The NYCWBC is an information and resource center for healthcare professionals who received their
    education and training in a health field outside of the U.S. who would like to enter the healthcare
    sector in the U.S.

    The NYCWBC provides orientation, counseling, and career support to internationally trained health
    workers. We assist participants in developing a career pathway plan that builds on their education,
    experience, and skills. In addition to receiving support in obtaining appropriate professional
    credentials and licenses for their profession, participants are also assisted in exploring relevant
    educational programs, job and volunteer opportunities, and alternative career options.

    If you are a resident of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut you are eligible to receive these
    services. Persons living outside of the U.S. are not eligible for the program. If you live in another
    state you can check the national Welcome Back Initiative website to see if you are within the service
    area of another Welcome Back Center. www.welcomebackinitiative.org

    The counseling and career support services are free of charge. However, there may be a cost
    incurred for programs offered outside of the New York City Welcome Back Center.

    Yes.

    Yes. All participants must be authorized to work in the United States.

    No. The New York City Welcome Back Center does not receive funding to provide educational
    scholarships. However, educational case managers help link participants to appropriate community
    college and university programs, as well as financial aid offices.

    No. Each participant will have to follow existing licensing procedures for their respective profession.
    The centers provide orientation about existing licensing procedures for all health professions.

    The New York City Welcome Back Center is affiliated with the New York City Workforce 1
    Healthcare Career Center. The Workforce 1 Healthcare Career Center offers job readiness and job
    search workshops and assistance with job placement.

    The staff members of the New York City Welcome Back Center communicate in several languages.
    In addition, they will do their best to provide interpreter assistance and/or resources on an individual
    case-by-case basis. Participants whose language needs are not met by New York City Welcome
     Back Center are encouraged to bring their own interpreters.

    There is an initial interview by a staff member at the center. After this interview, you will attend an
    orientation and your English language skills will be tested. Then an appointment is scheduled for
    you to meet with an educational case manager who will discuss your educational and professional
    experience. The educational case manager (ECM) provides information and guidance about licensing
    requirements, credential validation agencies, health-related educational programs, and English
    language courses. The ECM also helps you develop a career pathway plan with the goal of
    practicing your profession in New York State or finding an alternative career in health care.

    You will need to bring copies of your diploma(s) and transcripts, as well as copies of any certificates
    or licenses you have. If you have a professional resume with your work experience in health care,
     bring that to your appointment too.

    Yes.The New York City Welcome Back Center offers workshops and other group activities such as
    licensing exam study groups and general information meetings to serve as peer networking and
    support group opportunities by profession.