UAMS Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions, Public Health Ranked Among Nation’s Top Graduate Schools

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Health Professions and Public Health rank among the top academic programs in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of Best Graduate Schools for 2025. This recognition highlights the institution's ongoing excellence in medical and health sciences education.

UAMS College of Medicine

In the rankings released today, the UAMS College of Medicine is recognized as a Tier 1 school for primary care education, placing it among the highest-performing institutions in the nation. U.S. News & World Report evaluated dozens of medical and osteopathic schools and separated them into four tiers based on factors such as faculty resources and the academic achievements of entering students. It also considered the proportion of graduates practicing in primary care specialties, including family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, geriatrics, general practice and internal medicine pediatrics.

Reflecting UAMS’ commitment to improving care for medically underserved patients in Arkansas, the College of Medicine ranked fifth in the nation for its percentage of graduates who practice in medically needy areas, 12 th for graduates who work in rural communities and 22 nd for graduates who serve as primary care physicians. Steven Webber, M.D., executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the college, stated: “Ensuring that all Arkansans have access to high-quality primary care, both today and in the decades to come, is a top priority for the UAMS College of Medicine. The newest rankings from U.S. News & World Report confirm yet again that our medical school is one of the nation’s very best for primary care education and generating physicians for rural and other areas where they are needed most.”

UAMS College of Nursing

The UAMS College of Nursing also received recognition for its graduate programs, ranking 47 th for its master’s degree track and 52 nd for its Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Notably, the College of Nursing was the only Arkansas school in the top 100 in either category. Regarding these achievements, Patricia Cowan, Ph.D., RN, dean of the College of Nursing, said: “As we face nursing shortages at all levels in Arkansas and across the nation, it’s important that students are prepared to move quickly and capably into advanced nursing practice roles in the workforce. This year’s rankings reflect the hard work of faculty and staff members who make the College of Nursing a valuable steppingstone for nurses aspiring to advance their careers.”

College of Health Professions and Public Health

The UAMS College of Health Professions offers degree programs in a wide variety of allied health careers, and several of them were represented in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college ranked 58 th in the nation for its physician assistant (PA) program, 79 th for its physical therapy program and 95 th for its occupational therapy track. Additionally, the PA program was the only one in Arkansas ranked in the top 100. Susan Long, Ed.D., dean of the College of Health Professions, noted that the recognition shows the reputation these programs have built on the strength of their student outcomes, faculty expertise and innovative curricula.

The UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health also made a significant jump in the rankings of top public health programs, climbing 20 spots to No. 68 in the nation. Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the College of Public Health, said the college is focused on its mission to improve the lives of Arkansans through public health education, research and service. He added: “This national distinction communicates to those thinking about pursuing careers in public health or health care administration that they will receive a top-notch education at UAMS.”

2025 UAMS Graduate Ranking Summary

About UAMS

UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation.