Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) recently announced that more than 1,000 students have enrolled in the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, marking a major milestone in its ongoing effort to build a stronger, more sustainable health workforce across Western and Central New York.
Funded by the New York State Department of Health, the CPT Program aims to bolster and diversify the health, behavioral health, and social care workforce by expanding access to training and career pathways. It covers tuition, books, and academic fees for students pursuing education in 13 high-demand health fields. By partnering with schools and employers to train new workers and upskill existing ones, the CPT Program creates accessible opportunities that help build a homegrown workforce more equipped to meet the state’s rising industry demand.
“Exceeding 1,000 enrollees reflects the urgent need for skilled healthcare workers throughout our region,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “We are supporting the launch of meaningful careers in health, behavioral health, and social care by giving these individuals access to the resources needed to thrive. They are not just earning credentials – they’re building a foundation that will both support their families and strengthen their communities.”
CPT Program participants receive individualized support from educational case managers who help them navigate their educational journey, stay on track, and connect to employment opportunities with Medicaid-serving providers across the region. As enrollment grows, so does the program’s ability to bring education and training to more people without the burden of student debt, ensuring providers and patients across the state have access to a qualified, committed workforce.
FLPPS partners with a growing network of nearly forty educational institutions across Western and Central New York to deliver high-quality, accredited training programs. Through these partnerships, students gain access to wraparound support services including tutoring, mentorship, academic advising, and job placement assistance.
Fall 2025 registration for the FLPPS CPT Program now open
With fall semester registration officially open, FLPPS is actively recruiting students to train for in-demand roles across four titles: associate registered nurse, master of social work, licensed mental health counselor, and respiratory therapist.
These career pathways are offered through partnerships with leading institutions across the region, including:
•Associate Registered Nurse – Bryant & Stratton College, Finger Lakes Community College, Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Services, Genesee Community College, SUNY Niagara, and Trocaire College
•Master of Social Work – Daemen University, Syracuse University, and University at Buffalo
•Licensed Mental Health Counselor – Niagara University, St. John Fisher University, University at Buffalo, and University of Rochester
•Respiratory Therapist – Genesee Community College.
Enrollment deadlines vary by program and institution, with many applications due in July and August 2025. Participation in the CPT Program for these four titles will not be offered after the fall 2025 semester.
To participate in the CPT Program, students must complete their degree by spring 2027 and commit to three years of full-time service at a qualifying healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider. These providers must serve a patient population where at least 30 percent are Medicaid-enrolled or uninsured. The service commitment must be fulfilled by 2031.
Individuals who are interested in enrolling in the CPT Program can learn more about eligibility and requirements by visiting healthcareersnow.org/cpt.
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