About the program
The Creighton University – Phoenix PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The Creighton University physician assistant program's mission is to foster a tradition of excellence by transforming learners into compassionate physician assistants who are dedicated to exemplary patient care. Rooted in our Ignatian heritage, we empower students to realize their full potential through a commitment to professional growth and service to humanity."
On Campus Simulation Lab; Professional Healthcare Campus; Interprofessional Education with Medical, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy & Nursing Students; One of five Jesuit institutions offering a Physician Assistant Education; 28 month, two-phase curriculum utilizing a systems-based model.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
Creighton University's Phoenix campus offers a 28-month program awarding a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, currently holding Provisional ARC-PA accreditation. The program accepts its first cohort in August 2027, with a rolling admissions process that reviews applications on a first-come, first-served basis and an application deadline of August 1, 2026, making early submission a practical priority.
The program is grounded in Creighton's Ignatian heritage, emphasizing compassionate patient care, professional growth, and service to humanity - values that will resonate most strongly with applicants drawn to Jesuit educational traditions. Creighton is one of only five Jesuit institutions in the country offering PA education, which gives the program a distinct identity. Students train on a professional healthcare campus that includes an on-site simulation lab and participate in interprofessional education alongside medical, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, and nursing students. The curriculum itself follows a systems-based, two-phase model and draws on multiple pedagogical approaches, including case-based, problem-based, and team-based learning, reflecting a hands-on and collaborative educational philosophy.
The academic profile of recent matriculants sits at a 3.77 overall GPA and 3.73 science GPA, though the stated minimums are 3.00 across overall, science, and prerequisite categories. Applicants with GPAs in the lower range of the minimum should assess their competitiveness honestly given where the class average lands. Required prerequisites include Human Anatomy with lab (4 credits), Human Physiology with lab (4 credits), Microbiology with lab (4 credits), and Statistics (3 credits), with no time limit on when these courses were completed.
The patient-care threshold is relatively accessible at 250 minimum direct patient care hours, though those hours must be paid, and healthcare experience is required. This distinguishes the program from those that accept volunteer or unpaid experience toward their minimums, so applicants should verify their hours qualify before applying.
The estimated incoming class size is 56 students. Total tuition is $219,933 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate distinction, and a $500 seat deposit is required upon acceptance. Out-of-state and international applicants are accepted, the latter with certain exceptions noted on the program's website. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options. Three letters of reference are required, and all interviewed candidates must attend an onsite Multiple Mini Interview.
An applicant should judge fit here primarily on alignment with the Jesuit mission of service and interprofessional collaboration, alongside a clear-eyed look at whether their GPA and paid patient-care experience genuinely reflect the profile of students who have successfully matriculated.