Health Services Administration Alumni Spotlight: Meet Mia Collins

“I’m super grateful Bryant & Stratton College has such a wonderful, supportive team that wants to see you succeed as much as you want to succeed.” -Mia Collins ’22

Alumni Spotlight: Meet Mia Collins

Program: BS Health Services Administration

Hometown: Marcellus, NY

When Mia Collins started working in healthcare, it took an insightful manager to launch her career. After Mia worked as a receptionist at a healthcare facility out of high school, her skills and work ethic awarded her an opportunity to become a health information manager at a skilled nursing facility. Mia took the opportunity to continue to grow in the healthcare field; however, she felt that something was missing in her professional development.

“I was always learning something new at work and through promotions. However, I always felt there was a missing piece for me: a lack of education,” Mia explains. “The accomplishment of earning a college degree was something that I always wanted. I was nervous to step up to this goal because I have had some failed attempts in the past. This led me to my journey with Bryant & Stratton College.”

Mia initially started looking up degree programs both inside and outside the health services field, which led her to the health services administration program at Bryant & Stratton College. Seeing that Bryant & Stratton had a program that aligned with her job was exciting and eye-opening for her. She felt that her best option was to begin her education in a field that she was already working in.

When going back to school, Mia knew that avoiding interference with her daily life was a priority. She would have to continue her education completely online. Mia is a military wife and a mother to three children, so she knew that an online program would best fit her lifestyle. Bryant & Stratton College was able to offer her the opportunity to earn her degree while maintaining her day-to-day obligations.

“I had heard great things about Bryant & Stratton College, and I knew that I needed an online program for my job, my family, and myself. After inquiring at the college, my mind was set. The Bryant & Stratton staff was understanding and made the process easy,” Mia explains.

After meeting with the college, she knew that this path was right for her. She felt that everything was clear every step of the way, and if it wasn’t, someone would always be there to answer the questions she had.

Mia said, “From the beginning, the Bryant & Stratton staff was involved, and everything was always spelled out for me, from the cost to the class schedule. Because of that, there was no question.”

Mia was a full-time student but had the flexibility to get everything done at her own pace. The ability to earn her associate degree completely online motivated her to keep going and earn her bachelor’s degree.

When explaining her experience at Bryant & Stratton, Mia said, “Supportive is the first word that comes to mind. Every person, from instructors to financial aid to student advisors. They want you to succeed and provide you with the right answers, quickly and efficiently.”

With this continued support, Mia believes that Bryant & Stratton College led her down the right path. Every single person she encountered, from her associate to her bachelor’s, was kind, supportive, and helpful.

“I don’t have it all together and I had a million things working against me as I continued my education. But if you truly want it, then Bryant & Stratton College is the place. Everyone was incredible at ensuring that I succeeded as much as I wanted to succeed and making sure that I made it all the way to the end,” Mia said.

Mia never thought she would accomplish earning her degree, especially through an online program. Having support from her family, her instructors, and her peers encouraged her to keep moving forward and reach the goal she had always dreamed of.