Program already supporting nearly 250 students with full coverage of tuition, fees and books; pipeline continuing to grow with 19 educational institution partnerships
Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) is continuing its dedication to increasing the healthcare workforce through a partnership with the Caring Gene®.
The Caring Gene®, a not-for-profit affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association, recently launched its new Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program. This comprehensive initiative addresses critical healthcare workforce shortages across New York State by creating accessible career advancement opportunities and supporting individuals seeking to become professionals in the healthcare industry.
Locally, FDRHPO Population Health Coordinator Kayla Quinn works as a case specialist for the CPT Program, serving the North Country.
“FDRHPO is proud to partner with the Caring Gene®,” said Mrs. Quinn. “The CPT Program serves multiple counties across New York State, with FDRHPO specifically focused on supporting residents in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties by providing career guidance, financial support, and additional training resources to those looking to begin or advance a career in healthcare.”
The Caring Gene® CPT Program covers the full cost of tuition and books for participants pursuing a career in one of 13 approved titles. Funding is available for education, training, certification programs, and support services for nursing students, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). The CPT Program also funds education for professional and technical healthcare roles, such as respiratory therapists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, social workers, mental health counselors, and physician assistants (PAs). Additionally, frontline public worker roles, including patient care managers and community health workers, are eligible for support.
To qualify, participants must complete all education/training by spring 2027. In return for financial assistance, students must agree to a three-year service commitment working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population where at least 30 percent are covered by Medicaid. Select out-of-state residents from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont are also eligible if they are employed by a healthcare provider in New York State.
“The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program offers 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 program has already garnered overwhelming interest with more than 1,100 inquiries. There are 246 students currently enrolled, and hundreds more preparing to begin in the summer/fall 2025 semesters.
To ensure high-quality education and training across the 13 titles, the CPT Program has established partnerships with leading educational institutions throughout New York State. The partnership will help schools maximize enrollment and strengthen student retention due to support provided to CPT participants by case specialists from the Caring Gene® and FDRHPO.
Throughout the program, CPT participants benefit from essential job training and access to career development resources to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified professionals enter the NYS healthcare workforce. Participants will have access to an exclusive job board when they’ve finished their education; additionally, healthcare providers with employees enrolled in the CPT Program may receive backfill payments for up to two shifts per week to address coverage challenges related to participants completing their educational requirements.
To qualify as a partner with the Caring Gene®, employers must attest they are a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant and/or uninsured.
Educational institutions and healthcare employers interested in participating may visit the Caring Gene® website and complete an online interest form.
For more enrollment information, or to sign up as an educational institution or NYS healthcare provider, visit caringgene.org.
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-saving initiatives, and innovative business solutions.
About the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization
FDRHPO works to strengthen the system for health for the integrated Fort Drum and civilian community through analysis, identification of needs and leveraging of resources to fill gaps through innovation and collaboration. For more about FDRHPO, visit www.fdrhpo.org.
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