NTR University of Health Sciences is named after its founder N.T. Rama Rao. The Government of Andhra Pradesh established its first University of Health Sciences. After the death of its founder the University was named after him as NTR University of Health Sciences with effect from February 1998.

Aim of NTR University of Health Sciences
The principal objectives of Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada was to improve the standards of medical education, including research. This is done by conducting a common entrance examination to the courses in all the institutions affiliated thereto. The university was also established to achieve its objectives by implementing uniform curriculum in all courses.

Courses offered by NTR University of Health Sciences, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada offers a large number of courses to the young medical students. The university offers Graduate, Post-Graduate degrees and Diploma and Super Specialty courses in Modern Medicine, and Graduate and PG degree courses in Dental Surgery, Nursing, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani. Apart from that, some Graduate degree courses are also offered in Naturopathy, Physiotherapy and Medical Lab Technology, along with a PG course in M.Sc. Applied Nutrition. There are as many as 316 medical institutions affiliated to the Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada. The eminent statutory bodies like the Medical Council of India (MCI), the Dental Council of India (DCI), the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and the Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH) and Indian Nursing Council (INC), have recognised the degrees awarded by the NTRUHS.

Apart from the graduate, post-graduate degrees and diploma and super speciality courses, the Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (NTRUHS), Vijayawada, has also conducts interactive programme on Research Methodology. The programme is mainly focused on medical research with the objectives like identifying the potential areas for research in their field of specialization. Apart from that, the programme is also aimed at effectively guiding the research scholars in the preparation of project proposals, monitoring the research project work and then guiding them in successful completion of research project. The NTRUHS has introduced Ph.D. Courses for those having PG degree in subjects of modern medicine, as well.