Programming courses for NI

[TFalkRN]

I've been an intensive care nurse for six years and looking into making the transition into nursing informatics (NI). Currently I'm looking at the NI certificate/masters program at UC-Davis, but also looking into taking couple courses in computer programming to establish some knowledge base of computer science. However, I'm not sure which programming language would be the most beneficial to learn( i.e. Java, C, C++, Perl, SMS), or in that which computer courses work I should focus on to establish a solid background in computer science. I'm also considering getting a certificate from UC-Berkeley in Information Systems and Management. However, at the same time I don't want to waste time and money getting a certificate or talking a class I don't need. Would anyone have any input to my quandary?

[ikarus01]

As has been repeated over and over in this forum, best thing you can do is actually gain informatics experience through your current job. In fact, I personally would recommend that over wasting time or money over a certificate.

As far as computer courses---you have to also be aware that the usual informatics job doesn't don't do much programming, or database maintenance unless you are interested in that area of informatics.

Thus, to answer your question, my question to you would be, are you interested i a programmer/developer job or in a database administration type of job? Or do you want to be an implementer of applications in the field. This latter job doesn't require you to have much computer science courses under your belt. In fact, I think most master's degrees in informatics just have an intro to programming class and 1 or 2 database courses.

Also, you can teach yourself a programming language or databases. Long ago I taught myself C, and then while in school I learned C++, Java, and then taught myself PHP, but have never used programming for my informatics jobs. I have however used a lot of my database skills, but you can also learn SQL on your own.

[TFalkRN]

I apologize for annoying you for asking, apparently to you, an over redundant question on the thread.

However, I'm currently working as a travel nurse and I don't have a hospital that I'm a regular employee yet to ask if I can have someone tutor me for NI. So I'm choosing option B, getting some formal education. One of the requirement for the Masters in NI at UC-Davis to have a working knowledge of computer programming. Of which needs to be proven either through course work or from on the job training (OJT). From these requirement. I figured I only have one option left, that is to take a course or two. Yes I'm aware NI's don't program computers, but the curriculum requirement requires some knowledge about it. Which can't be proven by saying I just read a book about it. So that is why I'm asking what particular programming language course should I take?

ps I don't need to here anyone else's rant on how this question has already been asked a time or two. I don't deserve that, nor does anyone else.