Alt text: Diverse group of students in a healthcare career pathway program, learning and collaborating.
The New York State Department of Health is dedicated to building a stronger healthcare workforce throughout the state. To achieve this, they are investing in comprehensive education, training, and job placement services. These initiatives are designed to support individuals who are both entering the healthcare field for the first time and those who are already working in healthcare and seeking to advance their careers.
Unveiling the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program represents a significant educational and professional development opportunity. It was established under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver, as part of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment (detailed information can be found in New York’s Special Terms and Conditions here). This vital 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 initiatives. The primary aim is to create a sustainable and robust pipeline of qualified professionals ready to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.
Diverse Career Titles Supported by the CPT Program
The CPT program offers pathways to a range of essential healthcare roles, categorized into three main areas: nursing, professional technical, and frontline public health worker positions.
For those interested in applying, the first step is to connect with the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) relevant to their region. They will provide guidance on the application process and available opportunities.
Professional Technical Careers
This category includes a variety of specialized and crucial roles within the healthcare system:
- 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
The CPT program supports advancement and entry into various levels of nursing practice:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Associate Registered Nurse
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nurse Practitioner
Frontline Public Health Worker Careers
These roles are vital for community health and patient support:
- Community Health Worker
- Patient Care Manager/Coordinator
Two Distinct Career Pipelines within the CPT Program
The CPT program is thoughtfully structured into two distinct career pipelines, catering to different stages of professional development: Career Advancement and New Careers.
Career Advancement Pipeline
The Career Advancement Pipeline is specifically designed to empower individuals currently employed within the health, behavioral health, or social care sectors in New York State. It offers access to targeted education and training programs to facilitate career progression. To be eligible for this pipeline, applicants must be currently employed by a New York State health, behavioral health, or social care provider and gain acceptance into a qualifying professional training and educational program.
New Careers Pipeline
The New Careers Pipeline provides opportunities for individuals who are currently unemployed or not presently working for a New York State health, behavioral health, or social care provider. This initiative is focused on attracting new talent to the healthcare field, thereby expanding access to essential care for Medicaid recipients and the broader community.
Participants in the Career Pathway Training Program are required to commit to a three-year period of employment at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider. These providers must serve a patient population comprised of at least 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals, ensuring care reaches underserved communities.
Workforce Investment Organizations (WIO) and Service Regions
To effectively administer the Career Pathways Training program, three WIO Regions have been established, each with a designated WIO responsible for program delivery within its specific geographic area.
Alt text: WIO Regions Map, showing the three service areas for the Career Pathways Training Program in New York State.
| 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, Ulter, 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, Schedectady, 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 |
CPT Program Participant Eligibility Criteria
To be considered eligible for the CPT Program, prospective participants must satisfy the following essential requirements:
- Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must be a United States Citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Educational Prerequisites: Candidates must meet all educational and training program prerequisites specific to their chosen CPT title and course of study. This may encompass:
- Prior completion of relevant educational programs, attainment of required licensure, and/or professional certifications.
- Successful completion of necessary academic or training pre-requisite courses, or passing required entrance examinations.
- Fulfillment of any mandated training hours, volunteer experience, or experiential learning requirements.
- Residency Requirement: Applicants must be a resident of New York State or a resident of a bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont). Important Note: Participants residing outside of New York State must be employed by a NYS healthcare provider to qualify for the CPT program.
- Commitment to Employment: Participants must demonstrate a firm commitment to securing employment at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves a minimum of 30 percent Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. These providers can include organizations within the health, behavioral health, and/or established Social Care Networks, ensuring service to vulnerable populations.
Stay Informed with Recent News
This section is intentionally left blank as per the original article.
