LITTLE ROCK — 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.
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, 12th for graduates who work in rural communities and 22nd for graduates who serve as primary care physicians.
“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,” said Steven Webber, M.D., executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the college. “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.”
The UAMS College of Nursing also received recognition for its graduate programs, ranking 47th for its master’s degree track and 52nd for its Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The College of Nursing was the only Arkansas school in the top 100 in either category.
“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,” said Patricia Cowan, Ph.D., RN, dean of the College of Nursing. “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.”
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 58th in the nation for its physician assistant (PA) program, 79th for its physical therapy program and 95th for its occupational therapy track. The PA program was the only one in Arkansas ranked in the top 100.
“The recognition from U.S. News & World Report shows the reputation these programs have built on the strength of their student outcomes, faculty expertise and innovative curricula,” said Susan Long, Ed.D., dean of the College of Health Professions.
The UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health 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.
“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,” he said. “The College of Public Health strives to create the best educational experience for students, foster the best environment in which to conduct research, and find the best methods to serve the public health of Arkansans.”
