April 16, 2025 | Angela Jackson
The Physician Assistant (PA) program at the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies (UMSGS) has achieved its highest national ranking to date from U.S. News and World Report, placing No. 75 (tied with other institutions) in “Best Physician Assistant Programs” for 2024-2025.
The ranking marks a major milestone for the program. Previously, U.S. News listed the program at No. 126 in 2023. UMSGS’s jump into the top 100 underscores the PA program’s rising national profile and its commitment to academic and clinical excellence.
As the healthcare industry faces widespread provider shortages and growing demand for accessible care, the need for well-trained physician assistants has never been greater. UMSGS’s PA program is designed to meet that need, preparing students with a forward-thinking curriculum that combines rigorous classroom instruction with comprehensive clinical training.
Launched in 1996, the 24-month program enrolls 60 students per cohort and has graduated more than 1,000 students. Interest in the field continues to grow — reflected in a 50% enrollment increase in 2022.
That momentum has driven strategic investments within the program, including the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology through a partnership with the University of Maryland, College Park. These tools allow students to engage with simulated medical scenarios that enhance diagnostic and procedural skills, ensuring graduates are prepared for today's healthcare environment.
Students also benefit from a robust course in gross human anatomy, where hands-on dissection reinforces their foundational understanding of complex anatomical structures.
"This ranking reflects where we're headed as a program," said Cherilyn Hendrix, DHEd, PA-C, assistant dean for physician assistant education at UMSGS. "We've experienced a lot of growth in recent years, not only in enrollment but also in the scope of our training, partnerships, and how we support our students. Every step we take is focused on equipping future providers to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. It's an exciting time to be part of this program."
With strong student outcomes, experienced faculty, and a wide range of post-graduate opportunities, this recognition affirms UMSGS as a rising national leader in physician assistant education.
“I congratulate Dr. Hendrix and her team for this significant accomplishment,” said Kenneth Wong, PhD, dean of the UMSGS. “The PA program is a shining example of our university mission to serve the public good and improve the human condition by creating the next generation of top-quality healthcare providers. Students in this program benefit from strong foundational knowledge, experiential learning in a variety of Maryland communities, and groundbreaking research that unites technology with compassion.”
The U.S. News and World Report rankings for "Best Physician Assistant Programs" are based on peer assessment surveys conducted in fall 2024 and early 2025. Surveys evaluated academic quality on a 1-5 scale across 206 of the 312 accredited programs recognized by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
For more information about the Physician Assistant program at the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies, visit https://graduate.umaryland.edu/mshs-pa-umb/.
