.