CVS Health and WGU Collaborate to Launch Innovative Pre-Pharmacy Degree Program

As the largest employer of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the nation, CVS Health recognizes the urgent need to bolster the pharmacist workforce. The collaboration with WGU aims to facilitate the transition for CVS employees, particularly pharmacy technicians, into pharmacy careers. This initiative is part of CVS Health's broader commitment to investing in the future of pharmacy and ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to communities across the country.

Lucille Accetta, Chief Pharmacy Officer at CVS Health, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "This collaboration expands access to affordable education for our colleagues while strengthening the future pharmacist workforce. By reducing financial barriers and creating clear pathways to pharmacy careers, we're helping colleagues advance professionally while supporting the long-term needs of the profession."

The Associate of Science–Health Science (ASHS), Pre-Pharmacy degree program is designed to provide foundational coursework in science, mathematics, and professional communication, preparing students for admission to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. The fully online nature of the program allows CVS Health employees to progress at their own pace while continuing their work commitments.

Participants in the program will benefit from personalized support through a WGU program mentor, ensuring they receive guidance tailored to their educational journey. The financial aspect of the program is also noteworthy, as CVS Health employees can apply for tuition assistance through the CVS Health® Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, which offers up to $3,000 in reimbursement per year. With a competitive tuition rate of $3,989 per six-month term, the total out-of-pocket cost for completing the program can be as low as $9,956, contingent upon receiving maximum reimbursement.

The program is particularly timely, as CVS Health’s 2025 Rx Report indicates that 40% of pharmacy technicians expressed interest in becoming pharmacists. Notably, 77% of those surveyed indicated that tuition assistance would significantly increase their likelihood of pursuing a pharmacy career. This sentiment underlines the importance of providing accessible educational pathways and financial support to nurture the next generation of pharmacists.

Ryan Gates, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the Michael O. Leavitt School of Health at WGU, stated, "Pharmacists are the most accessible clinicians in any community. This collaboration gives CVS employees, who have long aspired to become a pharmacist, a real path forward without having to choose between their career and their education."

The pre-pharmacy degree program is set to launch in the summer of 2026, allowing CVS Health colleagues to take their first steps toward becoming licensed pharmacists. This innovative program not only aims to meet the immediate needs of CVS Health's workforce but also contributes to addressing the broader pharmacist shortage across the nation.

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company dedicated to simplifying healthcare for individuals, families, and communities. As of March 31, 2026, the company operates approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations and more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care clinics. With a vast network serving about 88 million pharmacy benefit plan members and over 37 million people through various health insurance products, CVS Health is committed to delivering high-quality care while managing costs effectively.

Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, fully online university founded in 1997. WGU's mission focuses on creating pathways to opportunity through affordable and accessible education, emphasizing workforce-aligned programs that prepare learners for in-demand roles. The university's innovative, competency-based approach expands educational access, particularly for those underserved by traditional higher education systems.

In conclusion, the collaboration between CVS Health and WGU represents a strategic investment in the future of pharmacy education, aiming to enhance career pathways for employees while addressing the critical shortage of pharmacists in the healthcare system.