DeSales Healthcare Programs Rank Among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Programs

Several healthcare programs at DeSales have once again been ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report.

The Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs have all been recognized for their commitment to excellence in healthcare education. The PA program broke the top 100, tying for #26.

“Our Physician Assistant program is proud to have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in 2025 as one of the highest-ranking PA programs in Pennsylvania, tied with the University of Pittsburgh,” says Kathleen Ehrhardt, program director and associate professor. “We appreciate all our partners in the clinical education of our students who help make their training possible.”

Healthcare programs at DeSales are constantly evolving, with faculty members revising courses to meet the latest demands of the healthcare world. One thing that remains the same? Our commitment to providing a patient-first, transformative education through the lens of Christian Humanism.

“All of our programs have excellent directors and faculty members,” says Carol Gullo Mest, Ph.D., chair of graduate nursing programs and professor. “Rooted in the tenets of Christian Humanism, patients are viewed holistically to foster each person’s full physical, psychological, intellectual, moral, social, aesthetic, and spiritual development.”

In addition to the latest accolades, in January, the MSN program also ranked #46 for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs.