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Collaboration removes financial barriers to higher education and supports talent pipeline for future pharmacists
PITTSBURGH, PA, Feb. 4, 2025 — Duquesne University and CVS Pharmacy®, a CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) company, have introduced an innovative new education support program as part of their efforts to help address the national pharmacist shortage, especially in underrepresented areas, 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 (Pharm.D.) degree through Duquesne’s renowned 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 throughout the four-year program. The Tuition Advantage Program for CVS Pharmacy colleagues can be combined with two existing CVS Health tuition reimbursement programs — Enterprise Tuition Assistance (PDF) and PharmD Tuition Assistance — throughout the four-year program.
Duquesne and CVS Pharmacy are committed to advancing health equity and empowering CVS Pharmacy colleagues to grow their careers. Historically, access to an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited 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.
“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 health care 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.”
“Community pharmacists are among the most trusted health professionals. In fact, most consumers (88%) say pharmacists are the most accessible and frequently visited health care 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, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, 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.
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About Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim. Follow Duquesne University on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. www.duq.edu
About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues — including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health — whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system — and their personal health care — by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.
Media contacts
Kenneth Walters
412-396-1154
WaltersK2@Duq.edu
Shannon Dillon
346-291-7131
Shannon.Dillon@CVSHealth.com
