SUNY Adirondack offers help to health care students

QUEENSBURY, New York (April 1) — SUNY Adirondack proudly announces a new partnership with Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to address health care workforce shortages. 

Through this partnership, eligible New York state residents and residents of certain bordering states receive full coverage of tuition, books and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 health care fields. The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports new health care workers and professionals seeking career advancement.

"SUNY Adirondack is proud to partner with the Caring Gene to provide meaningful education opportunities for students and address the ongoing need for health care workers in New York state," said Kim Comisky, director of Healthcare Pathways at SUNY Adirondack. "Together, we aim to build a stronger health care workforce, support career advancement and improve community health outcomes."

SUNY Adirondack’s Nursing and Criminal Justice: Substance Abuse Services degree programs are covered as part of the agreement.

To qualify for the program, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a health care, behavioral health or social care network provider in New York state that serves a patient population of at least 30 percent Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by Spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by 2031.

"SUNY Adirondack shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York state health care workers," said Kevin M. Kerwin, esq., acting president and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. "This program is an important step toward strengthening our health care workforce and expanding access to quality care in the communities that need it most. We look forward to working with SUNY Adirondack to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program."

The Caring Gene’s CPT program offers two distinct tracks: one for individuals aspiring to enter the health care industry, and another for professionals looking to advance their careers. 

Caring Gene’s case specialists will guide participants throughout their educational journeys, ensuring they receive services and support to enter the health care workforce and provide career advancement opportunities for current health care employees. In partnership with the Caring Gene, SUNY Adirondack will actively recruit eligible students to apply and complete their training in health care career pathways including nursing, professional and technical roles, and front-line public health workers. 

Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the CPT program can learn more about eligibility by visiting Caring Gene’s website at caringgene.org. 

Those interested in attending SUNY Adirondack can visit www.sunyacc.edu, email admission@sunyacc.edu or call 518-743-2244.

SUNY Adirondack also offers health care education opportunities through Healthcare Pathways, a program funded by a State University of New York (SUNY) Future of Work Centers grant. This allows SUNY Adirondack to develop career pathways and support individuals pursuing training and education for careers in health care. To learn more, visit https://sunyacc.edu/programs-courses/healthcare-pathways, call 518-743-2238 or email healthcarepathways@sunyacc.edu.

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 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 health care 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.