Doctorate Programs in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Jump in Rankings

ATLANTA—Two Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions programs saw a considerable jump in their rankings in new U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings released today.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program moved up eight spots to No. 50. It is the No. 1 public program in Georgia and No. 2 overall out of eight programs in the state. In 2020, the DPT program moved up from No. 71 in 2020 to No. 58 this year.

Since 2019, graduates of the DPT Program have achieved 100 percent ultimate pass rate in the national board examination. The Department of Physical Therapy recently started a new pediatric residency program, one of only a handful of pediatric PT residencies in the country.

“Georgia State’s DPT program continues to excel, and with our outstanding faculty and board exam pass rate, we graduate physical therapists who are in high demand in the healthcare workplace,” said Sujay Galen, Ph.D., associate dean of research and chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. “Our graduates are sought out by employers as they know our program provides innovative and meaningful educational experiences for our students.”

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program moved up from No. 65 in 2024 to No. 53. The program has made a considerable jump from its 2020 ranking of No. 109. It is the No. 1 public program in Georgia, out of four programs in the state, and in the top 18 percent of programs nationally, out of 293 accredited programs.

The OTD replaced the previous Master of Occupational Therapy degree in 2021 as the entry level degree required for the profession evolved. Its first cohort for the OTD, the class of 2024, achieved a 100 percent pass rate on its national board exam.

“The steady improvement in our rankings over the past five years reflects our reputation nationally and commitment of our faculty to ground breaking research and educating occupational therapists ready to serve the profession, the Atlanta community and state of Georgia,” said Kinsuk Maitra, Ph.D.,OT/L, FAOTA, professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy. “Our faculty are dedicated to bringing outstanding teaching and learning experiences to our students.”

Both professions are in demand. Employment for occupational therapists is expected to grow 17 percent by 2030, and occupational therapy has been ranked the No. 8 best healthcare job in 2025, according to U.S. News & World Report. Job openings for physical therapists are expected to grow 14 percent annually through 2033.

“The Lewis College remains one of the fastest growing colleges at Georgia State,” said Huanbiao Mo, Ph.D., dean of the Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, “and the rise in rankings partially reflects the quality of our programs and our ability to place graduates who are practice-ready into the healthcare marketplace.”