As health care continues to evolve, employers are increasingly looking beyond recruitment to ensure they have the talent needed for the future. At CVS Health, workforce development has become a key strategy for preparing employees to take on new opportunities while helping the company meet changing business demands.
CVS Health believes that investing in employee learning and career advancement is not just a benefit for workers. It's also an important way to strengthen critical capabilities across the organization, from clinical care and pharmacy services to customer support and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
The health care landscape is changing rapidly. New technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving care models require employees who can continuously learn and adapt.
Rather than relying solely on external hiring, CVS Health has focused on helping current employees build new skills, pursue educational opportunities, and transition into growing areas of the business. The company's approach spans multiple career paths and professional disciplines.
Investing in Pharmacy Careers
CVS Health has expanded opportunities for individuals interested in pharmacy careers through educational collaborations, training programs, residencies, and fellowships. One example is a pre-pharmacy degree program offered online through Western Governors University (WGU) and supported by EdAssist by Bright Horizons.
The company has also partnered with Duquesne University to provide employees with significant tuition savings toward an online Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Additional CVS Health tuition assistance programs can further reduce the financial burden of earning a pharmacy credential.
Building the Next Generation of Nurse Leaders
For nurses seeking opportunities to advance their careers, CVS Health offers the Nurse Leadership Development Program (NLDP). The program combines structured learning, mentorship, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects designed to strengthen leadership skills and broaden participants' understanding of the enterprise.
Creating Customer Service and Operations Career Pathways
Through Aetna's NextStep initiative, the company is working to prepare individuals for careers in customer service and operational roles. The program includes workforce training, academic collaborations, and dedicated learning resources designed to support long-term career growth. Over the last several years, participants have completed tens of thousands of hours of training through the initiative.
Preparing Employees for an AI-Enabled Workplace
Recognizing the growing influence of artificial intelligence across health care and business operations, CVS Health launched an AI Learning Academy to help employees build foundational knowledge and practical skills. Training focuses on responsible use of AI tools while helping colleagues understand how the technology can enhance and support their work.
Expanding Access Through Community Collaborations
CVS Health also collaborates with local workforce organizations and nonprofit partners to create pathways into health care and retail careers. The relationships connect individuals with job readiness programs, coaching, and support services that can help address common barriers to workforce participation, such as access to transportation, childcare, and job training.
Participants are then better prepared to pursue careers in areas such as pharmacy support, retail management, and customer-facing health care roles.
Supporting Early-Career Professionals
Internships and leadership development programs remain another important component of CVS Health's talent strategy. The programs provide hands-on experience across corporate, retail, and clinical functions, helping participants gain practical skills and exposure to future career opportunities. The approach has contributed to strong retention among individuals who begin their careers through these programs and later join CVS Health full-time.
The Importance of Clear Career Pathways
Career development opportunities have proven to be most effective when employees understand how they connect to future growth.
Being transparent about potential career paths, advancement opportunities, and skill-building outcomes helps employees see the value of participating in learning programs. It also reinforces that an organization is invested in colleagues’ long-term success.
When employees can clearly envision where a training program may lead, they are often more engaged and motivated to continue developing their careers.
Growing Talent From Within
Internal mobility has become a significant part of CVS Health's workforce strategy. In the past year alone, more than 70,000 employees moved into new roles across the company, reflecting the variety of career paths available to those who seek them.
A broader belief that many workforce challenges cannot be solved through recruitment alone drives this movement. As health care organizations navigate technological change, industry-wide labor market pressures, and increasing specialization, developing existing talent has become increasingly important.
By creating opportunities for learning, reskilling, and career advancement, CVS Health aims to equip employees for the jobs of today while preparing them for the demands of tomorrow.
