Best Pharmacy Schools in Sun City

Best Pharmacy Schools in Sun City, Arizona

Sun City, Arizona is home to one of the most healthcare-focused communities in the state. With a large senior population and a strong medical infrastructure, it is an excellent place to pursue a pharmacy education. While Sun City itself does not host a standalone pharmacy college, several top-ranked PharmD and pharmacy technician programs are located within convenient commuting distance.

Key Takeaways

• The closest and most competitive PharmD programs are located within 30 minutes of Sun City.
• Midwestern University in Glendale is widely regarded as the strongest option near Sun City.
• University of Arizona offers a nationally recognized PharmD with Phoenix-based clinical training.
• Both PharmD and pharmacy technician pathways are available depending on career goals.
• Arizona offers strong job growth for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians due to healthcare demand.

How We Ranked the Best Pharmacy Schools Near Sun City

To help you make an informed decision, we evaluated pharmacy schools based on:

• Accreditation status
• NAPLEX first-time pass rates
• Geographic proximity to Sun City
• Tuition and total program cost
• Clinical training and residency placement
• Student outcomes and reputation

Top Pharmacy Schools Near Sun City

1. Midwestern University College of Pharmacy – Glendale, AZ

Distance from Sun City: Approximately 7 miles
Degree Offered: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Accreditation: ACPE Accredited

Midwestern University is broadly considered the top pharmacy program closest to Sun City. Located in nearby Glendale, it provides exceptional clinical preparation and strong board exam performance.

Why It Stands Out

• High NAPLEX pass rates consistently above national averages
• Strong clinical rotations throughout Phoenix metro hospitals
• Low student-to-faculty ratio
• Modern simulation labs and interprofessional training

The program spans four years and includes early experiential training starting in the first year. Graduates often secure competitive residencies or positions in hospital, retail, or specialty pharmacy settings.

Estimated Tuition

Approximately $70,000 per year. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

This is the best option for students who want close proximity to Sun City with strong academic rigor and clinical preparation.

2. University of Arizona College of Pharmacy – Phoenix

Distance from Sun City: Approximately 20 miles
Degree Offered: PharmD
Accreditation: ACPE Accredited

The University of Arizona operates a Phoenix-based pathway for its nationally recognized PharmD program. As a public research university, it offers strong academic depth and lower tuition for Arizona residents.

Why It Stands Out

• Top-ranked public pharmacy school in Arizona
• Strong research opportunities
• Extensive hospital partnerships in Phoenix
• Competitive in-state tuition

Estimated Tuition

• In-state: Lower than private institutions
• Out-of-state: Higher but competitive nationally

This program is ideal for students interested in clinical pharmacy, research, or academic careers while staying within commuting distance of Sun City.

3. Pima Medical Institute – Pharmacy Technician Program

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Distance from Sun City: 20 to 25 minutes
Program Type: Pharmacy Technician Certificate or Associate Degree

For students who want a faster entry into the pharmacy field, pharmacy technician programs offer an accelerated pathway into healthcare.

Program Highlights

• Program length: 9 to 18 months
• Hands-on lab training
• Externship placement in retail pharmacies
• Preparation for national certification exams

This option is ideal for individuals seeking entry-level roles or stepping stones toward a future PharmD.

Side-by-Side Comparison

SchoolDistance from Sun CityProgram LengthApprox. TuitionBest ForMidwestern University7 miles4 Years (PharmD)$70,000 per yearClinical practice, strong board prepUniversity of Arizona (Phoenix)20 miles4 Years (PharmD)Varies by residencyResearch, public university valuePima Medical Institute20–25 miles9–18 monthsLower costFast entry as pharmacy technician

Admission Requirements for PharmD Programs

While each school sets specific criteria, most require:

• Completion of prerequisite undergraduate coursework
• Strong GPA in science courses
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Interview

Some programs no longer require the PCAT, but checking individual school policies is essential. Competitive applicants often have healthcare experience or shadowing hours in pharmacy settings.

Career Outlook for Pharmacy Graduates in Arizona

Arizona’s aging population makes pharmacy an essential profession in the state. Sun City specifically has one of the highest concentrations of retirees in the country, creating consistent demand for medication management specialists.

Career Settings

• Retail and community pharmacies
• Hospitals and health systems
• Long-term care facilities
• Specialty and compounding pharmacies
• Managed care organizations

Pharmacy technicians also experience steady demand, particularly in retail chains and hospital systems throughout the Phoenix metro area.

Choosing the Right Pharmacy School Near Sun City

When deciding between programs, consider more than rankings. Think about:

• Commute time and transportation
• Total program cost and financial aid
• Clinical rotation locations
• Residency placement history
• Learning environment and culture

If proximity is your top priority, Midwestern University offers the most convenient location. If affordability and research matter most, University of Arizona’s Phoenix pathway may offer stronger value.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete required prerequisite coursework.
2. Research each program’s specific application deadlines.
3. Submit your application through PharmCAS if required.
4. Prepare for interviews with mock sessions.
5. Apply early to maximize acceptance chances.

Because pharmacy school admissions are competitive, starting preparation at least one year in advance is recommended.

Sun City’s Advantage for Pharmacy Students

What makes studying near Sun City unique is its built-in clinical ecosystem. The area includes major hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities heavily populated by patients managing chronic illness. This creates exceptional experiential learning opportunities, especially in geriatrics and medication therapy management.

Students trained in this environment graduate with strong experience in real-world patient care, polypharmacy management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmacy Schools Near Sun City, Arizona

Does Sun City, Arizona have its own pharmacy school?

No. Sun City does not have a standalone pharmacy college. Your closest ACPE-accredited PharmD options are Midwestern University in Glendale and the University of Arizona’s Phoenix-based pathway, both within an easy commute.

Which pharmacy school is closest to Sun City?

Midwestern University College of Pharmacy in Glendale is the closest option, about 7 miles from Sun City. It offers a four-year ACPE-accredited PharmD with strong clinical training in the Phoenix metro area.

What is the difference between a PharmD program and a pharmacy technician program near Sun City?

A PharmD is a four-year doctoral degree that prepares you to become a licensed pharmacist. A pharmacy technician program, such as the one at Pima Medical Institute in Phoenix, is a 9–18 month certificate or associate program that prepares you for entry-level support roles under a pharmacist’s supervision.

What are the basic admission requirements for PharmD programs near Sun City?

You typically need to complete specific college prerequisites, maintain a strong science GPA, submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement, and pass an interview. Some programs no longer require the PCAT, so you should check each school’s current policy before applying.

Is there good job demand for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the Sun City area?

Yes. The large senior population in Sun City and the broader Phoenix metro area creates steady demand for medication management. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can find roles in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty practices.