The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine received its first public ranking in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 survey of graduate programs. Medical schools were ranked in two categories: research and primary care. Among the 122 schools that were ranked in the research category, the School of Medicine was listed at 81.

“We are very pleased with where we landed on the list for the first time, particularly as a newer school largely competing with schools that have been around for centuries,” said Dean Lee Learman. “Our top-notch graduates are now ambassadors for us across the country in residencies, fellowships, and now some in private practice, and our reputation is on the rise.

The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine – while one of the smallest medical schools in the country – was listed in the research-oriented category due to its intensive research-focused curriculum. Our students get a research experience that spans the entire curriculum, which is not possible at most other medical schools,” Learman said. “Beyond that, they are mentored by some of the world’s best scientists while working with our partners at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Carilion Clinic, and on Virginia Tech’s main campus.”

Several graduate programs offered at Virginia Tech were included in the rankings. They are among the more than 150 graduate programs the university offers across its campuses.

U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings of colleges, published annually since 1987, are based on several categories of data gathered from the surveyed schools, plus peer assessments by deans, senior faculty, and other professionals in their respective fields.