Growing Talent, Advancing Care: Oswego Health Celebrates First CNA Graduating Class of 2026

OSWEGO – Oswego Health continues to strengthen healthcare by investing where it matters most: its people. As the only healthcare system in Oswego County offering paid, on-the-job Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, Oswego Health is creating meaningful career opportunities while building a skilled, compassionate workforce to serve the region.

Oswego Health recently celebrated the graduation of the first CNA graduating class of 2026 at The Manor at Seneca Hill, recognizing six individuals who successfully completed the health system’s paid, on-the-job training program. The five-week, 240-hour program blends classroom education, hands-on lab experience, and supervised clinical training—allowing participants to earn a paycheck while gaining the skills and certification needed to launch a healthcare career.

The newest CNA graduates bring diverse backgrounds and a shared commitment to caring for others:

• Evva Familo of Oswego, NY, transitioned from a career in real estate, drawn to healthcare by the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives.
• Faith Tibbetts of Fulton, NY, previously worked at the Oswego Country Club and was inspired to pursue a more service-driven, long-term career in healthcare.
• Vanessa Denny of Altmar, NY, came from the retail industry at Family Dollar and saw the CNA program as a gateway to professional growth and stability.
• Carmen Ortiz of Fulton, NY, formerly employed at FedEx, sought a more personal and purpose-filled career path through healthcare.
• Roxanne Smith of Pulaski, NY, joined the program after working at Syracuse Homes, bringing prior caregiving experience and a passion for resident-centered care.
• Lindsie Yonker of Red Creek, NY, previously worked at Turtle Cove and was eager to build a future in healthcare close to home.

Each graduate now steps into a full-time CNA role at The Manor, prepared to provide high-quality, compassionate care while continuing to grow professionally within Oswego Health.

According to Andrea Doviak, RN, LNHA, Administrator of The Manor, investing in workforce development is essential to the future of healthcare:

“When you invest in your workforce, you’re investing in the quality of care your community receives. On-the-job training opens the door, but career pathways keep people engaged, motivated, and growing. Many of us in leadership started at the bedside, and programs like this ensure our employees can build long, meaningful careers right here at Oswego Health.”

The CNA training program is one part of Oswego Health’s broader commitment to career advancement. The organization also supports employees through tuition assistance, mentorship, and defined career pathways for roles such as Phlebotomist, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, and Certified Medical Assistant—ensuring opportunities for growth at every stage of a healthcare career.

By removing barriers to entry and supporting long-term professional development, Oswego Health is not only addressing workforce needs, but also strengthening the future of care across 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.

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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.

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