Best Pharmacy Schools in Phoenix

Key Takeaways

• Phoenix hosts three major pharmacy schools accredited by ACPE: Midwestern University, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy (Phoenix Campus), and Creighton University’s Phoenix Hybrid Pathway.
• Each school offers a distinct approach — from accelerated, patient-centered curricula to flexible hybrid learning models.
• Prospective students should evaluate programs based on accreditation, NAPLEX pass rates, cost, clinical placements, and alumni outcomes.
• The city’s strong healthcare ecosystem provides rich opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment.

Best Pharmacy Schools in Phoenix: Complete 2024 Guide

Choosing a pharmacy school is one of the most important steps toward a successful career in the healthcare industry. Phoenix, Arizona, has emerged as one of the top destinations for pharmacy education in the Southwest, thanks to its combination of accredited universities, clinical training opportunities, and strong job market. This guide compares the best pharmacy schools in Phoenix and helps you decide which program aligns with your goals.

Top Pharmacy Schools in Phoenix

School Program Duration NAPLEX Pass Rate (2023) Tuition (Approx.) Unique Features Midwestern University College of Pharmacy – Glendale PharmD 3 Years Accelerated 91% $55,000/year Accelerated year-round curriculum, small class sizes University of Arizona College of Pharmacy – Phoenix Campus PharmD 4 Years 93% $42,000/year (resident) Research-intensive, strong clinical partnerships Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions (Phoenix Hybrid Pathway) PharmD (Hybrid) 4 Years 90% $47,000/year Hybrid learning model, faith-based education

1. Midwestern University College of Pharmacy – Glendale

Overview: Established in 1998, Midwestern University Glendale hosts one of the nation’s leading private pharmacy programs. Its three-year accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree enables students to enter the workforce a year earlier than traditional programs.

Program Highlights

• Year-round, trimester-based curriculum designed for immersive learning.
• Experiential education begins early, with introductory rotations during the first year.
• Partner hospitals include Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Mayo Clinic Arizona.

Why It Stands Out

Students praise Midwestern for its tight-knit learning environment and faculty accessibility. The program’s integrated clinical and laboratory components prepare graduates for diverse roles — from community pharmacy to clinical research. High NAPLEX pass rates and employer satisfaction support its reputation as a leader in pharmacist preparation.

Admissions Snapshot

• Prerequisites: 62 semester hours, including chemistry, biology, and English composition.
• PCAT: Not required.
• Application: Apply via PharmCAS; rolling admissions from fall through June.

Pros

• Accelerated completion saves both time and tuition.
• Consistently high licensure exam performance.
• Strong alumni network across Arizona and California.

Cons

• Intensive schedule with limited breaks.
• Higher annual cost due to private status.

2. University of Arizona College of Pharmacy – Phoenix Campus

Overview: The University of Arizona (UArizona) College of Pharmacy is a public, research-driven institution with campuses in Tucson and Phoenix. Located within the Phoenix Biomedical Campus downtown, it offers students access to cutting-edge healthcare facilities and collaborative opportunities with medical and nursing programs.

Program Highlights

• Four-year PharmD with integrated clinical, research, and interprofessional education.
• Electives in pharmacogenomics, public health, and pharmaceutical sciences.
• Student organizations include APhA-ASP, SNPhA, and Phi Lambda Sigma.

Why It Stands Out

UArizona combines academic rigor with strong research infrastructure. The Phoenix location provides access to top hospital systems and biotechnology companies, giving students a path into clinical practice or pharmaceutical industry roles. The college’s NAPLEX pass rate and post-graduation employment outcomes rank among the best in the Southwest.

Admissions Snapshot

• Prerequisites: 62 credits including quantitative reasoning and anatomy.
• PCAT: Optional but can strengthen application.
• Prerequisite GPA: Average of 3.3+.

Pros

• Strong focus on research and community engagement.
• Public tuition advantage for Arizona residents.
• Highly ranked for post-graduation employment (95%+ within six months).

Cons

• Competitive admissions process.
• Traditional four-year timeline may be longer for some students’ preferences.

3. Creighton University School of Pharmacy – Phoenix Hybrid Pathway

Overview: Creighton University, based in Omaha, Nebraska, expanded its well-known pharmacy program to Phoenix through a hybrid PharmD pathway. This program blends online coursework with periodic on-campus immersions, combining flexibility with rigorous professional training.

Program Highlights

• Hybrid structure: roughly 70% online, 30% in-person learning.
• Hands-on clinical rotations throughout Arizona, coordinated with regional preceptors.
• Faith-based Jesuit values emphasizing ethics and patient-centered care.

Why It Stands Out

Creighton pioneered distance education in pharmacy and remains a leader in hybrid professional education. The Phoenix pathway offers working students and non-traditional learners a way to complete their PharmD while staying engaged with faculty and peers. Graduates report strong satisfaction with faculty access and experiential components.

Admissions Snapshot

• Prerequisites: Standard sciences and humanities coursework.
• PCAT: Optional.
• Cohort: Approximately 90 students annually.

Pros

• Flexibility for part-time workers or students outside of Phoenix metro.
• High degree of faculty mentorship and support.
• Accredited and academically aligned with the main campus’s traditional program.

Cons

• Higher reliance on self-motivation in online components.
• Private tuition without state residency discounts.

Pharmacy Technician and Pre-Pharmacy Pathways in Phoenix

For students not yet ready to commit to a full PharmD, several Phoenix institutions offer pharmacy technician certification and pre-pharmacy programs. Maricopa Community Colleges and Pima Medical Institute provide hands-on technician training that meets Arizona State Board of Pharmacy requirements. Many UArizona and Midwestern students come from these feeder programs, allowing for a smoother transition into advanced studies.

Key Factors for Choosing a Pharmacy School in Phoenix

1. Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This is mandatory for licensure eligibility.

2. NAPLEX and MPJE Pass Rates

Schools with consistently high North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) pass rates indicate solid academic preparation.

3. Clinical Rotations and Residency Matches

Strong partnerships with hospitals and clinics such as Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, and HonorHealth allow students to gain early exposure to real-world patient care.

4. Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition in Phoenix ranges from roughly $42,000 to $55,000 annually. Public universities like UArizona offer in-state tuition benefits, while private schools may provide institutional scholarships.

5. Job Availability

Phoenix’s dynamic healthcare industry includes major employers such as Walgreens, CVS Health, and regional hospital systems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in pharmacist and clinical specialist roles through 2030, particularly in specialty and ambulatory care settings.

Career Outlook for Graduates

Graduates from Phoenix pharmacy schools enjoy diverse career options:

• Community and Retail Pharmacy: Serving local patients through medication counseling and chronic disease management.
• Clinical and Hospital Settings: Collaborating with physicians to optimize treatment plans.
• Research and Industry: Engaging in drug development or pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

Average starting salaries for PharmD graduates in Arizona range from $115,000 to $130,000 per year, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) 2023 data.

How to Decide: Which Pharmacy School in Phoenix Fits You Best?

If you value hands-on learning and accelerated completion, Midwestern University stands out. If research opportunities and academic prestige matter more, University of Arizona offers the strongest public option. For those balancing work or family, Creighton’s hybrid program provides flexibility without compromise on quality. Evaluate your study preferences, financial resources, and long-term goals before committing to a program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phoenix Pharmacy Schools

What pharmacy schools in Phoenix are ACPE-accredited?

In the Phoenix area, the ACPE-accredited PharmD options are Midwestern University College of Pharmacy – Glendale, the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy – Phoenix Campus, and Creighton University’s Phoenix Hybrid Pathway.

How long does it take to finish a PharmD in Phoenix?

You can complete Midwestern University’s PharmD in about 3 years with an accelerated, year-round schedule. The University of Arizona and Creighton University PharmD programs each follow a traditional 4-year timeline.

How much does pharmacy school cost in Phoenix?

Estimated annual tuition is about $42,000 for University of Arizona residents, around $47,000 per year at Creighton’s hybrid pathway, and about $55,000 per year at Midwestern University. You should also plan for fees, housing, and living costs.

What NAPLEX pass rates do Phoenix pharmacy schools report?

Recent data show NAPLEX pass rates around 93% for the University of Arizona Phoenix Campus, 91% for Midwestern University – Glendale, and 90% for Creighton University’s Phoenix Hybrid Pathway. You should always check the latest published results before applying.

What kinds of careers and salaries can you expect after graduating?

You can work in community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, or roles in research and the pharmaceutical industry. Recent reports from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy show starting pharmacist salaries in Arizona often range from about $115,000 to $130,000 per year.