Wilkes Launches Medicinal Cannabis Certificate Program for Healthcare Professionals

Wilkes University launched a new certificate program in medicinal cannabis for the fall 2025 semester. Aimed at both current and aspiring healthcare professionals, this program will help meet the growing demand for workers with an understanding of cannabis and cannabis-related products. The 16-credit, fully online program provides students with an affordable and flexible way to advance their careers with specialized training in a rapidly growing industry.

Students in the program will have the opportunity to learn about the use of cannabis for treatment, as well as the surrounding regulatory, ethical and clinical environments of this progressive branch of medicine. Guided by an interdisciplinary team of faculty from the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, students will also get the chance to apply their knowledge through a hands-on research project.

"As the use of medicinal and recreational cannabis increases, healthcare professionals will need to be educated on the use of cannabis by patients."says Marie Roke Thomas, chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Demand for qualified professionals will increase not only in physicians' offices and hospitals, but also in dispensaries. Pennsylvania, where medicinal cannabis has been legal since 2016, continues to see a steady increase in cannabis-related businesses that help to grow local economies. The certificate program provides the necessary skill set for students to secure these jobs with family-sustaining wages and career potential, while also ensuring quality and safety for the community."

Many people and their pets are using or taking some form of cannabis that may interact with their current health condition or current medication., says Roke Thomas. "This program will educate healthcare professionals on the use of cannabis and how it works with current medications and within the body."

To learn more about the medicinal cannabis certificate, visit wilkes.edu/medcannabis..