FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2025
CONTACT
Mildred Elley: Maria Neal, mneal@mildred-elley.edu 518-786-0855
Caring Gene: Grazia Yaeger, GYaeger@caringgene.org, 518-383-5060 Ext. 7444
Mildred Elley Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce in Upstate New York
Mildred Elley joins a 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.
(Albany, NY) — Mildred Elley announced today that it has entered a partnership with The Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to address healthcare workforce shortages in the Capital District, 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 full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursing education in 13 healthcare fields, including Practical Nursing and Clinical Medical Assistant Certificates at Mildred Elley. 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.
“Mildred Elley is excited to offer our students this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through our partnership with The Caring Gene. This program will enable those who want to enter the healthcare field as Nurses or Medical Assistants the opportunity with little to no financial burden. Their focus can be on their studies and the skills they need to strengthen New York’s healthcare workforce”. said Faith Takes Chairwoman of the Board at Mildred Elley. “We’re honored to work with organizations like The Caring Gene that cares about our students and the future of the healthcare workforce in NY.”
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 studies by Spring 2027 and fulfill the service requirement by 2031.
“Mildred Elley 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 Mildred Elley 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, Mildred Elley 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.
The admissions team at Mildred Elley is ready to help those interested in enrolling in the Practical Nursing or Clinical Medical Assistant program. Mildred Elley enrolls 6 times per year and students can start the program as early as March 24th, 2025. To get started today visit www.Mildred-elley.edu or call 518-786-0855 to learn more about the programs and to make an appointment for Admissions to guide you through the process.
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.