The University of Lynchburg’s PA Medicine program was ranked 40th among the 2023 Best Graduate Schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program ranked 179th.
“We’re excited to see the University of Lynchburg Master of PA Medicine recognized by U.S. News,” said program director Dr. Jenna Rolfs. “We strive to set our graduates up for success and prepare them to deliver excellent patient care as new health care providers.”
Dean of the College of Medical Science Dr. Jeremy Welsh, who created the first Doctor of Medical Science program at Lynchburg and founded the University’s PA Medicine program, agrees the curriculum is a game changer for students — and there’s something else that sets PA Medicine apart.
“Our innovative and progressive curriculum, along with the opportunity to complete the Doctor of Medical Science upon graduation, helps differentiate both our MPAM and DMSc programs and allows our graduates to take on greater roles in health care,” Welsh said.
Dr. Allen Moore, who directs the DPT program, said he’s “excited to be recognized as one of the best Physical Therapy programs in our region of the United States. Our students, faculty, and staff work hard to make sure we offer a very high-quality education as we prepare students for rewarding careers as physical therapists.”
Designed for prospective students looking to further their education beyond college, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, medicine, and nursing.
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.
“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.”
Prospective students can see how the University of Lynchburg compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on the U.S. News website.
Lynchburg’s PA Medicine program offers a 27-month curriculum to cohorts of up to 40 students each year. The University’s facilities were designed specifically to meet the needs of PA Medicine students, including state-of-the-art classrooms, a physical diagnosis lab, and simulation training.
The program also features an anatomy lab with flat screen monitors and 21 cadaver stations, and students use virtual reality to simulate patient interactions.
