#United States #CVS Health #Woonsocket #WGU #Pharmacy Degree

New Online Pre-Pharmacy Degree Program

In a groundbreaking initiative, CVS Health® and Western Governors University (WGU) have announced the launch of an online pre-pharmacy degree program. This program is strategically designed to address the increasing demand for pharmacists across the nation while providing an accessible educational pathway for aspiring pharmacy professionals.

Reducing Financial Barriers to Education

The newly established Associate of Science in Health Science (ASHS) Pre-Pharmacy degree program offers CVS Health employees the opportunity to complete essential academic prerequisites at a fraction of the cost of traditional educational routes. Given the rising costs of education, such programs are crucial to expanding access to the pharmaceutical profession.

Lucille Accetta, Chief Pharmacy Officer of CVS Health, emphasized the program’s goal: “This collaboration expands access to affordable education for our colleagues while strengthening the future pharmacist workforce.” The program embodies CVS Health’s commitment to invest in its workforce while easing educational financial burdens that many employees face.

Flexible and Supportive Learning Environment

The online format allows participants to tailor their education according to their schedules, ensuring they can manage work commitments alongside academic pursuits. The curriculum includes a robust foundation in science, mathematics, and professional communication—all vital for admission to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs.

WGU provides personalized support through dedicated program mentors, enabling students to progress at their own pace. Furthermore, through its Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, CVS Health supports colleagues financially, offering up to $3,000 per year in tuition reimbursement for this two-year program. At the exclusive rate of $3,989 per six-month term, students can potentially complete their degree with an out-of-pocket expense of only $9,956 if they maximize their reimbursement options.

Aiming to Develop Future Pharmacists

This initiative specifically targets CVS Health associates, including pharmacy technicians who express interest in advancing their careers to become pharmacists. A notable survey reported in the CVS Health 2025 Rx Report revealed that 40% of participating pharmacy technicians were eager to transition into the pharmacist role, and 77% indicated that tuition assistance would significantly enhance their willingness to pursue this career path.

CVS Health’s position as the largest employer in the pharmacy sector underlines its major role in shaping the future workforce. This new program aligns perfectly with their commitment to nurturing talent through various supporting structures like tuition assistance, internships, training, and continuing education.

Ryan Gates, Senior Vice President at WGU, acknowledged the significance of pharmacists in healthcare, particularly in underserved communities where they serve as the most accessible clinicians. “This collaboration gives CVS employees, who have long aspired to become pharmacists, a real path forward without having to choose between their career and their education,” he remarked.

Program Launch and Future Prospects

Applications for this innovative program will open soon, with courses anticipated to commence in summer 2026. By expanding educational access, CVS Health and WGU are jointly paving the way for a more robust pharmacy workforce capable of meeting the healthcare demands of diverse communities across the country.

Through this partnership, both organizations are addressing immediate workforce shortages while enriching career opportunities for dedicated CVS Health employees. This new degree program not only represents a strategic advancement for both companies but also offers a remarkable opportunity for those who aspire to shape the future of healthcare through pharmacy.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is an industry leader committed to simplifying healthcare through various services that cater to individual and community health needs. With thousands of retail pharmacy locations, advanced medical clinics, and a comprehensive pharmacy benefits manager, CVS is at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

About WGU

WGU is a nonprofit institution driven by the belief that education can be a transformative force in people's lives, expanding access to quality education through technology-enabled and competency-based programs. Their mission emphasizes closing the gap between talented individuals and career opportunities, ensuring workforce resilience for the future.