Nine new certified nursing assistants have completed UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health’s first CNA training program of 2026.
The graduates were recognized Thursday in Geneva after finishing the four-week program approved by the New York State Department of Health.
The graduates are Samantha Coyle, Kari Goebert, Javon Johnson, Tahirah Hoover, Kaelie Kowal, Spencer Lightfoote, Carley Luffman, Sherelle Moore and Taina Torres.
The paid training program includes 138 hours of classroom, lab and clinical instruction. Classes run Monday through Friday over four weeks. Graduates are eligible to take the state certification exams upon completion.
Officials said many CNAs use the program as a starting point for healthcare careers, often continuing their education to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses.
Job openings are available at Geneva Living Centers, The Homestead in Penn Yan and Huntington Living Center in Waterloo, along with other long-term care facilities.
UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health is offering a $2,000 hiring bonus for new CNAs. The organization also provides weekly transportation assistance for those training in Geneva and working at The Homestead in Penn Yan ($125 per week) or Huntington Living Center in Waterloo ($75 per week).
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].