Nursing Informatics Programs

What is a Nursing Informatics Program?

A nursing informatics degree is the most advanced level of education available for nurse practitioners, with options for a graduate (MSN), post-master’s certificate, or doctoral (DNP) degree.

To qualify for admission, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing for MSN programs or a master of science in nursing for DNP programs. Additionally, all applicants must hold a valid registered nurse (RN) license to be considered for enrollment in a nursing informatics degree program.

Types of Nursing Informatics Programs

Aspiring nursing informaticists have various educational pathways, each with its prerequisites. There are three primary types of nurse informatics programs to consider: MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs. 

Moreover, these programs can be pursued through on-campus, online, or hybrid (a combination of on-campus and online) learning formats.

MSN Programs

A master of science in nursing (MSN) program is an introductory degree for nursing informatics students. This program offers specializations and typically takes two to three years to finish. Students will study leadership, project design, fundamentals of nursing informatics, system life cycles, and quality improvement. After completing an accredited MSN program, individuals can take a national certification exam to become board certified. The MSN program generally requires two to three years of study.

DNP Programs

A doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) program is designed to equip nursing informaticists with the advanced skills needed for specialized roles in nurse informatics. Focusing on using big data to drive decision-making, the program combines theoretical coursework with practical experiences to ensure students are fully prepared.

DNP programs cover a range of subjects, including the science of nursing, population health informatics, health policy leadership, and healthcare economics. A key program component is completing a capstone project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world issues. The duration of a DNP program can vary, ranging from two to six years, depending on the individual’s previous qualifications (e.g., MSN-to-DNP, BSN-to-DNP, or RN-to-DNP).

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

A nursing informatics post-master’s certificate program is a graduate-level course for students with an MSN or DNP degree. These programs offer advanced coursework in both clinical care and IT settings. Typically, it takes one to two years to complete the program.

Most nurse informaticists have experience in clinical care and leadership roles. Upon graduation from this program, students are eligible for professional certification in nursing informatics.

Typical Admissions Requirements for Nursing Informatics Degrees

To become a nursing informaticist, it is necessary to earn a master’s or doctoral degree and successfully pass a national certification exam. Admission requirements for these programs can vary but commonly include prerequisite courses and standard application materials.

Prerequisite Courses: 

• Advanced health assessment
• Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
• Advanced physiology & pathophysiology
• Basic statistics
• Computer literacy (pertaining to clinical workflow and scholarly work)
• Human anatomy and physiology

It is often mandatory for students to achieve a minimum grade of “C” or higher in these prerequisite courses.

Application Requirements:

• Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) degree from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited nursing school
• Letters of recommendation
• Minimum 3.0 GPA or higher
• Official transcripts
• One year of health informatics or related work experience
• One year of nursing experience
• Proof of unencumbered, active RN license
• Resume
• Statement of purpose
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants whose native language is not English)

Featured Online Nursing Informatics Degrees

MSN Programs in Nursing Informatics

Jacksonville University (Hybrid & Online)

Jacksonville University offers a comprehensive and highly regarded hybrid and online master of science in nursing (MSN) with a health informatics specialization that prepares students for advanced practice roles in nursing. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various careers, including chief medical information officer, informatics coordinator, or director of electronic health records (EHRs).

Accredited by the CCNE, Jacksonville University’s MSN program combines classroom theories with real-world experiences, providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for rewarding administrative or clinical roles. Whether aspiring to become nurse practitioners or nurse informaticists, the MSN program at Jacksonville University offers a solid foundation for students to pursue their career goals in the nursing profession.

• Location: Jacksonville, FL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $700 per credit

University of Maryland (Online)

The online master of science in nursing (MSN) program in nursing informatics at the University of Maryland is a highly regarded program that prepares students to become leaders in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare informatics. This online program offers flexibility for students to pursue their education while balancing other commitments. With a focus on nursing informatics, the curriculum covers various topics such as software and game development, human-computer interaction, intelligent patient care technologies with artificial intelligence, and data mining of large healthcare data. 

The program requires 40 credits and 135 practicum hours, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work as Nurse Informatics Specialists in various healthcare settings. The faculty members are experts in the field, with extensive experience in informatics practice and research. Financial aid and scholarships are available to support nursing education. The University of Maryland, School of Nursing, also offers the annual Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference, providing additional opportunities for professional development and networking.

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $856 per credit (residents); $1,519 per credit (non-residents)

University of Utah (On-campus & Online)

The master of science in nursing informatics program at the University of Utah College of Nursing is a highly ranked and comprehensive program that prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare informatics. With a long history of excellence in informatics, the program offers both online and on-campus options, allowing flexibility for students to pursue their education. 

The interdisciplinary curriculum combines informatics and other courses to develop students’ informatics, leadership, and systems-level thinking skills. Students can learn from nationally known nursing informatics leaders with practical experience at the University of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and the VA. The program also emphasizes real-world exposure through seminars, special events, and practicum placements in partnership with healthcare organizations. 

• Location: Salt Lake City, UT
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $10,253.06 per year (residents); $30,036.44 per year (non-residents)

Vanderbilt University (Online)

The nursing informatics program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is a highly regarded program that prepares graduates to be leaders in nursing informatics. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on creating systems that work and improving health outcomes by leveraging the synergy between people, processes, and technology. 

Ranked #3 in the country by U.S. News & World Report in 2019, the program provides students with a strong foundation in current and emerging data analysis tools, project management, decision support, mobile technologies, evidence-based practice, and more. The program features nationally recognized faculty with real-world experience and offers a customized practicum experience to meet national certification exam requirements. With an emphasis on technological sophistication and innovation, students have access to extensive informatics resources and are equipped with the skills to leverage emerging tools in healthcare. 

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition:  $1,939 per credit hour

Western Governors University (Online)

The BSN to MSN master’s program in nursing informatics offered by Western Governors University (WGU) is a comprehensive and flexible online program designed to meet the needs of aspiring nursing informatics professionals. With a focus on accessibility and diversity, the program provides a supportive learning environment that allows students to balance their education with other responsibilities. 

WGU offers various financial options, including scholarships, corporate reimbursement, and the Higher Education Relief Fund, to make the program affordable for students. Emphasizing responsible borrowing, WGU provides information on financial obligations to ensure students make informed decisions. The program highlights graduate outcomes and success stories, showcasing its students’ and graduates’ impact and success. 

• Location: Multiple campuses across the USA
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $19,980 total

DNP Programs in Nursing Informatics

University of Minnesota (Online)

The University of Minnesota offers an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree specializing in nursing informatics. This program prepares nurses for leadership roles in selecting, implementing, and optimizing information systems to support nursing and interprofessional care. 

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the DNP program at the University of Minnesota is delivered online, allowing students the flexibility to balance their education with other commitments. The program incorporates a four-day on-campus session each semester, where students engage in core courses, specialty courses, and meetings with advisors. The curriculum includes 1,000 hours of practicum experience arranged by the school. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers as informatics nurses in various healthcare settings. 

• Location: Minneapolis, MN
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $1,053 per credit

St. Catherine University (Hybrid)

The hybrid doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at St. Catherine University is a comprehensive program designed to meet the needs of working adults. The program can be completed within 24 months and consists of 36 credits, combining online and on-campus sessions in a hybrid learning format. Students can visit campus twice each semester and work collaboratively with a cohort of fellow students throughout the program. 

The curriculum focuses on applied learning and covers health informatics, ethical leadership, social justice, interprofessional collaboration, evidence-based practice, and healthcare economics. A final systems change project is required, allowing students to address a practice issue and demonstrate program outcomes. 

• Location: St. Paul, MN
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Tuition: Contact the school for more information

University of Detroit Mercy (Hybrid)

The hybrid doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at the University of Detroit Mercy is a comprehensive program designed to develop expert clinicians with strong leadership capacity. The program aims to demonstrate professional role practice consistent with the competencies of the DNP, emphasizing the assimilation and utilization of in-depth knowledge of nursing, biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences. 

The curriculum includes formative coursework, a practicum, and a doctoral project, providing students with a well-rounded educational experience. Offered as a hybrid model with an online virtual classroom, the program provides flexibility for working professionals. Students may also have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits at Madonna University through a consortium agreement. With a curriculum based on the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education, the program ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities. 

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $10,444 per year (residents); $12,188 per year (non-residents)

University of San Diego (On-campus)

The University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers an on-campus MSN-to-DNP program specializing in informatics. This program will equip nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in utilizing technology and data to improve patient care and outcomes. 

The curriculum covers healthcare information systems, data analytics, and healthcare technology management. Upon completing the 52-credit program, graduates are eligible for leadership roles in healthcare IT industries. 

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $77,280 to $92,400 total

University of South Alabama (Online)

The University of South Alabama’s College of Nursing offers a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) in nursing informatics. The curriculum includes a comprehensive education in the intersection of nursing, computer science, information science, and decision sciences. To enhance patient care delivery and promote consumer health through technology, this program prepares nurses to harness the power of information technology to improve healthcare outcomes. 

Completing a certification exam is not required, and the program curriculum focuses on utilizing nursing research and information technology to provide education and enhance patient care. 

• Location: Mobile, AL
• Duration: Five to seven years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $594 per credit

Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Informatics

Duke University (Online)

The Duke University School of Nursing offers two online health informatics graduate certificates to equip students with knowledge and skills in clinical information systems, strategic planning, project management, and various technologies. The curriculum, which can be completed in one year, or three semesters, combines online instruction, on-campus sessions, and an intensive individualized practicum in a healthcare organization. 

Students work under the mentorship of experienced clinicians in the informatics specialty, completing a project that incorporates data-information-knowledge meta-structures, systems lifecycle planning, and expert clinical domain modeling. The program offers two certificate options based on the applicant’s background: the Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC), open to registered nurses with a master’s degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school, or those with a master’s degree in another acceptable discipline, and the Health Informatics Certificate (HIC), available to those with a bachelor’s or graduate degree and at least one year of health-related work experience.

• Location: Durham, NC
• Duration: 1.5 years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $14,525 per semester

Nebraska Methodist College (Online)

The Nebraska Methodist College offers a nursing informatics certificate program to prepare registered nurses to use information technology to enhance patient care. This 15-credit hour program combines nursing, informatics, and project management courses, providing students with the skills needed to manage information effectively in healthcare settings. 

The curriculum includes introduction to nursing informatics, health informatics project management, and a nursing informatics practicum. The practicum provides hands-on experience in applying informatics solutions in real-world healthcare settings. The program can be completed entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals.

• Location: Omaha, NE
• Duration: 12 to 16 months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $429 per credit

Queens University of Charlotte (Online)

The Queens University of Charlotte offers an online nursing informatics post-master’s certificate program designed for nurses who hold an MSN or master of nursing degree and wish to expand their career opportunities. 

The curriculum includes coursework in leadership principles and practices, financial management for nurse leaders, clinical information systems, and healthcare data implementation. Additionally, students must complete a nursing informatics residency comprising 225 clinical hours. Career prospects for graduates include roles as informatics nurses and clinical informatics specialists.

• Location: Charlotte, NC
• Duration: 1.5 years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $609 per credit

University of Pittsburgh (Online)

The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing offers an online nursing informatics certificate program. It aims to improve cultural sensitivity and tackle health disparities, focusing on areas like acute & tertiary care, health & community systems, and health promotion & development. The curriculum includes courses in nursing informatics, educational research, literature review, learning and instructional theories, and statistical resources. 

The program also provides various research hubs such as Digital Health Research, Genomics of Patient Outcomes, Sleep Research, and Cancer Survivorship. In addition, the program offers professional development activities, resources for submitting an IRB application for Educational Research, and opportunities for undergraduate research and student research projects. Students can access a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee alongside institutional research training grants. The program also presents certificate programs in various specializations, including healthcare genetics, school nursing, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

• Location: Pittsburgh, PA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Tuition: $1,231 per credit

Walden University (Online)

Walden University provides an online post-master’s certificate in nursing informatics program. This program is specifically designed for nurses who already possess a master’s degree in nursing and are looking for ways to leverage technology and data analysis in healthcare. 

The curriculum delves into healthcare information systems, data management, and the application of healthcare technology. Through these courses, students learn to use technology effectively to improve patient care and outcomes. As part of Walden University’s extensive range of online certificates and programs in nursing, this program offers a flexible and convenient learning environment for working professionals.

• Location: Minnesota, MN
• Duration: One year
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Tuition: $13,950 total