The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program provides full coverage for tuition and books to those new to or advancing their careers in one of the approved healthcare, behavioral health, or social care titles in New York State.
As of November 2025, we are only able to support the following titles: CASAC, Certified Medical Assistant, Community Health Worker, LPN, Patient Care Manager, and Pharmacy Technician.
Our program is more than financial support.
We provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions about your career.
In order to qualify for funding through the CPT Program, participants must complete their education by spring 2027. As a result, we are only able to support six of the original 13 titles.
Case specialists will guide you through academic readiness, financial aid, and more.
Access tutors, mentors, and other resources to help you to succeed in your program.
Build your resume, train for interviews, and connect with employers online.
Once you finish the program, we will assist you in landing a full-time position.
Where will your Caring Gene® take you?
We believe that if you have a passion for caring for others, you’ve got the caring gene! Explore which of the following careers covered by the Career Pathway Training program is the perfect fit for you.
Four simple steps to your new career.
Explore the program requirements and resources, and discover which of the 13 titles covered by the Caring Gene® is right for you. Then, complete an interest form to get started.
After completing the interest form, you’ll be asked to submit a full application. Tell us about your background and career goals.
Timing is important: You must submit your application at least one month prior to the start of your academic program to ensure your application is received and approved prior to the start of your semester.
Our case managers will reach out within five to seven business days after you’ve submitted your application.
Please note: Your meeting with a case manager and final signed participant agreement must be completed at least three weeks before your academic program starts. If you qualify for funding but miss this deadline, the Caring Gene® will cover costs beginning the following semester.
As a program participant, you will have access to online learning, tutoring support, and more!
Before submitting your interest form, confirm you meet the program requirements.
Please note: You must complete your application, meet with a case manager, and submit your final signed participant agreement at least three weeks before your academic program begins. If you qualify for funding but miss this deadline, the Caring Gene® will cover costs beginning the following semester.
Students must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and New York State resident, OR a resident of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Vermont employed by a NYS healthcare provider.
Students must pursue an education program in one of the 13 healthcare, behavioral health, or social care titles approved by the Caring Gene® Program. Students must be starting a new program to qualify for funding. Caring Gene® cannot provide funds for an educational program already in progress or previously started.
Students are required to complete a three-year service commitment working for a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves a patient population of at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured.
Please note: You have 48 months from your graduation date to complete the 36 months of service.
Students must complete their education/training by spring 2027. The required service commitment must be complete by 2031. Students who began their program before January 2025 are not eligible for funding. Please note: Students re-entering the same program, even at a different institution, are still considered to have started before January 2025 and are not eligible.
Students should be ready to complete the FAFSA and/or TAP if required by your school for acceptance into your education/training program. This is not mandatory before applying to the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program, but it does speed up the application process.
We accept applications from students with a home address in the following counties: 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
Don’t see your county listed? Click here.
Submit an interest form to start your journey toward a career that’ll change lives–starting with your own. And if you qualify, it won’t cost you a thing.