Maria College Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Upstate Healthcare Workforce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Maria College: Edward Parham, Rueckert Advertising & PR, 518-446-1091
Caring Gene: Grazia Yaeger, [email protected], 518-383-5060 Ext. 7444
MARIA COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH CARING GENE TO STRENGTHEN UPSTATE HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE:
Enrolled Students Receive Full Tuition, Books, and Support, Helping Communities Gain Greater Access to Quality Care
Albany, N.Y. (February 25, 2025) — Maria College announced today that it has entered a partnership with the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) to tackle healthcare workforce shortages in New York’s most affected areas, reduce career advancement barriers, and support individuals aspiring to join the healthcare field.
Through this partnership, eligible residents of New York and certain bordering states can receive full coverage for tuition, books, and fees in 13 healthcare fields. New York residents must commit to working in the state for three years after graduation, while residents of bordering states must be employed by a New York healthcare provider to qualify. Managed by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and administered by the New York State Department of Health, the program supports both new healthcare workers and those seeking career advancement.
“Maria 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,” said Dr. Wendy Trevor, vice president for strategic innovation and partnerships at Maria College. “Together, we aim to build a stronger healthcare workforce, support career advancement, and improve community health outcomes.”
To qualify, students must commit to a three-year service commitment with a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care network provider in New York 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.
"Maria 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 Maria 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, Maria 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.
To learn more about Maria College admissions, visit mariacollege.edu/admissions. For fall 2025 admission, Maria College priority deadline is 4/1/25. The secondary deadline is 7/1/25.
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 Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of bachelor’s, associate’s and master’s degree, and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.