Creating Career Pathways: Oswego Health Celebrates CNA Graduates

by Contributor | May 5, 2026 2:26 pm

OSWEGO – At Oswego Health, investing in people is at the heart of delivering exceptional care. Through innovative workforce development initiatives, the health system is creating accessible career pathways while strengthening the future of healthcare across the region.

That commitment was on full display as Oswego Health celebrated the graduation of its latest Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class at The Manor at Seneca Hill. Four individuals successfully completed the organization’s paid, on-the-job training program—an initiative that sets Oswego Health apart as the only healthcare system in Oswego County offering this type of earn-while-you-learn opportunity.

Over the course of five weeks and 240 hours, participants gained the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to launch their careers. The program combines classroom instruction, skills lab training, and supervised clinical practice—ensuring graduates are well-prepared while earning a paycheck from day one.

These four graduates each bring unique experiences and a shared passion for patient care:

• Hannah Reed of Camden, NY, transitioned from the food service industry and is pursuing her long-term goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. She values the opportunity to support seniors and make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.
• Madison Watkins of Phoenix, NY, previously worked at Labcorp and was drawn to healthcare by her desire to help others. She also plans to continue her education toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
• Jovanna Rivera of Syracuse, NY, previously worked as a bus monitor, where she gained experience assisting elderly individuals. Inspired by those interactions, she chose to become a CNA to take the next step in providing hands-on care and making a deeper impact in patients’ lives.
• Elizabeth Coy of Baldwinsville, NY, brings prior experience in long-term care and is eager to further her career while continuing to serve others.

Each graduate has accepted a full-time CNA position at The Manor, where they will continue to grow their skills while delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

Joanne Burcroff, RN, Director of Nursing at The Manor, emphasized the importance of investing in team members as a long-term strategy for both workforce stability and patient care excellence.

“Programs like this do more than fill positions—they create opportunity,” said Burcroff. “When individuals are supported from the very start of their careers, they build confidence, develop strong clinical skills, and see a future for themselves in healthcare. That kind of investment not only strengthens our workforce, it directly enhances the care we provide to our residents.”

The CNA program is one example of Oswego Health’s broader commitment to employee growth and development. From tuition assistance and mentorship to clearly defined advancement pathways—including roles such as Phlebotomist, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Certified Medical Assistant—the organization is building a culture where careers can grow and thrive.

By reducing barriers to entry and supporting employees every step of the way, Oswego Health is actively shaping a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce for Oswego County.

Enrollment is now open for the next CNA training session at The Manor.
For more information or to register, call 315-349-5300 or visit www.oswegohealth.org/cna[1].

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About Oswego Health:
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be one of Oswego County’s largest private employers. More than 1,500 employees spread throughout its 18 locations, work for the Oswego Health system, which includes the 132-bed community Oswego Hospital, a 32-bed psychiatric acute-care facility with multiple outpatient behavioral health service locations, The Manor at Seneca Hill, a 120-bed skilled nursing facility, and Springside at Seneca Hill, an independent retirement community.  The health system also operates Oswego Health Home Care, the only hospital-based certified home healthcare agency in the County, as well as two outpatient centers, including the Fulton Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and occupational health services, and the Central Square Medical Center, offering urgent care, lab, medical imaging, and physical therapy services. In addition, the healthcare system includes Oswego Health Medical Practice, a multi-specialty medical group offering the community accessible, high-quality healthcare. 100+ physicians and advanced practice providers offer an extensive array of services across CNY, including primary care and specialty care in orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, pulmonology, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org[2].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/oswegohealth/creating-career-pathways-oswego-health-celebrates-cna-graduates/

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