UAB OT StudentsIn the latest U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Graduate Schools” rankings, UAB Occupational Therapy moves up three spots to number 25 while UAB Physical Therapy remains in the Top 20.

The climb by OT means the UAB School of Health Professions now has four programs ranked in the nation’s Top 25.

“When you look closely at the rankings you will notice we are the top ranked OT program in Alabama, the fifth-highest ranked program in the Southeast and #16 nationally for state-funded programs,” said Donna Slovensky, Ph.D., interim-chair, UAB Department of Occupational Therapy. “Our strategic plan outlines a path to become the premier state-funded entry level program and we are well on our way thanks to our quality students, successful alumni and an immense dedication of faculty and staff.”

UAB PT StudentsUAB Physical Therapy, ranked 20th, found themselves only one-tenth of a point from being ranked #15. Even more impressive considering there are more than 200 accredited programs across the country.

“I am pleased to see that this faculty’s hard work and dedication to excellence is recognized in the Physical Therapy education community,” said David Morris, Ph.D., interim-chair, UAB Department of Physical Therapy. “As we achieve many of the new initiatives we have underway, I anticipate even more progress in improving our program’s reputation.”

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the methodology for ranking Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy “are based solely on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to deans, other administrators and/or faculty at accredited degree programs or schools in each discipline.”

U.S. News & World Report rankings are staggered by years. The 2016 rankings saw the Master of Science in Health Administration program ranked #2 – the highest ranking program at UAB – and the Physician Assistant Studies program ranked 16th – the highest climbing UAB program with a nine spot leap.