Caring Gene Career Pathways
Full financial coverage for tuition, books, and fees
Academic and career prep support to help you succeed
Job search assistance to get your career on track
Follow the call to care for others
The need for compassionate professionals in the care industry has never been greater. Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training aims 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 Caring Gene and its partnership with New York State Department of Health, Syracuse University offers comprehensive support for students entering our M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or M.S.W. in Social Work (residential program) from application through to care industry job placement in your three-year, NYS-based service commitment with an approved 30% Medicaid provider.
Caring Gene students receive:
- Complete financial coverage of tuition, books, supplies, and licensing exam fees.
- A case specialist to provide personalized support throughout the application process and beyond.
- Academic support, including tutoring and coaching, help with licensure exam preparation, and connection to essential resources, such as health care, childcare, and more.
- Career and job placement assistance, including resume writing and interview preparation to help graduates fulfill their service commitment.
Applicant Requirements
- Must be a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen and must reside in NYS. Applications are accepted by the county you live in.
- Plan to enroll or already be accepted in an accredited health, behavioral health, or social care program offered in New York State, such as Syracuse University’s master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or M.S.W. in Social Work (residential program).
- Complete FAFSA and TAP applications and accept all grants offered through these programs.
- Participants must sign a three-year service commitment to work for a health care provider in New York State that serves a 30% Medicaid/uninsured population.
- CPT program support is provided until Spring 2027, and all participants must fulfill their service commitment by March 31, 2031.
In order to be assigned a career specialist, applicants should apply simultaneously for the Caring Gene Program by completing an interest form, and apply for their preferred master’s degree at Syracuse University.
Questions?
Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Contact Breana Nieves Vergara, bknieves@syr.edu or 315.443.2505.
Social Work: Contact Adrienne Renfroe at alrenfro@syr.edu or 315.443.1443.