JCC Partners with Caring Gene to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce in Northern New York

Jefferson Community College announced today 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 funding, 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.

To register for Jefferson’s pharmacy technician or clinical medical assistant workforce training program, 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 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.

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. 

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.