Industry Leader In Health Information Technology

Carolyn Hastings took a chance on finding her passion at Onondaga Community College and that chance paid off. Today she is the Assistant Vice President for Health Information Management and Coding at Albany Medical Center, and is President-elect of the New York Health Information Management Association. "I've come a long way and have had the ability to work in several reputable health care facilities throughout the U.S. in upper-level management positions. I am blessed to have OCC as my beginning!"

Nearly a decade after graduating from Canastota High School, Hastings decided to give OCC a try. "As an adult learner, OCC provided me the opportunity to easily juggle my work schedule, family life, and course work."

Hastings chose OCC's Health Information Technology program where students learned how to use current information systems to collect, analyze, disseminate, and maintain patient data. Students were also instructed in how to understand medical information through coursework in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.

The Health Information Technology professors played a significant role in her success. "The instructors worked in the profession. The experiences they shared were very inspirational. I immediately knew I wanted to further my career in this."

She also found a camaraderie among fellow students which enriched her experience. "I met many great people in class who became employed in the industry. It allowed for networking, potential job opportunities, and to meet other colleagues in the profession. It was a fantastic experience!" 

After completing her work at OCC in 1994 Hastings continued her education. She earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Walden University, and a Master's in Healthcare Administration at Ohio University.

If you are interested in a career in Health Information Technology or any of the eight certificate and degree programs in our School of Health, contact us by email health@sunyocc.edu or by phone (315) 498-2458.