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Roberts Wesleyan University Partners with FLPPS to Strengthen New York’s Health, Behavioral Health, & Social Care Workforce
Roberts Wesleyan University 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. The university has also partnered with 1199SEIU Training and Employment and Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways.
Through this program, tuition and education-related expenses—including textbooks, most supplies, and other academic fees are covered with free financial aid 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 Roberts Wesleyan University include: Master of Social Work and R.N. to B.S. The Roberts Master of Social Work program trains clinical social workers with a focus in either Mental Health or Child & Family Services. This program is 24-48 months, 100 percent online. Prospective students who have a heart for nursing and a bachelor’s degree can pursue their R.N. to B.S. degree in 12-24 months, 100 percent online.
“We meet so many students who want to make a difference but aren’t sure how to afford graduate school,” said Laurie Couch, the Master of Social Work enrollment representative. “The CPT program removes financial barriers and opens doors for students living in New York who are called to make a difference. This partnership creates pathways to rewarding careers in essential care fields without the financial concern, while also strengthening the workforce in the regions that need it most,” she added.
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 Roberts Wesleyan University 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.
Information on Roberts Wesleyan University NYS Career Pathways Training Program and eligible programs can be found here.
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 CPT Program at https://healthcareersnow.org/cpt.
