The New York State Department of Health is dedicated to strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce. To achieve this, they are investing in initiatives that provide comprehensive education, training, and job placement services. These programs are designed to support individuals at all career stages, whether they are just beginning their journey in healthcare or are seasoned professionals seeking to advance.
Understanding the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program is a specialized educational initiative established under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver. This program is a key component of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment, further detailed in New York’s Special Terms and Conditions. At its core, the CPT program aims to build a robust and sustainable workforce pipeline. It strategically allocates funding to support education and training programs for a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including those in health, behavioral health, and social care sectors across New York State. By focusing on career development, this program directly addresses critical workforce shortages within these essential fields.
Professional Titles Covered by the CPT Program
The CPT program offers pathways to a variety of rewarding careers within healthcare. Participants can pursue training and education in three main professional categories: Nursing, Professional Technical, and Frontline Public Health Worker.
For those interested in applying, the first step is to connect with the relevant Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) in your region.
Professional Technical Careers
This category includes roles that require specialized technical skills and knowledge, playing a vital role in patient care and healthcare operations:
- 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 education and advancement:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Associate Registered Nurse
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner
Frontline Public Health Worker Careers
These roles are crucial for community health and preventative care, often working directly within communities to improve health outcomes:
- Community Health Worker
- Patient Care Manager/Coordinator
Career Pipelines: Advancement and New Entrants
The CPT program is structured around two distinct career pipelines, catering to different groups of individuals: Career Advancement and New Careers.
Career Advancement Pipeline
Designed for individuals currently employed in the health, behavioral health, or social care sectors in New York State, the Career Advancement Pipeline provides opportunities for professional growth. Eligible participants, already working for a NYS health, behavioral health, or social care provider, can access education and training to advance their skills and career trajectory within their current field.
New Careers Pipeline
The New Careers Pipeline is open to individuals who are 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 essential care for Medicaid recipients and the broader community.
Participants in either Career Pathway Training Program pipeline are required to commit to a three-year employment period at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider. These providers must serve a significant portion of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals, specifically at least 30 percent.
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 Workforce Investment Organization.
| Map Color | Regions Covered | WIO Name | Counties Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange | 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 | 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 | 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 |
Eligibility Requirements for Participants
To be considered for the CPT Program, applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be a United States Citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Educational Prerequisites: Candidates must meet all educational or training program prerequisites relevant to their chosen CPT title and course of study. This may include prior education, licenses, certifications, successful completion of prerequisite courses or exams, or required training, volunteer, or experiential hours.
- Residency in NYS or Bordering State: Applicants must be a resident of New York State or a bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont). Important Note: Out-of-state participants are required to be employed by a NYS provider to qualify for the CPT program.
- Commitment to NYS Medicaid Provider Employment: Participants must be committed to working for a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. These providers can be in health, behavioral health, or established Social Care Networks.
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