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Pharmacy (PharmD)

Join Creighton’s Doctor of Pharmacy program and join a community for those called to care. Our nationally ranked program will prepare you to provide excellent, informed, patient-centered care. Here, we combine science and medicine with a spirit of service and compassion. We offer three distinct pathways within the program: You can study on campus in Omaha, choose our distance pathway or opt for a hybrid learning experience in Phoenix.  

Creighton’s innovative PharmD program reflects the latest developments in the practice of pharmacy regarding medication therapy management and patient-focused care. In this four-year program, you’ll expand your knowledge of disease management and prevention, patient outcomes and wellness. 

Graduates are well positioned for employment in a wide range of health service settings, including private businesses, hospitals, clinics, government, military and academic and research institutions. 

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PharmD Program Details

Creighton’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is a full-time, four-year program beginning in August each year.  

Inspired by the Catholic and Jesuit tradition, our Creighton community believes each human being is a profound gift from God, deserving of dignity and opportunity. Here, you’ll learn to provide the best possible medication-related care to improve a patient’s quality of life.

Today’s pharmacy education focuses on: 

  • Patient data collection 
  • Medication therapy management and delivery 
  • Pharmacy care planning 
  • Patient counseling 
  • Patient monitoring and compliance 
  • Patient outcomes evaluation and documentation 

PharmD Curriculum and Experiential Learning 

The first three years of the four-year PharmD program consist of didactic coursework, Pharmacy Skills Labs and Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs).

Upon graduation, you’ll be able to provide care in collaboration with patients, prescribers and other healthcare providers based upon sound therapeutic principles, evidence-based data and research.  

See the full curriculum.  

The fourth and final year is composed of 40 weeks of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) from June until May (three semesters). Experiential education comprises approximately 30% of the curriculum. 

IPPE students are introduced to various pharmacy practice settings, with an emphasis on hospital and community settings, which lay the foundation for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).

  • Year 1
    IPPE 1: Six four-hour shadow visits
  • Summer of Year 1  
    IPPE 2: Three-week community setting
  • Summer of Year 2 
    IPPE 3: Three-week hospital setting
  • Spring of Year 3
    IPPE 4: 32-hour clinical

During the fourth year, students complete eight five-week APPEs (rotations) on a full-time basis. The required APPEs include:  

  • Community Pharmacy Practice 
  • Hospital Pharmacy Practice 
  • Acute Care 
  • Ambulatory Care 
  • Drug Information or Medication Therapy Management

Creighton’s Office of Experiential Education manages Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs and APPEs/rotations) for pharmacy students throughout the curriculum. The office’s database includes over 1,000 pharmacy practice sites across the country. Students have opportunities in all 50 states. Preceptors at these sites are highly trained pharmacists with expertise in their specialty area of pharmacy practice.

The IRD Curriculum Model

The content, skills and outcomes of the curriculum are purposefully structured around a spiraling Introduce-Reinforce-Demonstrate (IRD) curricular model.  

The IRD model builds competence by structuring learning in a purposefully integrated cycle of increasing complexity. Each course identifies specific learning objectives that are tied to the relevant educational outcomes and denotes competencies to be introduced (I), reinforced (R) and/or demonstrated (D).  

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Learn about the program, admissions, prerequisites, clinical education experiences and more below. You can also discover if Creighton is the right fit for you by scheduling a personalized campus visit.  

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Pathways

Admissions Requirements

To apply, submit an online application and supporting materials through PharmCAS, the centralized pharmacy application service. Supporting application materials include: 

  • An official transcript, which must be received directly from each institution the applicant has attended and/or is currently attending.  
    • All fall/winter term 2023 and prior transcripts should be directed to PharmCAS
    • All spring/summer 2024 term transcripts should be directed to the Creighton Enrollment Services. 
  • Two letters of recommendation (submitted through PharmCAS). We prefer that one letter come from a college professor who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive, professional program. If you have been out of school for some time, letters from a work setting can be helpful. Do not submit letters from family members or friends. 

The PCAT is not required for consideration for admission. 

Applicants should only apply to one pathway per admission cycle. Applying to more than one pathway does not increase an applicant’s chances for admission.  

PharmD Interviews 

The admissions process includes an interview. Qualified applicants will be notified via email if they are selected for an interview. Interviewees will be scheduled from September through June, both in-person on our campuses in Omaha and Phoenix and virtually. Candidates are encouraged to schedule an in-person interview if possible. 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Qualified applicants are invited to interview on a first-come, first-served basis. Once interview seats and entering class seats are filled, the admission committee will no longer consider remaining applicants.

Fulfillment of basic requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. The Pharmacy Admission Committee selects the applicants from a pool of applicants it considers best qualified for the study and practice of the profession. Admission is based on rigor of coursework, quality of academic institution, cumulative GPA, prerequisite science and math GPA, recommendations, applicant statement and interview. 

International Applicants

The Doctor of Pharmacy program welcomes international applicants to our Campus Pathway. International students applying for consideration for the entry-level Pharmacy program must complete all prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited institution located within the United States or Canada regardless of previous coursework or degrees conferred at foreign institutions. Due to F1 Visa requirements and processing timeline, we also require that all prerequisite coursework be completed by July 1 of the year of enrollment. 

International students applying for consideration for the entry-level Pharmacy program must complete all prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited institution located within the United States or Canada, regardless of previous coursework or degrees conferred at foreign institutions.

To receive full consideration, all international applicants must begin the application process at least nine months prior to the desired term of entry. Certified transcripts bearing seals and original signatures must be sent directly to the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions. Photocopies are not acceptable. 

Students whose first language is not English, have less than two years of full-time coursework in the U.S. and are non-U.S. citizens must present a TOEFL score or IELTS score. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the IBT or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 is required. Applicants should enter the Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions TOEFL / IELTS Code number 6126 on their answer sheets when they sit for the examination and/or when completing a TOEFL / IELTS Score Report Request Form. To arrange to take the TOEFL, please visit the following website: Education USA. To arrange to take the IELTS, please visit ielts.org.

For questions about Visa status, please contact the Global Engagement Office at 402.280.2221.

Advance Standing and Transfer Applicants

Creighton University will consider candidates for advance standing or transfer from another fully accredited pharmacy program.

Any candidate that has matriculated into another professional pharmacy program must provide a letter from the dean or designated school official at the prior pharmacy institution to be considered. This letter should state your standing in (or upon leaving) the professional pharmacy program and your eligibility to return if you are no longer enrolled. Interested candidates should submit a transfer evaluation request.  

Upon review, the Office of Admission will follow up in one to two weeks to discuss transfer intent and eligibility for admission consideration. All advance standing/transfer candidates will be considered for admission through submission of a PharmCAS application and must also adhere to all entry-level requirements for consideration. 

Prerequisites

A degree is not required to be considered for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.  

For admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Creighton, you need to meet the following requirements: 

  • A minimum of 63 semester hours or 95 quarter hours of prerequisites. 
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution located within the United States and must be completed with a grade of C or better (a C- grade is not acceptable). Coursework from institutions that evaluate students with a narrative rather than numeric or alpha grade is not accepted.  
  • Completion of the acceptable General Chemistry sequence is required prior to admission consideration.  
  • All prerequisite coursework must be complete by August 1 of the year of matriculation. 
  • International students: To provide adequate time for completion of international student paperwork and visa processing, we require all prerequisite coursework to be completed at a United States institution and all transcripts received by our office no later than July 1 of the year of matriculation.  

The PCAT is not required for consideration for admission. 

Prerequisite Courses

  • General Biology I & II with labs (Coursework in botany, ecology, entomology, anatomy or physiology will not fulfill the biology requirement.): 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
  • Human Anatomy (If enrolled in a combined anatomy/physiology course, 6 semester hours will be required.): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
  • General Chemistry I & II with labs*: 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours
  • Organic Chemistry I & II with labs*: 8 semester hours/12 quarter hours 
  • Calculus, Physics or Chemistry with Quantitative Analysis (pre-calculus, survey of calculus and brief calculus courses will not fulfill the requirement): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
  • English (including Composition): 6 semester hours/9 quarter hours 
  • Speech (Must include public speaking.): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
  • Psychology: 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
  • Economics (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, or Introductory Economics): 3 semester hours/4.5 quarter hours 
  • Electives (Nine semester hours from humanities or behavioral or social sciences. Creighton undergraduate students must complete 6 hours of Theology among the elective hours.): 18 semester hours/27 quarter hours 

*The chemistry and biology courses must be a two-semester, eight-hour or equivalent course sequence. A course sequence is considered to be a correlated pair of courses offering in-depth coverage of a specific field and must be at a level such that the courses would be acceptable as prerequisites to advance toward a baccalaureate degree in that discipline. For chemistry and biology courses, survey courses, courses without associated laboratories, courses designed for non-science majors or abbreviated courses targeted toward health science majors are not acceptable as prerequisite science courses.

Dates and Deadlines

Applications open in mid-July for students who would begin in August of the following year.

July 13: PharmCAS Launch Date 
November 1: Preferred Deadline 
November 1: Creighton Early Assurance and Preference Deadline 
December-January: PharmCAS Academic Update (Update Summer/Fall grades through PharmCAS)
June 1: Final Application Deadline 

Candidates who are selected for interviews will be notified via email. Interviews will be scheduled from September through June.

Cost of Attendance, Tuition & Financial Aid

Learn more about PharmD tuition and fees, which vary by year.

Scholarships

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions offers competitive scholarship awards to qualified PharmD candidates at the time of admission. Scholarship awards can range up to $100,000 for the duration, and they are divided annually throughout the four years of the program. The Office of Admission awards scholarships to at least the top 25% of the incoming class. 

All admitted candidates will automatically be considered for scholarships and no additional application is needed. The entire application is reviewed, including overall grade point average, prerequisite math and science grade point average, quality of admission essays, interview performance and participation in service and leadership. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so applying early will maximize your consideration. 

Additional Creighton Scholarship Opportunities 

Once enrolled in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, pharmacy students can apply for additional scholarships on an annual basis. These scholarships range from $500 to full tuition in value and can be stacked on top of the initial merit award.  

The Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) is a federally funded grant that provides students from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds an opportunity to develop the skills needed to successfully compete for, enter and graduate from health professional schools. HCOP will offer a scholarship (to cover tuition, fees, books and other related educational expenses) to students who matriculate or are currently in the professional schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy or occupational therapy. 

“Creighton has not only allowed me to grow professionally, but also in such a way that enables me to become the best version of myself.”

Cailin Pasion

Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate

Class of 2027

Dual Degree Programs

Creighton offers two dual degree options for pharmacy students. A dual degree can give graduates a competitive edge in the workforce and wider career options. Doctor of Pharmacy candidates are also able to earn a Master of Business Administration (PharmD/MBA) or a MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences). Students who choose to pursue a dual degree will begin the second program after their first year in the PharmD program. The academic path with differ per student, and their academic advisor will work closely with them to develop an individualized plan and determine which courses can count toward both degrees. 

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Streamlined Program Entry: From Undergrad to PharmD

Creighton offers two undergraduate admissions pathways to the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The Early Assurance Program is designed for high school students interested in the Creighton Doctor of Pharmacy program, and the Undergraduate Preference gives preferential admission to Creighton undergraduate students. 

Early Assurance Program

In the Early Assurance program, high school students admitted to a Creighton University undergraduate college are given assurance of acceptance to the Doctor of Pharmacy program if they meet certain criteria for admission and progression. 

PCAT is not required for consideration for admission. If these criteria are met, students have access to a PharmCAS discount and simplified application process. 

Requirements to enter the program:  

  • Admission to Creighton University through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions  
  • Minimum High School GPA of 3.25 or higher 
  • Completion of one year of High School Chemistry with a B average 

To continue to the professional curriculum, students must meet the following requirements in years 1 and 2 at Creighton: 

  • Take ALL prerequisite/pre-professional coursework at Creighton. 
    • Courses taken for college credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation will not result in ineligibility; however any prerequisite courses taken at other institutions after high school graduation will result in ineligibility 
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 
  • Maintain a minimum Math/Science prerequisite GPA of 2.9 
  • No grade below a C in any prerequisite course 
  • 40 hours of work or shadowing in a pharmacy setting by the end (August 1) of year 2 
  • Submit a PharmCAS application by November 1 the year prior to enrollment in the PharmD professional curriculum 
  • Successful completion of a progression interview, demonstrating growth in knowledge of the profession and strong communication/interpersonal skills 
  • Pass a criminal background check prior to official enrollment in the professional program 
  • Review and sign to acknowledge compliance with the technical standards needed to successfully complete the pharmacy curriculum and practice the profession of pharmacy 
  • Full participation in the Student Success Pre-Pharmacy learning community while enrolled in the pre-professional portion of the curriculum (years 1 and 2)

The Student Success learning community furthers understanding of the profession and provides helpful instruction on how to be a competitive applicant. The Office of Admission and pharmacy faculty work closely with the Student Success program leadership to implement ideas that are in the best interest of our future applicants. 

Any withdrawal from a prerequisite course may impact a candidate’s ability to remain in the Early Assurance Program. Students are strongly encouraged to consult the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions Office of Admission prior to withdrawing from prerequisite coursework. After the withdrawal has occurred, Early Assurance students will be required to submit a written appeal to the admission committee to remain in the Early Assurance Program. Course withdrawals will be considered by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis. 

The Creighton Preference Program

As a benefit to students who choose to enroll at Creighton University for their undergraduate studies, SPAHP offers preferred admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The “Creighton Preference” is designed to give Creighton undergraduate applicants who meet certain criteria advantages, such as guaranteed interviews or standardized test waivers. 

Creighton undergraduates are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Student Success pre-professional learning communities to further their understanding of the pharmacy profession, as well as to obtain helpful instruction on how to be a competitive applicant for admission. 

The “Creighton Preference” is intended for students who: 

  • Do not gain admission via the Early Assurance program 
  • Fail to meet the requirements needed to continue in the Early Assurance Program 
  • Decide to apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program after enrollment in a different Creighton undergraduate program 
  • Did not have an early interest in pharmacy coming right out of high school 

Benefits of the Creighton Preference include: 

  • Guaranteed interview with a 3.0 overall GPA

PCAT is not required for consideration for admission.

Preference criteria: 

  • Full participation in the Student Success Pre-Pharmacy learning community throughout the duration of enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Nursing or College of Business 
  • Take ALL prerequisite coursework at Creighton University (Courses taken for college credit/advanced placement prior to high school graduation will not result in ineligibility; however, any prerequisite courses taken at other institutions after high school graduation will result in ineligibility) 
  • Submit a PharmCAS application by November 1 of the academic year prior to enrollment in the professional program 

Fulfillment of basic requirements or participation in the Student Success program does not guarantee admission. Admission is based on academic and personal qualifications considered necessary for successful, competent practice as a pharmacist. 

Candidates are also evaluated on fit between their personal goals and the mission and objectives of the program. In addition, prior education, work experiences, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities serve to provide insight into a candidate’s commitment to lifelong learning and doctoral-level education. It is required that prospective students spend time observing pharmacists at work in their communities.  

3 + 4 Dual Degree PharmD Program with ASU

Complete your undergraduate degree and PharmD in less time with the dual degree pharmacy program at Arizona State University (ASU) and Creighton. The program lets you earn your undergraduate degree at ASU and a PharmD at Creighton in Phoenix. In the end, you can finish both degrees in just seven years, saving a full year on a typical timeline.  

Open to Undergraduates at ASU

During your time at ASU, you’ll complete your major requirements and Creighton’s PharmD program prerequisites. While at ASU, you’ll work closely with an admissions counselor to ensure you’re on track to apply to Creighton’s PharmD program. 

Students usually apply to the Creighton PharmD program in their junior year at ASU. If accepted in the pharmacy program, students will begin taking pharmacy classes their senior year.   

Admission Requirements

Formal admission in the PharmD program is contingent upon:  

  • The student’s final grade point average 
  • Completion of all prerequisites 
  • Completion of successful background check and drug screen requirements 
  • Evidence of required immunizations 
  • Evidence that the ASU degree will be satisfied prior to beginning the program at Creighton 

Students must provide Creighton with satisfactory documentation of the preceding prior to a final decision by Creighton. Final acceptance into the PharmD program is contingent upon Creighton’s issuance of a written statement confirming acceptance.  

Prior to admission to the PharmD program, a student must:   

  • Complete the required curriculum identified by ASU with respect to the student’s specific major at ASU with an overall cumulative average of 3.25 (on a scale of 4.0). Student must have at least a grade of C in all prerequisite courses to the PharmD program    
  • Complete all current requirements by Creighton regarding criteria for direct admission into the dual degree pharmacy program    
  • Be in good standing at ASU    

Students should apply through PharmCAS, the Pharmacy Centralized Application Service. 

Stat 1st
1st

Accredited Online Pharmacy Program in the U.S. 

Stat $134K
$134K

Median annual wage for pharmacists in 2023 
-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Stat Top-50
Top-50

pharmacy program, per U.S. News & World Report

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions’ Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. If you have any questions, the ACPE can be contacted at:  

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) 

190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3000 
Chicago, Illinois 60603-3446 
Phone: 312.664.3575 
Fax: 866.228.2631 
acpe-accredit.org

Connect with classmates, meet future pharmacists and more. Creighton offers a close-knit community and plenty of ways to get involved, whether you’re on campus or online. Browse pharmacy-related student clubs.

As a pharmacy student at Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, you’ll have multiple opportunities to provide healthcare to underserved individuals around the world.

Serve and learn with other pharmacy professionals in the Dominican Republic in the ILAC (Institute for Latin American Concern) Summer Program. During this faith-based service-learning trip, you’ll leave the comfort of your home to provide healthcare to those in need while learning the Dominican culture, language and lifestyle. You will work side by side with a team of dentists, physicians and nurses to provide care in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic. Students will receive an elective advanced pharmacy practice experience credit when participating in their fourth year or an elective course credit if they participate as a first to third year student as a clinic guide.

Pharmacy Graduation Rate 

  • Entry year - 2018, Graduation Year - 2022 
    • Enrolled Students: 146 
    • Graduating Students: On-time/Late: 114/15 (78.08%/10.27%) 
    • Currently Enrolled/Withdrawn or Dismissed: 5/12 (3.42%/8.22%)
  • Entry year - 2017, Graduation Year - 2021 
    • Enrolled Students: 154 
    • Graduating Students: On-time/Late: 120/12 (77.92%/7.79%)
    • Currently Enrolled/Withdrawn or Dismissed: 0/22 (0%/14.29%)
  • Entry year - 2016, Graduation Year - 2020
    • Enrolled Students: 149
    • Graduating Students: On-time/Late: 122/7 (81.88%/4.70%)
    • Currently Enrolled/Withdrawn or Dismissed: 1/19 (.67%/12.75%)
  • Entry year - 2015, Graduation Year - 2019
    • Enrolled Students: 142
    • Graduating Students: On-time/Late: 116/13 (81.69%/9.15%)
    • Currently Enrolled/Withdrawn or Dismissed: 0/13 (0%/9.15%)
  • Entry year - 2014, Graduation Year - 2018
    • Enrolled Students: 174
    • Graduating Students: On-time/Late: 149/10 (85.63%/5.75%)
    • Currently Enrolled/Withdrawn or Dismissed: 0/15 (0%/8.62%)

North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) Pass Rates 

  • 2022 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 112 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 87.5% 
    • National Pass Rate: 79.6% 
  • 2021 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 118 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 87.3% 
    • National Pass Rate: 83.7% 
  • 2020 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 132 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 94.7% 
    • National Pass Rate: 88.4% 
  • 2019 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 115 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 93.04% 
    • National Pass Rate: 88.34% 
  • 2018 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 168 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 91.07% 
    • National Pass Rate: 89.46%

Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) Pass Rates (May-Aug window) 

  • 2022 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 113 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 82.3% 
    • National Pass Rate: 75.1% 
  • 2021 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 119 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 79.8% 
    • National Pass Rate: 78.3% 
  • 2020 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 29 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 93.3% 
    • National Pass Rate: 84.6% 
  • 2019 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 30 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 93.04% 
    • National Pass Rate: 83.6% 
  • 2018 Graduates 
    • First-Time Attempts: 42 
    • Creighton Pass Rate: 95.2% 
    • National Pass Rate: 83.8% 

Graduate Placement Rates 

  • 2022 Graduates 
    • Employed Within the Profession of Pharmacy: 44.7% 
    • Employed Outside the Profession of Pharmacy: 1.6% 
    • Completing Residency/Fellowship: 23.6% 
    • Unemployed: 1.6% 
    • Lost to Follow-up: 28.5% 
  • 2021 Graduates 
    • Employed Within the Profession of Pharmacy: 53.2% 
    • Employed Outside the Profession of Pharmacy: 1.6% 
    • Completing Residency/Fellowship: 23% 
    • Unemployed: 3.2% 
    • Lost to Follow-up: 19% 
  • 2020 Graduates 
    • Employed Within the Profession of Pharmacy: 66% 
    • Employed Outside the Profession of Pharmacy: 2% 
    • Completing Residency/Fellowship: 23% 
    • Unemployed: 5% 
    • Lost to Follow-up: 5% 
  • 2019 Graduates 
    • Employed Within the Profession of Pharmacy: 69% 
    • Employed Outside the Profession of Pharmacy: 1% 
    • Completing Residency/Fellowship: 16% 
    • Unemployed: 8% 
    • Lost to Follow-up: 6% 
  • 2018 Graduates 
    • Employed Within the Profession of Pharmacy: 60% 
    • Employed Outside the Profession of Pharmacy: 2% 
    • Completing Residency/Fellowship: 17% 
    • Unemployed: 5% 
    • Lost to Follow-up: 16% 

Note: Entering class of 2014 has two deceased that are not accounted for 

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