Keuka College has partnered with Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training to offer New York state-funded graduate degrees in nursing and social work.
Through this partnership, eligible New York state residents and residents of certain bordering states can obtain full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in 13 healthcare fields, including Keuka College’s Master of Science in Nursing (Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner) or clinical Master of Social Work. 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.
To qualify for the program, students must commit to three years of service 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.
Students living in the following counties are eligible through the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program: Albany, Broome, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga, Tompkins, Warren, and Washington.
“Keuka College shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York state healthcare workers,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, 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 Keuka College to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program.”
“By opening the door to nursing and social work degrees for more students and incentivizing their service to local communities, Keuka College and Caring Gene are helping to build up the healthcare workforce in chronically underserved areas.”
The initiative covers more than just tuition; students can receive financial assistance for books and instructional supplies. The awards would be used to augment other state and federal assistance programs, such as TAP and PELL.
Importantly, there’s no income eligibility requirement, ensuring wider access for aspiring healthcare professionals.
With a deadline to complete their studies by 2027, interested students are urged to act quickly. For more information or to register, visit the Caring Gene website.
About Keuka College
Founded in 1890, Keuka College is an independent, four-year, coeducational institution located in the heart of New York’s picturesque Finger Lakes region. The College offers more than 60 majors, minors and master’s level courses, and has been commended by national publications for increasing the economic mobility of its graduates. Small classes are augmented by the College’s trademark Field Period® program – an annual, 140-hour experiential learning internship. Keuka College is one of the largest private employers in Yates County, where its annual regional economic impact is more than $100 million.
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 more than 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality healthcare 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.
