‘Best Graduate Schools’ list highlights academic, research, leadership excellence
Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu
SAN ANTONIO, April 16, 2025 – The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) once again has been recognized among the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, highlighting the national standing of its Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, School of Nursing and School of Health Professions.
The 2025 rankings exemplify the university’s academic excellence, impactful research and leadership in health education.
In particular, the Long School of Medicine retained its place among the higher-tiered institutions for medical research and primary care, while Doctor of Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant and Speech Language Pathology programs all saw jumps in the rankings.
“We are proud to be ranked among the best graduate schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report 2025,” said Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD, senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system at UT Health San Antonio. “This reinforces UT Health San Antonio’s leadership in health education and research, where innovation meets impact. Our graduate programs prepare the next generation of change-makers, thought leaders and industry experts.”
The rankings were determined by survey data from fully accredited medical, osteopathic and nursing schools, and peer assessment surveys completed by deans, other administrators or faculty for the other accredited degree programs or schools ranked, in the fall of 2024 and early 2025. The findings are targeted to prospective students to help them determine their options.
From surveys sent to 197 medical and osteopathic schools, for both the medical research and primary care lists, schools were placed into four tiers rather than ranked by ordinal numbers. Each tier was derived from an overall score and presented alphabetically. The medical tiers were based on research productivity and primary care metrics, respectively, as well as faculty and admissions data.
For the second year in a row, the Long School of Medicine has earned national recognition, placing within the top half of eligible medical schools — an achievement that speaks volumes about the institution’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.
This distinction places the Long School of Medicine among a highly respected group leading the way in medical education and research innovation. The continued momentum reflects the dedication of its faculty, the passion of its students and a shared vision to shape the future of health care with purpose and impact.
“This is excellence recognized, both nationally and globally,” said Robert A. Hromas, MD, FACP, dean of the Long School of Medicine. “Our medical school consistently has earned international recognition for its academic rigor, impactful research and outstanding faculty.”
U.S. News & World Report noted that an advanced degree in nursing can improve professional skill sets, foster specialization and create opportunities for leadership and clinical roles. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees are terminal degrees that train registered nurses for leadership opportunities in improving patient care.
The UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing’s DNP program jumped 14 spots, or by 26%, to rank No. 40 in the nation, in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings.
“Best rankings translate into real outcomes, as our DNP alumni lead in their fields, from the lab to the clinic to the boardroom,” said Sonya Hardin, PhD, RN, APRN, FAAN, dean of the UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing.
Three of UT Health San Antonio’s School of Health Professions programs also rose in the rankings, with the Physician Assistant program improving to No. 35 from No. 40, Occupational Therapy advancing to No. 39 from No. 42, and Speech Language Pathology rising to No. 120 from No. 136 the year before. Physical Therapy also made the listings at No. 132.
“Our school is a proven choice for graduate study, trusted by thousands of students and acknowledged by one of the most respected rankings in higher education,” said David Shelledy, PhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, FASAHP, dean of the UT Health San Antonio School of Health Professions.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), a primary driver of San Antonio’s $44.1 billion health care and biosciences sector, is the largest academic research institution in South Texas with an annual research portfolio of more than $436 million. Driving substantial economic impact with its six professional schools, a diverse workforce of more than 9,400, an annual expense budget of $1.67 billion and clinical practices that provide 2.5 million patient visits each year, UT Health San Antonio plans continued growth over the next five years and anticipates adding more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and the South Texas region. To learn about the many ways “We make lives better®,” visit UTHealthSA.org.
The UT Health San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine is listed among U.S. News & World Report’s best medical schools, ranking in the top 30% nationwide for research. To learn more, visit https://uthscsa.edu/medicine/.
The UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing offers five academic programs, consisting of the BSN, DNP and PhD degrees and specialty certificates, and is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the nursing profession. First-generation college students represent one-third of its enrollment. The School of Nursing also operates a growing patient-care practice that provides primary and acute care by nurse practitioners, both on campus and at a variety of community partner sites. To learn more, visit https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/nursing.
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