The New York State Department of Health is proactively addressing the critical need to bolster its healthcare workforce. Through innovative initiatives, they are committed to providing comprehensive education, robust training, and effective job placement services. These efforts are strategically designed to support individuals at all career stages, whether they are embarking on a new career in healthcare or seeking to advance their existing skills and roles.
Introducing the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program represents a significant investment in the future of healthcare in New York. This comprehensive education and training initiative was established under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver, a key component of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment. Detailed information about this framework can be found in New York’s Special Terms and Conditions. The core objective of the CPT program is to create a sustainable and reliable pipeline of qualified professionals to effectively combat persistent workforce shortages across the healthcare, behavioral health, and social care sectors throughout New York State. By strategically funding education and training opportunities, the program aims to ensure that New York has the skilled workforce necessary to meet the evolving healthcare needs of its population.
Diverse Range of Approved Professional Titles
The CPT program offers pathways to a wide array of essential healthcare professions, categorized into three key areas: nursing, professional technical roles, and frontline public health workers. This diverse selection ensures that individuals with varied interests and aptitudes can find a fulfilling and impactful career path within the healthcare sector.
Individuals interested in applying to the CPT program are encouraged to reach out to the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) relevant to their geographic region for application guidance and support.
Professional Technical Careers
This category encompasses a range of vital roles that provide specialized support and expertise within healthcare settings:
- Physician Assistant: Provide a wide range of medical services under the supervision of a physician.
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor: Offer therapeutic support and guidance to individuals and groups facing mental health challenges.
- Master of Social Work: Provide social services and support to patients and communities, addressing social and emotional needs.
- Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor: Specialize in helping individuals overcome addiction and substance abuse issues.
- Certified Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations.
- Certified Medical Assistant: Provide clinical and administrative support in physician offices and other healthcare facilities.
- Respiratory Therapist: Specialize in treating patients with breathing difficulties and respiratory illnesses.
Nursing Careers
The CPT program supports individuals pursuing various levels of nursing, a cornerstone of healthcare delivery:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Provide basic nursing care under the direction of registered nurses and physicians.
- Associate Registered Nurse (ADN-RN): Provide direct patient care and perform a wide range of nursing duties.
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN): For current RNs seeking to advance their education and career prospects with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practice registered nurses who provide comprehensive primary and specialty care.
Frontline Public Health Worker Careers
This category focuses on professionals who play a critical role in community health and patient support:
- Community Health Worker (CHW): Serve as liaisons between communities and health and social services, providing outreach, education, and support.
- Patient Care Manager/Coordinator: Organize and coordinate patient care services, ensuring seamless transitions and access to appropriate resources.
Two Distinct Career Pipelines: Career Advancement and New Careers
The CPT program is thoughtfully structured into two distinct career pipelines to cater to individuals at different stages of their professional journey: Career Advancement and New Careers. This dual approach maximizes the program’s impact by both upskilling the existing healthcare workforce and attracting new talent to the field.
Career Advancement Pipeline
The Career Advancement Pipeline is specifically designed to empower current professionals working within the health, behavioral health, or social care sectors in New York State. This pipeline provides access to targeted education and training opportunities aimed at facilitating career progression and skill enhancement. To be eligible for the Career Advancement Pipeline, applicants must be currently employed by a NYS health, behavioral health, or social care provider and must have been accepted into an approved professional training and education program. This pipeline is ideal for those looking to climb the career ladder within their current field.
New Careers Pipeline
The New Careers Pipeline opens doors to individuals who are currently unemployed or not presently working for a NYS health, behavioral health, or social care provider. This initiative is strategically focused on attracting new entrants into the healthcare workforce, thereby expanding access to essential care for Medicaid members and the broader community. This pipeline is perfect for those seeking a fulfilling career change or entering the healthcare field for the first time.
A crucial component of the Career Pathways Training Program is the commitment from participants to contribute to the New York State healthcare system. Individuals participating in either pipeline must commit to a three-year employment period at a NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider. These providers must serve a significant proportion of vulnerable populations, specifically at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals, ensuring that the program’s benefits reach those most in need.
Workforce Investment Organizations (WIO) and Regional Service Areas
To effectively administer the Career Pathways Training program across the state, three strategically defined WIO Regions have been established. Each region is assigned a dedicated WIO to manage program implementation and provide localized support to participants.
| 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 |
Participant Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the CPT Program reaches those who will most benefit and contribute to the NYS healthcare workforce, specific eligibility criteria have been established:
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be a United States Citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Educational Program Requirements: Participants must meet all educational or training program prerequisites based on their chosen CPT title and course of study. This may include:
- Prior completion of relevant educational programs, licenses, and/or certifications.
- Successful completion of required academic or training prerequisites, or passing entrance exams.
- Fulfillment of any mandated training, volunteer, or experiential hours.
- New York State Residency: Applicants must be a New York State resident or a resident of a bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont). Important Note: Out-of-state participants are eligible only if they are employed by a NYS healthcare provider to qualify for the CPT program.
- Commitment to NYS Medicaid Providers: Participants must be committed to securing employment at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. These providers encompass organizations within the health, behavioral health, and established Social Care Networks, ensuring service to vulnerable populations.
Stay Informed with Recent News
This section is expected to be updated with recent news regarding the CPT program.
