About the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Building Upon a Legacy of Care
The School of Pharmacy and Health Professions was originally founded in 1905 as the Creighton University School of Pharmacy. Even in the school’s earliest days, it was committed to community-focused service, as well as academic excellence. Today, the professions of pharmacy, occupational therapy and physical therapy have been incorporated into the school, and it has become a major part of the Creighton University academic health center. All the programs within the school provide exceptional educational experiences, focusing on innovation and a compassionate team-based approach to patient care—for those in the local community and around the world.
A Pioneer in Healthcare Education
Timeline
1992 - Doctor of Physical Therapy:
- The school initiated the first-entry level clinical doctorate in physical therapy, the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), in the United States.
1995 - Doctor of Occupational Therapy:
- The school began phasing out the Bachelor of Science degree and initiated a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program.
1999 - Entry-level OTD Degree:
- The school established an entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) degree—the first program of its kind in the United States.
2001 - Distance-based PharmD:
- The school initiated the first distance-based Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) pathway in the United States, serving as a model for other programs.
2008 - Anchorage hybrid OTD:
- Partnering with the University of Alaska at Anchorage, the School created the first hybrid entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) pathway.
2015 - Denver hybrid OTD:
- To offer a third site for supplementing online learning with clinical experience, the School initiated a hybrid OTD in Denver at Regis University.
2021 - Phoenix hybrid OTD and PharmD:
- Both the OTD and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) were established to help meet a healthcare shortage in the nation’s 4th largest city.
2022 - Phoenix DPT:
- To serve a fast-growing community, the school established a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Creighton University’s campus in Phoenix.
2023 - Opening of the CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education:
- In fall 2023, Creighton University opened the Werner Center — the new home for the School of Medicine and a state-of-the-art facility embracing Creighton’s commitment to interprofessional education.
Clinical Education Led by Exceptional Faculty
Students in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions receive first-rate clinical education from faculty who are among the best in the nation. In fact, the school is fortunate to have a large faculty with many well-known members across the pharmacy, occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.
Office of the Dean
Hixson-Lied Science Rm. G35
402.280.2950
402.280.5738
A Commitment to Service
Service to others remains a hallmark of the school, which is a reflection of Creighton University’s overall Jesuit, Catholic values. Our students dedicate thousands of hours to community and clinically based service each year—improving the health and lives of our fellow citizens.
Service Opportunities
Through a partnership with Heart Ministry Center, SPAHP students volunteer to provide service outreach with pharmacy operations, providing medication therapy review and consultations alongside medical and nursing students. Occupational and physical therapy students triage clients by collaborating to offer guidance, exercises, and other therapy services at no cost.
Founded by Creighton, The Institute for Latin American Concern is an international effort to provide service to others. Every summer, Creighton health sciences students, faculty, and alumni provide hands-on healthcare and community service to citizens of the Dominican Republic.
Creighton medical student founded the Magis Clinic to provide medical services to homeless and underserved residents in the Omaha area. The Magis clinic provides acute care, physical exams, mental healthcare, pharmacy services, immunizations, lab services and referrals at no charge to those in need.
SPAHP students work in interprofessional teams to design content and provide outreach to local underserved Omaha schools to promote health literacy. The goal is to educate children in diverse backgrounds to be academically prepared and compassionate towards others. Interprofessional students teams work together to coach youth in various health related stations appropriate for each developmental age group or grade such as the importance of physical activity, citizenship, and nutrition.
