CVS Health and Millcreek, Utah-based Western Governors University have launched an online pre-pharmacy degree program designed to help address pharmacist workforce shortages nationwide.
The fully online “Associate of Science-Health Science, Pre-Pharmacy” degree program is designed to help CVS employees complete academic prerequisites for Doctor of Pharmacy degree programs at a lower cost, according to a May 14 CVS news release.
CVS Health employees enrolled in the program may apply for support through the company’s Enterprise Tuition Assistance Program, which offers up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement per year throughout the two-year program. The program carries an exclusive tuition rate of $3,989 per six-month term, with participants eligible to complete the program with an out-of-pocket cost of $9,956 when receiving the maximum reimbursement amount.
The 26-course program is especially geared toward CVS Health employees, including pharmacy technicians, seeking a pathway to become pharmacists. A CVS Health 2025 Rx Report found that 40% of surveyed pharmacy technicians were interested in becoming pharmacists, while 77% said tuition assistance would increase the likelihood they would pursue the career path.
Courses are expected to launch in summer 2026.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
