January 15, 2026 – According to a recent West Health-Gallup Health and Healthcare Survey, nearly a quarter of all Americans consider the country’s healthcare system in crisis.

But when considering which issue is most responsible for this perception across communities of all demographics, it’s the lack of skilled employees—able to carry out the necessary elements of competent healthcare—that continues to rattle providers, patients and polls alike.

With no healthcare workforce, there is no healthcare—and we’re seeing this connection playing out in real time across every level of our medical services, day after day.

However, despite this current state of affairs, there’s an opportunity to meet the needs of the present and capitalize on the growth of the future, all at once.

Healthcare jobs are set to outpace all other industries in job growth over the next decade, with an expected 1.6 million new jobs by 2033, or 24% of all new jobs in the U.S. economy. This means that, for those students and professionals able to earn needed education and training, there are—and will be—plenty of ways to enter a career in the healthcare field, earn competitive pay and benefits, and help those in need throughout their own communities.

The key is making the pathway from accessible education to a career as seamless and supportive as possible. That’s why the Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) is working tirelessly to break down the barriers that exist between those considering and being able to enter a career in healthcare.

Identifying the barriers

Healthcare career opportunities can meet the needs of those seeking employment, fulfillment, and fiscal stability. Unfortunately, there are obstacles standing in the way of these opportunities:

  • Financial – Persistent economic inequities and an underinvestment in workforce development, tuition and related costs for educational training are restrictive for many. This is made worse by systemic poverty, wage disparities, time and scheduling constraints for nontraditional students, and lack of funding for healthcare education programs, ultimately strengthening this barrier and making cost a deciding factor for those interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
  • Lack of access – Inability to utilize accredited healthcare programs—created by fragmented educational pathways and historical underfunding of training—adds another barrier, with limited availability in underserved areas and academic offerings disconnected from employer needs. State, regulatory, and licensing requirements have also grown too complex, creating delays for those eager to start careers—and discouraging those even thinking about a job in healthcare.
  • Social determinants of health – From economic stability to lack of access to housing, transportation, technology, and other community resources, SDOH continue to be obstacles that stand between viable job candidates and sustainable healthcare careers.

But good news: there is a path forward.

Eliminating the barriers

Since 2014, FLPPS has sought to bridge the gap between healthcare and community, and in turn, help eliminate these barriers that exist between applicable candidates and healthcare careers.

Through efforts such as coordinating regional resources to strengthen the healthcare pipeline; partnering with education providers, employers, and community-based organizations to align training opportunities with workforce needs; and prioritizing individuals who face SDOH-related barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities, we’re minimizing obstacles to make it easier for individuals to pursue healthcare career opportunities in their own communities.

And through our FLPPS Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program—an education and training program designed to build up the health, behavioral health, and social care workforce across Western New York, Finger Lakes, and part of the Southern Tier—we’re doing even more.

For those enrolled in the program, we’re:

  • Minimizing financial obstacles by covering the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and most program-related expenses
  • Providing educational case management as academic support for SDOH referrals
  • Delivering additional support services for individuals during their education and after graduation as they prep for employment

This data-informed approach has been effective in targeting roles and communities with the greatest needs; and in combination with its ability to leverage strong, long-standing partnerships, FLPPS has been able to create solutions that deliver access and support to applicable candidates.

Strong workforce, strong healthcare

Healthcare workforce shortages have led to longer patient wait times, reduced access to services, and increased provider burnout, resulting in diminished health outcomes across all communities. When the healthcare workforce better reflects the communities it serves—through shared language, culture, or lived experiences—patients are more likely to seek access to care, trust their providers, and follow treatment plans.

That’s why FLPPS believes that supporting a robust and sustainable healthcare workforce connected to their host communities is critical to improving population health.

By partnering with education providers, local businesses, and neighborhood organizations, FLPPS has helped educate and train thousands of students who are now filling in-demand roles for healthcare providers across Western and Central New York—and look forward to training many more.

By creating workforce initiatives for all types of learners, we’ve helped strengthen cultural competence, equity, and representation in care delivery. These efforts improve access to healthcare, lead to better health outcomes across the region, improve economic mobility for employees, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities—all while breaking down key barriers that stand between our difficult present and a promising future.

Explore the FLPPS CPT Program website to review program details, including eligibility, eligible job titles, participating schools, and qualified service commitment sites. If interested, complete the interest form to connect with an educational case manager, who will help determine eligibility and guide next steps.

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