Bryant & Stratton College Partners with Caring Gene® to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce in Upstate New York

Bryant & Stratton College 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

(Upstate New York) — Bryant & Stratton College 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.

“Bryant & Stratton College is honored to collaborate with the Caring Gene® to offer impactful educational opportunities that help meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in New York State,” said Michael Walsh, Ed.D., Albany Market Director at Bryant & Stratton College. “Through this partnership, we strive to strengthen the healthcare workforce, foster career growth, and enhance the well-being of our communities.”

Mary Hawkins, Market Director at Bryant & Stratton College’s Syracuse Campus added, “Bryant & Stratton College 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. 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.

“Bryant & Stratton 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 Bryant & Stratton College 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, Bryant & Stratton College 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.

For more information, contact us at https://www.bryantstratton.edu/request-information/ or call 1.866.948.0571.

About Bryant & Stratton College:

Founded in 1854, Bryant & Stratton College, a non-profit institution, has built its reputation and success on a commitment to excellence and high standards. Bryant & Stratton College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) www.msche.org. Bryant & Stratton College’s accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on 6/22/2017 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Continuing Education department. For over 170 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered students access to career-relevant education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, business, criminal justice, design, financial services, hospitality, human resources, paralegal studies, and information technology. In addition to access to education, Bryant & Stratton College offers students access to tools to help ensure their greatest chance at success through their Career Life Prep® program. Bryant & Stratton works with students to best map individual career paths – teaching the soft skills employers value most, helping establish valuable professional connections and internships and offering career services support even after graduation. Bryant & Stratton College is committed to helping students succeed in their education and beyond.  

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.