MSHA #1 again
The University of Alabama at Birmingham M.S. in Health Administration program is once again the top-ranked “Best Health Care Management Program” in the nation according to the latest U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rankings published today. They have been the USNWR’s #1 program in every ranking since 2019 and ranked #7 or higher since 2009.
“We are immensely proud of the dedication and accomplishments of the faculty and staff within the Department of Health Services Administration in continuing to achieve the No. 1 ranking,” said Jane Banaszak-Holl, Ph.D., chair, Department of Health Services Administration. “This recognition reflects a collective commitment to academic excellence, meaningful industry partnerships, strong alumni engagement, and the sustained hard work of our faculty and staff.”
Physical Therapy moves up to #12
The UAB Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program moves up five notches in the latest rankings to #12. This ranking places them among the top five percent of DPT programs in the United States.
“This is the culmination of the dedicated efforts and success of everyone involved with our program – faculty, staff, students, alumni, clinicians and partners,” said David Morris, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, chair, Department of Physical Therapy. “We know that we are delivering transformative education and experiences to our students, and we see our alumni providing life-changing care to those in need, so it is wonderful that our peers recognize this in our work as well. It is an honor for our DPT program to be considered among the top five percent in the United States today.”
Occupational Therapy joins the Top 20
The UAB Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) program moves up four spots ton #20 in the United States. They are now ranked among the top 12 public university OTD programs nationally.
“This is something our whole department should feel proud of,” said Gavin Jenkins, Ph.D., chair, Department of Occupational Therapy. “You don’t move up in the national rankings by accident. It happens because of the work our faculty and staff do every day, whether that is answering emails, having conversations, showing up at events, giving presentations, publishing research, writing grants, and taking every opportunity to represent our program. A lot of this work happens quietly and behind the scenes, but this increase in our ranking shows that it matters. This recognition reflects their efforts, and I hope everyone takes a moment to feel good about the part they are playing in our success.”
Physician Associate remains #21
The Physician Associate programs did not receive updated rankings in 2026. The UAB PA program is still ranked #21 in the nation.
Every program in the UAB School of Health Professions that can be ranked, is ranked among the Top 21 in the United States.
Ranking Process
U.S. News & World Report evaluated more than 1,700 institutions on up to 17 measures of academic quality. They heavily weighted student outcomes (graduation rates, social mobility) and reputation. The overall data is gathered from school surveys and federal sources, with schools grouped by academic mission. The methodology focuses on six core areas.
