MUSC Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs rank among the top in the nation

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 9, 2024)

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2024 rankings of the Best Graduate Schools in the country, focusing on outcomes. It includes multiple programs at the Medical University of South Carolina.

In MUSC’s College of Health Professions, three programs achieved rankings in the top 10% of their categories.

Nurse Anesthesia

The college’s longest continuously running program is ranked No. 11, up from No. 29 when it was last ranked in 2018. The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree is offered in both an entry-level (postbaccalaureate) and post-professional (post-master’s) format.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and medication in a variety of settings and are the primary providers of anesthesia care to U.S. military personnel. U.S. News & World Report ranked the profession No. 5 on its list of Best Paying Jobs and No. 6 on the Best Health Care Jobs in 2024.

Occupational Therapy

The occupational therapy program at MUSC is ranked No. 14 among the Best Grad Schools. It has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s best. Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, improve and maintain skills needed for daily living and working. They work with a diverse range of patients in a variety of settings from pediatrics to stroke rehabilitation.

MUSC’s program offers an entry-level Occupational Therapy Doctorate for those new to the field and a post-professional doctorate for practicing occupational therapists. Occupational therapy is ranked the No. 1 Best Job for Work-Life Balance and No. 4 Best Health Care Job in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Physical Therapy

MUSC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program came in at No. 21 among accredited physical therapy programs in the Best Grad School rankings this year. Physical therapists examine, diagnose and treat individuals of all ages who have health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and function in their daily lives. MUSC’s Therapy Division offers an entry-level doctorate degree and four residency programs. The profession was ranked the No. 7 Best Health Care Job for 2024.

The dean of the College of Health Professions, Zoher Kapasi, Ph.D., PT, was pleased by the college’s recognition in the Best Grad School rankings. “The latest rankings confirm our solid national reputation and are a testament to the stellar work of our faculty, staff and students. We are poised to fulfill our college’s vision of improving the health of populations by training outstanding health professionals to care for the citizens of South Carolina and beyond.”

Determining rankings

U.S. News uses a carefully honed formula to determine its rankings. According to its website: “The rankings and data for these disciplines are derived from survey data that schools reported to U.S. News in fall 2023 and early 2024, in some cases combined with third party-sourced information.”

The publication also cautions prospective students not to use the rankings as the sole basis for choosing a program. They should consider other factors such as:

• A school's course offerings.
• Department culture.
• Total cost to obtain the degree.
• Networking after graduation.
• Advising or mentoring programs.
• Location.
• Campus life.

For a closer look at the report’s ranking methodologies, visit the U.S. News & World Report website.