Physician Assistant (PA) Program has been ranked #3 in the nation

The University of Utah Physician Assistant (PA) Program has been ranked #3 in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings of Best Graduate Schools for Physician Assistant programs — its highest placement in program’s more than 50 year history.

This milestone reflects the PA program’s enduring commitment to training exceptional healthcare providers equipped to lead in primary care, rural and underserved medicine, behavioral health, and global health.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as one of the top three PA programs in the nation,” said Jennifer Coombs, PhD, PA-C, Director of Graduate Studies for the PA Program. “This ranking reflects the extraordinary dedication of our students, faculty, staff, preceptors, and clinical partners who work tirelessly to train the next generation of physician assistants.”

Founded in 1971, the PA Program at the University of Utah has a reputation as a national leader in primary care education, rural and behavioral health integration, and international rotations in Guatemala, Nepal, and Thailand.

“We are proud of our continued high ranking -- this is a testament to exceptional students, staff and faculty that are reflected in this accolade. We are prouder still of our heritage as a MedEx program and our mission to provide primary care and care for the underserved. This mission drives excellence within the program and the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences at the University of Utah, “ said Jared Spackman, MPAS, PA-C, Program Director.

“We’re proud to offer a program that not only ranks among the best, but also lives its mission of service, access, and equity in healthcare,” said Leigh Elrod, DPAS, PA-C, Division Chair of Physician Assistant Studies.

For more information about the University of Utah PA Program, visit:
https://medicine.utah.edu/physician-assistant-education-sciences