The New York State Department of Health is dedicated to strengthening its healthcare workforce statewide. To achieve this, they are investing in comprehensive education, training, and job placement services. These initiatives are designed to support individuals at all career stages, whether they are just starting out or looking to advance their existing skills in the healthcare sector.
Demystifying the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program represents a strategic educational and training framework established under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This program is a key component of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment, detailed within New York’s Special Terms and Conditions. But what is a career pathway program in this context? Simply put, it’s a structured initiative designed to build a robust and dependable pipeline of skilled professionals. The CPT program directly addresses critical workforce shortages within the health, behavioral health, and social care sectors across New York State by strategically funding education and training opportunities.
This program recognizes the diverse roles within the healthcare ecosystem and has identified three primary professional categories for participants.
Exploring Approved Professional Titles Under the CPT Program
The CPT program offers pathways into various critical healthcare roles, categorized into three main areas:
Professional Technical Careers
This category encompasses roles that require specialized technical skills and knowledge, crucial for the efficient operation of healthcare services. These include:
- Physician Assistant
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Master of Social Work
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor
- Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Certified Medical Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
Nursing Careers
Nursing is a cornerstone of healthcare, and the CPT program supports various levels of nursing professionals, from those entering the field to those seeking advanced qualifications:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Associate Registered Nurse
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner
Frontline Public Health Worker Careers
Frontline public health workers are essential for community health and outreach, playing a vital role in preventative care and health education:
- Community Health Worker
- Patient Care Manager/Coordinator
For individuals interested in applying to the CPT program, the first step is to connect with the relevant Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) in their region. They can provide detailed application guidance and support.
Two Distinct Career Pipelines: Advancement and New Entry
To cater to different career stages and needs, the CPT program is structured into two distinct career pipelines: Career Advancement and New Careers. Understanding these pipelines is key to grasping what is a career pathway program designed to achieve.
Career Advancement Pipeline
The Career Advancement Pipeline is specifically tailored for individuals already employed within the health, behavioral health, or social care sectors in New York State. It provides these professionals with opportunities to access further education and specialized training. This pathway is designed to facilitate career progression and skill enhancement within their current fields. To be eligible for this pipeline, applicants must be currently employed by a NYS health, behavioral health, or social care provider and gain acceptance into an approved professional training and education program.
New Careers Pipeline
In contrast, the New Careers Pipeline is open to individuals who are either unemployed or not currently working within the NYS health, behavioral health, or social care system. This initiative aims to attract new talent to the healthcare field, thereby expanding access to crucial care services for Medicaid recipients and the broader population. This pipeline is a direct response to the question of what is a career pathway program meant to solve – in this case, workforce shortages by bringing in new professionals.
A significant aspect of the Career Pathway Training Program is the commitment expected from its participants. Individuals enrolled in the program are required to commit to working for three years at a NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider. These providers must serve a significant portion of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals, specifically at least 30 percent, ensuring that the program benefits underserved communities.
Workforce Investment Organizations (WIO) and Regional Service Areas
To effectively administer the Career Pathways Training program across the state, New York has established three WIO Regions. Each region is managed by a designated WIO, ensuring localized support and administration.
| Map Color | Regions Covered | WIO Name | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange circle | Region 1: Hudson Valley, New York City, Long Island | 1199 SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) | Bronx, Dutchess, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester |
| Dark blue circle | Region 2: Capital Region, Central New York, North Country, Southern Tier | Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways | 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 |
| Light blue circle | Region 3: Finger Lakes, Western New York | Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) | Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara |
Prospective applicants need to identify their region based on their location and contact the corresponding WIO to begin the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for CPT Program Participants
To ensure the CPT program reaches those who will most benefit and contribute to the NYS healthcare system, specific eligibility requirements are in place:
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible noncitizens.
- Educational Prerequisites: Candidates must meet all educational or training program requirements for their chosen CPT title and course of study. This may include prior education, licenses, certifications, successful completion of prerequisite courses or exams, or fulfilling required training, volunteer, or experiential hours. These requirements ensure participants are prepared for the rigors of their chosen healthcare career path.
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must be residents of New York State or a bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont). It’s important to note that out-of-state participants must be employed by a NYS provider to qualify for the CPT program, emphasizing the program’s focus on bolstering the New York healthcare workforce.
- Commitment to NYS Medicaid Providers: A commitment to employment at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals is mandatory. This commitment underscores the program’s mission to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations within New York State. These providers can be in health, behavioral health, or part of established Social Care Networks.
By understanding what is a career pathway program like the CPT initiative, individuals can take advantage of the opportunities provided to begin or advance their careers in the healthcare sector, contributing to a stronger and more equitable healthcare system in New York State.
