Creighton University School of Medicine: Complete Admissions Guide

Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:33 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Creighton University School of Medicine stands as one of the most respected medical institutions in the Midwest, rooted in Jesuit Catholic traditions since its establishment in 1892. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this private medical school has earned recognition for its commitment to compassionate, patient-centered medical education and its mission to improve the human condition.

Official Program Name & Duration

The Creighton University School of Medicine MD Program is a comprehensive 4-year Doctor of Medicine degree program that follows a traditional medical education structure. The program is designed around four components, with each component corresponding to the year of matriculation, leading students from foundational sciences through advanced clinical training.

Unique Program Features & Campuses

What sets Creighton apart is its dual-campus approach, offering students the opportunity to complete their medical education at either:

Omaha Campus: The original campus featuring the new CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education (opened 2023), a 145,000-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art simulation labs, exam rooms, and collaborative learning spaces
Phoenix Campus: Located in the Phoenix Medical Quarter, housed in the 195,000-square-foot Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Health Sciences Building (opened 2021) with cutting-edge technology and equipment

Accreditation & Recognition

Creighton University School of Medicine maintains full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring that graduates are eligible for residency training and medical licensure throughout the United States. As one of only four Jesuit medical schools in the nation, Creighton emphasizes service to humanity alongside academic excellence.

Combined Degree Programs

The school offers several combined degree options for students seeking additional expertise:

MD/MPH (Master of Public Health)
MD/MBA (Master of Business Administration)
MD/PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Creighton University School of Medicine takes a flexible approach to prerequisite requirements, focusing on competency-based preparation rather than strict course mandates.

Minimum Degree Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution in the United States or Canada
No specific major required – the school welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds

Required Coursework Foundation

While Creighton has no defined prerequisite course requirements, they recommend a minimum of 40-45 credit hours in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The recommended coursework includes:

Biology Foundation:

Strong background in biology including introductory and advanced courses
Recommended: physiology, immunology, genetics
Laboratory experience essential

Chemistry Foundation:

General chemistry with laboratory (8 semester hours)
Organic chemistry with laboratory (8 semester hours)
Biochemistry strongly recommended

Physics & Mathematics:

General physics with laboratory (8 semester hours)
Statistics and/or calculus recommended

GPA Requirements

Median GPA of admitted students: 3.9
While no minimum GPA is specified, competitive applicants typically maintain GPAs of 3.85 or higher
Both cumulative and science GPAs are evaluated holistically
The Class of 2029 had an average cumulative GPA of 3.86

Standardized Testing Requirements

MCAT Requirements

Minimum MCAT score: 500
Median MCAT score of admitted students: 515
Average MCAT for Class of 2029: 513
All sections of the MCAT are considered
Recent scores (within the validity period) strongly preferred
Multiple attempts are considered with focus on highest score

Additional Testing

Creighton does not require CASPer or other additional standardized tests beyond the MCAT.

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

The Committee on Admissions requires applicants to demonstrate a foundation in the following areas:

Service & Volunteerism

Commitment to “service of others” through non-medical volunteer activities
Long-term, meaningful community service preferred over short-term activities
Alignment with Jesuit values of social justice and service

Clinical Experience

Diverse clinical experiences including direct physician shadowing
Patient contact through clinical and/or medical experiences
Both inpatient and outpatient exposure valued
Quality and reflection on experiences more important than quantity of hours

Research Experience

Scientific research, while not required, is highly valued by the Committee
Basic science, clinical, or public health research all considered valuable
Publications and presentations enhance applications but are not required

Residency Preferences

As a private institution, Creighton does not show preference for in-state vs. out-of-state applicants. The school accepts students from all 50 states and considers international applicants on a case-by-case basis.

Application Process & Timeline

Application System & Deadlines

Creighton University School of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which serves as the centralized application system.

Key Application Deadlines

June 1: AMCAS application opens
November 1, 2025: AMCAS application deadline
November 15: Final deadline for transcript submission to AMCAS
January 15: Secondary application deadline for Regular MD and MD/PhD applicants

Required Documents

Primary Application Components (AMCAS)

Official transcripts from all colleges attended
MCAT scores
Personal statement (5,300 character limit)
Work and activities section (up to 15 experiences)
Letters of evaluation/recommendation

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of evaluation through AMCAS
Committee letter preferred when available
Individual letters accepted from:
- Science faculty (2 recommended)
- Non-science faculty (1 recommended)
- Physician or healthcare professional (1 recommended)

Secondary Application

Following AMCAS submission, qualified applicants receive secondary applications with school-specific essay prompts focusing on:

Commitment to Jesuit values and service
Understanding of Creighton’s mission
Specific experiences that demonstrate fit with the program

Application Fees

Current application fees include both primary AMCAS fees and secondary application fees (specific amounts vary annually).

Interview Process

Interview Format & Timeline

Interview invitations begin: September
Interview season runs: September through March
Interview format: Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format
Interview options: Both virtual and in-person interviews available

Interview Statistics

For the Class of 2029:

6,170 applications received
955 applicants interviewed
250 students ultimately enrolled

Post-Interview Process

October 15: Regular MD applicants begin receiving admission decisions
Decisions include: Accept, Reject, or Alternate List (Waitlist)
April 30: Final deadline to withdraw acceptance and receive deposit refund

Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Competitiveness

Creighton University School of Medicine is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 3.25%, making it one of the more selective private medical schools in the United States.

Application Volume & Class Size

Annual applications: Approximately 6,000+ applications
Interview invitations: ~955 candidates (15.5% of applicants)
Class size: 250 students annually
Campus distribution: Students are distributed between Omaha and Phoenix campuses

Academic Statistics of Admitted Students

Class of 2029 Profile

Average MCAT: 513
Average GPA: 3.86
MCAT Range: Most admitted students score between 510-518
GPA Range: Most admitted students have GPAs between 3.75-3.95

Demographics & Background

Average age: 23 years
Age range: 21 students are 26 years or older
Gender distribution: 43% male, 57% female
First-generation college students: 15% (34 students)
Underrepresented in medicine: 8% (20 students)
Languages spoken: 24 different languages
Birth countries: 13 different countries represented

Academic Diversity

Students in the Class of 2029 represent:

46 different undergraduate majors
94 different undergraduate institutions
19 students with advanced degrees

Top Undergraduate Majors:

Biology: 68 students
Neuroscience: 29 students
Molecular Biology: 24 students
Biochemistry: 21 students
Non-STEM fields: 18 students

Waitlist Information

Creighton maintains an alternate list (waitlist) for qualified candidates who are not initially accepted. Waitlisted applicants are reviewed again later in the admissions cycle, with decisions based on:

Space availability due to deposit withdrawals
Addressing any application deficiencies
Continued demonstration of interest in the program

Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates

As a private institution, Creighton University School of Medicine charges the same tuition for all students regardless of residency status:

Annual tuition: $68,772 (in-state and out-of-state)
Estimated total cost of attendance: Approximately $99,825 per year

Total Program Investment

4-year total tuition: Approximately $275,000
4-year total cost of attendance: Approximately $400,000

Additional Fees & Expenses

Beyond tuition, students should budget for:

Technology fees and student services
Health insurance (required)
Laboratory fees and equipment costs
Clinical rotation fees
Books and educational materials
Housing and living expenses in Omaha or Phoenix

Financial Aid Options

Federal Financial Aid

Percentage of students receiving aid: 83%
Average graduating debt: $29,647 (significantly lower than national averages)

National average debt comparison:

Public medical schools: $175,607
Private medical schools: $184,892

Financing Programs Available

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Graduate PLUS Loans
Primary Care Loan (PCL) – requires parental information on FAFSA
Private alternative loans

Scholarship Opportunities

Creighton offers 500+ scholarships across all schools, including:

Merit-based scholarships
Need-based financial aid
Service-commitment scholarships
Research fellowships
External scholarship programs

Financial Aid Application Process

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Creighton University Federal Student Code: 002542
No CSS Profile required
Early FAFSA submission recommended for priority consideration

Click To See Hundreds Of Consultants Who Can Mentor You:

Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration & Philosophy

The Creighton University School of Medicine follows a traditional 4-year curriculum structured around competency-based medical education. The program emphasizes the Jesuit value of “cura personalis” (care for the whole person) while preparing students for successful careers as empathic physicians.

Educational Approach

Holistic medical education integrating science with humanistic values
Problem-based learning components
Early clinical exposure beginning in the first year
Simulation-based training in state-of-the-art facilities
Collaborative learning environment reducing competition between students

Pre-Clinical Years (Components I & II)

Component I (First Year)

Focus: Foundation in basic medical sciences and introduction to clinical skills

Human anatomy and physiology
Biochemistry and molecular biology
Histology and pathology fundamentals
Medical ethics and professionalism
Early patient interaction and clinical skills
Introduction to physical examination

Component II (Second Year)

Focus: Advanced basic sciences and systems-based learning

Pathophysiology of major organ systems
Pharmacology and therapeutics
Microbiology and immunology
Advanced clinical skills training
Problem-based learning cases
Preparation for USMLE Step 1

Clinical Years (Components III & IV)

Component III (Third Year)

Focus: Core clinical rotations and clerkships
Required core clerkships typically include:

Internal Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Psychiatry
Family Medicine
Emergency Medicine

Component IV (Fourth Year)

Focus: Advanced clinical training and specialty exploration
Required coursework (40 weeks total):

4-week Step 2 CK Review Course
4-week critical care selective
4-week sub-internship or second critical care selective
4-week capstone selective
28 weeks of electives (minimum 20 weeks clinical)

Elective Opportunities:

Up to 12 weeks of extramural rotations at other institutions
Research electives and scholarly projects
International rotation opportunities
Specialty exploration rotations
Rural medicine and underserved population rotations

Clinical Training Sites

Omaha Campus Affiliations

CHI Health hospitals
Nebraska Medicine
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Phoenix Campus Affiliations

Through the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance:

Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
Valleywise Health
District Medical Group
Banner Health System facilities

Assessment & Grading

Honors/Pass/Fail system in most courses
Reduces competitive pressure between students
Focus on mastery learning and collaboration
USMLE Step examinations required for graduation

Research Opportunities

Scholarly project requirement
Summer research programs
MD/PhD pathway available
Faculty mentorship in various research areas
Opportunities for publication and presentation

Pre-Medical Preparation

Recommended Academic Planning

Undergraduate Major Selection

Creighton welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. While no specific major is required:

68 students in Class of 2029 majored in Biology
18 students came from non-STEM backgrounds
Choose a major that aligns with your interests and strengths
Maintain strong academic performance regardless of major

Course Sequencing Strategy

For optimal MCAT preparation and medical school readiness:

Years 1-2:

Complete general biology and chemistry with labs
Begin building research experience
Start volunteer and service activities

Years 3-4:

Complete organic chemistry, physics, and advanced biology
Take MCAT after completing core prerequisite courses
Gain substantial clinical experience through shadowing and healthcare work
Develop leadership experiences

GPA Optimization

Target GPA: 3.75 or higher for competitive consideration
Both cumulative and science GPAs matter
Grade trends are important – consistent improvement is valued
Address any academic weaknesses early

Clinical Experience Recommendations

Types of Valued Clinical Exposure

Direct patient care: Hospital volunteering, EMT work, medical assistant roles
Physician shadowing: Both primary care and specialty physicians
Healthcare settings diversity: Inpatient, outpatient, emergency, specialty clinics
Underserved populations: Community health centers, free clinics

Quality vs. Quantity

Focus on meaningful, long-term commitments over short-term experiences
Reflection and learning from experiences more important than hours
Demonstrate growth and understanding of healthcare challenges

Research Experience Planning

Types of Research Valued

Basic science research: Laboratory-based investigations
Clinical research: Patient-oriented studies
Public health research: Population health and epidemiology
Quality improvement projects: Healthcare systems research

Research Timeline

Start early: Begin research by sophomore or junior year
Consistency: Maintain involvement for multiple semesters/summers
Mentorship: Develop relationships with research faculty
Dissemination: Present at conferences or publish when possible

Service & Leadership Development

Service Alignment with Jesuit Values

Service to others: Focus on helping underserved or vulnerable populations
Social justice: Address healthcare disparities and community needs
Long-term commitment: Sustained involvement showing genuine dedication
Leadership roles: Taking initiative and responsibility in service activities

MCAT Preparation Strategy

Optimal Timing

Take MCAT after completing prerequisite coursework
Allow adequate study time (3-6 months of dedicated preparation)
Consider your academic schedule and other commitments
Plan for potential retakes if necessary

Study Approach

Content review: Thorough understanding of biological, chemical, and physical sciences
Practice testing: Regular full-length practice exams
Analytical skills: Critical thinking and reasoning practice
Test-taking strategy: Time management and question approach techniques