NYS Program Offers Funded Pathway to New Nursing Career

Eligible students across New York can receive financial and academic support to pursue a new career in nursing through the 12-month Accelerated Nursing Program.

Aspiring nurses across New York State may now be eligible to attend the University of Rochester School of Nursing’s Accelerated Bachelor’s in Nursing (ABSN) program with funding from the New York State Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program — a statewide initiative to strengthen the health workforce in communities with limited access to care.

Through this partnership, eligible New York State residents and residents of certain bordering states may qualify for covered tuition, books, and academic fees while pursuing education in health, behavioral health, and social care fields, including a nursing career through UR Nursing’s intensive 12-Month ABSN program, which is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field who are ready to make a career change into nursing.

“This program is a game changer,” said Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing. “We’re honored to be a partner in this important statewide initiative, and proud to help break down financial barriers for individuals who want to make a difference in their communities as nurses.”

To qualify, participants must:

• Be a resident of New York State or a bordering state and meet CPT program eligibility,
• Be accepted into the ABSN program (previous bachelor’s degree required),
• Graduate by Spring 2027, and
• Commit to working for three years at a healthcare, behavioral health, or social care provider in New York State that serves at least 30% of Medicaid members and/or uninsured populations. This service commitment must be completed by 2031.

“The University of Rochester 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 the University to recruit and guide candidates through the Caring Gene’s CPT program.”

“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 the University of Rochester School of Nursing helps ensure that talented, committed individuals can access meaningful careers, while we build a stronger, more resilient health workforce for the long term.”

The program supports both those entering health care for the first time and current professionals seeking to advance their careers. The University’s ABSN program includes over 650 clinical hours and is completed in just three semesters of full-time coursework and clinical experiences at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In 2024, 98 percent of UR Nursing ABSN graduates passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.

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.

Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Health and administered regionally by three Workforce Investment Organizations (WIOs) based on where applicants reside and supports both new healthcare workers and current professionals seeking career advancement.

How to apply to the ABSN Program

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, among other eligibility requirements. To qualify for the CPT program, applicants must apply for the next two admissions cycles to complete the one-year program by Spring 2027.

• July 1, 2025 for Spring 2026 entry
• November 1, 2025 for Summer 2026 entry

Application Requirements for the ABSN Program

How to Apply for the CPT Program

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. Click here to view a map.

How to Apply to the CPT Program