Each year, US News and World Report releases a list of the top graduate programs in the country. Rankings are computed based on peer assessment, using data gathered from deans and other faculty from accredited degree programs.  

This year, three NAU programs in the College of Health and Human Services were ranked best in the state of Arizona: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies. Notably, the NAU Physician Assistant Studies program ranked 27^th nationwide, outranking Boston University and sharing the 27^th spot alongside Cornell and Yale. 

The Physician Assistant Studies program at NAU emphasizes primary care in rural and medically underserved areas, with students completing clinical rotations in underserved settings. The program is committed to addressing the healthcare provider shortages prevalent in rural communities across the state. “Seeing our program ranked best in the state is a great honor and reaffirms our commitment to the communities in Arizona,” said Dr. Alison Essary, department chair of physician assistant studies at NAU. “This ranking is a direct reflection of the hard work of our outstanding faculty who provide the quality education, mentorship, and care to our students.”  

The NAU Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs also had a strong showing on the list, holding best-in-state spots. “I am immensely proud of our program being the best in the state,” said Dr. Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, department chair of Occupational Therapy at NAU. “Our position in these rankings attests to the ongoing commitment to excellence from our faculty and students.”  

All three programs are offered at the Phoenix Bioscience Core campus, with Physical Therapy also being offered on the Flagstaff Mountain campus and in a hybrid format. Learn more about these best-in-state programs at The College of Health and Human Services.

August 1, 2024