WOONSOCKET, R.I. – CVS Health and Western Governors University (WGU) have launched a new online pre‑pharmacy degree program aimed at helping address the national pharmacist shortage through flexible, affordable education. Developed in collaboration with CVS Health, WGU’s fully online Associate of Science in Health Science (ASHS) Pre‑Pharmacy program enables CVS Health colleagues to complete foundational prerequisite coursework at a lower cost than comparable programs. The program is designed to support colleagues pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and represents part of CVS Health’s broader investment in developing the next generation of pharmacists.
"This collaboration expands access to affordable education for our colleagues while strengthening the future pharmacist workforce," said Lucille Accetta, chief pharmacy officer and head of CVS Specialty Operations, CVS Health. "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."
Flexible coursework, maximum savings
CVS Health colleagues enrolled in WGU's ASHS, Pre-Pharmacy degree program complete foundational science, mathematics, and professional communication curriculum designed to prepare students for admission to PharmD programs. With personalized support from a WGU program mentor, colleagues have the flexibility to progress at their own pace while continuing to work.
Colleagues may apply for support through the CVS Health® Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, administered by EdAssist by Bright Horizons, which offers up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement per year throughout the duration of the two-year program. With an exclusive tuition rate of $3,989 per six‑month term, participants can complete the program with an out‑of‑pocket cost of $9,956 when they receive the maximum reimbursement amount. The 26-course program is eligible for transfer credits.
Supporting future pharmacists
The program is especially designed for CVS Health colleagues – including pharmacy technicians – seeking a clearer path to becoming pharmacists.
A CVS Health 2025 Rx Report revealed that 40 percent of pharmacy technicians surveyed are interested in becoming pharmacists, and 77 percent of them say that tuition assistance would increase their likelihood of pursuing a career as a pharmacist.
As the nation's largest employer of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians — spanning community, mail, specialty, and pharmacy benefits — CVS Health supports the next generation of pharmacists through collaborations, tuition assistance, structured internships, training programs and continuing education opportunities, including, a 50 percent tuition discount toward the CVS | Duquesne University Tuition Advantage Program.
"Pharmacists are the most accessible clinicians in any community," said Ryan Gates, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean, Michael O. Leavitt School of Health, WGU. "This is particularly true in communities that suffer from severe shortages of health care providers. CVS Health sees this reality every day across thousands of their locations. 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. This partnership with CVS is a shining example of how industry and higher-education can work together to solve some of the most urgent and meaningful workforce shortages facing our country."
CVS Health colleagues can apply for the program, with courses expected to launch in summer 2026.
