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Top 10 Nursing Informatics Programs | 2024

Top Nurse Informatics Programs | Nurse.org

As technology grows within the healthcare field, nursing informatics is becoming a more widely known subspecialty within the nursing profession. 

If you're looking to join this growing profession, we've ranked the top nursing informatics programs for 2024 to help you choose the right one for you. 

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Enrollment: Nationwide

  • RN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics
  • BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics

Grand Canyon University

GCU 's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is committed to providing a curriculum that challenges and prepares graduates to lead and prosper in the ever-changing health care industry. 

  • MSN - Health Informatics

Rasmussen University

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4 RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Enrollment: FL

  • MSN - Healthcare Tech, Simulation & Informatics

Grand Canyon University

What is Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics combines nursing science with technology to improve communication and the transfer of information within the field of nursing. 

Some of the most common nursing informatics examples include:

  • Electronic medical records (EMR) systems
  • Computerized provider order entry (CPOE)
  • Telemedicine

You may also not know that many different career titles are associated with nursing informatics. Common titles may include:

  • Clinical Nurse Analyst
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Informatics Nurse
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist
  • Health Informatics Specialist
  • Chief Nursing Officer

If you have ever considered working in a nursing role away from the bedside, enjoy learning about advancements in nursing technology, and want to improve the flow of information for better patient outcomes, you might consider learning more about this growing subspecialty.

Find Nursing Programs

What is a nursing informatics program .

Although nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) can work in this field, nursing informatics programs are generally advanced-level degree programs that require a master’s of nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing (DNP). 

These programs teach nursing students about utilizing technology to:

  • Improve communication between nurses and ancillary healthcare specialists
  • Provide fast data to healthcare providers so they can make informed choices
  • Help administrators analyze large amounts of patient data
  • Provide detailed patient health insights
  • Influence healthcare policies with better-informed patient data
  • Achieve better patient outcomes
  • Help lower healthcare costs

>> Show Me Nursing Informatics Programs

Top Nursing Informatics Programs 

We ranked the top nursing informatics programs based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, accreditation, and more. 

1. University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh's MSN in nursing informatics is a 100% online program. It is a go-at-your-own-pace MSN, with options to attend full-time or part-time. This program is also unique because students can earn an MSN in Nursing Informatics, and it’s also possible for other MSN students to earn a minor or a post-professional nursing informatics certification. 

The school prides itself on a 100% national certification pass rate. Students in the program also have unique opportunities to customize their programs and present their capstone projects at local, state, and national meetings.

Additional program information: 

  • Tuition: $1,231 per credit 
  • Program length: Five semesters if attending full-time
  • Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  • Fall: June 15th
  • Spring: October 1st
  • Summer: March 1st
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (412) 624-4586 or (888) 747-0794
  • Are online options available? Yes 
  • Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
  • Minor in Nursing Informatics
  • Post Graduate Certificate 

2. Duke University

Duke University offers an MSN in health informatics that emphasizes “clinical informatics, leadership, and real-world application.” Ranked in the top 3 of nursing informatics programs in the country by U.S News & World Report, Duke graduates consistently earn high-paying positions at top healthcare institutions. 

The university also reports that, although most MSN students attend the program full-time, students say that they can still work as they complete their coursework. Students take 4 MSN courses, 7 informatics courses, and 2 DNP courses in this program. 

Faculty report using personalized instruction with a combination of online and on-campus learning. In addition, the university reports having multi-disciplinary faculty with nationally recognized expert experience in biomedical information and the nursing profession.

  • Tuition: $2,166 per credit
  • Program length: Three years
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Application deadline: December 1st
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (919) 684-3786
  • MSN in Nursing Informatics
  • Post-Graduate Certificate
  • Health Informatics Certificate

3. University of Utah

The University of Utah is one of the first nursing informatics programs in the U.S. They report that they help nurses bridge the gap between technology and patient care outcomes. Nationally recognized nursing informatics leaders teach the courses at this program, tailoring each experience to the needs and interests of the students. 

Their MSN in nursing informatics program offers an online and on-campus option. They also offer full-time and part-time coursework to help students manage their coursework and be successful in the program. Additionally, most of the informatics courses are co-offered with the Biomedical Informatics Department allowing students to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden their horizons.

  • In-state: $3,963.36 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $7,322.27 per credit hour
  • Program length : Five semesters if full-time
  • Accreditation: CCNE, AACN
  • Application deadline: February 1st
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (801) 581-3414
  • On-campus and online MSN in Nursing Informatics

4. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Ranked as one of the best online MSN programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the nursing informatics program at the University of Colorado is entirely online, with the exception of an in-person clinical requirement. 

Students can complete the program in as little as two years, if full-time, but have up to seven years. 

  • Tuition: $725 per credit hour
  • Program length : 2 Years 
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application deadline: Rolling
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (303) 724-7223
  • Online - MSN in Health Care Informatics

5. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College has a two-year MSN program with an informatics track, which helps nurses develop competencies as healthcare informaticists.

As the only healthcare informatics degree in the region, this program gives nursing students essential insight into managing information systems to promote better health systems and improve patient outcomes. 

The benefits of Nebraska Methodist College’s informatics program include faster courses (either five or ten weeks each) and the ability to complete coursework from anywhere with internet access. Students in the program also receive national and chapter membership to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

  • Tuition: $588 per credit
  • Program length: Two years
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (402) 354-7000
  • Online MSN program with an informatics track

6. University of South Carolina

Nursing informatics MSN students at the University of South Carolina apply computer science and nursing practice to improve healthcare technology.

The program is online and can be paired with fieldwork from the student's workplace. The school emphasizes that the program allows flexibility to manage school and work simultaneously. 

  • In-state: $7,398 per semester 
  • Out-of-state: $13,124 per semester
  • Four semesters - full-time
  • Seven semesters - part-time
  • Application deadline: Rolling between November 1st and May 1st
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (803) 777-9080
  • Online Nursing Informatics MSN
  • Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate Nursing Informatics

7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The MSN nursing informatics program at Texas Tech was the first nursing informatics master's offered by a Texas-based university. This program fills a critical gap in advanced nursing education and prepares nurses for the many existing and emerging informatics roles. 

Of note, Texas Tech is unable to accept students from the following states: Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

  • In-state: $265 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $470 per credit hour
  • Program length: 39 credit hours
  • Fall: February 15th
  • Spring: August 31st
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (806) 743-1000
  • Post-Master’s Nursing Informatics Certificate

8. University of Maryland 

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Maryland's MSN Nursing Informatics program is entirely online but still provides a top-quality education in bridging the gap between technology and patient care. 

They recently revamped the entire curriculum to focus more on the role of a nursing informaticist, big data, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, students must complete 500 clinical hours (significantly more than other programs), making graduates leaders in the field of nursing technology.  

  • In-state: $873 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $1,549 per credit hour
  • Application deadline: August 5th
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (410) 706-0501
  • Are online options available? Yes
  • MSN with a combination of online and onsite clinical requirements

9. National University

National University offers two types of nursing informatics programs for nursing students:

  • An MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics, and
  • An MS in Health Informatics Degree

The university also offers graduate students flexibility not commonly seen in many programs, such as:

  • Degree completion in as little as 12 to 15 months
  • Few on-campus requirements
  • Online monthly meetings

But what makes the university unique is that many courses are complete in just four weeks. Additionally, students receive one-on-one faculty advising and consultation with industry experts.

  • Tuition: $16,200 per year
  • Program length: 12 to 15 months 
  • Application deadline: Rolling 
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (855) 355-6288
  • MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics
  • Master of Science in Health Informatics Degree
  • Post-Master’s Certificate Informatics

10. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama offers students online courses along with clinicals located in the student's town.

The program takes about two years to complete if attending as a full-time student, and the program website reports that 100% of students are employed when they enroll in the program.

  • Tuition: $594 per credit unit
  • Program length: Two to three years
  • Application deadline: February 15th
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone number: (251) 460-6101
  • Online MSN in Nursing Informatics 

Nursing Informatics Career Overview 

Nursing informatics salary.

According to ZipRecruiter , as of March 2023, informatics nurses in the U.S. earn a median annual income of $98,409 or $47.00 /hr . That is about $8,200 per month!

ZipRecruiter adds that nurse informatics salaries can range from as high as $166,500 per year to as low as $42,500. 

Highest Paying Cities for Informatics Nurses

San Jose, CA

$126,142

$60.65

Oakland, CA

$123,366

$59.31

Hayward, CA

$123,157

$59.21

Ashland, CA

$123,143

$59.20

Antioch, CA

$123,073

$59.17

Seattle, WA

$122,480

$58.88

Alameda, CA

$121,021

$58.18

Redmond, WA

$120,302

$57.84

Menlo Park, CA

$119,177

$57.30

Santa Cruz, CA

$119,151

$57.28

Via ZipRecruiter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median income for nurses of all specialties is about $86,070 or $41.38 per hour. Based on those numbers, informatics nurses have more earning potential than most nursing specialties!

Nursing Informatics Program Overview

Average nursing informatics program length .

Most nursing informatics programs take about two years to complete . However, some can take as little as three semesters, while others can take up to three years. Timing will also vary depending if you are attending the program on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Your program length will likely be determined by the type of advanced degree you want to achieve. Generally speaking, an MSN will take less time than a DNP.

Nursing Informatics Program Requirements 

Because nursing informatics programs don’t require bedside nursing care, most classroom work can be completed almost or entirely 100% online. However, you will also be required to complete clinical hours at a local healthcare facility. This will vary based on the program. It’s important to consider the number of clinical hours required and also if the program will assist in setting up the clinical experience. Some programs require the students to find their own clinical experiences and submit all necessary paperwork. 

  • Classes taught in nursing informatics programs often include topics such as:
  • Informatics systems design and analysis
  • Data analytics and science
  • Database management systems
  • Nursing informatics capstone
  • Nursing informatics in the healthcare environment
  • Professional informatics influence
  • Informatics for transforming nursing care
  • Leadership and management in nursing informatics
  • Advancing evidence-based practice through technology
  • Quality outcomes with value-based nursing care

How long is a nursing informatics program? 

  • Most nursing informatics programs take about two years to complete. However, some can take as little as three semesters, while others can take up to three years. In most cases, an MSN will take less time than a DNP.

What do nursing informaticists do? 

  • Nurse informaticists combine nursing science with technology to improve communication and the transfer of information within the field of nursing. Some of the most common examples of nursing informatics in action include electronic medical records (EMR) systems and telemedicine.

Is nursing informatics in demand? 

  • Nursing informatics is in high demand because of changes in healthcare technology, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE).

Is a nursing informatics degree worth it?

  • Yes, a nursing informatics degree is worth it for many students for various reasons, such as nurses can promote better patient outcomes with non-bedside positions. The degree may provide better income opportunities. It allows nurses to collaborate with other advanced degree specialists and administrators. Nurses can take various new nursing positions as data analytics, computer systems specialists, IT consultants, administrators, and more!

How do I get into nursing informatics?

  • Although nurses with a BSN can work in the nursing informatics field, hiring managers generally prefer nurses who have completed an advanced-level degree program focusing on nursing informatics.  Nursing informaticist programs usually result in either an MSN or DNP degree.

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What Makes Our Program Distinct?

Our Nursing Informatics program is ranked #2 in the nation by US News and World Report's Best Grad Schools ranking.

The University of Minnesota is among the top nursing informatics programs in the United States and provides international scholarly leadership and collaboration through the Center for Nursing Informatics.

The Center for Nursing Informatics at the School of Nursing further connects students and faculty through collaborations with local, national and international partnerships, including:

  • Institute for Health Informatics  
  • The International Council of Nursing’s eHealth  
  • The Minnesota Omaha System Partnership

A unique focus for this field is linking patients, providers, public health and researchers through authorized and secure information sharing. Take time to see this three-minute video by the  Office of the National Coordinator .

Graduates pursue careers as:

  • Business application analysts
  • Chief information officers
  • Chief nursing information officers
  • Clinical decision support specialists
  • Clinical informatics coordinators
  • Clinical informatics system analysts
  • Clinical support - safety managers
  • Clinical systems analysts
  • Directors of nursing informatics
  • Directors of quality informatics
  • Faculty specializing in informatics
  • Health care informatics software developers
  • Implementation consultants
  • Informatics nurse educators
  • Information system clinical project leaders
  • Information systems administrators
  • Information technology training directors
  • Nursing/health informatics consultants
  • Project managers for health information systems

Gift from Japan advances nursing informatics

Kanetoshi Hattori wants to light a fire under the next generation of nurse researchers.

Breaking barriers

As a nursing informatics leader at Optum, DNP grad Kari Miller makes health care technology support rather than hinder.

Certifications

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a certification exam in Informatics Nursing.

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Online MSN: Nursing Informatics

Be the connection between patient care and technology..

Only 36 credit hours are required to earn the MSN in Nursing Informatics.

Ranked Among the Best

Best Grad Schools Nursing MSN 2024

See all of our rankings.

Competitive in-state tuition — even for some out-of-state students. Complete the program online from anywhere.

Improve patient care and outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of information technology. Increasing demand for the adoption of electronic information systems is creating a growing need for nursing informaticians in health care organizations and in businesses that develop and sell health care information technology.

Program Snapshot

Tuition and fees  view overview, accreditation  read details.

The new competency-based MSN-NI curriculum, which will apply to students entering fall 2024 or later, will place greater emphasis on the NI role, artificial intelligence, and big data. Other content will provide a nursing leadership and management core specific to evidence-based practice, biostatistics, and professional writing. By increasing the overall practice hours from 135 to 500, the revised curriculum will provide greater clarity for expectations of applicants, graduates, stakeholders, and a more disciplined approach to nursing education. 

What is nursing informatics?

According to the American Nurses Association, nursing informatics is a "specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. [It] supports nurses, consumers, patients, the interprofessional health care team, and other stakeholders in their decision-making in all roles and settings to achieve desired outcomes. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology."

- Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice , 2nd Edition, ANA 2015

Our Master of Science in Nursing graduates have stellar reputations in the health care informatics job market and are in high demand; they have gone on to work in hospital settings or for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies as:

  • systems analysts
  • clinical data analysts
  • clinical informatics experts
  • health care and business executives
  • consultants
  • business owners
  • faculty members
  •  and more.

The  American Medical Informatics Association estimates that up to 70,000 health informatics specialists will be needed in the next few years. A national nursing informatics workforce survey by the  Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society found that half of nursing informaticians earn an annual salary of more than $100,000.

The nursing informatics field is progressive, constantly changing, and has a significant impact on the future of the health care industry and beyond.

Live in one of the yellow states? You may be eligible to pay Maryland in-state tuition for this program.

Through an agreement with the Academic Common Market , you may be eligible to pursue this Master of Science in Nursing degree at UMSON at an in-state tuition rate . You'll complete the program online, and our faculty will help place you at a practicum site convenient to you.

How the Program Works

  • The program requires 36 credits and 500 practicum hours.
  • Full-time and part-time plans of study are available.
  • Complete this program in as little as two years (five semesters).
  • You can get started on this Master of Science in Nursing degree while you gain experience in the field. Take 1-2 online courses as you work full time to get a jump-start on your education and your career.

Flexible learning from anywhere:

  • This Nursing Informatics program can be completed entirely online.
  • Your advisor will develop an individualized plan of study that fits your schedule.
  • Advisors can connect with you via email, telephone, Skype, or in person.
  • For the required practicum, you and your practicum instructor will arrange a mutually agreeable site in a location convenient to you.
  • If you reside in a state belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates (see the sidebar for more information).

Free Exam Preparation

As an UMSON student, you can take part in online Nursing Informatics Certification Review Workshops – at no cost to you. These faculty-led workshops will prepare you for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Informatics Certification Exam .

"... I successfully passed my board certification on the first attempt! Thank you so much for the prep course and an excellent master’s program. It made me more than prepared for the exam!" - Davis Mitchell Darsch, MS '19

What You’ll Learn

As a student in the nursing informatics specialty, you will be able to:

  • analyze nursing information requirements
  • manage information technology
  • apply principles of data management and databased systems
  • evaluate the effectiveness of health informatics products and practices
  • develop technology and informatics solutions

You will also be prepared to be a leader in the conceptualization, design, and research of digital information systems in health care organizations and in the informatics industry.

What You’ll Do

  • Upon graduation, you will be an Nurse Informatics Specialist.
  • Your unique qualifications as a nurse and an informatician will allow you to connect interdisciplinary health care teams and serve as a leader in health IT teams.
  • Your role could involve developing, deploying, and optimizing health care information systems; leveraging health care data to improve quality and safety of patient care; enhancing clinician workflow; and helping to lower health care costs.

Our nursing informatics graduates work in many areas:

  • The majority work in hospital settings.
  • Many work for health IT vendors and health care analytics fields.
  • They also work for federal agencies – such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services –or for consulting firms.
  • Many experienced Informatics Nurse Specialists have their own businesses and consult with various health care sectors, such as the Department of Defense.
  • And many either become an educator or incorporate teaching into their professional careers.

Many of our students are hired as informaticians while they are still in the program, especially by their practicum sites.

More Information About the Nursing Informatics Specialty:

Courses you'll take.

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details .

The Nursing Informatics master's specialty requires:

  • 36 credits *For Fall 2024 and Later
  • 500 practicum hours *For Fall 2024 and Later

In this section:

Sample Plans of Study

  • Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024
  • Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024
  • Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
  • Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
  • Part-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
  • Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024

Course Title Credits

   
NRSG 780

Health Promotion and Population Health

3
NRSG 790

Methods for Research and Evidence Based Practice

3
NURS 691

Organizational Theory: Application to Health Services Management

3

   
NRSG 782 Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement 3

   
NURS 690 Managerial Health Finance 3
NURS 736 Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care 3
NRSG 795  Biostatistics for Evidence Based Practice 3

   
NURS 785 Health Care Database Systems 3
NURS 786  Systems Analysis and Design 3

   
NURS 770 Human-Technology Interaction in Health Care 3

   
NURS 737* Nursing Informatics Concepts and Practice in Systems Adoption 3
NURS 784 Information Technology Project Management 3

   
NURS 738* Practicum in Nursing Informatics 4
Total Credits   40

*Denotes courses that must be taken in this specialty. No waivers or transfer credits accepted.

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024

Course   Title Credits 

   
NRSG 780 Health Promotion and Population Health 3
NRSG 790

Methods for Research and Evidence Based Practice

3

   
NRSG 782

Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement

3
   
NRSG 795

Biostatistics for Evidence Based Practice

3
NURS 736 

Technology Solutions for Generating Knowledge in Health Care

3

   
NURS 690 Managerial Health Finance 3
NURS 786 Systems Analysis and Design 3

   
NURS 785 Health Care Database Systems  3

   
NURS 737*

Nursing Informatics Concepts and Practice in Systems Adoption

3
NURS 784

Information Technology Project Management

3

   
NURS 738*

Practicum in Nursing Informatics

4
NURS 691 

Organizational Theory: Application to Health Services Management

3

   

NURS 770

Human- Technology Interaction in Healthcare

3
Total Credits   40

* Denotes courses that must be taken in this program. No waivers or transfer credits accepted

** Advisor’s permission required to take NURS 770 after the completion of NURS 738

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

Course Title Credits (Practice Hours)

   
NRSG 784

Evaluating the Evidence Including Statistical Interpretation 

3 (10)
NRSG 780

Health Promotion and Population Health

3
NRSG 781

Essentials in Healthcare Informatics*

3 (10)

   
NRSG 782

Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement

3
NRSG 687

Organizational and Systems Leadership in Health Care

3 (50)
NRSG 787 Systems Analysis and Design 3 (45)
   
NRSG 783

Health Care Database Systems

3 (45)
   
NRSG 785 Professional Writing 1
NRSG 786

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

2
NRSG 789

Project Management for Health Care Information and Communication Technology

3 (45)
NRSG 737

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics I***

3 (135)

   
NRSG 739

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics II****

3 (135)
NRSG 685

Financial Management for Nurse Leaders**

3 (25)
 

*NRSG 784 is Prerequisite or Corequisite to NRSG 781

**NRSG 687 Prerequisite or Corequisite to NRSG 685

***NRSG 737 Prerequisites = NRSG 784, NRSG780, NRSG782, NRSG785, NRSG 781, NRSG 783, NRSG 787

****NRSG 739 Prerequisites = NRSG 784, NRSG780, NRSG782, NRSG785, NRSG 781, NRSG 783, NRSG 787, NRSG 737

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

Course Title Credits

   
NRSG 784 Evaluating the Evidence Including Statistical Interpretation 3 (10)
NRSG 780

Health Promotion and Population Health

3
NRSG 781

Essentials in Healthcare Informatics*

3 (10)

   
NRSG 785 Professional Writing 1
NRSG 783 Health Care Database Systems 3 (45)

   
NRSG 687 Organizational and Systems Leadership in Health Care 3 (50)
NRSG 685 Financial Management for Nurse Leaders** 3 (25)
NRSG 786 Artificial Intelligence and Big Data 2

   
NRSG 787 Systems Analysis and Design 3 (45)
NRSG 782  Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement 3

   
NRSG 789 Project Management for Health Care Information and Communication Technology 3 (45)
NRSG 737  Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics I*** 3 (135)

   
NRSG 739 Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics II**** 3 (135)
 

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

Course   Title Credits 

   
NRSG 784

Evaluating the Evidence Including Statistical Interpretation 

3 (10)
NRSG 782 

Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement

3

   
NRSG 780

Health Promotion and Population Health

3
NRSG 781

Essentials in Healthcare Informatics*

3 (10)

   
NRSG 785

Professional Writing

1

   
NRSG 687 Organizational and Systems Leadership in Health Care  3 (50)
NRSG 786

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

2

   
NRSG 685 Financial Management for Nurse Leaders** 3 (25)
NRSG 787

Systems Analysis and Design 

3 (45)
   
NRSG 783 Health Care Database Systems 3 (45)

   
NRSG 789

Project Management for Health Care Information and Communication Technology

 3 (45)
NRSG 737

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics I***

 3 (135)

   
NRSG 739

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics II****

3 (135)
 

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

Course   Title Credits 

   
NRSG 784 Evaluating the Evidence Including Statistical Interpretation  3 (10)
NRSG 782

Health Systems and Health Policy: Leadership and Quality Improvement

3

   
NRSG 785

Professional Writing

1
NRSG 780

Health Promotion and Population Health

3
   
NRSG 781

Essentials in Health Care Informatics*

3 (10)
NRSG 786

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

2

   
NRSG 787 Systems Analysis and Design 3 (45)
NRSG 687 Organizational and Systems Leadership in Health Care  3 (50)

   
NRSG 783 Health Care Database Systems 3 (45)

   
NRSG 789

Project Management for Health Care Information and Communication Technology

3 (45)
NRSG 737

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics I***

3 (135)

   
NRSG 685

Financial Management for Nurse Leaders**

3 (25)
NRSG 739 

Practicum in Nursing and Health Informatics II****

3 (135)
 

Program Outcomes

An MSN Nursing Informatics graduate will:

  • Demonstrate leadership, new knowledge, and skills using informatics and industry tools to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of health informatics products and practices.
  • Have essential knowledge and skills in information and communication technology to provide care for patients, communities, and populations at the advanced practice level.
  • Apply principles of data management and databased systems to generate information, knowledge, and wisdom to improve outcomes for patients’ communities and populations.
  • Contribute to the evidence base of informatics through scholarly work such as scholarly papers, posters, and presentations.
  • Integrate concepts of information management, health policy, social determinants of health and patient care technologies to support health equity in diverse populations through a variety of practice projects.
  • Analyze and apply current standards and policies impacting the practice of the informatics specialists through participation in clinical leadership and nursing informatics specialty organizations.
  • Envision, identify, develop, and evaluate technology and informatics solutions for problems using innovative approaches.

*As of Fall 2024

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality..

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Type of Aid Award
various award amounts
various award amounts
$1,500-$3,000 per semester
( )
$500-2,000 per semester
full scholarship: tuition and fees
stipend, tuition remission, in-state status, and paid student health insurance

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students receiving funds through the University must:

  • be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
  • complete a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
  • FAFSA Submission period:  Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
  • FAFSA School code:  002104

The  UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education  is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office 410-706-0489 | [email protected]

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office 410-706-7347 | [email protected]

MSN Admission Information

  • Qualifications
  • Application Materials and Instructions
  • Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S

For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the respective deadlines to ensure your application is considered for admission and scholarships.

Spring 2025 Timeline
Regular Deadline/Deadline for UMSON Scholarship Consideration Dec. 13, 2024
Only applicants who apply by this deadline will be eligible for consideration for merit scholarships (no additional application required). Federal financial aid eligibility is not impacted by this deadline.
Final Deadline Jan. 6, 2025

Qualifications:

  • an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university or
  • an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
  • an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0

Application Materials:

 

 via the Admissions Dashboard.

The Admissions Dashboard is where you will:

You can save your progress and return to your application at a later date. We recommend that you continue to log in for regular updates. 
Your recommendation must come from a recent professional source. Only the first recommendation received will be considered. Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard.      
Please submit a 500-1,000-word essay that addresses the following:
 Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission.
For a current list of compact states, see the  ; if you hold an active Maryland RN license, send us a copy of your printable license verification, available on the Maryland Board of Nursing website.

An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. 

Returning students are not required to submit UMSON transcripts; we will upload a copy of your UMSON transcript to your application.

Have each institution submit electronically to  .

 

Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status.  Complete a   and submit it either by mail, e-mail, or fax to the Office of the Registrar using the instructions supplied at the bottom of the residency application. The completed application, signed and dated, should be submitted prior to the first day of enrollment for the term and program for which you are seeking admission.

Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:

  • If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
  • If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.

More information .

The Health Service Leadership management and Nursing Informatics master's specialties are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore due to the amount of online courses.

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process,  contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships  to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Additional Resources

Information packets

Packet for Prospective Nursing Informatics Students  (PDF) Packet for New Nursing Informatics Students (PDF)

Careers in Nursing Informatics: The Future is Now!

Nursing Informatics-Related Events/Webinars

Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference

Big Ten Academic Alliance Nursing Informatics Collaborative Webinar Series

If you're currently a registered nurse with an associate degree, you can save 6 credits (one full semester) when you enroll in  UMSON's RN-to-MSN , an accelerated path to both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and this MSN specialty.

Further Your Education

  • DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice : customize a practice-focused doctorate in nursing informatics with the Post-Master’s option
  • PhD: Doctor of Philosophy : generate new knowledge in health care and nursing informatics (and advance the field)

Additionally, UMSON’s  Nursing Informatics Certificate is for nurses in an UMSON graduate program or with a master's degree in another specialty area or field who are looking to gain essential knowledge and skills in nursing and health care informatics.

UMSON is also home of the annual Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference .

This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.

Health Sciences Informatics, PhD

School of medicine.

The Ph.D. in Health Sciences Informatics offers the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking research projects in clinical informatics and data science at one of the world’s finest biomedical research institutions. In keeping with the traditions of the Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Ph.D. program seeks excellence and commitment in its students to further the prevention and management of disease through the continued exploration and development of health informatics, health IT, and data science. Resources include a highly collaborative clinical faculty committed to research at the patient, provider, and system levels. The admissions process will be highly selective and finely calibrated to complement the expertise of faculty mentors.    

Areas of research:

  • Standard Terminologies
  • Precision Medicine Analytics
  • Population Health Analytics
  • Clinical Decision Support
  • Translational Bioinformatics
  • Health Information Exchange (HIE)
  • Multi-Center Real World Data
  • Telemedicine

Individuals wishing to prepare themselves for careers as independent researchers in health sciences informatics, with applications experience in informatics across the entire health/healthcare life cycle, should apply for admission to the doctoral program.

Admission Criteria

Applicants with the following types of degrees and qualifications will be considered:

  • MA, MS, MPH, MLIS, MD, PhD, or other terminal degree, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies and evidence of scholarly accomplishment; or
  • In exceptional circumstances, BA or BS, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies, with some combination of scholarly accomplishment and/or professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical research, data science, public health, etc.)

Relevant fields include: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, ancillary clinical sciences, public health, librarianship, biomedical science, bioengineering and pharmaceutical sciences, and computer and information science. An undergraduate minor or major in information or computer science is highly desirable. Professional work experience in one of these fields is also highly desirable. 

The application is made available online through Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's website . Please note that paper applications are no longer accepted. The supporting documents listed below must be received by the SOM admissions office by December 15 of the following year. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete and we have all supporting letters and documentation.

  • Curriculum Vitae (including list of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations)
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official Transcripts from undergraduate and any graduate studies
  • Certification of terminal degree
  • You are also encouraged to submit a portfolio of published research, writing samples, and/or samples of website or system development

Please track submission of supporting documentation through the SLATE admissions portal.

If you have questions about your qualifications for this program, please contact [email protected]

Program Requirements

The PhD curriculum will be highly customized based on the student's background and needs. Specific courses and milestones will be developed in partnership with the student's advisor and the PhD Program Director.

The proposed curriculum is founded on four high-level principles:

  • Achieving a balance between theory and research, and between breadth and depth of knowledge
  • Creating a curriculum around student needs, background, and goals
  • Teaching and research excellence
  • Modeling professional behavior locally and nationally.

Individualized curriculum plans will be developed to build proficiencies in the following areas:

  • Foundations of biomedical informatics: e.g., lifecycle of information systems, decision support
  • Information and computer science: e.g., software engineering, programming languages, design and analysis of algorithms, data structures.
  • Research methodology: research design, epidemiology, and systems evaluation; mathematics for computer science (discrete mathematics, probability theory), mathematical statistics, applied statistics, mathematics for statistics (linear algebra, sampling theory, statistical inference theory, probability); ethnographic methods.
  • Implementation sciences: methods from the social sciences (e.g., organizational behavior and management, evaluation, ethics, health policy, communication, cognitive learning sciences, psychology, and sociological knowledge and methods), health economics, evidence-based practice, safety, quality.
  • Specific informatics domains: clinical informatics, public health informatics, analytics
  • Practical experience: experience in informatics research, experience with health information technology.

Basic Requirements

  • "Core" courses
  • Student Seminar & Grand Rounds
  • Selective and Elective courses
  • Mentored Research (in Year 1)
  • Qualifying Exam (in Year 2)
  • Proposal Defense (in Year 2 or 3)
  • Dissertation (Years 2-4)
  • Final Dissertation Defense (Year 4)
  • Research Ethics

nursing informatics phd programs

Home / Nursing Informatics / Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

2024 - Best Nursing Informatics Programs

Choosing a nursing informatics program, nursing informatics degree levels offered, online nursing informatics programs, what are the admissions and certification requirements, list of nursing informatics programs.

Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

At the intersection of technology and medicine lies the nursing informatics field. Nurses who want to improve patient outcomes through the use of data and systems can advance to a nursing informatics role. With master's and doctoral degree levels available, prospective informatics nurses have a wealth of educational opportunities to choose from.

nursing informatics phd programs

Nursing informatics is a growing field for RNs who want to take on a high-level role improving processes for optimal patient care outcomes. This highly analytical nursing career requires an advanced registered nursing degree with specialized training. Those interested in the pathway can enroll in a number of available online/hybrid programs to suit their growing careers. Take a look at our rankings for the top Nursing Informatics programs in the country below to get started on your educational pathway today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page ( https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/ ).

The College of St. Scholastica

Those with a knack for numbers in the healthcare sector can advance their careers with a master’s degree in health informatics at the College of St. Scholastica. The completely online degree focuses on Systems Design, Human Factors and Usability, and Healthcare Data Analytics.

  • Health Informatics Online/Hybrid

nursing informatics phd programs

  • Multiple start dates per year.
  • Graduates gain eligibility to sit for the CHDA exam.
  • A private Benedictine college in Minnesota.

Duke University

Tech-savvy nurses can use data analytics and information systems to improve patient care when they earn their MSN in Health Systems and Nurse Informatics at Duke University. The fully online program includes customized practicums so students gain real-world experiences.

nursing informatics phd programs

  • Students commonly complete the degree in 2 years.
  • The program makes use of the latest systems and technologies.
  • Duke is a top-ranked, competitive-entry university.

University of Pittsburgh

Blending nursing with the worlds of analytics, information systems and computer science, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN in nursing informatics. The specialty prepares graduates for a career developing and managing databases and information systems for hospitals and medical centers.

  • Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid

nursing informatics phd programs

  • The program includes business as well as nursing and IT courses.
  • Practicums are required to earn the degree.
  • The no-credit program orientation is delivered via the web.

Grand Canyon University

Healthcare experts who thrive on delving into data can earn a master’s degree in Health informatics at Grand Canyon University. The online program covers topics such as healthcare data management, electronic health records, population health management and more.

  • Master Of Science In Nursing With An Emphasis In Health Care Informatics Online/Hybrid

nursing informatics phd programs

  • Can be earned in less than 2 years.
  • Students must complete a final project.
  • A private Christian university.

University of Washington

University of Washington in Seattle offers an Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies for health care professionals. In the program, students learn how they can enhance patient outcomes via technology solutions and capabilities.

  • Clinical Informatics Online/Hybrid

nursing informatics phd programs

  • Designed for working health care professionals.
  • Learners must complete a scholarly project.
  • A large, public research university.

Before choosing a nursing informatics program, nurses should consider the following:

Accreditation

Accreditations are an essential way of ensuring that a nursing informatics program is reputable. National organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main accrediting bodies for graduate nursing programs. Some nursing informatics programs may also be accredited by local or regional organizations as well.

Program Cost

Advanced nursing informatics programs typically list their tuition fees by credit. For both MSN and DNP level programs, students can expect to pay tuition of roughly $400-$700 per credit hour, on average. Doctoral nursing informatics programs tend to be more expensive overall, as they require more credits to complete. Tuition costs often don't include additional expenses, such as books, course materials, and other mandatory fees.

Program Length

For MSN nursing informatics programs, students will need to complete around 37 credit hours, which equates to roughly 2-3 years of study. Both part-time and full-time options are typically available. For DNP programs, approximately 73 credit hours are required, and the degree can be achieved in around 3-4 years of dedicated study.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

A certain number of clinical hours are required for both MSN and DNP nursing informatics programs, so it's a good idea to see what kind of partnerships a prospective school has with area hospitals and medical facilities. Some schools will let students choose their own internship/externship sites for their clinical rotations.

Online/Campus Options

Many schools now offer both online and campus-based nursing informatics program options to accommodate a wider variety of students. Some schools even offer "hybrid" programs, where most coursework is completed online, but some lectures and labs are held on campus.

Prospective informatics nurses can choose between a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Both degrees prepare nurses with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to excel in this advanced role. DNP programs take things a step beyond the MSN curriculum to provide a more in-depth informatics education.

MSN Programs

Students enrolled in an MSN-level nursing informatics program will develop skills in clinical information systems, strategic planning, and more. The curriculum consists of both advanced core nursing courses and specialty courses, including Data Analytics, Synthesis of Specialty Practice, and Database Systems in Healthcare. For nurses seeking a health-based option see our MSN in health informatics guide.

DNP Programs

DNP-level nursing informatics programs add to the MSN curriculum, preparing students to function as managers and leaders within the specialty. Courses taken may include Knowledge Management in Healthcare, Interpreting Research for Applied Science, and Organizational Foundations for Leading Change. The University of Kansas Medical Center is an example of a school offering a DNP in Nursing Informatics.

Learn about post-master’s nursing informatics certificate programs.

With technology being the main foundation of the nursing informatics specialty, it's no wonder that students are gravitating toward online programs. These online programs allow students to complete courses when and where they choose, making them ideal for today's hectic schedules. Many schools with campus-based nursing informatics programs also offer online options.

Advantages of an Online Program

The main advantage of an online nursing informatics program is the convenience factor. Students are able to complete coursework on their own time, allowing them to keep up with work, family, and other important obligations. Students based in rural areas may also find online programs advantageous, as it affords them the option to complete their education without a long commute. For those interested in lowering expenses, online programs allow students to virtually eliminate transportation expenses such as gas, tolls, and parking fees.

Program Accreditation

Like traditional campus-based programs, online nursing informatics programs should be properly accredited. ACEN and CCNE accreditations are recommended. These accreditations can give some peace of mind to students who may be apprehensive about enrolling in an online program.

Costs and Length

Credit requirements for online programs are the same as campus-based programs, though online options typically offer more flexibility in course completion. Therefore, program length for these online versions may fluctuate more based on the student's wants and needs. Tuition costs are also similar, though students may be able to find more affordable online options, and can also factor in transportation savings. Grantham University , for example, offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics that charges tuition of around $350 per credit hour.

Students can generally expect the following admissions requirements from a nursing informatics program:

  • BSN or higher from an accredited university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Satisfactory GRE scores may be required
  • One or more years of nursing experience
  • Current, active RN license
  • Current resume or CV
  • Letters of recommendation and personal statement

Informatics nursing certification (RN-BC) is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) . Eligibility requirements for the examination include:

  • Must hold a current U.S. RN license
  • Must hold a BSN or higher
  • Must have practiced the equivalent 2 years as a full-time nurse
  • Must have completed 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing in the last 3 years
  • Must have practiced a minimum number of hours in the nursing informatics field

Nursing informatics programs can be found all over the country, including the following schools listed below.

Jump to Your State Listings

Troy university.

  • Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership Online

University of Alabama at Birmingham

  • Nursing Informatics Campus

Arizona State University

  • Master Of Science In Nursing With An Emphasis In Health Care Informatics Online

University of Phoenix

  • Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Informatics Online

University of San Diego

  • Health Care Informatics Campus

University College at the University of Denver

  • Online Master's in Health Data Informatics & Analytics Online

University of Colorado

  • Health Care Informatics Online

Columbus State University

  • Informatics concentration Online

Georgia Southwestern State University

  • Nursing Informatics Online

Georgia State University

  • Informatics Hybrid

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Master of Science in Health Informatics Online
  • Health Systems Leadership and Informatics Hybrid

Mount Mercy University

University of kansas, university of maryland.

  • Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus

Massachusetts

Regis college.

  • Nursing Leadership/Health Informatics Online

Ferris State University

University of michigan.

  • Leadership, Analytics, and Innovation Campus
  • Health Informatics Online

University of Minnesota

  • Post-Baccalaureate: Nursing Informatics Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University

  • Nursing Information Systems Campus

Rutgers School of Nursing

  • Informatics Campus

Thomas Edison State University

Nyu rory meyers college of nursing, north carolina, university of north carolina wilmington.

  • Technology And Informatics Online

Pennsylvania

Desales university.

  • Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics with MSIS in Data Analytics Online Campus

Middle Tennessee State University

  • Nursing Informatics Concentration Online

Texas Tech University

  • Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus
  • MSN Nursing Informatics Campus

West Texas A&M University

University of utah.

  • MS Nursing Informatics Campus
  • Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate Campus

Liberty University

  • Clinical Informatics Online

WGU Washington

  • M.S. Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) Online

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  • BS to DNP: Clinical Nurse Specialist- Nursing Informatics Campus

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Nursing Informatics

  Apply now for fall 2024

  •     ASK ADMISSIONS
  •     APPLY NOW
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  •     MEET FACULTY

We are the #4 Grad School of Nursing MSN.  Nurses use health care technology more than any other discipline. Ensuring the everyday technological tools used by nurses are designed to support workflow is essential for effective care delivery.

Our program prepares graduates to join the nursing informatics workforce ready to embrace and solve today’s most challenging technology-related health care issues.

Our program is committed to equipping students to:

  • Create systems that work
  • Develop synergy between people, processes, & technology
  • Make data actionable
  • Transform care
  • Improve health

Informatics skills to leverage the emerging and available tools make this dynamic field exciting, cutting edge and essential for advancing nursing practice. The need for a skilled workforce in the field of informatics has never been stronger.

As a Master’s-prepared informatics nurse specialist, you will identify, collect, process, and manage data and information to support nursing practice, administration, education, research and the expansion of nursing knowledge.

Do you want to transform care and improve health outcomes on a broader scale?  If so, nursing informatics could be right for you!

Nursing informatics has been recognized as a specialty in nursing with board certification through the ANA’s American Nurses Credentialing Center since 1992. Let this important field place you at the core of the nursing discipline.

Tip Tilton

"I became a nurse informaticist because I really enjoy problem solving and providing clinical perspectives to technical solutions. What I love most about my work is the fact that I get to be involved in the implementation of new technology in healthcare. "

Tip Tilton MSN, RN Clinical Informaticist, UCSF Health

nursing informatics specialty

Interested in hearing about Nursing Informatics MSN and Post Master’s programs at VUSN? Patricia Sengstack DNP, RN-BC, FAAN, FACMI shares information about this ever growing field of nursing and VUSN's nationally ranked program in this presentation. Watch now .

Our Strengths

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Informatics specialty program…

  • current and emerging data analysis tools
  • project management
  • decision support
  • consumer and population health
  • mobile technologies
  • virtual reality
  • evidence-based practice
  • Provides students with nationally recognized, doctorally-prepared faculty with real-world experience to help students achieve their career goals
  • Is affiliated with the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center – a nationally recognized leader in the field
  • Has additional affiliations that provide resources to students as they focus on their personal areas of informatics interest
  • Delivers a customized practicum experience satisfying national certification exam requirements
  • Mentors students 1-on-1 for personalized experiences and career coaching

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, when considering all specialties, consistently ranks as one of the top 20 graduate nursing schools in the country.

Our Curriculum

  • Offers foundational & contemporary content
  • Encourages technologic sophistication & innovation.
  • Multiple online databases for evidence discovery
  • Statisticians & data scientists
  • Clinical decision support experts
  • Is designed for working RNs who can apply content in their current work sites
  • Prepares you to be an informatics leader
  • Offers the opportunity to seamlessly progress to Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
  • Explore our curriculum for Nursing Informatics

Educational Formats

The Nursing Informatics specialty is a modified online learning format that allows students to attend graduate school without having to relocate or give up employment.

Clinical Practicum

Clinical practicum requirements are negotiated in a best effort to accommodate a student’s placement requests. 

  • Out of state requirements

Career Opportunities 

Informatics nurse specialists (INSs) are needed in all areas of care delivery, including inpatient, ambulatory, home health, skilled nursing facilities and any setting where nurses provide care. INSs also work for health care software vendors to provide clinical expertise in the development and management of clinical systems. Additionally, INSs are employed in academic settings to support faculty using the latest educational technology tools and to educate our next generation of informatics nurses. INSs serve as:

  • Clinical Analysts
  • Health Information Technology (IT) Project Managers
  • Health System Implementation Specialists
  • IT System Education and Training Specialists
  • Data Analysts and Data Managers
  • Health IT Security and Privacy Specialists
  • Academic Educators and Researchers
  • Consultants
  • Informatics Administrators and Executives

Watch this video about career trajectories in nursing informatics . 

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Health Informatics Education Programs

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Degree-Granting Programs

Students seeking doctoral level training in Nursing may specialize in health informatics. While the foci of the DNP and PhD degrees differ, students pursuing either degree may elect health informatics as the topic of their doctoral research.

DNP Website   PhD Website

The Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science—concentration in Biomedical Informatics is a full-time two-year education program for students who want to work in biomedical informatics where strong data science skills are needed to address future biomedical informatics challenges. Students will be exposed to the interdisciplinary application of data science while developing skills applied to real-world problems in healthcare. The  publication  by MA Meyer titled, “ Healthcare Data Scientist Qualifications, Skills, and Job Focus: A Content Analysis of Job Postings ” focuses on the competitive market for data scientists in the healthcare field. MIDS connects technical learning and expertise with the many domains in need of data insights. The true power of data in the twenty-first century lies in that connection and this program is developed around the belief that harnessing this power requires both interdisciplinary training and experience.

MIDS Website

As information technology (IT) becomes increasingly important to the delivery of quality health care and research, so does the expertise required to manage the numerous IT challenges facing health care organizations worldwide. To meet the demand for informaticians and IT-conversant health professionals, Duke University’s School of Medicine is offering the Master of Management in Clinical Informatics (MMCi) program.

The MMCi program leverages Duke’s world-renowned expertise in medicine, business, and health informatics. It seeks to prepare graduates for managerial and executive positions in health care such as: chief medical information officer, chief information officer, implementation manager, analyst, or management consultant. Graduates in these leadership roles operationalize, manage, and evaluate health IT in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and industry. Through access to the finest faculty and resources across health care, IT, and management education, students will acquire the knowledge and skills to merge technology with research and patient care and help improve human health.

MMCi Website

The Duke University School of Nursing offers a complete suite of courses at the Master’s level. The Nursing Informatics program is built on the philosophy that expert nurses, with solid clinical experience, are best able to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate information systems to improve both nursing practice and patient care. Emphasis is on clinical informatics, leadership, and real-world application with diverse and applied learning activities throughout the curriculum. A Practicum experience facilitates opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the nurse informatician role. Two doctoral-level courses, Leadership and Quality Improvement, serve as a bridge to the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Graduates from the MSN program who meet the clinical eligibility requirements may opt to sit for the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center Generalist Exam for Nursing Informatics.

MSN Website   Curriculum

Additional Informatics Programs

The health informatics major in the MSN Program prepares students to develop knowledge and skills in clinical information systems, analytics, project management, and a variety of technologies. Knowledge builds on concepts of data-information-knowledge meta-structures and incorporates systems lifecycle planning and expert clinical domain modeling. The rigorous program combines online instruction with one campus session each semester. There are two enrollment options, linked below.

Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC)     Post-Bachelor's Certificate (HIC)

This program is designed for those with an undergraduate or graduate degree with a desire to learn about Clinical Informatics principles, solutions, and applications. This one-year program provides an overview of how data, information, and knowledge are represented and used. Students work on teams with professionals from various backgrounds to enhance the quality of their experience. A real-world practicum at the end provides students with hands-on experience.

MMCi Certificate Website

The Clinical Informatic Fellowship (CIF) is a two-year program designed to train U.S. Board Certified physicians. It was developed specifically for physicians who are seeking in-depth expertise in clinical informatics and leadership experience. Prior to enrolling into the CIF program, students will have completed training in a primary specialty and will be board-eligible or certified. This program meets the educational criteria required for physicians necessary for Board Certification in Clinical Informatics through the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

CIF Certificate Website

MD Program, 4th Year Elective

Introduction to Informatics (COMMFAM448C):  This elective provides students with an opportunity to explore the integration of medicine and information technologies in an experiential manner by working on an ongoing or self-initiated medical IT project. In doing so, students will gain an understanding of the field of clinical informatics and the role it plays in the national effort to improve quality of care and eliminate medical errors. Additionally, topics students will explore include: Electronic medical systems (e.g. EHR, PHR, CPOE, CDS); Role of health IT in patient safety; Health information standardization (e.g. HL7); and Medical Information Terminologies/Taxonomies (e.g. SNOMED). For more information about the course, students should contact the Duke Center for Health Informatics, William "Ed" Hammond, PhD via email below or by phone, 919-668-2408. Offered during spring section 42 only. Permission is required. Credit: 4, Non-Direct Patient Care credit. Enrollment: max: 8.

Contact William Hammond, PhD

Office of Academic Clinical Affairs

Institute for Health Informatics

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Health Informatics PhD Graduate Program

The PhD program is designed for students seeking the highest level of advanced training in the area of health informatics.

Students take a sequence of core courses in health informatics, computing, and biostatistics, and electives in technical and health science areas, and pursue one of four tracks: Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems ; Clinical Informatics ; Translational Bioinformatics ; or Precision and Personalized Medicine (PPM) Informatics . Students pursuing the Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems track are expected to complete the University’s Data Science MS degree en route to the PhD.

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Health Informatics MSN

Learn to leverage cutting-edge technology and data to improve patient outcomes with duke’s msn in health informatics..

Duke University School of Nursing’s MSN in Health Informatics program combines convenient distance-based learning with hands-on training to prepare you to become a sought-after nursing informatics specialist.

Hospitals and clinics are increasingly turning to technology and data analysis to improve patient care. With an aging population and growing awareness of large-scale health threats, the ability to manage and utilize data effectively is becoming increasingly crucial. Our master’s in health informatics equips you with the expertise to navigate this evolving landscape.

You’ll learn from experienced nursing informatics professionals who share their real-world knowledge and challenges. This ensures you graduate with the confidence and skills to make a significant impact on patient outcomes in today’s data-driven health care environment.

A male Duke University Nursing MSN Health Informatics Student sits infront of health analytics on a monitor beside a female health informatics nursing student.

Best Nursing Schools Master's

The Health Informatics program prepares nurses to leverage information technology and electronic health data to improve individual, community, and population health outcomes.

Health Informatics Post-Graduate Certificates

For those looking to enhance their existing nursing expertise with specialized health and clinical informatics skills, Duke School of Nursing offers two health informatics certificate programs :

  • Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) with Major in Health Informatics: This postgraduate health informatics certificate is available to students who already have a master’s degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline.
  • Health Informatics Certificate (HIC, Post-Bachelor’s Certificate) : This health informatics certificate is designed for individuals with at least one year of health-related work experience who have a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

Health Informatics

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Master’s in Health Informatics Highlights

Our health informatics program ranks among the top online master’s programs in the country thanks to the success of our graduates and the lasting impacts they make in their organizations. Through a world-class curriculum and individualized learning, we’re shaping the future of nursing health informatics:

A female Duke University School of Nursing faculty member deciphers health informatics on a laptop.

Accessible online courses: Our distance-based MSN program lets you take interactive online courses at your convenience so that you can continue working while you earn your health informatics degree. You’ll visit campus twice during your time in the MSN program to enjoy on-campus intensives with your cohort.

A female Duke University School of Nursing faculty member demonstrates to an MSN student how to decipher health informatics using her iphone.

Personalized learning: In addition to online courses, you’ll also work with our placement team to find local clinics and hospitals where you’ll participate in a customized practicum for at least 224 clinical hours. Your practicum can introduce you to other professionals in your area and help you contribute to an informatics project at your site.

A male Duke University School of Nursing MSN Health Informatics student has his hands under his chin and looks thoughtful among other students in a large classroom setting.

Rigorous coursework: Our curriculum meets the national standards for graduate education in informatics to ensure you receive the most up-to-date training with the latest information and health care technologies. We offer several health and clinical informatics courses not found in most other nursing informatics programs — including database design and clinical data analytics, as well as systems development, implementation and evaluation.

A female Duke University School of Nursing MSN Health Informatics student has her hands under her chin and looks thoughtful among other students in a large classroom setting.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Health Informatics Degree?

Health care is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country, and health informatics is a great opportunity for nursing professionals who are organized and enjoy solving technological issues to help hospitals and clinics run efficiently.

Graduates of our master’s in health informatics program work in health informatics settings such as health care systems, vendor organizations and IT consulting firms. Our nursing informatics degree also provides a solid foundation for advanced study in one of our Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.

When you earn your health informatics degree from Duke, you could pursue a range of exciting career roles, including:

  • Nursing informatics systems specialist
  • Clinical informatics specialist
  • Data analyst
  • Epic senior clinical analyst

Salaries for professionals in nursing informatics are highly competitive, reflecting the critical role they play in the health care industry. For those holding a master’s degree, salaries often range between $100,000 and $150,000, according to a 2023 workforce survey by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society . Additionally, the HIMSS survey found that 12% of master’s degree holders reported salaries ranging from $176,000 to $200,000. This earning potential underscores the value of advancing your education in nursing informatics, positioning you for success in this dynamic field.

Explore More MSN Program Outcomes

Debbie Travers

Program Director

Debbie Travers PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA

Dr. Debbie Travers, Ph.D., MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA, is the lead faculty for the MSN in Health Informatics program at Duke University School of Nursing. She has a strong foundation of clinical experience as an emergency nurse, informaticist and educator. Dr. Travers’ expertise includes clinical decision support for emergency department triage, ED clinical data systems development, implementation and evaluation, and public health informatics.

Learn more about Debbie Travers:  Scholars@Duke

Meet Our MSN Faculty

Our internationally renowned AGACNP faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.

Kara McGee, DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS

The Duke Difference

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Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.

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Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.

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Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.

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Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.

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Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.

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We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.

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MSN Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853 .

Student Testimonials

nursing informatics phd programs

At that point in my career, I only had rudimentary medical knowledge; however, witnessing the administration of pain-relieving anesthetic to this wounded soldier was moving. From that impactful day forward, I knew becoming a CRNA was in my future. 

Whitney Thornton

As a former veterans’ affairs spinal cord and traumatic brain injury rehab nurse and the niece, granddaughter, and great- granddaughter of decorated war veterans, I know they are proud I chose Duke University School of Nursing to receive my advanced nursing education.

Katia Anello, Nursing Student

I have always had a passion for helping others. I wanted to be able to be a glimmer of happiness for a patient and make their day better, even if it meant putting a smile on their face for just a minute.

Brandi

It has been an utter delight to have the insight of all of my instructors. Each and every one of them has always given me the extra time and attention I request.

Emily Laker Nursing Student

I was excited to become a nurse because I knew that there were many options in the career and I could use it to help in a variety of settings, even overseas. Nursing allows one to enter the most intimate times of people’s lives and support them there.

nursing informatics phd programs

Sometimes we choose a profession, but also, sometimes a profession chooses us. I feel like oncology chose me because, 15 years later, I'm still doing it, and I love it just the same.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students

As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.

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13 Best Nurse Informatics Programs | 2024

Discover the pivotal role of nursing informatics in the digital era and explore leading programs to enhance your career. Programs

  • Table of Contents:

Nursing Informatics Overview

Best nursing informatics programs, how to become a nurse informaticist.

  • Salary Expectations
  • Pros & Cons

nursing informatics best programs

In today's digital age, the healthcare industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient care, streamlining clinical processes, and optimizing healthcare delivery.

At the heart of this transformation is nursing informatics, a specialized field that marries the science of nursing with the power of information technology. These professionals are the linchpins, ensuring that technology is seamlessly integrated into healthcare, enhancing patient outcomes, and fostering efficient clinical workflows.

If you're considering a career in nursing informatics, read more as we explore the significance of the profession, the educational pathways to kickstart your career, and the top programs that offer specialized training in this interdisciplinary field.

Whether you're a nursing professional looking to pivot into informatics or a student exploring future career paths, you've come to the right place.

Nursing Informatics is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data science. It empowers nurses with the knowledge and skills to optimize healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline clinical workflows through the effective use of information technology and data management.

Professionals in Nursing Informatics, often referred to as nurse informaticists, serve as bridge builders between the clinical world and the digital realm. They play a pivotal role in integrating technology into healthcare, ensuring that electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, data analytics, and health information systems work seamlessly to support healthcare delivery and patient care.

There are several educational pathways to becoming a nursing informaticist, each tailored to different career goals and levels of expertise

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics

Program Requirements:

  • Core nursing courses
  • Informatics coursework covering topics like health information systems, data management, and healthcare technology
  • Clinical practicum or internship in informatics
  • Capstone project or thesis

Program Costs:  The cost of an MSN in Nursing Informatics can vary widely depending on the institution and whether you attend in-person or online. On average, tuition for an MSN program can range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on Nursing Informatics

  • Advanced nursing coursework
  • In-depth informatics courses
  • Clinical practicum or residency
  • DNP project addressing an informatics-related healthcare issue

Program Costs: The cost of a DNP program, including those with a Nursing Informatics focus, varies significantly by institution and whether it's delivered online or in person. Tuition can range from $30,000 to $70,000 or more. Many DNP students are eligible for financial aid, grants, or scholarships to offset costs.

Graduate Certificates in Nursing Informatics

  • Informatics-specific courses
  • Typically shorter in duration than degree programs
  • May include a practicum or project

Program Costs:  Graduate certificate programs in Nursing Informatics are generally more cost-effective than full degree programs. Tuition can range from a few thousand dollars to around $10,000, depending on the institution. Financial aid options may be limited for certificate programs, but some scholarships or employer-sponsored opportunities may be available.

The following schools have been selected based on  allnurses' methodology  of surveying our readers to understand what they value most with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Duke University

Duke University's Health Informatics program is designed to prepare nurses to utilize information technology and electronic health data to enhance individual, community, and population health outcomes.

Program Highlights:

  • The program offers both an MSN degree in Health Informatics and two certificate options: The Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics (for those with an earned Master's degree) and the Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Health Informatics (for those with an earned Bachelor's degree).
  • The curriculum encompasses informatics courses, MSN core courses, and DNP courses.
  • Most students complete the program in 2 years.
  • Duke University School of Nursing is renowned for its focus on creating innovative nurse-led models of care and has been offering distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
  • The faculty members are leaders in their field, possessing real-world clinical experience.
  • The program is associated with one of the most advanced health systems in the world, allowing students to learn and practice in a cutting-edge environment.

Additional Services : Duke University provides a Student Success Center that offers academic support, connection with tutors, promotes emotional health, and assists students in accessing various resources at Duke and beyond. The center also provides individual consultations and group workshops on topics like stress management, academics, mental health, and well-being.

2. University of Pittsburgh

The Nursing Informatics online concentration at the University of Pittsburgh is a blend of cognitive science, computer science, information science, and nursing science. It encompasses the creation, analysis, and assessment of information systems enhanced by technologies that bolster, amplify, and oversee patient care.

  • The concentration emphasizes the cultivation of leadership in nursing.
  • The program offers three different options: a major, a minor, and a post-professional certificate. All of these can be pursued either full-time or part-time.
  • The core of the nursing informatics program serves as a foundation to expand students' understanding of nursing theory, research, health care outcomes, and nursing informatics. This core includes coursework in introduction to informatics, clinical information systems, database management, evaluation of informatics projects, and consumer health informatics. Practica are structured to boost students' active involvement in a chosen informatics role.
  • The program requires a total of 39.5 credits.
  • Sample courses include Introduction to Health Informatics, Database Management, Methods in Technology Evaluation & Usability, Information Technology Project Management, and Clinical Information Systems.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, ACICS, ACEN, or NLN accredited program. Other prerequisites for admission encompass an application, official transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a statistics course, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practicum requirements will be fulfilled.

Format: The Nursing Informatics concentration is exclusively offered online and can be completed either full-time or part-time.

3. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a DNP specialization in Health Informatics. This program prepares graduates for leadership and management roles in various settings. Health informatics has become integral to the continuum of care and research systems.

  • Nurses specializing in informatics possess skills in analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of information systems that support a broad spectrum of clinical and patient care functions.
  • The specialization in informatics at KU prepares students to function at all leadership and management levels in diverse settings. As translation specialists, graduates are equipped to lead in organizational improvement, software design, and work as consultants or staff in organizations that focus on informatics and knowledge management.
  • The curriculum provides a foundation in information technology, with special skills acquired in human factors design, advanced interoperability, organizational change, project management, and impact evaluation.
  • Except for the Professionalism and Scholarship Workshop (NRSG 935) and DNP Synthesis Workshop (NRSG 954), all required courses for the program are offered online.
  • The program leads to an academic credential and is not a licensure preparation program. However, the university provides information on how their curriculum meets education requirements for professional nursing licensing in each state.

4. University of Utah

The University of Utah offers an MS in Nursing Informatics. This program is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve systems that support clinical decision-making, bridge technology and patient care, and assume leadership roles that influence systems of care.

  • The total program expense is less than $34,000. The total program cost is based on the number of credit hours taken per semester and is subject to change.
  • Residents of certain western US states may qualify for in-state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Eligible states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam.

Additional Information: The University of Utah's College of Nursing offers a range of programs, and interested students can explore other paths within the college.

5. Grand Canyon University

The MSN with an emphasis in health informatics at Grand Canyon University is tailored for BSN-prepared nurses. It aims to help them comprehend and apply the data involved in healthcare to make informed decisions through evidence-based practices. The program merges computer science, information science, and nursing science to bolster the delivery of healthcare.

  • The curriculum emphasizes the optimization of patient and health data to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
  • Students are trained to assist organizations in adapting to technological integration and the ongoing changes in patient-care systems.
  • The program covers topics such as healthcare research analysis, ethics, policy and finance, healthcare information systems, project evaluation and development, healthcare innovation, healthcare data management, electronic health records, research and population health management, and leadership in informatics.
  • Graduates are equipped to automate clinical care, establish new operational data systems, train healthcare workers in the use of computer systems, and analyze data to refine patient care.
  • Potential career roles for graduates include data scientist, computer network architect, computer and information systems manager, software developer, and computer systems analyst.

Duration & Format: The program is offered online, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Each online course is structured to last 8 weeks.

Total Credits: The program comprises 40 credits.

Tuition: The tuition rate for the online program is $575 per credit.

6. University of South Carolina

The Masters in Nursing Informatics (N.I.) at the University of South Carolina is designed to prepare nurses for the management of information and technology to enhance healthcare quality, patient safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The program integrates nursing science, computer science, and informatics science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.

  • The program focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge to the practice of advanced nursing roles.
  • It emphasizes the utilization of evidence to address population health problems.
  • Graduates are trained to demonstrate professionalism at the advanced nursing level in clinical settings.
  • The program encourages the pursuit of quality, effectiveness, and innovation in shared leadership of interprofessional health teams.
  • Upon completion, graduates may be eligible to sit for a certification examination in nursing informatics.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of advanced nursing roles.
  • Utilize evidence to address population health problems.
  • Demonstrate professionalism at the advanced nursing level in the clinical setting.
  • Pursue quality, effectiveness, and innovation in shared leadership of interprofessional health teams.

7. Nebraska Methodist College

The two-year MSN program with an Informatics track from Nebraska Methodist College prepares graduates to fill the in-demand role of the informaticist in a healthcare setting. This degree is the only one of its kind in the region and equips nurses to stand at the intersection of big data and the healthcare field.

  • The online format caters to working nurses, allowing them to balance educational goals with personal and professional responsibilities.
  • The program is CCNE-accredited and can be completed online in 21 months.
  • Upon completion, graduates will have completed 200 clinical hours and be eligible for informatics certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from a state-approved or professionally accredited program. A BSN program GPA of 3.0 is required, though GPAs below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis. Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse is also necessary.

Cost: The cost per credit hour is $588.

8. The University of Texas at Tyler

The MSN-IQS program at the University of Texas at Tyler prepares baccalaureate or higher degree-prepared nurses to serve as the essential link between healthcare technology, information systems, clinicians, providers, and consumers. The program emphasizes the integration of quality improvement, data analysis, and information systems selection, implementation, and optimization.

  • The program is mapped to the ANCC Test Plan for Board Certification in Informatics Nursing, HIMSS CAHIMS certification, AANC Essentials, and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies.
  • The MSN-IQS degree is designed for working registered nurses, offering online access in a student-friendly format and a flexible schedule.
  • The program provides thorough preparation for the ANCC certification exam and serves as a sound basis for future doctoral studies or career advancement.
  • The faculty consists of experienced informatics nurse specialists dedicated to the success of every student.

9. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers a MSN degree with a concentration in Nursing Informatics. This concentration is designed to address the growing need for experts who have a healthcare background, such as nursing, to manage the continuous expansion of information technology in the healthcare setting. The use of technology in the storage, dissemination, and utilization of patient data has become a constantly evolving challenge for the healthcare industry.

  • All courses are delivered fully online, providing students with the opportunity to interact with peers from inside and outside the state, creating a diverse learning community.
  • The online format allows students to participate in classes at times that are compatible with their work and family schedules.

10. University of South Alabama

The MSN nursing informatics program at the University of South Alabama aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance patient-care delivery, promote consumer health, utilize nursing research, and offer education through information technology.

  • The program is delivered online, making it accessible to students from various locations.
  • The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills to leverage technology in enhancing patient care, promoting health among consumers, utilizing nursing research findings, and providing education.
  • The Nursing Informatics program does not necessitate the completion of a certification exam either for program completion or post-graduation.

11. University of Washington

The Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies program at the University of Washington is tailored for health care professionals. It is designed to enhance their expertise in clinical informatics and healthcare technology. The program emphasizes understanding and promoting the increasing role of technology in clinical settings.

  • The curriculum focuses on implementing a wide variety of tools and technologies to bolster the work of healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
  • The program is ideal for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and have at least one year of experience in the healthcare field.

12. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The MSN Informatics Certificate program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center prepares graduates to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics. The program is designed to be an online track, but it requires occasional travel to the Lubbock campus for field experience or immersion work on technical and analytic competencies.

  • The NI Masters program is tailored for those who wish to take on an advanced practice role in nursing informatics.
  • A Post-Graduate Nursing Informatics Certificate is also available for individuals who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing and are looking to specialize further in Nursing Informatics.
  • Upon completing the course requirements, graduates of the Masters NI track are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.
  • The program emphasizes the importance of integrating technology and informatics in the healthcare setting to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes.

Note: Due to changing regulations, the TTUHSC SON Graduate Programs cannot guarantee at the time of application submission that they can accept students from certain states. Currently, they are unable to accept students living in Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

13. University of Maryland - Baltimore

The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers an MSN with a specialty in Nursing Informatics. The program is designed to prepare students to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. The curriculum integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences.

  • The program is available both full-time and part-time.
  • Students can complete the program in as few as five semesters (full-time) or as many as nine semesters (part-time).
  • The program includes a total of 36 credits.
  • Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing Certification Exam.
  • The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person classes.
  • The curriculum includes courses such as Informatics in Health Care Systems, Data Management and Data Mining in Health Care, and Project Management in Health Care.

Becoming a nurse informaticist involves a deliberate process of education, training, and gaining practical experience in the field of healthcare informatics. Here are the five essential steps.

1. Obtain a Nursing Degree

Start by earning a nursing degree, typically either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN is becoming increasingly preferred, as it provides a more comprehensive foundation for nursing practice and advanced roles.

2. Gain Clinical Nursing Experience

After completing your nursing degree, gain practical experience as a registered nurse (RN). Clinical experience is crucial because it provides you with an in-depth understanding of healthcare workflows, patient care processes, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

3. Pursue Informatics Education

To specialize in Nursing Informatics, you'll need to pursue further education in the field. This often involves enrolling in an MSN program with a focus on Nursing Informatics. Some Nurse Informaticists also opt for a DNP program with a concentration in informatics. For those who are already graduates of an MSN or DNP without a concentration in nurse informatics, graduate certificates are often a viable option.

4. Gain Practical Informatics Experience

During your MSN or DNP program, seek opportunities for practical experience in healthcare informatics. This can be through internships, clinical practicums, or research projects focused on healthcare technology, electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, or informatics systems.

5. Attain Certification and Seek Employment

While not always mandatory, obtaining certification in Nursing Informatics can enhance your qualifications and career prospects. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) for nurses in this field. After completing your education and gaining practical experience, you can apply for informatics positions in healthcare organizations, hospitals, clinics, or health IT companies.

It's important to note that nursing informatics is an evolving field, and ongoing professional development is essential to stay current with technology advancements and healthcare practices. Additionally, networking within the informatics community and participating in relevant conferences and associations can help you build a strong foundation for your career as a nurse informaticist.

Nursing Informatics Salary Expectations

According to ZipRecruiter , the average annual salary for a nurse informaticist is $97,795 per year or approximately $47.02 per hour.

Several factors such as employer, location, experience, etc., can affect compensation, so it's advisable to take into consideration your personal context and that of your employer in order to develop the best expectations for salary.

ZipRecruiter reported annual salaries as high as $160,500 and as low as $15,500, with the majority ranging between $67,500 (25th percentile) to $130,500 (75th percentile) with the highest-earners making $152,500 (90th percentile).

Top-Paying Cities for Nurse Informatics:

  • San Jose, CA: $126,929
  • Oakland, CA: $125,175
  • Antioch, CA: $122,728
  • Hayward, CA: $121,216
  • Seattle, WA: $121,067
  • Santa Cruz, CA: $118,836
  • Concord, CA: $118,359
  • Seaside, CA: $116,837
  • Sunnyvale, CA: $116,416
  • Jewett, TX: $115,827

Is a Nursing Informatics Degree Worth It?

Determining whether a Nursing Informatics degree is worth it depends on your career goals, interests in the intersection of healthcare and technology, and the evolving landscape of healthcare needs.

Nursing Informatics Pros

  • Growing Field: Healthcare increasingly relies on technology for patient care and data management, making nursing informatics a rapidly growing field.
  • Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore various roles, such as informatics nurse specialist, clinical analyst, and health IT project manager.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Professionals in nursing informatics often command higher salaries compared to traditional nursing roles due to their specialized skills.
  • Impact on Healthcare Improvement: This field plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care quality and safety through technology, offering a sense of professional fulfillment.

Nursing Informatics Cons

  • Cost and Time for Education: Obtaining a degree in nursing informatics can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring a significant educational commitment.
  • Rapidly Changing Technology: Keeping up with constantly evolving technology and healthcare regulations can be challenging and requires continual learning.
  • Potential for Limited Patient Interaction: Roles in nursing informatics may involve less direct patient care, which might be a drawback for those who prefer hands-on patient interaction.
  • Technical Challenges: The role often involves dealing with complex technical systems and data, which can be daunting for those less inclined toward technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: how do online msn programs differ from traditional on-campus programs in nursing informatics.

Online MSN programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The curriculum is typically the same as on-campus programs, but the delivery method is virtual. Online programs often use interactive platforms, discussion boards, and virtual simulations, while on-campus programs may offer more hands-on experiences and face-to-face interactions.

Q: What is the enrollment process for online nursing informatics programs?

The enrollment process typically involves submitting an application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly a statement of purpose or essay. Some programs may also require interviews, either in-person or virtual. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each institution.

Q: How does Nursing Informatics intersect with public health?

Nursing Informatics plays a pivotal role in public health by facilitating the collection, analysis, and dissemination of health data. Informatics tools can track disease outbreaks, monitor population health trends, and inform public health interventions. Nurse informaticists can collaborate with public health officials to leverage technology for community health initiatives.

Q: Are online nursing informatics programs as recognized and respected as traditional programs?

Many online nursing informatics programs are offered by reputable institutions and are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. The key is to ensure that the program you choose is accredited and has a good reputation in the field. The content and rigor of online programs often mirror their on-campus counterparts, and graduates are equally prepared to excel in the field of Nursing Informatics.

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Nursing Informatics DNP

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  • On-Campus Component Yes
  • Cost $1,100.00 per credit (resident and nonresident)
  • Total Credits 65
  • Credential Doctorate Degree
  • Admission GPA 3.0
  • Application Deadlines Application review begins December 2 | Applications verified after December 2 are reviewed on a rolling basis and as such applications can close or shift to waitlist only consideration at any time if enrollment capacity has been reached.
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A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with an informatics specialty prepares nurses to lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of information systems to support nursing and interprofessional care, as well as ensure patient access to essential health information.

The DNP program at the University of Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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Program Format

The nursing informatics specialty of the DNP program offers a three-year or a four-year program plan option that is delivered primarily online. In this specialty students are required to come to campus each semester for a one-week session that includes: core courses, enhancement programming, specialty courses and advisor meetings.

Students also complete 1,000 hours at practicum sites arranged by the school. All other work is completed online.

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Online Catalog

International Students

The DNP program at the University of Minnesota does not meet the requirements for eligibility necessary to obtain a F-1 student visa due to the limited face-to-face on-site classes per DNP. We are only able to accept US Citizens or permanent residents.

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers as:

  • Business application analysts
  • Chief nursing information officers
  • Clinical decision support specialists
  • Clinical informatics coordinators or system analysts
  • Clinical support—safety managers
  • Directors of nursing informatics or quality informatics
  • Faculty specializing in informatics
  • Health care informatics software developers
  • Informatics nurse educators
  • Information systems administrators
  • Nursing/health informatics consultants

The DNP specialty prepares nurses to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination in Informatics Nursing.

Nursing Informatics (MS)

Ms specialty sequences, practicum opportunities, eligibility, important notes, application fee, fee waivers, for students with international credentials, program description.

The Nursing Informatics program provides innovative advanced study in the burgeoning field of nursing informatics.  This highly ranked program (by U.S. News & World Report ) prepares students to be nursing informatics leaders in a variety of roles and settings.  Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Informatics Certification Examination.

  • Customized program progression and advisement
  • Faculty are informatics specialists and nursing leaders with real-world experience
  • Program focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical & nursing information systems used in a variety of patient care delivery settings
  • Potential opportunity to access the Leslie e-Lab to foster entrepreneurship skills
  • Learn to apply informatics frameworks and theories to clinical practice
  • Learn to integrate evidence-based protocols into nursing information & patient care systems
  • Learn to apply data analytic concepts for research

The College of Nursing offers specialty sequences for graduate students in:

  • Holistic Nursing
  • Palliative Care
  • Substance Use Disorders

See Academic Programs | Master's (MS) for more information.

  • Computer labs and unique practicum experiences
  • Over 500 practicum hours incorporated into specialty coursework
  • Practicums held at top healthcare institutions & companies in the New York City area
  • Healthcare system sites include NYU Langone Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York-Presbyterian Health Systems, Montefiore Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Maimonides Medical Center, & others

Access the application for our MS programs . All applicants to our MS programs are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:

  • One (1) transcript from  each post-secondary school attended . We can review applications with unofficial transcripts. Admitted students will be asked to submit official transcripts prior to beginning coursework at NYU Meyers.
  • A two- to three-page personal statement.
  • At least two (2) letters of recommendation.
  • RN license and registration certificate. Applicants may submit an application with an out-of-state license, but admitted students must obtain a New York State RN license prior to beginning coursework at NYU Meyers.

Applicants who have attended a post-secondary institution outside of the United States are required to upload one (1) transcript from each post-secondary school attended and submit one (1) official course-by-course evaluation of each foreign transcript directly to our office at the time of application. Applications will not be reviewed without these documents. Please mail official course-by-course evaluation(s) to:

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Office of Student Affairs and Admissions 433 First Avenue, LL1 New York, NY 10010

For applicants whose native language is not English, a copy of the applicant's latest TOEFL or IELTS score is required. Admitted students will be asked to submit official test scores prior to beginning coursework at NYU Meyers. We require a minimum TOEFL internet-based score of 100 and an IELTS Band score of 7.

  • A BS in nursing or BS/BA in a non-nursing field together with an associate’s degree in nursing
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • NYS nursing license prior to beginning coursework
  • Prior to beginning the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner master’s program, at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a registered nurse is required.
  • Must have taken a basic statistics course and a basic research course at the undergraduate level

We encourage applicants to fill out a FAFSA form at the time that they apply.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All deadlines listed are ‘in office’ deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is always to the candidate’s best advantage to apply early, especially when applying for financial aid.

Applicants may check on the status of their application using their application login. Should applicants have any questions about the admissions process, they are encouraged to call the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions at 212-998-5317.

The application fee is $85 dollars. Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been paid. Application fees are non-refundable and must be received by the stated application deadlines.

NYU Meyers waives fees for applications based on financial hardship or US military service/US veteran status. To request that the application fee be waived, please submit a request to [email protected] when submitting an application. The request should include the applicant's full name and the program to which they are applying. We will notify applicants via email when their request for an application fee waiver has been approved.

If an applicant's academic credentials are not in English and/or are from a foreign school with a grading system not based on a 4.0 overall GPA, we strongly suggest evaluation and translation. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) is the preferred service. ECE prepares evaluation reports that identify the United States equivalents of educational qualifications earned in other countries. To request an evaluation report, applicants must complete and submit an application form, along with all required documentation and all applicable fees. ECE will complete most evaluation reports in approximately 15 to 20 business days from the date they receive all required documentation and fees. They also offer one-day, five-day, and 12-day Rush Service and Express Delivery. Please visit the ECE website for more information.

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 45 credits, comprised of the following:

Course List
Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
Intro Stats Health Profs3
Research in Nursing3
Issues and Trends in Nursing and Health Care3
Apn: Pop Focus Care3
Population Component
Nursing Informatics: An Introduction3
Consumers/Interact Hlth Care3
Assessment & Analysis of Clin/Nurs/Informatics4
Database Design/Decision Support/Clin/Nurs/Systm4
Implemnt/Mngmt & Eval Clinical/Nurs Systems4
Terminal Practicum:Nrsng Informatics Integration6
Electives
Other Elective Credits9
Total Credits45

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
Research in Nursing 3
Intro Stats Health Profs 3
 Credits6
2nd Semester/Term
Issues and Trends in Nursing and Health Care 3
Nursing Informatics: An Introduction 3
 Credits6
3rd Semester/Term
NURSE-GN XXXXGraduate Elective 3
 Credits3
4th Semester/Term
Apn: Pop Focus Care 3
Assessment & Analysis of Clin/Nurs/Informatics 4
 Credits7
5th Semester/Term
Implemnt/Mngmt & Eval Clinical/Nurs Systems 4
Consumers/Interact Hlth Care 3
 Credits7
6th Semester/Term
NURSE-GN XXXXGraduate Elective 3
 Credits3
7th Semester/Term
Database Design/Decision Support/Clin/Nurs/Systm 4
NURSE-GN XXXXGraduate Elective 3
 Credits7
8th Semester/Term
Terminal Practicum:Nrsng Informatics Integration 6
 Credits6
 Total Credits45

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making based on a synthesis of appropriate theories and evidence from nursing and other sciences as related to the roles of nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and/or roles as educators, administrators, informaticists, or clinical research nurses.
  • Perform role competencies defined by national professional organizations for nurse practitioners, or nurse-midwifery roles and/or roles as educator, administrator, informaticist, or clinical research nurse.
  • Demonstrate evidence-informed decision-making related to a specific advanced practice role.
  • Advocate for universal access to quality and cost-effective healthcare for all populations across the lifespan.
  • Collaborate as members of interprofessional teams to achieve high-quality and cost-effective health outcomes.
  • Demonstrate advanced professional practice role competencies related to educational, leadership, policy, organizational, and management outcomes.
  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making in the context of personal and professional codes and guidelines.
  • Articulate a personal and professional philosophy about the Advanced Practice Nursing role that reflects patient-centered care, respect for diversity, cultural values, and a commitment to the preservation of human rights based on professional standards of practice, scope of practice, and respective professional codes of ethics.
  • Evaluate patient outcomes in relation to improving quality and patient safety.
  • Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and technological communication skills that influence the achievement of professional and health-related client outcomes in organizational, legislative, and policy settings.

NYU Policies

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University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Additional academic policies can be found on the College of Nursing academic policies page . 

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MS in Nursing Informatics

College of nursing, bridge technology and patient care.

Improve the outcome of patients by developing and delivering user-friendly and patient-centric systems that enhance clinical workflows, inform decision making, and improve patient care.

Why Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics is a dynamic, interdisciplinary healthcare specialty with no end to new opportunities and challenges as clinical and health IT systems evolve.

Nurse Informaticists practice wherever you find health information! Our graduates work for healthcare systems, public health, EHR/decision support vendors, software and analytic companies….

An MS (Nursing Informatics) prepares you with analytic skills and knowledge to improve systems that support clinical decision making, bridge technology and patient care, and move into leadership roles that influence systems of care.

Leads to a well-paying job.   List of potential job titles/roles:

  • Nurse informaticist
  • Clinical system analyst
  • Chief clinical informatics officer
  • Any management role that requires informatics expertise  

Program Information

The NI program is online with full-time and part-time options . The faculty are nationally-known nursing informatics leaders with practical and research experience at the University of Utah, Intermountain Health, and the VA.

The NI curriculum is interdisciplinary and a mix of informatics and other courses to build your informatics and leadership skills and systems-level thinking. Informatics-related courses range from systems analysis, programming, clinical decision support, standards and terminology for interoperability, and more. Most of the informatics courses are co-offered with the Biomedical Informatics Department allowing you to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden your horizon.

Why Nursing Informatics at the U?

History of excellence and integration with clinical systems.

  • One of the first Nursing Informatics programs in the United States, with a long history of informatics excellence.
  • Faculty are nationally-known nursing informatics leaders with practical and research experience at the University of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and the VA.
  • Opportunity to learn in clinical settings that are advanced in the informatics space – University of Utah Health and Intermountain are leaders in clinical informatics, clinical decision support and standards development. 

Affordable Program

The total program expense is less than $38,000 (total program cost is based off of number of credit hours taken per semester and is subject to change).

We offer flat-rate tuition for our online program no matter what state someone resides in.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Students receive:

  • Guidance from nationally-recognized faculty with a broad range of operational and research experience
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with Biomedical Informatics students and faculty 
  • A program of study that promotes collaboration and creativity useful in future work environments
  • An interdisciplinary curriculum, with a mix of informatics and other courses to build your informatics and leadership skills and systems-level thinking
  • Most of the informatics course are co-offered with the Department of Biomedical Informatics allowing you to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden your horizon! 

Exposure to the Real World of Informatics

Engage with informatics leaders in the community through: 

  • Faculty have informatics leadership roles at Intermountain and/or extensive experience in the NI role
  • Seminars (e.g. biomedical informatics grand rounds, seminars, and other social events)
  • Special events (e.g., Show & Tell with the telemedicine program at Intermountain Healthcare)

Practicum experiences and placements: 

  • We help students find practicum placements that meet their goals 
  • We have a strong partnership with the University of Utah Healthcare, Intermountain, Utah Department of Health, and the VA, all of which are potential sites for practicum experiences.
  • Students have opportunities for practical experiences if they take optional credits. 

Nursing Informatics Conference Engagement Scholarship

Through a generous alumni donation, a scholarship is available to support College of Nursing students’ engagement in the Informatics community and covers up to $1,000 for expenses to attend and present at a conference. To be eligible, applicants must be a currently enrolled nursing student (either full-time or part-time) with an informatics focus, including (but not limited to) students in the MS Nursing Informatics program, Informatics certificate program, or the PhD program. Other eligibility criteria and details about the scholarship are available here . For more information, please contact Chris Macintosh  or Jia-Wen Guo .

nursing informatics phd programs

Top-Ranked Program

The University of Utah College of Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program is ranked #2 in the United States .

Program Manager Kristen Mahoney [email protected]

Specialty Track Director Christopher Macintosh, PhD, RN [email protected]

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Stock image of nurse with two computer screens, courtesy Getty Images.

New student admissions to the Nursing Informatics track of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program are  on hold  as of the Spring 2025 semester.

Nursing informatics at a glance.

Data can be the key to positive change if you know how to analyze, manage, and apply it. Designed in partnership with the School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston, our Nursing Informatics track integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to empower our graduates to improve health care systems. Earn your DNP through the only specialty track of its kind in Texas.

Fall and Spring

Eight semesters

50 credit hours

Mostly online with on-campus opportunities

Among the lowest in the state

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The baccalaureate program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.   http://www.bon.state.tx.us/

DNP Program Outcomes

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Nursing (Nursing Informatics), MS

  • Program description
  • At a glance
  • Degree requirements
  • Admission requirements
  • Tuition information
  • Application deadlines
  • Contact information

Informatics, MS in Nursing, Master's Degree in Nursing, Nursing Informatics, nursing

The MS program in nursing with a concentration in nursing informatics provides registered nurses with advanced preparation to integrate technological expertise and data management skills in health care settings to improve access to health care, enhance health care quality and safety, and reduce health care costs. This program supports preparation for the national certifications Registered Nurse-Board Certified and Certified Professionals in Health Information and Management Systems.

  • College/school: Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

38 credit hours including the required Applied Project Course (NUR 593)

Required Core (18 credit hours) DNP 601 Theoretical Foundations for Advance Practice Nursing (3) DNP 602 Evaluating Research for Practice (3) DNP 604 Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4) DNP 608 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (3) NUR 501 Individual and Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice (3) NUR 502 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Health Promotion I (2)

Concentration (15 credit hours) BMI 601 Fundamentals of Health Informatics (3) BMI 603 Health Informatics Database Modeling and Applications (3) NUR 530 Foundational Concepts for Nursing Informatics (3) NUR 531 Advanced Concepts in Nursing Informatics (3) NUR 539 Role-Focused Practicum: Nursing Informatics (3)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours) NUR 509 Clinical Prevention and Population Health Practicum (2)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) NUR 593 Applied Project (3)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • three professional letters of recommendation
  • goal statement
  • proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency per the Graduate College requirement and all requirements for the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

All students are also required to have an unencumbered Arizona RN license or an unencumbered compact state RN license as mandated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The RN license must remain unencumbered throughout enrollment in any nursing program.

An interview with program faculty is required.

There are no required admission examinations for this program.

Health and safety requirements include passing disposition on a background clearance and satisfactory completion of a substance screen.

SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 04/01Priority

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation | HLTHN 113 [email protected] 602-496-0937

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Nursing Informatics

THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Informatics

The Nursing Informatics program provides innovative advanced study in the burgeoning field of nursing informatics. This highly ranked program (by U.S. News and World Report ) prepares students to be nursing informatics leaders in a variety of roles and settings. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nursing Informatics Certification Examination.

  • Customized program progression and advisement
  • Faculty are informatics specialists and nursing leaders with real-world experience
  • Program focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical and nursing information systems used in a variety of patient care delivery settings
  • Potential opportunity to access the Leslie e-Lab to foster entrepreneurship skills
  • Learn to apply informatics frameworks and theories to clinical practice
  • Learn to integrate evidence-based protocols into nursing information and patient care systems
  • Learn to apply data analytic concepts for research

Practicum opportunities

  • Computer labs and unique practicum experiences
  • Over 500 practicum hours incorporated into specialty coursework
  • Practicums held at top healthcare institutions and companies in the New York City area
  • Healthcare system sites include NYU Langone Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York-Presbyterian Health Systems, Montefiore Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Maimonides Medical Center, and others.
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6 Fall, Spring
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3

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Applied Nursing Informatics, Graduate Certificate

Program overview, empower your nursing career with advanced informatics skills.

Discover the path to becoming an informatics-savvy nurse with the UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Applied Nursing Informatics. This program is meticulously crafted for Registered Nurses (RNs) holding BSN or MSN degrees who are eager to elevate their expertise in the digital aspects of nursing practice. Whether you’re aiming to improve patient care through technology or seeking to take on a pivotal role in the healthcare informatics field, this certificate is your gateway to advancement.

Program Highlights

  • Focused Curriculum: The certificate comprises four courses (12 credit hours), covering the essential aspects of nursing informatics. From implementing electronic health records to conducting data analytics for quality improvement and benchmarking, our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills necessary for a successful career in nursing informatics.
  • Flexible and Online: Understanding the demands on today’s nursing professionals, we offer this program 100% online. It’s structured to accommodate your busy schedule, allowing you to balance work commitments while advancing your education and skills.
  • Integration with MSN Curriculum: For those already pursuing an MSN, the courses required for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Nursing Informatics can be seamlessly integrated into your current studies, enhancing your learning experience without extending your educational timeline.

Program Contact

Tyeisha Washington

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  • Delivery Online
  • Credits 12 Credit Hours
  • Admits Spring & Fall

Tailored for the Modern Nurse

Our Applied Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate program specifically caters to two key groups within the nursing profession:

  • Administrative Nurses and MSN Students : If you’re already in a leadership role or currently enrolled in the UNC Charlotte MSN program, and you anticipate the need to integrate informatics systems into your administrative duties, this certificate will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need.
  • Nurses Seeking a Specialization in Informatics : For nurses keen on exploring the impact of informatics within their clinical environments, our program offers deep insights into how information technology can enhance patient care and outcomes.

Transform Your Practice with the Applied Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate

Informatics is revolutionizing nursing practice, from managing electronic patient records to supporting critical decision-making processes. By completing this certificate, you’ll not only enrich your professional skill set but also position yourself at the forefront of nursing innovation and leadership.

  • HCIP 6102 : Healthcare Data Analysis (3)
  • HCIP 6380 : Introduction to Health Informatics (3)
  • NURS 6187 : Health Informatics and Financial Management for Nurses (3)
  • NURS 6188 : Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Nursing (3)

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses and may not accumulate more than two C grades.

Admissions & Requirements:

  • BSN or MSN from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
  • Current unrestricted Registered Nurse license in NC or compact state.
  • A Statement of Purpose that includes a description of the applicant’s interest in nursing informatics and career plans using the certification. The statement is not exceed 1 page in length.
  • Three letters of professional recommendation.
  • GRE or other standardized test are not required.

Application Deadline:

  • July 15 (fall)
  • November 1 (spring)

Please note: Rates are subject to change.

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

More information regarding tuition and fees »

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As patient expectations increase with calls for more personalised, innovative and data-driven care, the pressure on health providers to improve outcomes has intensified.

In response, many fields within the healthcare sector are evolving to better leverage data and digital tools that streamline operations and improve the experience of both patients and healthcare providers.

One of the most pivotal is the field of nursing informatics. While the specialisation has existed for decades, nursing informatics plays an increasingly integral role in driving innovation across the board, from frontline practice to high-level leadership .

But what exactly is informatics in nursing?

In this article, we’ll explore the field of nursing informatics and its practical applications, discuss its importance in the changing world of healthcare, and highlight future trends shaping the future of nursing.

What is nursing informatics?

Informatics in nursing integrates nursing science with computer and information sciences to enhance organisational efficiency, patient care delivery and overall health outcomes.

It’s a data-driven approach that aims to optimise the clinical experience for everyone involved and is at the forefront of innovations in the healthcare industry.

Nursing informaticists most often work in hospitals or healthcare facilities, but they can also work in academic or business settings.

Their role typically involves developing and managing health-specific computer systems, such as working with electronic health records, clinical decision support systems (CDSS) and other health analysis tools to support optimised care.

A significant part of their job is communicating the data with other healthcare professionals to drive wider innovation and improvements where needed.

While nursing informaticists have traditionally held dedicated positions, there’s a growing emphasis on informatics literacy among all nurses as health services become increasingly digitised.

What is the importance of informatics in nursing?

While Australia’s healthcare system is recognised as one of the strongest in the world, research shows that there is still significant room for improvement —particularly in terms of equity of health outcomes, the level of proactive care, and the use of innovative medicines and practices.

Data and innovation have always played an integral role in effective patient care. However, as the demand for improvements in the health industry grows, so does the importance of informatics in nursing.

Here are some areas where informatics in nursing plays an important role.

Improve the standards of patient care

Nursing informatics is crucial in enhancing the quality and safety of patient care. Electronic health systems allow nurses to leverage comprehensive and accurate patient data to make informed clinical decisions and deliver personalised care.

Access to and proficiency in real-time health data also helps to prevent medical errors, ensures the continuity of care and supports the comprehensive and specialised treatment plans patients are calling for.

By integrating data analytics, nurses can identify patterns, trends and potential warning signs, leading to early detection and prevention of potential health issues and timely interventions where necessary.

Enhance operational efficiency and accuracy

Informatics in nursing is foundational to the operational accuracy and efficiency of health facilities.

Integrating modern tech can automate administrative tasks, reduce paperwork and streamline workflows. For example, electronic health documentation reduces the time spent on manual record-keeping, allowing nurses to focus on more direct patient care.

Regarding accuracy, informatics tools facilitate precise and detailed medical administration through tools like barcode scanning and electronic prescribing, which minimise the risk of human error and save significant time.

These practices benefit nurses by enhancing productivity and improving the overall patient experience through faster and more comprehensive care delivery.

Optimise clinical decision support systems

Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are a core component of nursing informatics. They leverage existing data to provide evidence-based recommendations, alerts and reminders to health practitioners to support accurate and effective clinical decision-making.

CDSS can also help nurses identify potential drug interactions, suggest appropriate interventions and ensure adherence to clinical guidelines. By providing real-time support, these systems enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of nursing care, leading to better patient outcomes.

Practical applications of informatics in nursing

Nursing informatics has a wide array of practical applications across the field and this range is only set to expand as technology progresses. Here are some of the most common practical applications in the industry right now.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digitised versions of patients' hard copy or paper charts. They store and provide comprehensive and up-to-date patient information that’s easily accessible to authorised healthcare providers.

This makes it easier for patients to ensure that their health needs are always met and that they receive the proper care from wherever they might be in the state or country.

EHRs also facilitate better care coordination by allowing multiple providers to access and share patient information. They’re a key and comprehensive tool for supporting clinical documentation, medication and vaccination order management, and the overall reporting and quality of patient care.

Telehealth and telemedicine

Telehealth and telemedicine have been growing in adoption and use for years, but they surged in popularity following the COVID-19 pandemic. Both services leverage technology to deliver quality healthcare services remotely.

This may include virtual consultations, remote health monitoring using advanced tech devices and telephonic triage to ensure patients are connected with the right provider for their needs.

Telehealth has been transformative in helping nurses provide care to patients in rural or underserved areas, saving huge amounts of travel time and vastly improving healthcare access and convenience.

Significantly, it also allows for ongoing monitoring of chronic conditions, facilitating timely interventions and reducing hospital readmissions, thus easing pressure on hospitals.

Mobile health applications

Mobile health applications, also referred to as mHealth apps in Australia, are tools that patients and healthcare providers can use on their smartphones and tablets to manage their health and overall wellness.

While the specific capabilities and uses of the apps will vary depending on the health or wellness issue they’re targeting, mHealth apps can track a patient’s vital signs, medication adherence and lifestyle changes.

They can also provide education and prompt reminders to patients, empowering them to take an active role in their health management and in some cases, freeing time for nurses and healthcare providers.

The apps make it easier for nurses to monitor patient progress and communicate with them, improving patient engagement and overall self-care.

Future trends in nursing informatics

The future of nursing informatics is full of potential as the integration of—and innovations in—tech expand to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, a major focus for the government.

The Australian government’s National Nursing and Midwifery Digital Health Capability Framework highlights the need for a workforce that’s ready for a digital future, particularly in leadership and accuracy, data and information quality, information-enabled care, technology, and digital professionalism.

For nurses, this might also mean a greater demand for specialised education in this area, including postgraduate qualifications that encompass nursing informatics.

State governments have also introduced strategies that emphasise the importance of nursing informatics in equipping nurses with the digital literacy essential for modern patient care.

This is driving a number of exciting developments in the field, some of which we’ve outlined below.

AI and machine learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are already transforming many industries at a rapid pace.

In the field of nursing informatics, these innovations can provide tools for predictive analytics, decision support and more personalised care. AI can analyse vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict patient outcomes, helping nurses anticipate and prevent serious health issues.

Big data analytics

Big data analytics involves examining large and varied data sets to uncover patterns, correlations and insights that may otherwise take weeks, months or even years to identify.

In nursing informatics, big data can enhance patient care by identifying trends in patient populations, improving disease surveillance, optimising resource allocation and potentially much more.

Interoperability

Interoperability describes the ability of different information systems and software applications to communicate, exchange and use data effectively.

Leveraging or enhancing interoperability in nursing informatics can help ensure that patient information is seamlessly and accurately shared across various healthcare settings, improving the coordination, continuation and overall quality of care.

Wearable health technologies

Wearable health technologies, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, are popular for providing real-time health monitoring and data collection.

These devices can already track physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns and other vital signs. As technology advances, their accuracy and practical use cases will continue to improve, providing valuable data for personalised care and early detection of health issues.

Empower your future with VU Online

Nursing informatics is ripe with opportunities for nurses who want to be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry and help shape the future of healthcare.

VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge to deliver better care for better health through leadership, research and innovation.

Delivered 100% online with flexible study options, students gain access to a comprehensive, cutting-edge curriculum and personalised support delivered by industry experts.

Take the lead and harness the power of technology with VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics Leadership .

Ready to learn more? Reach out to our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 682 051 or email [email protected] .

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Applicants must hold current registration as a nurse in Australia.

If you are not currently a Registered Nurse (Division 1), you may be interested in studying our Master of Mental Health or Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

If you are not currently a Registered Nurse (Division 1), you may be interested in studying our on-campus Bachelor of Nursing.

You must have a bachelor degree to be eligible for this course. If you don't currently have a bachelor degree, you may be interested in our on-campus Bachelor of Education.

You must have a bachelor degree in a cognate discipline (eg. Health Science, Social Work, Education) OR in any discipline with 2 years approved work experience to be eligible for this course. Please see the Entry Requirements for more information or speak to a Student Enrolment Advisor. If you don't currently have a bachelor degree, you may be interested in our on-campus bachelor degrees.

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