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Jefferson Community College Partners with Caring Gene
to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce in Upstate New York
Published: May 29, 2025 at
06:30 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Jefferson Community College
Jefferson
Community College Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Healthcare
Workforce in Upstate New York
Jefferson 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
Jefferson
Community College has announced that it has entered a
partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways
Training (CPT) Program to address healthcare workforce shortages
in the hardest-hit areas of New York State, reduce barriers to career
advancement, and support individuals 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. Administered
by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State
Department of Health, CPT supports both new healthcare workers and current
professionals seeking career advancement.
“The Caring Gene®
CPT funding is a tremendous opportunity for students beginning JCC’s
nursing program in the fall,” said Kady Hoistion, Director of Nursing at
JCC. “By covering tuition, books, and fees, the program eases the financial
burden and allows students to focus fully on their studies. Nursing is a
rigorous and demanding field, and this support helps reduce stress so
students can succeed academically and prepare to deliver high-quality,
compassionate care.”
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 or
training program by Spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by
2031.
In addition to
the college’s Nursing degree program, Jefferson’s workforce training
programs that lead to careers as pharmacy technicians and clinical medical
assistants are also eligible for The Caring Gene® CPT.
“Jefferson is
proud to partner with Caring Gene to provide meaningful education
opportunities for students and address the ongoing need for healthcare
workers in New York State,” said Joanna Brislan, Director of Community
Services at Jefferson. “Together, we aim to build a stronger healthcare
workforce, support career advancement, and improve community health
outcomes.”
Jefferson is
currently accepting applications for workforce training programs:
- Clinical Medical Assistant – Fall classes held in-person on Fort
Drum begin September 8, 2025. Registration closes
August 29, 2025. Online classes are offered on a rolling admission
basis, and students may start at any time.
- Pharmacy Technician – Fall classes held in-person on JCC’s
campus begin September 17, 2025. Registration closes September
5, 2025. Online classes are offered on a rolling admission basis, and
students may start at any time.
"Jefferson
Community College 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 JCC to recruit and guide candidates through the
Caring Gene’s CPT program.”
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,
Jefferson 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.
To register for
Jefferson’s pharmacy technician or clinical medical assistant workforce
training program, visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/workshops or
call the JCC Workforce Solutions office at (315) 786-2233.
Students
interested in Jefferson’s Nursing degree program should complete the
college’s free online admissions application today - www.sunyjefferson.edu/apply -
or call Enrollment Services at (315) 786-2437 for assistance.
Jefferson
Programs Eligible for Caring Gene® CPT funding
Nursing A.A.S.
Degree Program
Fall 2025 Start –
August 25, 2025
Clinical Medical
Assistant Pre-Certification Training
Registration
Closes: August 29, 2025
Date:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, September 8, 2025 –
November 14, 2025
Time:
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost:
$2,399 (textbook included)
In-Person:
Fort Drum
Online:
Offered on a rolling admission basis; students may start online at any
time.
Pharmacy
Technician Pre-Certification Training
Registration
Closes: September 5, 2025
Date:
Monday/Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – November 10, 2025
Time:
6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost:
$999 (textbook included)
In-Person:
Watertown
Online:
Offered on a rolling admission basis; students may start online at any
time.
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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 Jefferson
Community College
Established on
November 7, 1961, Jefferson Community College was the area’s first
institution of higher education. Supervised by the State University of New
York (SUNY), Jefferson offers 50+ associate degrees, certificates and microcredentials for career preparation or transfer;
local access to bachelor’s and advanced degrees through partner
institutions; lifelong learning through workshops and seminars; business
and industry training; and provides community-based research and a forum
for the productive discussion of ideas and issues of significance to the
community through the Center for Community Studies. Jefferson is accredited
by the Middle States Association and currently serves approximately 2,500
students, including a significant number of service members and their
families. Please visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/about for
more information.
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