Benefits
Our program is more than financial support.
We provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions about your career.
A Career in Healthcare and Related Fields, No Cost to You
The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training (CPT) program provides full coverage for tuition and books to those new to or advancing their careers in any of 13 approved CPT health, behavioral health, and social care career fields in New York State.
Personalized Support
Case specialists will guide you through academic readiness, financial aid, and more.
Academic Support
Access tutors, mentors, and other resources to help you to succeed in your program.
Career Prep Assistance
Build your resume, train for interviews, and connect with employers online.
Placement Assistance
Once you finish the program, we will assist you in landing a full-time position.
Career Pathways
Where will your Caring Gene® take you?
We believe that if you have a passion for caring for others, you’ve got the caring gene! Explore which of the following careers covered by the Career Pathway Training program is the perfect fit for you.
How It Works
Four simple steps to your new career.
01
Complete an interest form.
Explore the program requirements and resources, and discover which of the 13 titles covered by the Caring Gene® is right for you. Then, complete an interest form to get started.
02
Submit your application.
After completing the interest form, you’ll be asked to submit a full application. Tell us about your background and career goals. We offer application assistance to ensure you complete all necessary steps for funding and enrollment.
03
Connect with case managers.
Our case managers will reach out within five to seven business days after you’ve submitted your application. They are here to help you navigate your educational options, identify the career field that aligns with your strengths and interests, and secure the financial support you need.
04
Start your journey with the Caring® Gene!
As a program participant, you will have access to online learning, tutoring support, and more!
Are You Eligible?
Before submitting your interest form, confirm you meet the program requirements.
Residency
Students must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and New York State resident, OR a resident of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Vermont employed by a NYS healthcare provider.
Education
Students must pursue an education program in one of the 13 healthcare, behavioral health, or social care titles approved by the Caring Gene® Program. Students must be starting a new program to qualify for funding. Caring Gene® cannot provide funds for an educational program already in progress or previously started.
Commitment
Students are required to complete a three-year service commitment working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured.
Timeline
Students must complete their education/training by spring 2027. The required service commitment must be complete by 2031. Students who began their program before January 2025 are not eligible for funding. Please note: Students re-entering the same program, even at a different institution, are still considered to have started before January 2025 and are not eligible.
FAFSA
Students should be ready to complete the FAFSA and/or TAP if required by your school for acceptance into your education/training program. This is not mandatory before applying to the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program, but it does speed up the application process.
Important
We accept applications from students with a home address in the following counties: Albany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Warren, Washington
Don’t see your county listed? Click here.
Take the First Step
Submit an interest form to start your journey toward a career that’ll change lives–starting with your own. And if you qualify, it won’t cost you a thing.