Innovative healthcare training program helps area’s workforce through partnership with FDRHPO

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WWTI) – Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO) is continuing its dedication to increasing the healthcare workforce through a partnership with the Caring Gene.

Caring Gene is a not-for-profit affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association and has recently launched its new Career Pathways Training Program. This comprehensive initiative addresses critical healthcare workforce shortages across New York State by creating accessible career advancement opportunities and supporting individuals seeking to become professionals in the healthcare industry.

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FDRHPO Population Health Coordinator Kayla Quinn works as a case specialist for the CPT Program, serving the north country area.

FDRHPO is proud to partner with the Caring Gene. “The CPT Program serves multiple counties across New York State, with FDRHPO specifically focused on supporting residents in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties by providing career guidance, financial support, and additional training resources to those looking to begin or advance a career in healthcare.

Kayla Quinn FDRHPO Population Health Coordinator

The program covers the full cost of tuition and books for participants pursuing a career in one of 13 approved titles. Funding is available for education, training, certification programs, and support services for nursing students, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners.

The program also funds education for professional and technical healthcare roles, such as respiratory therapists, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, alcoholism and substance abuse counselors, social workers, mental health counselors, and physician assistants. Additionally, frontline public worker roles, including patient care managers and community health workers, are eligible for support.

In order to qualify, participants must complete all education and training by spring 2027. In return for financial assistance, students must agree to a three-year service commitment working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population where at least 30 percent are covered by Medicaid. Select out-of-state residents from New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont are also eligible if they are employed by a healthcare provider in New York.

The program has already gotten overwhelming interest with more than 1,100 inquiries. There are 246 students currently enrolled, and hundreds more preparing to begin in the summer/fall 2025 semesters.

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To ensure high-quality education and training across the 13 titles, the CPT Program has established partnerships with leading educational institutions throughout the state. The partnership will help schools maximize enrollment and strengthen student retention due to support provided to CPT participants by case specialists from the Caring Gene and FDRHPO.

To qualify as a partner with the Caring Gene®, employers must attest they are a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant and/or uninsured.

Educational institutions and healthcare employers interested in participating may visit the Caring Gene® website and complete an online interest form.

For more enrollment information, or to sign up as an educational institution or NYS healthcare provider, visit caringgene.org.

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