News from New York Governor's Office

The CPT Program is designed to address workforce shortages by providing educational programs

On August 15, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that three Workforce Investment Organizations (WIOs) will receive awards totaling up to $646 million over the next three years. This funding is designated for the implementation of the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, aiming to recruit and train thousands of new health, mental health, and social care workers across New York State. The selected WIOs are the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, the Iroquois Healthcare Association, and the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System. The CPT Program is designed to address workforce shortages by providing educational programs, academic support, and job placement assistance to both new and current health care workers. It focuses on creating new career pathways and advancement opportunities within the health care sector. This initiative is part of New York's broader effort to strengthen and expand its health care workforce, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care to all residents. 

This investment is made possible through an amendment to New York’s Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstration, allowing the state to invest nearly $6 billion of federal funding into its health care system over the next three years. The waiver amendment facilitates transformative investments, including the establishment of Social Care Networks to integrate health, behavioral, and social care services, and the enhancement of access to coordinated treatment for substance use disorders. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of a strong and stable health care system, stating, "The health of every New Yorker depends on a strong, stable, and equitable health care system, and health care workers are its very foundation." She highlighted that this investment will help retain and grow the health care workforce, ensuring the highest quality care for New Yorkers. 

The funding will be utilized by the WIOs to conduct outreach and recruitment, provide academic support such as tutoring and mentorship programs, cover tuition and program fees, aid in job readiness and placement, and form partnerships with educational institutions to increase career opportunities for CPT program participants. This initiative reflects New York State's commitment to addressing health care workforce challenges and improving health care delivery for its residents.

The following are the eligible training and education programs:

1. Licensed Practical Nurse
   1. Associate Registered Nurse
   2. Registered Nurse to BSN
   3. Nurse Practitioner
   4. Physician Assistant
   5. Mental Health Worker
   6. Master of Social Worker
   7. Alcohol Abuse Counselor (Credentialed)
   8. Certified Pharmacy Tech
   9. Certified Medical Assistant
   10. Respiratory Therapist

“This investment allows us to continue to retain and grow our health care workforce and ensure we deliver the highest quality health care for New Yorkers.” - Governor Kathy Hochul