CANTON -- SUNY Canton recently became a partner with Carthage Area Hospital's Rural Healthcare Employment and Advancement Program (RHEAP) and was named in a $5 million, 5-year grant from the New York State Department of Health's Healthcare Education and Learning Pathways (HELP) program.

"Our partnership will open doors for students who aim to launch meaningful and rewarding careers right here in our region," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "By investing in workforce training, we're helping to build a stronger and more resilient community. The RHEAP initiative falls in line with the values and mission of our college."

The new program targets the North Country's healthcare workforce shortage by building rural workforce skills and will prepare students for pathways directly into healthcare careers. More than 40 new and advancing healthcare professionals from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are eligible for full scholarships, fees, books, and licensing costs, in addition to career support and hands-on trainings each year for eligible participants.

Where the RHEAP program differs from some traditional tuition assistance programs that require graduates to work for the sponsoring employer, RHEAP participants can work anywhere in the North Country after graduation.

"All healthcare facilities in the North Country are facing the same problem with recruitment," said Carthage Area Hospital President and CEO Richard Duvall. "Our view is that a rising tide raises all ships. The goal is to train as many people [as possible] within our communities to be healthcare professionals and to serve our patients. It doesn't matter where they work, it's just important to have them available to provide the care needed."

Over the five-year award period, SUNY Canton is slated to receive approximately $1 million of the overall funding to support the RHEAP program. According to School of Science Health and Criminal Justice Dean Michele Snyder, Ph.D., the primary focus will be on equipping transitioning service members, low-income students and rural residents with marketable skills that address regional workforce shortages while meeting the needs of area healthcare agencies.

"SUNY Canton is proud to be part of this grant award, which will help broaden participation in health care career pathways," Snyder said. "The project strengthens the healthcare pipeline and removes barriers by providing resources that support the success of aspiring healthcare professionals from all backgrounds. It's another essential step in our ongoing mission to advance the workforce and enhance health care across the North Country."

The dean pointed out the college's in-demand curricula, including the one-year Practical Nursing, the two-year Registered Nursing associate degree, and the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing as some of the primary programs that tie in with the RHEAP initiative. She also noted that additional offerings, including the two-year Physical Therapist Assistant and the Healthcare Management programs also will play an important role in expanding careers within the community.

"Our robust suite of healthcare programs serves as a conduit for local workforce development," she said. "These include industry-aligned nursing and allied health programs that complement the micro-credentialing and workforce readiness efforts offered through our Center for Workforce, Community & Industry Partnerships."

The first application window is expected to open by the summer of 2026 for fall 2026 enrollment, according to the Carthage Area Hospital's leadership. A committee of community partners from healthcare, workforce, and education organizations across the region will gather to shape the application and selection process.

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