CVS Pharmacy, Duquesne University intro program to address pharmacist shortage

Duquesne University and CVS Pharmacy have introduced a new education support program as part of their efforts to help address the national pharmacist shortage, remove barriers to obtaining higher education and provide resources for affordable professional advancement.

Through the Tuition Advantage program, CVS Pharmacy colleagues will have the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree through Duquesne’s online pharmacy curriculum at a reduced student cost.

CVS Pharmacy colleagues who are enrolled in Duquesne University’s pharmacy school are selected for the Tuition Advantage Program and start their careers as pharmacists with CVS Pharmacy in select locations will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship that covers 50% of their tuition. The Tuition Advantage Program for CVS Pharmacy colleagues can be combined with two existing CVS Health tuition reimbursement programs —Enterprise Tuition Assistance and PharmD Tuition Assistance. 

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Duquesne and CVS Pharmacy said they are committed to advancing health equity and empowering CVS Pharmacy colleagues to grow their careers. Historically, access to an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education program, time commitments and lack of financial and employment support have acted as barriers that disproportionally affect under-resourced or remote communities. The collaboration will help CVS Pharmacy employees earn their degrees through a flexible online program that allows them to balance career, education and life commitments, the retailer said.

“This partnership exemplifies Duquesne’s commitment to providing horizon-expanding education while addressing health care disparities,” said Dr. James Drennen, dean of Duquesne’s School of Pharmacy. “By equipping CVS Pharmacy technicians with advanced education and training, we not only better their careers but also ensure that communities with the greatest need have access to skilled, compassionate pharmacists.”

The program aligns with both organizations' missions to enhance accessibility, innovation and community impact. The partnership helps position students to reach their career goals by offering the flexibility and educational support needed for them to earn their degrees. 

“This program reflects Duquesne’s innovative approach to meeting healthcare needs in our region and beyond,” said Duquesne president Ken Gormley. “We know too many places are under-resourced in our urban and rural communities. This collaborative agreement shows yet another way we’re anticipating and meeting needs. With our new College of Osteopathic Medicine and established expertise in nursing, health sciences and pharmacy, we are well positioned to prepare health professionals both today and in the future.”

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“Community pharmacists are among the most trusted health professionals. In fact, most consumers (88%) say pharmacists are the most accessible and frequently visited healthcare provider. To continue to meet patients’ needs in the communities we serve, it’s crucial that we support students who are interested in community pharmacy as a career,” said Len Shankman, executive vice president and president of pharmacy and consumer wellness at CVS Health. “We believe that innovative tuition-support programs, such as the Tuition Advantage Program we’ve created with Duquesne University, will support students on their path to pharmacy and help ensure patients continue to have convenient and local access to pharmacy care.” 

CVS Pharmacy employees who meet all pre-requisite academic requirements can apply for the program, with courses expected to launch in fall 2025.