Oswego Health Celebrates First CNA Graduating Class of 2026

Healthcare system's paid, on-the-job training program creates new career opportunities in Oswego County

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Oswego Health, the only healthcare system in Oswego County offering paid, on-the-job Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, has celebrated the graduation of its first CNA class of 2026. 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 six graduates, who come from diverse backgrounds, will now step into full-time CNA roles at The Manor at Seneca Hill, Oswego Health's skilled nursing facility.

Why it matters

Oswego Health's CNA training program is part of the organization's broader commitment to workforce development and career advancement, addressing healthcare staffing needs while creating meaningful career opportunities for local residents. By removing barriers to entry and supporting long-term professional growth, Oswego Health is strengthening the future of care across Oswego County.

The details

The CNA training 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 six graduates - Evva Familo, Faith Tibbetts, Vanessa Denny, Carmen Ortiz, Roxanne Smith, and Lindsie Yonker - come from diverse backgrounds, including real estate, retail, and logistics, and were drawn to healthcare by the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on people's lives.

  • Oswego Health recently celebrated the graduation of the first CNA graduating class of 2026 at The Manor at Seneca Hill.

The players

Oswego Health

A nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is one of Oswego County's largest private employers, operating Oswego Hospital, a psychiatric acute-care facility, The Manor at Seneca Hill skilled nursing facility, Springside at Seneca Hill independent retirement community, and other outpatient and home healthcare services.

Andrea Doviak, RN, LNHA

Administrator of The Manor at Seneca Hill, Oswego Health's skilled nursing facility.

Evva Familo

A graduate of Oswego Health's CNA training program, who transitioned from a career in real estate.

Faith Tibbetts

A graduate of Oswego Health's CNA training program, who previously worked at the Oswego Country Club.

Vanessa Denny

A graduate of Oswego Health's CNA training program, who came from the retail industry at Family Dollar.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Andrea Doviak, RN, LNHA, Administrator of The Manor (oswegocountytoday.com)

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

Oswego Health's investment in its workforce through paid, on-the-job CNA training is creating meaningful career opportunities and strengthening the future of healthcare in Oswego County. By removing barriers to entry and supporting long-term professional development, the organization is addressing staffing needs while empowering local residents to build rewarding careers in the medical field.