A Growing Health Care Hub

The region benefits from two major hospital systems that anchor its health care infrastructure:

• Adirondack Health serves the southern portion of the county through its Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake and the Tupper Lake Health Center, offering a wide array of inpatient and outpatient services, including surgical care, emergency medicine, women’s health, behavioral health, and rehabilitation services. The system also partners with leading research and medical institutions across New York State.

• The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center, located in Malone, serves the northern region of the county and is part of a nationally recognized health network. Alice Hyde offers 24/7 emergency services, advanced imaging, surgical suites, a skilled nursing facility, and access to a wide range of specialty care through its affiliation with UVM.

The Hudson Headwaters Health Network—the largest and most comprehensive primary care provider in the region—maintains a strong presence in Franklin County. Their model emphasizes preventive care and long-term health outcomes, with board-certified providers, mental health counseling, chronic disease management, and lab services all under one roof. Their commitment to rural health care ensures that even our most remote communities receive consistent, high-quality attention.

Growing Talent for a Healthier Tomorrow

Franklin County is cultivating a strong, sustainable health care workforce through education, training, and regional partnerships. We understand that world-class care begins with skilled, compassionate professionals — and we’re committed to supporting both the pipeline and the providers.

Education & Training in the Region

Local institutions like North Country Community College (NCCC) play a pivotal role in preparing tomorrow’s health care professionals. NCCC offers accredited programs in:

• Nursing (RN & LPN)

• Radiologic Technology

• Health Sciences

• Emergency Medical Services (EMT & Paramedic)

The college’s state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical partnerships provide real-world experience in hospitals and clinics across the Adirondack region.

In addition, Paul Smith’s College and nearby institutions like SUNY Plattsburgh and Clarkson University offer complementary programs in environmental health, human sciences, and health care management — expanding access to higher education pathways in health and wellness fields.

Local Hiring & Career Advancement

Health care employers in Franklin County are actively recruiting across a variety of roles — from physicians and nurses to behavioral health specialists, medical assistants, and administrative staff. Adirondack Health, Alice Hyde Medical Center, and Hudson Headwaters Health Network offer competitive benefits, tuition reimbursement programs, and clear pathways for career advancement.

Partnerships That Strengthen Our Pipeline

Franklin County’s economic development strategy includes working closely with workforce development partners such as:

• Workforce Development Board of the North Country

• Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES

These organizations help connect employers with skilled workers, create customized training programs, and promote job readiness initiatives.

Rural Health Residency & Recruitment

Franklin County supports rural residency and internship programs that bring future doctors, nurses, and technicians into our communities for immersive, place-based training. These programs not only fill staffing needs but also inspire early-career professionals to build long-term roots here in the North Country.