VALHALLA, NY – October 8, 2026 – Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) has received a five-year, $5 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to expand a successful student training program and strengthen the Mid-Hudson Region’s healthcare workforce pipeline. The funding will transform WMCHealth’s Rising Senior Program into the Targeted Education and Applied Clinical Healthcare Experience for Rising Seniors (TEACHERS), adding allied-health specialties and supporting 400 students preparing to enter the workforce.
“Patients and communities benefit when we invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, FASA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “We extend our thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald for this award, which will expand a proven program, open life-changing career pathways and help build the strongest possible healthcare workforce for the Hudson Valley.”
The grant will fund student stipends, specialized equipment, facility improvements and two full-time positions to expand the program. TEACHERS will add training in respiratory therapy, radiology, surgery and pharmacy to the existing nursing track, helping students move from education and clinical experience to professional credentialing and employment.
WMCHealth launched the Rising Senior Program in 2019 to build a sustainable local healthcare workforce. Nursing graduates at Good Samaritan Hospital may retain per diem status as nursing assistants and receive preferred interview status for registered nurse positions across WMCHealth’s nine hospitals.
Students will train at Good Samaritan Hospital, Port Jervis Community Hospital, St. Anthony Community Hospital, HealthAlliance Hospital or a community health partner organization. TEACHERS will be the Mid-Hudson Region’s only program offering both nursing and allied-health tracks for students entering the final year of an accredited two- or four-year program.
“Rising Senior Program graduates enter the workforce with clinical experience and a strong foundation in patient-centered care,” said Deborah Viola, MBA, PhD, Network Vice President, Office of Research and Grants Administration at WMCHealth. “This investment will allow us to reach more students and help meet a critical workforce need in Hudson Valley communities.”
TEACHERS will also provide examination preparation and support for New York State–approved licenses and certifications, extending the program from academic and clinical training through professional licensure readiness.
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