A new partnership is allowing area adults to receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while they pursue a career in nursing at Capital Region BOCES.
Capital Region BOCES and the Caring Gene® Career Pathways Training Program (CPT) are partnering to provide adults with a new pathway to a meaningful career in practical nursing while also helping area institutions address the healthcare workforce shortage.
Through this partnership, eligible New York State residents and residents of certain bordering states could receive full coverage of tuition, books, and academic fees while pursing education in 13 healthcare, behavioral and social care fields, including for the Practical Nursing (PN) program offered to adults at Capital Region BOCES. The program, administered by the Iroquois Healthcare Association and funded by the New York State Department of Health, supports both new healthcare workers and current professionals seeking career advancement.
To be eligible, residents must commit to working in New York state for three years after graduation serving populations at or above the 3% Medicaid threshold.
“Capital Region BOCES shares our commitment to investing in the next generation of New York State healthcare workers,” said Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., Acting President and CEO of Iroquois Healthcare Association. “This program is an important step toward strengthening our healthcare workforce and expanding access to quality care in the communities that need it most. We look forward to working with Capital Region BOCES to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program.”
Adult students enrolling in the Capital Region BOCES Practical Nursing program for the 2025-26 school year are eligible. Registration for the full-time, daytime program runs through Aug. 14 with classes beginning Sept. 2, 2025, and concluding on June 30, 2026.
The Capital Region BOCES adult PN program prepares students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
The state-approved program encompasses 1,100 hours of classroom and clinical study and practice. Students earn their clinical experience in every major local healthcare facility, including Albany Medical Center, St. Peter’s Hospital, Ellis Hospital and nursing facilities in the tri-city area.
Classes are taught at the Career & Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, located at 925B Watervliet-Shaker Road in Albany (Colonie).
Graduates of the program praise their education.
“Capital Region BOCES gave us everything to be successful. My daughters and I are now ready for new opportunities,” said Class of 2024 graduate Iesha Fallen.
Oluwafunmilade Alim, who, along with husband, Austin, graduated from the program in 2024, offered similar accolades.
“The Adult Practical Nursing teachers were always there for us as far as they came down to our level in order to communicate with us,” she said.
For more information about the Capital Region BOCES program, call 518-862-4709.