“While working full-time and raising my family, I attended Ģ����ý during the COVID-19 pandemic.  While balancing the demands of work, school, and motherhood, I wanted to set an example for my children that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. I graduated in 2023 from the Medical Assistant program with my Associate’s Degree in Applied Science.

After graduating, I began my career at Highgate Medical Group as a Medical Assistant. I started off as a Medical Assistant. After just one year, I was promoted to Medical Reception Supervisor. In this leadership role, I oversee front-office operations while continuing to support exceptional patient care and help those around me. I also help teach the Medical Assistant program at Ģ����ý. I enjoy this very much as I am now helping students who sit where I once sat to gain the knowledge and complete their college career. 

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for my time at Ģ����ý, and I am very honored to be one of Ģ����ý’s Alumni! Ģ����ý will always hold a special place with me. I truly thought I would never achieve the goals I had set. But because of Ģ����ý, I was able to do this!”

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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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