Creighton University

Creighton University's health sciences campus in midtown Phoenix will educate physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and physician assistants.

Christina Estes/KJZZ

Father Daniel Hendrickson, president of Creighton University, addresses a group gathered at the Phoenix Art Museum for the announcement.

Christina Estes/KJZZ

Creighton University students listen to the announcement about a new medical school opening in Phoenix.

Less than a month after Phoenix leaders approved plans to build a parking garage at Park Central Mall, a new tenant has been revealed.

Creighton University will build a health sciences campus along Central Avenue south of Osborn Road. The Omaha-based Jesuit Catholic University said it will feature a four-year medical school along with schools for nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and physician assistants, and an emergency medical services program.

During Tuesday’s announcement, Phoenix Vice Mayor Jim Waring said Creighton can do for midtown what ASU has done for downtown.

“This is going to be game-changing,” he said. “Sometimes that is an overused phrase, but not in this case. I can’t wait to see the students down here and the faculty and the bustle and hustle that comes with it.”

Father Daniel Hendrickson, president of Creighton University, said the first phase will accommodate up to 800 students annually.

“These students will engage the full complement of healthcare education and professions and many are likely to remain right here in Arizona to serve your communities,” he said.

Arizona is facing a shortage of doctors. Experts say increasing the number of residencies can help ease the shortage because physicians will often end up practicing where they complete their training

The first phase of Creighton’s campus at Park Central Mall calls for a 200,000 square foot building that’s expected to be completed by the spring of 2021.