Shenandoah University’s physician assistant studies program continues to rank among the nation’s best according to U.S. News & World Report, which listed the program No. 21 out of 205 PA programs included in its 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings.
Two other programs in Shenandoah’s School of Health Professions – physical therapy (No. 65 nationally) and occupational therapy (No. 95) – showed tremendous improvement in the most recent U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, which were released on April 8.
Shenandoah’s PA program remains the No. 1 program in Virginia, according to U.S. News & World Report, and is tied nationally with four other schools. Rankings were determined based on the results of nationwide surveys conducted in Fall 2024 and early 2025, which asked respondents to rate the academic quality of peer programs.
Being ranked 21st in the nation by U.S. News & World Report is a powerful affirmation of our mission to transform health care through innovative education. This top-10% national recognition honors the dedication of our faculty and staff, the strength of our program, and the impact our students are making as compassionate, curious, and purpose-driven future PAs. We’re proud of where we stand – and even more excited about where we’re headed.”
Erika Francis, D.M.S., PA-C, interim director of Shenandoah University’s Division of Physician Assistant Studies
SU’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is an accredited, eight-semester, 30-month program that prepares students for primary care practice. Additionally, Shenandoah offers a Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health Dual Degree Program, which prepares students to enter a wide range of PA and public health positions that address today’s most challenging population health-care issues.
Shenandoah University’s physical therapy program jumped 41 spots to No. 65 in the 2025 graduate school rankings, and is the No. 2 PT program in Virginia.
Shenandoah offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy via two different programs (traditional and post-professional), as well as a dual degree with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
The occupational therapy program’s No. 95 ranking marked an improvement of 10 spots from the previous rankings. Shenandoah’s Division of Occupational Therapy offers a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy via several different programs.
