AHS graduate programs earn top ranks in U.S. News

The AHS doctoral programs in occupational therapy and physical therapy are among the best in the country, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools.

The Entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate shares the third place rank—the highest among all UIC graduate programs. The Doctor of Physical Therapy tied for 41st place.

“This recognition acknowledges our position as one of the elite occupational therapy programs in the country,” said OT department head Susan Magasi ’02 MS OT, ’06 PhD DS.

The rankings, released April 9, are based on program quality and statistical measures of faculty merits, research quality and postgraduate outcomes for students. More than 200 accredited doctoral and master’s degree programs were surveyed.

OT tied for third place with Washington University in St. Louis. PT tied with University of Central Florida and University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

In 2023, students in the E-OTD program had a 100% pass rate on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam within 12 months of graduation.

In the DPT program, 100% of 2023 graduates passed the national licensing exam within 12 months of graduation and all were employed within six months.

The new rankings “highlight our faculty’s reputation for innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and meaningful collaborations with community and clinical partners,” Magasi said.