Graduate Health Programs Earn National Recognition and Top Accreditation

Johnson & Wales University continues to elevate its reputation as a leader in health and wellness education. Recent accolades from U.S. News & World Report and new professional accreditations highlight the university’s commitment to delivering rigorous, industry-relevant graduate programs that prepare students to meet the complex needs of today’s healthcare landscape.

PA and OTD Programs Earn National Recognition

The university’s M.S. Physician Assistant Studies program was ranked among the top 30% of programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, making it the highest-ranked PA program in Rhode Island. JWU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program also earned a national ranking of #109 from U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the top 10 programs in New England. The OTD program is also the only one of its kind in the state. This recognition comes during National Occupational Therapy Month, an annual celebration that highlights the vital role occupational therapists play in supporting health, independence and quality of life.

"These national rankings reflect the exceptional caliber of our faculty, students and community partners and reinforce what we see every day at JWU — students who are driven to serve, faculty who are deeply invested in student success and programs that make a difference. We’re excited to see our graduates go on to lead, heal and inspire,” said College of Health & Wellness Dean Maura Iversen, PT, DPT, SD, MPH, FAPTA, FNAP.

Both the PA and OTD programs offer immersive, hands-on education built around small cohort sizes, expert faculty and meaningful clinical experiences. Students benefit from access to industry-informed simulation labs and strong community partnerships that provide real-world application of classroom learning.

Counseling Programs Earn Prestigious CACREP Accreditation

JWU’s commitment to academic excellence extends beyond rankings. The university recently announced that its two Master of Science programs in Addiction Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling have earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) — the highest standard in the counseling profession.

CACREP accreditation is awarded following a rigorous, multiyear review process. It signifies that a program meets the profession’s most respected standards for curriculum, learning environment, clinical experience and ethical practice.

“Achieving accreditation for our program is a testament to the dedication, hard work and excellence that our faculty, staff and students demonstrate every day,” said Michael Fein, Dean of the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences. “We are proud to offer a program that meets the highest standards and thank the council for its recognition of our program and faculty.”

The accreditation affirms the program’s focus on preparing graduates for licensure and long-term success in a growing and essential field.

“We are thrilled to receive this acknowledgement that signals our programs’ alignment with the profession’s best practices and ethical standards,” said Director of Counselor Education Programs, Cheryl Almeida. “Receiving a graduate diploma from a CACREP-accredited program adds significant weight and marketability to a student’s M.S. degree. A degree from a CACREP-accredited program is widely recognized by licensing boards, community agencies, practitioners and national professional associations as a hallmark of excellence, making it a valuable credential for aspiring counselors.”

Preparing Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders

From direct patient care to community mental health, JWU’s graduate programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s healthcare and wellness fields. With a focus on evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world learning, JWU students graduate equipped to make a meaningful impact — whether in hospitals, schools, private practices or community settings.

Apply to JWU

Transfer to JWU

Visit JWU