New York State Healthcare Workforce Pipeline Grows as Caring Gene® Program Exceeds 1,000 Students
Albany, NY—The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, a statewide initiative offering fully funded education and career support for aspiring and advancing healthcare professionals, has now enrolled more than 1,000 students. The milestone marks a major step forward in strengthening New York State’s healthcare workforce and providing meaningful opportunities for individuals looking to build a career in healthcare.
“The need to grow the healthcare workforce in Upstate New York is great. Reaching this milestone speaks to the impact of expanding access to education and career opportunities in healthcare fields,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. “We’re not only changing lives by helping students reach their career goals; we’re also making a difference by helping ensure access to care by taking tangible steps to address critical staffing shortages across New York State. More than 1,000 individuals have in the Caring Gene® Program, reshaping what’s possible for our workforce, our healthcare providers, our communities, and access to care.”
Administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, the CPT Program covers full tuition, books, and fees for eligible participants pursuing education in one of 13 high-demand healthcare fields. The program supports both individuals entering the healthcare industry and current professionals seeking to advance their careers. Students receive individualized support from the Caring Gene® team and, upon graduation, commit to three years of service with a qualifying care provider in New York State.
With more than 1,000 students now enrolled, the CPT Program is making a significant impact in addressing New York State’s critical healthcare workforce shortages. These students are gaining more than just an education. They are preparing for long-term, meaningful careers in healthcare, behavioral health, and social care. As the program grows, so does its reach; expanding access to free tuition and training helps ensure communities across New York State are supported by a skilled workforce ready to meet residents’ evolving healthcare needs.
The Caring Gene® Program has partnered with leading institutions throughout New York State to deliver high-quality education and training in critical healthcare fields. Educational partners include Broome-Tioga BOCES; Bryant & Stratton College, Capital Region; Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga BOCES; Clarkson University; D’Youville University; Ellis Medicine—The Belanger School of Nursing; Excelsior University; Herkimer County BOCES; Isabella Graham Hart School of Practical Nursing; Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES; Keuka College; Le Moyne College; Maria College of Albany; Mildred Elley; Nazareth University; Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES; Ostego Northern Catskills (ONC) BOCES; Pomeroy College of Nursing at Crouse Hospital; Roberts Wesleyan University; Russell Sage College; Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing; St. Peter’s Hospital College of Nursing; St. Joseph’s College of Nursing; SUNY Adirondack Community College; SUNY Albany; SUNY Binghamton; SUNY Cayuga County Community College; SUNY Hudson Valley Community College; SUNY Jefferson Community College; SUNY Oswego; SUNY Schenectady County Community College; SUNY Plattsburgh; SUNY North Country Community College; SUNY Tompkins Cortland Community College; Syracuse University; University of Rochester; and Utica University.
“This is just the beginning,” Kerwin said. “The interest we’re seeing from students, educators, and healthcare employers across the state speaks volumes. It’s clear when we invest in accessible education and training, we create real career pathways that can make lasting progress in solving workforce challenges and improving care for communities throughout New York State.”
The Caring Gene® Program works closely with its educational partners to recruit eligible students and guide them through their training in healthcare career pathways, including nursing, professional and technical roles, and frontline public health positions. Case specialists support participants throughout their educational journey, helping them stay on track and connecting them with resources to enter the workforce or advance their current careers.
Recruitment strategies also focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure the healthcare workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
To qualify for the program, students must agree to a three-year service commitment with a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by spring 2027, and fulfill the service requirements by March 31, 2031.
Individuals interested in enrolling in the Caring Gene® Program can learn more about eligibility by visiting the Caring Gene® website: caringgene.org.
About the Caring Gene® Program:
The Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways Inc. is a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association. It is dedicated to helping people start and grow their healthcare, behavioral health, and social care careers in New York, providing comprehensive support to individuals who have a natural calling to care for others. Learn more at caringgene.org.
About Iroquois Healthcare Association:
Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is a regional trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles across 32 counties in Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical center in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-saving initiatives, and innovative business solutions.
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