Geneva\u2019s 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\u2019s degree in Health Information Management.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
That built-in pathway made all the difference. \u201cAs 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,\u201d she explains. \u201cI didn\u2019t have to figure it out step by step\u2014it was already mapped out.”<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Discovering Health Informatics<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It\u2019s work that requires precision, organization, and a deep understanding of how systems function. But it also opened her eyes to something more. \u201cI love information and the possibilities of what you can do with it,\u201d 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Why the Master\u2019s Was the Perfect Fit<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n For Geneva, the decision to continue into the master\u2019s program wasn\u2019t just about advancing, it was about alignment. She needed a program that could fit into her life as a working professional. SUNY Poly\u2019s flexible format made it possible to balance full-time work while continuing her education.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n 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. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about the data,\u201d she explains. \u201cIt\u2019s about creating positive change for the people you serve.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Support That Moves You Forward<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n One of the most valuable parts of Geneva\u2019s experience has been the level of support from faculty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Even in an online environment, she describes the connection as strong and consistent. \u201cThe response time is amazing,\u201d she says. \u201cYou can send an email and hear back the same day. Their virtual door is always open.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Faculty are not only accessible, they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A Career Built for the Future<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Through her work and studies, Geneva has come to see health informatics as more than just a field. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cThis field isn\u2019t going anywhere,\u201d she says. That sense of security, combined with the opportunity to make a real impact, has affirmed that she\u2019s on the right path.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"Geneva](\"https:\/\/webapp.sunypoly.edu\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/geneva-quinland.png\")