St. Joseph’s College of Nursing Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce in Upstate New York

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing joins state-funded program to address healthcare workforce shortages and reduce barriers to career advancement; enrolled students receive fully covered tuition and books, among other support, as communities benefit from greater access to quality care

(SYRACUSE, NY) — St. Joseph’s College of Nursing announced today that it has 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 in underrepresented communities who seek 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. Joseph’s College of Nursing 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 Andrew Wolf, EdD, RN, AGACNP-BC, Dean at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing. “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. Joseph’s College of Nursing 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. Joseph’s College of Nursing 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. Joseph’s College of Nursing 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.

Recruitment strategies will focus on reaching underrepresented and underserved communities to ensure the healthcare workforce reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.

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 with full tuition coverage through the Caring Gene CPT program at St. Joseph’s College of Nursing.

1. Submit Your Application to St. Joseph’s College of Nursing – Complete the online application at sjhcon.edu and follow the admissions process. Applicants must meet all program requirements for enrollment.
2. 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.
3. 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 sjhcon.edu or contact the admissions office.

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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. Joseph’s College of Nursing:

St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, located on the main campus of St. Joseph’s Health Hospital in Syracuse, NY, has been a cornerstone of nursing education since 1898. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the college offers programs such as the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing, Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (DDPN), and Accelerated Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (A-DDPN) in collaboration with Le Moyne College.

With NCLEX-RN pass rates exceeding state and national averages, the college demonstrates excellence in preparing students for professional practice. Notably, 70-80% of graduates secure employment at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital, with the remainder finding positions across the region and beyond.

The curriculum integrates nursing theory with liberal arts and sciences, offering comprehensive clinical rotations, including 675 hours of hands-on patient care. State-of-the-art facilities like the Meccariello Center for Experiential Learning ensure students are equipped with practical skills in a simulated hospital environment.

Guided by its mission to inspire compassionate healers, St. Joseph’s College of Nursing fosters a commitment to integrity, social justice, and lifelong learning, producing graduates who excel in patient-centered care and leadership.

For more information, visit www.sjhcon.edu.

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