CUNY SPS Salutes First Class of MS in Health Information Management Graduates

The CUNY School of Professional (CUNY SPS) is proud to celebrate the first graduating class of the MS in Health Information Management (MSHIM) online degree program, which included 18 graduates who earned their degree in 2023.

Rosemary Muita, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, is one of the MSHIM graduates who attended the School’s in-person commencement on May 25 at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens. Muita, who had never visited New York City before, had flown from Mesa, Arizona, by herself to revel in her accomplishment. Wearing round wood earrings that read "Motherland," Muita excitedly joined her classmates in the line-up for the ceremony.

For Muita, the MSHIM degree marked the end of a long journey at CUNY SPS, which began when she was attending Southwestern Community College in Franklin, North Carolina. After she had obtained her associate degree in health information management, Muita attended a conference and met CUNY SPS representatives who told her about the BS in Health Information Management (BSHIM). When she found out it was an online program, Muita was hooked. She completed her undergraduate degree in May 2021 and didn't hesitate to continue onto a master’s, applying the skills and knowledge she gained toward her role as a health information management specialist at the Phoenix-based healthcare company Terros Health.

"When I began the master’s program [at CUNY SPS], I found it even more interesting and in-depth," Muita said. "You can communicate with the professors anytime. I enjoyed the program, and it gave me a lot of confidence."

Launched in 2021, the CUNY SPS MSHIM program was designed to meet healthcare facilities’ growing need for highly qualified HIM professionals. The program was developed based on standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and recently received accreditation by the agency.

MSHIM offers one of the lowest graduate tuition rates of any online graduate HIM program in the country. The program prepares individuals to become information management professionals who can work proficiently with clinicians and health services administrators to develop clear and effective health information strategies for their healthcare organizations, as well as carry out these strategies using a variety of applications. 

"The MSHIM graduates are thoughtful and highly motivated who are poised to apply their graduate work to the next level," said Kathleen Kirk, clinical professor in the health information management programs. "It was a pleasure to work with these top-notch healthcare professionals. I wish them all the best."

The other first cohort program alumni are: Finny Beulah, Ephraim Brodsky, Diana Carroll, Marita Chan, Cheuk Yin Cheung, Wendy Easterling, Catherine Egan, Monica Etkins, Monica Mero, Maria Montalbano, Akila Moore, Erika Puig, Donna Randall, William Vanalst, Michelle Daphne Verneus, Wendy Vilela, and Caili Wachtel.

"We are so proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in their next chapter of life," said Dr. Memory Ndanga, academic director of the health information management and health services administration programs.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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