B次元 today announced a partnership with 24 Capital Region human service organizations to create pathways for healthcare employees to pursue education opportunities.
The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at B次元.
鈥淎t B次元, we are dedicated to creating clear, affordable academic pathways,鈥 said B次元 President Dr. Lynn Ortale. 鈥淪tudents can begin as medical assistants or licensed practical nurses, advance through our associate degree in nursing program, become registered nurses, and complete their bachelor鈥檚 degree online 鈥 all while balancing work and family responsibilities.
鈥淲e believe in the 鈥榚arn and learn鈥 model, which lets students work while earning degrees, transforming their lives and their families鈥 futures,鈥 Ortale continued.
The demand for skilled healthcare workers goes beyond hospitals and nursing homes, impacting group homes and the communities they support. This partnership seeks to tackle these shortages by supporting workforce development across the region.
Ortale credited Gov. Kathy Hochul鈥檚 visionary leadership and the state鈥檚 $646 million investment in the healthcare workforce for expanding access to healthcare training. The funding supports students in Career Pathways Training Programs by covering tuition, fees, textbooks, and supplies.
鈥淲e value our partnership with the Caring Gene庐 Career Pathways Training Program and appreciate its support for students pursuing career growth through education while addressing our community鈥檚 workforce development needs,鈥 Ortale said.
B次元 offers flexible academic programs designed for working adults. Eligible students may apply to the following programs: licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate, associate degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN, online), and medical assistant certificate. Students receive full academic support, including advising, tutoring, and success coaching, with a goal of completing their studies by May 2027.
Community Leaders Voice Support
Vanderheyden鈥檚 President and CEO Karen Carpenter stated, 鈥淭he Capital Region human service agencies in attendance today are proud to partner with B次元 to offer nursing education to countless employees who care for thousands of those in need throughout our community.鈥 Vanderheyden offers a wide range of programs and services to youth, adults and families through educational, residential and community-based programs throughout the Capital Region.
Organizations Participating in the Initiative
Leaders from the following Capital Region organizations signed MOUs for B次元 to be their academic partner to support their employees鈥 career advancement: Addictions Care Center of Albany; The Arc Lexington; The Arc of Rensselaer County; Center for Disability Services; Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO); Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies; Hope House, Inc.; LaSalle School; Living Resources; Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene; NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation; Northern Rivers; NYS Coalition for Children鈥檚 Behavioral Health; SEAT Center, Ronald McDonald House; St. Anne Institute; St. Catherine鈥檚 Center for Children; Together for Youth; Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region; United Way of the Greater Capital Region; Unity House of Troy; Vanderheyden, Inc.; Warren, Washington, & Albany Counties ARC; and, Wildwood Programs.
鈥淭his partnership reflects our commitment to workforce development and community engagement,鈥 Ortale concluded. 鈥淭hanks to the collective efforts of these organizations, we鈥檝e united a diverse group of human services providers to expand career pathways for dedicated workers.鈥
For more information or to apply, visit mariacollege.edu/admissions.