The New York State Department of Health is dedicated to enhancing the state’s healthcare system by investing in its workforce. Through comprehensive education, training, and job placement initiatives, New York is committed to supporting individuals at every stage of their career journey, from those just beginning to those seeking advancement.
Understanding Career Pathway Programs
Career pathway programs are structured educational frameworks designed to provide individuals with clear routes to advancement within a specific industry or sector. These programs strategically link different levels of education and training, allowing participants to progress from entry-level positions to more advanced roles as they gain skills and experience. The core concept revolves around creating a ladder of opportunity, where each step builds upon the previous one, leading to enhanced career prospects and industry-recognized credentials.
These programs are vital for both individuals and the healthcare industry as a whole. For individuals, career pathways offer a structured approach to professional development, making career goals feel more attainable and providing clear steps for advancement. For the healthcare sector, these programs are crucial for building a skilled and adaptable workforce, ready to meet the evolving demands of patient care and public health. By investing in career pathways, states like New York are proactively addressing workforce shortages and ensuring a high standard of healthcare for their communities.
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program: New York’s Initiative
New York State is directly addressing the critical need for a robust healthcare workforce through the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program. Authorized under New York’s 1115 Demonstration Waiver as part of the New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) waiver amendment, this program is a significant investment in the future of healthcare in the state. The CPT program’s primary goal is to establish a sustainable pipeline of qualified professionals in health, behavioral health, and social care. By providing funding for education and training, the program aims to alleviate workforce shortages and improve access to crucial healthcare services across New York State.
Diverse group of students engaged in a healthcare training program, highlighting collaboration and learning.
Professional Titles Offered Through the CPT Program
The CPT program offers training across three essential categories of healthcare professions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to workforce development:
Professional Technical Careers
This category includes a range of vital roles that provide specialized support and services 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
Nursing is a cornerstone of healthcare, and the CPT program supports career advancement at every level 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 critical for community health outreach, patient support, and ensuring equitable access to care:
- Community Health Worker
- Patient Care Manager/Coordinator
Two Pathways to Success: Career Advancement and New Careers
The CPT program is thoughtfully structured into two distinct career pipelines, designed to cater to individuals with varying backgrounds and career goals:
Career Advancement Pipeline: This pathway is specifically for individuals already working within the health, behavioral health, or social care sectors in New York State. It provides opportunities for these professionals to enhance their skills and qualifications through further education and training, enabling them to advance within their current organizations or pursue more specialized roles. Participants must be employed by a New York State health, behavioral health, or social care provider and gain acceptance into an eligible professional training program to qualify for this pipeline.
New Careers Pipeline: This pathway is designed to attract new talent to the healthcare field. It is open to individuals who are currently unemployed or not working for a New York State health, behavioral health, or social care provider. The New Careers pipeline aims to expand the healthcare workforce by providing training and support to individuals seeking to enter these essential professions, ultimately increasing access to care for Medicaid members and underserved communities.
A key commitment for all CPT program participants, regardless of the pipeline, is a three-year pledge to work at a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider. These providers must serve a significant portion of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals (at least 30 percent), ensuring that the program directly benefits those most in need of healthcare services.
Connecting with Workforce Investment Organizations (WIOs)
The CPT program is administered through three regional Workforce Investment Organizations (WIOs) across New York State. These WIOs serve as the primary point of contact for individuals interested in applying to the program and provide guidance and support throughout the application and training process.
Map of New York State highlighting the three Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) regions for the Career Pathways Training Program.
To find the appropriate WIO for your location and explore available opportunities, refer to the map and table below:
| 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 |
To apply for the CPT program, interested individuals should connect directly with the WIO in their respective region.
Eligibility Requirements for the CPT Program
To be considered for the Career Pathways Training Program, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:
- Citizenship: Be a United States Citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Educational Prerequisites: Fulfill all educational or training program requirements specific 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: Be a New York State resident or a resident of a bordering state (New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont). It is important to note that out-of-state participants must be employed by a New York State provider to be eligible for the CPT program.
- Employment Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment 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 include health, behavioral health, and social care organizations.
By meeting these eligibility requirements and connecting with their regional WIO, individuals can take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare through the Career Pathways Training Program.
