Oswego Health Introduces Groundbreaking Medical Assistant Certification Program to Empower Employees and Lead Healthcare Innovation in Oswego County

(Oswego, NY – April 8, 2025) Oswego Health, a forward-thinking leader in healthcare and one of the largest private employers in Oswego County, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Medical Assistant (MA) Certification Program. This new initiative is designed to provide current employees with a clear pathway to advance into clinical roles, equipping them with the skills and credentials to excel in healthcare while strengthening the local workforce.

Oswego Health recognizes the importance of nurturing talent from within as a progressive employer committed to creating opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Medical Assistant Program reflects this commitment, offering employees a chance to build fulfilling careers in the healthcare industry. By investing in the professional development of its team members, Oswego Health is improving its workforce and contributing to the overall growth and quality of healthcare in the region.

In collaboration with Cengage and adhering to the rigorous standards of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the program offers a flexible, online learning experience. Employees will engage in coursework covering essential topics such as medical terminology, clinical procedures, and CPR certification while gaining hands-on clinical experience. Successful program completion will prepare participants to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in various clinical settings across Oswego Health.

The program is designed to be completed in 6-9 months, allowing employees to balance their studies with their current roles. Upon certification, employees will be eligible to transition into rewarding clinical positions in multiple departments throughout Oswego Health. Oswego Health is investing $4,000 per employee to support this career growth and fund their participation in the certification program.

“We are dedicated to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity at Oswego Health. By offering programs like the Medical Assistant Certification, we empower our employees to advance their careers while enhancing the level of care we provide to our community,” said Marq Brown, Vice President of Human Resources & Chief People Officer at Oswego Health. “This is just one example of how we are reinvesting in our workforce and positioning ourselves as an innovative and supportive employer of choice in Oswego County.”

The first cohort of six employees will begin their training on April 15, 2025. These employees represent a range of roles and backgrounds within Oswego Health. Alyson O’Leary, who has been with the organization since March 2022, currently serves as the Patient Access Emergency Department Lead. She began as a Patient Access Representative and quickly advanced in her career. Heidi Fitzgerald, who joined in December 2023, works as an Administrative Assistant at Lakeshore ENT and is eager to expand her skills in healthcare. Alyssa Hoslett, who started as a Patient Access Representative in May 2023, transitioned into a PrimeCare Medical Assistant in September 2024. Sierra Palmer, also hired in December 2023, is an Administrative Assistant at Lakeshore ENT. Erika Ruotolo, a rehire in March 2023, previously worked as a Pharmacy Technician and now holds the CEN Sterile CRCST Level 1 position. Finally, Miranda Shafer, who joined in December 2024, works as a Medical Assistant at Lakeshore ENT. Each individual brings a unique background and a strong commitment to advancing their healthcare career through the program.

In addition to the Medical Assistant Certification Program, Oswego Health offers a range of career development opportunities with tuition assistance for various healthcare roles, including Phlebotomists, Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, and more. These programs are available for both full-time and part-time employees, reinforcing Oswego Health’s ongoing commitment to supporting its staff's career growth and strengthening the region's healthcare workforce.

By investing in its employees and fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking work environment, Oswego Health sets the standard for what it means to be an employer of choice in CNY. The launch of the Medical Assistant Certification Program is just one example of how the organization is redefining healthcare employment and building a stronger, more resilient healthcare community.

For more information on the Program or about career advancement opportunities at Oswego Health, please contact Human Resources at ndamboise@oswegohealth.org.

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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 Oswego County’s largest private employer. More than 1,400 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, and bariatrics; for more information about Oswego Health, visit www.oswegohealth.org.