The Program

The Health Worker Retraining Initiative is open to current and former health care workers. The HWRI helps support health care workers in going to school to learn skills towards a new career track. Through these new positions, workers can move up in their careers. The program helps prepare workers for one of four career tracks in health care. There is no cost to students to participate in the program.

Career Tracks in the Program

Educational Support Services Provided by the Program

  • Educational Funding
    Students get help paying for educational expenses. Covered expenses include tuition, textbooks, test preparation books, one set of scrubs, supplies such as a stethoscope, and more. HWRI does not cover parking passes, meal plans, housing, childcare, personal electronics, etc. Ask an Audacia staff member about what expenses are covered
  • HWRI Program Application Assistance
    An Audacia staff member will help you fill out your HWRI application or paperwork.
  • Academic Readiness
    Audacia staff members help students get ready to go back to school. Staff members help students with study skills like:
    • Time management
    • How to stop procrastinating
    • How to learn new material
    • Understanding personal learning style
    • Remembering information
    • Organization
    • Planning
    • Test taking
    • Note taking
    • Listening
    • Reading skills
  • Tutoring Support
    Audacia staff will help students find tutoring. If on-campus tutoring isn’t enough, Audacia will provide extra support. Tutoring is customized to each student. Tutoring is available in any program-required academic subjects.
  • Employment Readiness Assistance
    Students get help with how to get a job in health care. This includes help with searching for jobs, writing resumes, and preparing for interviews. Audacia staff hold interview practices so students get hands-on preparation. These tips help students be more successful in finding jobs in their new position.
  • Educational Support Services
    It can be hard to go back to school, so Audacia staff members provide educational guidance with things like time management, test anxiety, and managing stress. If students need to talk, staff is available to help talk through issues affecting successful training completion.

Participating Schools & Eligible Areas

CAREER TRACK

Physical Therapy Aide

ELIGIBLE AREAS*

New York City

SCHOOLS**

LaGuardia Community College
New York City College of Technology at Brooklyn

CAREER TRACK

Physical Therapy Assistant

ELIGIBLE AREAS*

New York City
Long Island

SCHOOLS**

LaGuardia Community College
Nassau Community College
Kingsborough Community College

CAREER TRACK

Occupational Therapy Assistant

ELIGIBLE AREAS*

New York City
Long Island
Northern Metro Area

SCHOOLS**

LaGuardia Community College
Suffolk Community College
Mercy College

CAREER TRACK

Licensed Practical Nurse

ELIGIBLE AREAS*

New York City
Long Island

SCHOOLS**

Eastern Suffolk BOCES
Western Suffolk BOCES
Hunter Business School
State University of New York at Farmingdale
Suffolk County Community College- Eastern Campus
Nassau VEEB PN Program
AMG School of Licensed Practical Nursing
Bronx Community College
LaGuardia Community College
Hostos Community College
Medgar Evers College
Mildred Elley School
Monroe College
Transition Career Institute
Brooklyn Adult Learning Center

* You must currently live or work in the Eligible Area to meet program application requirements.

** These are schools we currently work in, but the HWRI program is not limited to these schools. We work with programs approved by the NYS Office of Professions.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible for the HWRI program if you currently work or have worked for a health care employer. There is no written essay required to apply.

To apply you need:

  • W-2 or paystub from health care employer
  • Valid state ID
  • Based on your program of study you may be required to submit additional information

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