The Program
The Career Pathways Training (CPT) program is available to all New Yorkers interested in pursuing a career in health care. By offering accessible and high-quality training at no cost, it provides a valuable opportunity for New Yorkers to pursue careers in healthcare, which is an essential and growing field. By removing financial barriers and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, the program can play a crucial role in promoting equity and access to healthcare careers for all.
The CPT program offers a transformative opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their education and careers in the healthcare field. With the rising demand for healthcare professionals, this program empowers students to make a meaningful impact in their communities—all at no cost.
Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey or seeking growth opportunities in your current healthcare role, the CPT program provides the support and resources you need to succeed. From comprehensive training to real-world career skills, the program is designed to help you thrive in this essential and rapidly evolving industry.
CPT Program Offerings
Financial Assistance
The program covers all tuition, training, books, materials and administrative fees so students are able to focus on their educational goals, rather than the financial burden.
Program Resources and Support Services
We’re with you every step of the way on your journey to a new career! The program offers individual case management, tutoring, test preparation and career counseling.
Paid Release Time
We know how important it is to pursue your education and keep food on your table. That’s why participants who are already working in the healthcare industry may be eligible for up to two days per week of paid release time to attend classes.
Job Placement Assistance
You’ve completed your CPT Journey, what’s next? Upon completion of the program, all participants will receive assistance in securing family-sustaining jobs.
CPT Program Positions
The CPT program offers an array of positions within the healthcare industry. Positions eligible for you to pursue (Target Occupations) include:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Physician Assistant (PA)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Eligibility Requirements
Current Enrollment
To join the CPT Program, you must enroll or already be enrolled full-time in one of the target healthcare programs.
(see Target Occupations)
Completion Commitment
You must complete your program within three years or by May 2027.
Service Commitment
You must commit to a three-year service requirement, working for a healthcare provider in New York State that serves a patient population that is at least 30% Medicaid-reliant or uninsured.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why am I required to sign and agree to a service commitment to participate in the CPT programs?
The state and federal governments, along with The Audacia Foundation. Inc. (Audacia) and your employers are making a significant investment in your education. In your educational program for the Target Occupations, you will receive fully paid tuition and books without any out-of-pocket expenses. You may also receive paid release time. This investment in your future is also an investment to build the New York State healthcare workforce in occupations for which there is currently a staffing shortage. Your commitment is to work in New York State in the occupation for which you are receiving generous tuition assistance and support services.
Am I being asked to volunteer or take a lower rate of pay after graduation?
No. You are required to obtain a job in the field for which you trained. That job is expected to offer regular wages and benefits.
What if I can’t find a job with a qualified employer?
Most hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, and health centers in the New York City Metropolitan Area meet the criteria for a qualified employer. Audacia will provide a list of many qualified providers before you enter the education program. Upon completion of your education, Audacia will assist you with job placement.
Am I guaranteed a job with my current employer?
While there is no guarantee of a job with your current employer, many qualified employers report significant vacancies/job openings in the Target Occupations. If your employer has vacancies, Audacia will assist with your job application at your current employer.
What if something happens and I cannot comply with the service commitment?
If you do not comply with the service commitment, you will be asked to reimburse the costs of the program. However, the State of New York and Audacia have agreed that some hardships will be considered. With proper documentation, a participant who experiences hardships may not be required to pay back program costs.
Hardships will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may include circumstances such as death and disability.
Hardship appeals will follow a process established by the New York State Department of Health.
Am I required to remain with the same employer for all three years of the service commitment?
No, you may change employers as long as all employers during the three-year commitment period are located in New York State and 30% of their patient population receives Medicaid.
What happens if I choose not to agree to the three-year service commitment?
It is your right to refuse the service commitment agreement. However, grant funds are only available to benefit participants who agree to the service commitment.
Must the service commitment be for a full-time job, or is part-time employment also acceptable?
Employment commitments must be for full-time employment. However, we expect additional guidance from the New York State to determine whether a participant offered a part-time job will meet the compliance requirements.
Can I attend any school or college that offers a program in one of the Target Occupations?
No, you must attend an approved school. However, most schools in the New York City Metropolitan Area are approved. Audacia will provide you with additional information about this.