Staff Report / July 27, 2026
GENEVA – A new cohort of healthcare professionals is joining the local workforce following the graduation of nine students from UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program.
The July 2026 graduating class includes Faith Bray, Maddison Dishaw, Lyzette Cooper, Hannah Scharping, Holly LaPrade, Kenda Hallett, Heaven King, Dylan Bogart, and Clayvon Bell. The four-week, state-approved program provides students with paid training, encompassing 138 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction.
Health system representatives noted that becoming a CNA frequently serves as a foundational launching pad for long-term medical careers, with many graduates eventually continuing their education to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).
Key program details and employment incentives for new graduates include:
- Certification Eligibility: Upon completing the intensive curriculum, graduates are officially qualified to take New York State’s CNA certification examinations.
- Immediate Placement Opportunities: Open CNA positions are currently available across regional long-term care facilities, including the Geneva Living Centers, The Homestead in Penn Yan, and the Huntington Living Center in Waterloo.
- Hiring Bonuses: Finger Lakes Health is extending a $2,000 hiring bonus to newly hired CNAs.
- Commuter Assistance: To support staff commuting to surrounding facilities, transportation stipends are available for Geneva-trained employees—offering $125 per week for those taking positions at The Homestead and $75 per week for staff placed at Huntington Living Center.
