“Our goal at Ģ����ý is larger than passing the licensing exam – it’s preparing our nursing students to be ready to practice safely, think critically, and succeed in today’s changing healthcare environment,” said Dr. Patricia Losito, RN, MS, ANP, dean, Catherine McAuley School of Nursing at Ģ����ý. “Over the past three years, we have been intentional and consistent in creating a culture of accountability, academic excellence, clinical readiness, and continuous improvement. Earning the Elsevier Certified Program designation is significant because it provides external recognition of the measurable outcomes we have achieved in transforming our nursing program and keeping student success at the center of our efforts.”

Ģ����ý has incorporated Elsevier’s products into courses throughout its Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing academic programs. Embracing the latest in academic technologies, this tool to designed to help nursing students and educators navigate courses, prepare for the licensing exam, and transition successfully into professional nursing practice. In addition, Ģ����ý has embedded Elsevier’s evidence-based benchmarks to ensure nursing students succeed in licensing exams and graduate with the clinical judgement local healthcare employers expect.  

For information about Ģ����ý’s nursing programs, visit trocaire.edu/nursing. Spring 2027 nursing application deadline is Dec. 20.

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Scholarship program provides both financial support and mentorship

Ģ����ý in partnership with Elderwood, announced the launch of the Elderwood-Ģ����ý iCARE Career Pathway Scholarship. This initiative represents a $150,000 annual investment by Elderwood to support up to ten employees at a time as they pursue a practical nursing (LPN), registered nursing (RN), or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) at Ģ����ý.

“This new scholarship program is another opportunity for Ģ����ý and Elderwood to work together to help strengthen the local healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “The demand for qualified nurses locally continues, and with Elderwood’s commitment to investing in its employees, this program provides financial support, mentorship, and a clear path forward for those looking to advance in their healthcare careers.”

Beyond financial support, the partnership between Ģ����ý and Elderwood provides mentorship and guidance from experienced clinical and operational leaders, as well as helping the participants successfully navigate their education and transition into advanced nursing roles. Full-time and part-time academic program opportunities are available. Employees must continue working at least 15 hours per week while enrolled at Ģ����ý and commit to one-year of employment with Elderwood upon program completion.

“We see this partnership as more than a scholarship, it’s an investment in people who are already committed to caring for others,” said Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, co-CEO of Post Acute Partners, owner of Elderwood. “When we support our employees in advancing their education and careers, we strengthen not only our workforce, but the communities we serve.” Ģ����ý is currently working with the human resources team at Elderwood to enroll eligible employees for the Fall 2026 semester.

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“As an opportunity college, Ģ����ý understands the financial burden for many individuals interested in pursuing a new path and the academic requirements needed to achieve their career goals,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Ģ����ý. “The demand for qualified nurses and veterinary technicians shows no sign of slowing down and we are committed to helping educate and train the next generation of professionals in these fields.”

This is a limited-time opportunity, with applications for both nursing and veterinary technology due by July 15, 2026 for the fall semester. To be eligible, students must meet all admissions requirements for the program. Scholarships will be prorated based on semester credit hours, with the maximum per academic year being $2,000 for nursing and $3,000 for veterinary technology. Eligible students who file for financial aid may also be considered for additional Ģ����ý grants and scholarships.

For more details and to apply, visit .

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“Receiving AVMA CVTEA® accreditation is the result of many years of hard work and dedication from our veterinary sciences faculty and staff and the continued support of Ģ����ý’s leadership in recognizing the critical need for this program here in Western New York,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of Ģ����ý’s veterinary sciences. “In building a robust veterinary sciences program from the ground up, we wanted to ensure that we are setting our students up for success with the highest industry standards coupled with well-rounded learning experiences and knowledge for working in a variety of animal care settings. This accreditation reinforces that upon graduation, Ģ����ý students are ready to hit the ground running to fill the workforce void in the field.”

The AVMA CVTEA® accredits veterinary technology programs, ensuring educational quality and student competence through strict adherence to its Standards of Accreditation. These accredited programs prepare students for careers as veterinary technicians by covering essential skills and knowledge. The AVMA CVTEA® conducted a comprehensive program evaluation and site visit to Ģ����ý in January 2026. Ģ����ý’s accreditation was made effective retroactively on Jan. 29, 2026. Initial accreditation is given to newly accredited programs for their first five years. Initial accreditation is a positive accreditation status and graduates of programs on initial accreditation are considered graduates of an AVMA CVTEA®-accredited program. AVMA CVTEA® accreditation is reviewed every five years.

Veterinary technicians are crucial to the operation of any veterinary facility, as facilities cannot operate without them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 15,000 job openings for veterinary technicians are projected each year over the next decade nationally. Recognizing the high demand for qualified veterinary technicians locally, Ģ����ý launched its associate degree in veterinary technology, available both in-person and online, in Fall 2024.

Ģ����ý’s first class of veterinary technicians will graduate in May 2026.

For information about Ģ����ý’s veterinary sciences program offerings, visit trocaire.edu/academics/veterinary-sciences/.

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, a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, today announced the appointment of Dr. Joanna Hillman as dean for health, science, and general education. In this role, she will oversee Ģ����ý’s biology, general studies, management, healthcare management, and technology programs, and supervise the director of behavioral science.

“Joanna has been a vital member of our campus community and this promotion is well-deserved,” said Dr. Jennifer Blickwedehl, chief academic affairs officer, Ģ����ý. “This is a newly created position at Ģ����ý and Joanna’s expertise in curricular design, assessment, and online pedagogy will be invaluable as we continue to create a more holistic and integrated approach to academic life for our students.”

Dr. Hillman joined Ģ����ý in 2018 as a biology instructor and most recently was a professor of biology. Her campus leadership spans the faculty senate, the IDEA committee, and many interdepartmental projects. Dr. Hillman has also served as the Roswell Scholars program coordinator, faculty supervisor for Phi Theta Kappa, and is a member of the Middle States Steering Committee.

Dr. Hillman holds a doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from the University at Buffalo/Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from University at Albany. She resides in Eden.

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The CPT Program offers financial and educational support for eligible participants, covering tuition, books, and most academic supplies and fees. Wraparound support, including educational case management, tutoring, and job placement assistance is also available. 

“Healthcare careers remain in demand here and across the state, and the CPT Program provides an added incentive for students who want to pursue or advance their careers in this in-demand industry,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “As an opportunity college, Ģ����ý continues to explore ways to collaborate with others in the community to ensure we are addressing local workforce needs by providing qualified, skilled candidates upon graduation.”   

Funded by the New York State Department of Health and administered regionally by the FLPPS Workforce Investment Organization, the CPT Program has supported nearly 1,800 students across Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and a portion of the Southern Tier. Together, Ģ����ý and FLPPS aim to prepare skilled professionals who can meet the growing demand for health, behavioral health, and social care roles. 

For the upcoming spring 2026 semester, Ģ����ýs offers the following CPT Program-eligible programs: certificate programs in licensed practical nursing and medical assisting.   

“The CPT Program is about more than an education—it’s about creating opportunities for students, supporting employers, and strengthening our communities,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “By continuing our partnership with institutions like Ģ����ý, we’re helping students gain the skills and support they need while building a stronger, more sustainable workforce that reflects and meets the evolving needs of New Yorkers.” 

The CPT Program is open to individuals new to the field as well as those who are currently working in health, behavioral health, or social care who are seeking career advancement. Participants must complete their education or training program by spring 2027 and commit to three years of full-time service at a qualifying NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider serving at least 30 percent Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals. The service commitment must be fulfilled by 2031; a regularly updated list of qualified employers in the FLPPS region is available on the CPT Program website.  

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. Learn more about the CPT Program at .  

For more details on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit /admissions-and-aid/tuition-financial-aid/career-pathways-training-program/.  

Deadline to apply for the CPT Program for the spring 2026 semester at Ģ����ý is Dec. 1, 2025. 

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“Qualified veterinary technicians are needed now and the demand for these positions is only projected to increase into the future,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of veterinary sciences, Ģ����ý. “We designed our program and new state-of-the-art teaching facility space to offer an optimal learning environment with plenty of hands-on opportunities for students to work with animals of all sizes and species, so our vet tech graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of animal facilities.”

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs. Ģ����ý’s veterinary technician associate degree program, which is available both in-person and online, launched last year. Visit the veterinary sciences program offerings for more information.

In addition, Ģ����ý offers specialized training and hands-on experience in cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare informatics to meet the local workforce’s need for talented and specially trained tech workers. Visit the technology professions programs for more information.

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Limited opportunity for first-time nursing students to lock in the current tuition rate

Today Ģ����ý announced it is offering a tuition freeze for students starting their associate degree in registered nursing this fall.

Students who commit to the RN program starting fall 2025 as a first-time freshman (either part-time or full-time) will have their tuition rate frozen* while they remain enrolled at Ģ����ý and complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Upon earning an RN degree, students will automatically be accepted into the bachelor’s degree program and receive the locked-in tuition rate they have been previously paying. This is a limited-time opportunity, with applications due by July 15, 2025, for the fall 2025 semester. 

“As the high demand for qualified nurses continues to rise, this ensures tuition stability for students who are dedicated to receiving a four-year nursing degree,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Further, this program offers students the flexibility to work as an RN while they continue their education to complete their bachelor’s degree.” 

For more details on the tuition freeze opportunity and Ģ����ý’s nursing application, visit Ģ����ý.edu/TuitionFreeze.

*This freeze applies to tuition only and does not apply to any College or miscellaneous fees (late fees, clinical fees, lab fees, etc.).

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Collegis empowers data-driven admissions and streamlines prospective student support

announced today a multi-year partnership with to advance its enrollment strategy and elevate the student experience. Through this collaboration, Ģ����ý will leverage Collegis’ and its platform to guide prospective students from inquiry to enrollment.

The partnership comes as Ģ����ý begins implementing its new three-year strategic plan, with a sharpened focus on increasing enrollment and creating a seamless, student-centered admissions process. 

“Ģ����ý is looking forward to working with Collegis to help grow our enrollment in alignment with our mission.  Collegis has a proven track record of achieving results in higher education including revenue-growth, enrollment expertise and optimization of student experiences while having an ‘edu-preneurial’ mindset,” stated Jason Konesco, executive vice president at Ģ����ý. “We chose Collegis for their ability to be a true partner working collaboratively with our team to create a tailored solution that will best reflect the needs of our institution.”

Collegis will serve as an extension of the Ģ����ý admissions team, providing personalized support and helping prospective students navigate their journey from initial inquiry to first contact to the first day of class. With just over 1,000 students across its South Buffalo location and Transit Achievement Center in Lancaster, Ģ����ý empowers students to achieve personal enrichment, dignity, and self-worth through education in various career-focused degree programs including healthcare, business, technology, veterinary sciences and the liberal arts. 

Earlier this year, Ģ����ý first connected with Collegis at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) Annual Meeting. Additional follow-up meetings, including a site visit from the Collegis team, solidified a shared vision for a collaborative, student-first approach.

At the core of this partnership is , Collegis’ integrated technology and analytics platform that empowers institutions to make data-informed decisions while extending operational capacity. Recently named a “cool tool” by EdTech Digest, with Connected Core, Ģ����ý will gain actionable insights into prospective student behavior, streamlined admissions workflows, and access to enrollment specialists trained to deliver high-quality student engagement.

“This partnership reflects what we do best: supporting institutions like Ģ����ý to help them grow in ways that honor their mission,” said Pat Green, vice president of enrollment solutions at Collegis Education. “We’re proud to bring data, tech, and talent to Ģ����ý’s team and we are passionate about supporting the next generation of students preparing for careers of purpose and lives of service.”

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has partnered with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) on the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, a state-funded program designed to address workforce shortages in health, behavioral health, and social care sectors across New York State, and aims to build a diverse and skilled workforce capable of serving New York’s most vulnerable populations.

Through this program, tuition and education-related expenses, including textbooks, most supplies, and other academic fees— are covered after financial aid is applied for eligible participants to pursue education and training in one of 13 high-demand health, behavioral health, or social care roles. Support services are also available to participants to ensure academic success.

Programs offered at Ģ����ý include licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, registered nurse to bachelor’s degree in nursing, and medical assisting. 

“Ģ����ý always strives to be the opportunity college that provides all available resources for student success and by partnering with New York State we can help to remove the financial barriers that some students face when seeking to enter careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “The CPT Program complements Ģ����ý’s mission to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow to meet the needs of the community. Since introducing the CPT Program in the spring 2025 semester, we have had 20 students who have either started or advanced their healthcare studies and we look forward to extending this opportunity to additional eligible students this fall.”

The CPT Program is open to new academic students and offers pathways for both individuals entering the health, behavioral health, and social care workforce for the first time, and current workers seeking career advancement.

As part of the program, participants are required to complete their education and training by Spring 2027 and then commit to three years of full-time employment with a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. This service commitment must be completed by 2031.

“We’re proud to support individuals who are eager to enter or advance in the health workforce but may face financial or social barriers to do so,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “The CPT Program is about more than education—it’s about equity, opportunity, and meeting the real needs of our communities. Our partnership with Ģ����ý helps ensure that talented, committed individuals can access meaningful careers, while we build a stronger, more resilient health workforce for the long term.”

The CPT Program also offers robust support services to help participants thrive—ranging from program readiness and educational case management to ongoing academic support, career coaching, and job placement assistance. These services help participants successfully transition from education to employment and provide continued support throughout their three-year service commitment.

For more details on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit . Deadline to apply for the CPT Program for the fall 2025 semester at Ģ����ý is August 11, 2025. Deadline to apply for the 2026 spring semester is December 1, 2025.

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. The FLPPS region covers Western NY, the Finger Lakes, and a portion of the Southern Tier. Learn more about the .

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