Help Is Here: Free Career Support Arrives for Residents Pursuing Healthcare

North Country residents working toward careers in healthcare will soon have a new source of free, personalized support. ICAM Thrive, launching August 3, will accept applications from residents across Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and Hamilton counties. 

The program offers one-on-one career coaching, case management, resource navigation, and financial assistance to support participants in completing their healthcare education and training. Every participant is paired with a case manager who provides individualized guidance and connects them to the resources and support they need to succeed. 

The ICAM Thrive program is funded by the New York State Department of Health through its Healthcare Education and Life-skills Program (HELP) and is administered locally by the Northern Area Health Education Center (NAHEC) in partnership with the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO). 

The program arrives as the North Country continues to face significant healthcare workforce shortages. Rural geography, paired with limited local training options and the cost of postsecondary education, can make it difficult for residents to enter and complete healthcare training. ICAM Thrive is designed to remove those barriers through direct, personal support. 

The program serves residents pursuing a wide range of healthcare careers, including nursing, medicine, behavioral health, emergency medical services, social work, community health work, and technical certifications such as Medical Assistant and Licensed Practical Nurse. 

"Healthcare employers across the North Country continue to face significant workforce shortages," said April Bennett, Workforce Case Manager at FDRHPO. "ICAM Thrive strengthens our local workforce pipeline by helping residents complete their education and launch careers in the communities that need them most." 

The ICAM Thrive program goes beyond tuition assistance by addressing common barriers such as transportation, childcare, training supplies, and academic support.

“Participants are also eligible for a host of free resources and services through All One Health, including counseling and financial consultation,” said Bennett.

"We're excited to partner with FDRHPO to provide this level of individualized support to North Country residents," said Vanessa Falzon, ICAM Program Manager with the Northern Area Health Education Center. "By helping more people complete their training and enter healthcare careers locally, we're investing in both our workforce and the health of our communities." 

North Country residents age 18 and older who are enrolled in, or planning to pursue, a healthcare education or training program are encouraged to apply. During the program's first year, priority consideration will be given to underserved populations and individuals expected to complete their training within 12 months. 

Applications are now free and open through the Institute for Career Advancement in Medicine (ICAM), a statewide initiative that connects aspiring healthcare professionals with education, career resources, and workforce support. To apply or learn more, visit hwcollab.org or contact abennett@fdrhpo.org or vanessa@hwny.org.