For Geneva Quinland, the path to health informatics was intentional.
Originally from Barbados, Geneva came to the U.S. looking for an opportunity to reset her career and build her future. Like many adult learners, she wasn’t just choosing a degree… she was choosing a direction. “I wanted something that would last,” she says. “Something stable, something recession-proof.” She found that in healthcare. And more specifically, in health informatics.
A Clear Path Forward
Geneva’s journey began at Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), where she earned her associate degree in Health Information Technology. From there, she took advantage of a seamless articulation agreement with SUNY Polytechnic Institute, allowing her to continue directly into her bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management.
That built-in pathway made all the difference. “As an adult learner, I wanted to ensure that all of my previous credits were counted and my time was not going to be wasted. The seamless articulation agreement gave me a clear direction,” she explains. “I didn’t have to figure it out step by step—it was already mapped out.”
Discovering Health Informatics
With each stop along her educational journey, Geneva gained not just credentials, but confidence, moving from foundational knowledge to more advanced, applied learning in healthcare systems and data. As she progressed through her studies and into her career, Geneva found herself drawn to the bigger picture of healthcare operations.
Today, she works in the Office of Mental Health in New York City, within a Health Information Management department that supports forensic psychiatric units. In her role, she manages patient records, supports utilization review processes, and collaborates on special projects with leadership.
It’s work that requires precision, organization, and a deep understanding of how systems function. But it also opened her eyes to something more. “I love information and the possibilities of what you can do with it,” she says. That realization, plus a little encouragement from her professors in the Health Information Management program, is what led her to pursue her Master of Science in Health Informatics at SUNY Poly.
Why the Master’s Was the Perfect Fit
For Geneva, the decision to continue into the master’s program wasn’t just about advancing, it was about alignment. She needed a program that could fit into her life as a working professional. SUNY Poly’s flexible format made it possible to balance full-time work while continuing her education.
The program also aligned directly with her career goals. Through her coursework, Geneva has developed and refined her skills in workflow optimization, process improvement, rewriting procedures to improve efficiency and understanding how to drive change within organizations. Rather than focusing only on backend systems, the program emphasizes impact. “It’s not just about the data,” she explains. “It’s about creating positive change for the people you serve.”
Support That Moves You Forward
One of the most valuable parts of Geneva’s experience has been the level of support from faculty.
Even in an online environment, she describes the connection as strong and consistent. “The response time is amazing,” she says. “You can send an email and hear back the same day. Their virtual door is always open.”
Faculty are not only accessible, they’re adaptable, working with students to accommodate busy schedules and real-life responsibilities. That flexibility has made it possible for Geneva to stay on track while managing the demands of her career.
A Career Built for the Future
Through her work and studies, Geneva has come to see health informatics as more than just a field. It’s a foundation for long-term success. In an industry that continues to grow and evolve, the ability to manage, interpret, and improve healthcare systems is critical.
“This field isn’t going anywhere,” she says. That sense of security, combined with the opportunity to make a real impact, has affirmed that she’s on the right path.
Looking Ahead
As Geneva prepares to complete her master’s degree next month, she sees her future as full of possibility.
With experience across multiple levels of healthcare systems—and a strong academic foundation—she’s positioned for continued growth, whether that means advancing within her current organization or exploring new opportunities across the field. “The possibilities are endless,” she says. “Now it’s about figuring out where I want to go next.”
From associate to bachelor’s to master’s, Geneva’s journey shows what’s possible when your education is aligned with your goals and designed to support your life along the way. Of the MS in Health Informatics program, Geneva says, “If you’re looking for flexibility, this is it. If you’re looking for value, this is it.”