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St. Peter’s Health Partners announced today that its two schools of nursing – St. Peter’s Hospital College of Nursing in Albany and Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in Troy – have entered a partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to address healthcare workforce shortages in the hardest-hit areas of New York state, reduce barriers to career advancement, and support individuals who are seeking to become compassionate professionals in the healthcare industry.
Through this partnership, eligible New York state residents and residents of certain bordering states receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 healthcare fields. The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports both new healthcare workers and current professionals seeking career advancement.
“St. Peter’s Health Partners is proud to partner with the Caring Gene to provide meaningful education opportunities for students and address the ongoing need for healthcare workers in New York state,” said Meredith Robison, chief nursing officer for acute care, St. Peter’s Health Partners. “Together, we aim to build a stronger healthcare workforce, support career advancement, and improve community health outcomes.”
To qualify for the program, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York state that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured individuals. Additionally, students must complete their degree by Spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by 2031.
“St. Peter’s Health Partners shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York state healthcare workers,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. “This program is an important step toward strengthening our healthcare workforce and expanding access to quality care in the communities that need it most. We look forward to working with St. Peter’s to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program.”
The Caring Gene’s CPT program offers two distinct tracks: one for individuals aspiring to enter the healthcare industry, and another for current professionals looking to advance their careers.
The Caring Gene’s case specialists will guide participants throughout their educational journeys, ensuring they receive services and support to enter the healthcare workforce, and provide career advancement opportunities for current healthcare employees. In partnership with the Caring Gene, St. Peter’s Health Partners will actively recruit eligible students to apply and complete their training in healthcare career pathways including nursing, professional and technical roles, and front-line public health workers.
Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the CPT program can learn more about eligibility by visiting the Caring Gene’s website: caringgene.org.
How to Apply:
Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career by enrolling at either St. Peter’s Hospital College of Nursing or Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing.
- Submit Your Application – Complete an online application at https://www.sphp.com/careers/schools-of-nursing and follow the admissions process. Applicants must meet all program requirements for enrollment.
- Indicate Interest in the CPT Program – During the application process, express your interest in the CPT program to ensure you receive guidance on eligibility and next steps.
- Connect with the Caring Gene Team – Visit caringgene.org to review eligibility criteria and confirm your participation in the CPT program.
For more details on admission requirements and deadlines, visit https://www.sphp.com/careers/schools-of-nursing or contact the admissions office.
About the Caring Gene
The Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways Training Inc. is a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association. It is dedicated to helping people start and grow their health, behavioral health, and social care careers in New York, providing comprehensive support to individuals who have a natural calling to care for others. Learn more at caringgene.org.
About Iroquois Healthcare Association
Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) is a regional healthcare trade organization representing 54 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-savings initiatives and innovative business solutions.
About St. Peter’s Health Partners
With 11,000 employees in more than 185 locations, St. Peter’s Health Partners is one of the Capital Region’s largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit integrated health care networks, and provides high-quality, compassionate, and sophisticated care to thousands of people every day. It includes St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates, which has more than 850 physicians and advanced practitioners in more than 130 locations. St. Peter’s Health Partners is a member of Trinity Health, one of the nation’s largest Catholic health systems. For more information, please visit www.SPHP.com.