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Oswego Health’s dedication to the community extends far beyond providing quality care—it includes cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals. As one of Oswego County’s largest employers, the health system continues to strengthen its workforce through innovative career-building programs designed to help individuals grow and thrive in healthcare careers.

The Manor at Seneca Hill recently celebrated the graduation of four new Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) from its paid, on-the-job training program—the only one of its kind in Oswego County. The five-week, 240-hour program blends classroom instruction, lab work, and hands-on clinical experience. Participants are employed full-time throughout the program and transition seamlessly into CNA roles upon graduation, ready to provide compassionate, skilled care to residents.

The latest graduates—Hunter Nichols, Melissa Campbell, Linda Bower, and Hillary Doyle—each bring unique backgrounds and motivations that reflect the diverse paths leading to a career in healthcare:

• Linda Bower, from Syracuse, previously worked as a CNA at Michaud and St. Luke’s before taking time off to focus on her family. After the closure of her part-time job at Ruby Tuesday’s, she was encouraged by a former colleague to join The Manor’s CNA program. Now, she’s eager to continue her journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
• Hillary Doyle, of Phoenix, began her career as a dental assistant but sought a more hands-on, patient-centered role. Her caring nature and desire to make a difference led her to pursue CNA certification, with hopes of exploring additional healthcare opportunities in the future.
• Hunter Nichols, from Fulton, comes from a family deeply rooted in healthcare—his mother works at Oswego Health and his father and brother are paramedics. After working in retail and manufacturing, he decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and begin his journey in patient care, with long-term aspirations of becoming a surgeon.
• Melissa Campbell, of Hastings, transitioned from being an Amazon delivery driver to caring for her mother through Freedom Care. That experience ignited her passion for healthcare and inspired her to enroll in The Manor’s CNA program. She now looks forward to continuing her education and ultimately working as a Registered Nurse in an Emergency Room setting.

The CNA program is one example of Oswego Health’s broader commitment to workforce development. The organization also offers tuition assistance, mentorship, and career pathways for roles including Phlebotomists, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Certified Medical Assistants—ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled, compassionate caregivers for the region.

By investing in professional growth and education, Oswego Health is not only supporting individual success but also strengthening the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

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