UNMC programs rank among nation’s best

How schools are ranked The U.S. News rankings on primary care are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program quality and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students. Rankings for the health specialties — including rural medicine, nursing and physician assistant — are based solely on the ratings of academic experts. UNMC officials encourage students to use many sources — including rankings — when selecting a graduate or professional program.

U.S.News & World Report recognized seven UNMC programs in its annual rankings of the nation’s top graduate schools.

UNMC continued its solid standing in areas such as primary care and rural health. The medical center’s climb in extramural research funding — which topped $100 million in extramural research funding last year — also was recognized among the magazine’s research rankings.

The rankings are reported in the magazine’s 2011 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools, which is available soon on newstands. The online edition includes longer lists of some specialty rankings, as well as additional school directory information.

“There has been a long-standing commitment at UNMC to rural communities and primary care education,” said Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “These rankings acknowledge that commitment, as well as show our strengths in research and other health disciplines. We’re pleased to rank among the best in the country.”

The following UNMC programs were recognized in new rankings this year:

• The College of Medicine tied for 14th in U.S. News’ top schools of medicine — primary care listing;
  
• The College of Medicine’s rural health medicine program tied for 17th; and
  
• UNMC ranked 71st in U.S. News’ best medical schools-research ranking.

The following UNMC programs also were included in the guidebook and/or online edition, but were not newly ranked:

• The School of Allied Health Professions’ physician assistant program tied for 14th;
  
• The College of Pharmacy ranked 29th;
  
• The College of Nursing’s master’s degree program ranked 32nd; and
  
• The School of Allied Health Professions’ physical therapy program ranked 33rd.