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AMHERST, N.Y. – ˿����Ƶ’s Physician Assistant Studies and Nursing graduate programs placed among the best in the country, according to 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report rankings released Tuesday.  

“We are proud to see our Physician Assistant and Nursing graduate programs listed among the most prestigious in the country,” said ˿����Ƶ President Gary A. Olson. “The recognition is a true testament to the high-quality programs that make up our newly created College of Health Professions.” 

In 2022, ˿����Ƶ was granted university status by the New York State Board of Regents. The move allowed for organizational restructuring from two divisions into three colleges: College of Health Professions, College of Arts, Science and Education, and the College of Health, Human Science and Business. 

˿����Ƶ’s Physician Assistant Studies program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) offers first-year students a dual degree track where they can earn both a bachelor’s of science in health science and a master’s in physician assistant studies in just five years. Students have access to a gross anatomy lab and the Center for Interpersonal Learning and Simulation (CILS). 

The university’s nursing graduate degrees, all accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), include Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Executive Leadership, and Nursing Education. 

"Nurses and physician assistants have an essential role in healthcare, and our programs offer exceptional educational and career opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in either one of those two medical fields," said Dr. Michael S. Brogan, the executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of the university. "Both programs offer a rigorous curriculum, clinically active and experienced faculty, and razor edge resources. Graduates are well prepared with the knowledge, skills, and proficiency necessary to make a positive impact and meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and their communities."

The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students.

“When prospective students are considering their options for graduate school, the Best Graduate Schools rankings are designed to help them identify schools that excel in the program they want to study,” said LaMont Jones, senior editor of Education at U.S. News. “With many options available, U.S. News provides a wealth of data in an easy format to help each student make the best decision.” 

By collecting graduate school data annually, U.S. News is able to present the most current figures on enrollment, job placement, faculty and other critical quality indicators that help prospective students make informed decisions.