The Caring Gene Launches Innovative Healthcare Training Program to Strengthen Upstate New York’s Caregiving Workforce

Albany, NY — The Caring Gene® has launched its new Career Pathways Training Program (CPT), a comprehensive initiative designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across New York State, while creating accessible career advancement opportunities, and supporting individuals seeking to become professionals in the healthcare industry.

The program, which has already garnered overwhelming interest with over 1,100 inquiries, provides full coverage of tuition, books, and fees for eligible participants pursuing education in 13 high-demand healthcare fields. Currently, 153 students are enrolled, with hundreds more preparing to begin in the Summer/Fall 2025 semester.

“With the launch of the Caring Gene Career Pathways Training Program, we are offering individuals a clear pathway to meaningful careers in healthcare, while also addressing critical workforce shortages in New York State,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. “By removing financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, we are not just training healthcare workers – we're building the future of healthcare in New York.”

The CPT program is administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Health Insurance Programs to support those entering or advancing in healthcare careers. Eligible New York state residents receive full tuition, books, and fees to pursue education in 13 healthcare fields. Select out-of-state residents from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont are also eligible, provided they are employed by a healthcare provider in New York State. Participants must complete their degree by Spring 2027 and commit to three years of service with a qualifying healthcare provider serving at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured patients, fulfilling the requirement by 2031.

Educational Partners:

The program has established partnerships with leading institutions ensuring high-quality education and training across various healthcare disciplines. They include:

• Bryant & Stratton College
• Cayuga Community College
• Clarkson University
• D'Youville University
• Excelsior University
• Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES
• Maria College of Albany
• Mildred Elley
• Nazareth University
• Roberts Wesleyan University
• Russell Sage College
• Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing
• Schenectady County Community College
• St. Joseph's College of Nursing
• St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing
• Syracuse University
• Utica University

Prospective students can learn more about eligibility and apply through the newly launched website, caringgene.org.

"The overwhelming response to the CPT program demonstrates the crucial need for accessible healthcare education and career advancement opportunities,” added Kerwin. “We’re not just filling positions – we're creating lasting careers and strengthening our healthcare infrastructure across New York State.”

About the Caring Gene:

The Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways Training 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 health, 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 healthcare trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of 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 centers in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-savings initiatives and innovative business solutions.