If you already have an MSN, do you need another MSN specifically in informatics?

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Hi all,

I already have an MSN (focus in public health) and have been thinking about getting into informatics. Since I already have an MSN, do I need to do another one specifically in informatics or is it OK to just do a certificate program? My BA is in Technical Writing.

Thanks!
Pinky

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If you are referring to nursing informatics, and have already completed an MSN, there's no reason why a post master's certificate shouldn't be acceptable.  However, this is going to be program specific as not all programs provide this option.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in Informatics, Critical care, Cardiac.

It depends on what you are planning to do with it. It may help with a position, but most places are still willing to train as it is still a new specialty. I have been doing informatics for over 12 years I have my MSN in leadership. 

 

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Specializes in Neuro, ED, Cardiac, Clinical Informatics.

I agree - certifications seem to be all the rage these days. 

My institution loves them. In fact, after I graduate w/ my MSHI next year, I am required to get my informatics certification! 

If you already have a Master's - maybe look at areas you could pick up certifications in, there are several. This may be attractive to potential hiring managers. 

Eventually, I'd like to get my PMP certification and maybe one other...haven't decided. 

Good luck!

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Specializes in Informatics, Managed Care.

I agree with going for the certification rather than another MSN if you are thinking of going back to school. I have my MSN in Nursing Informatics, but I see a lot of Informatics Nurses without one building amazing careers. 

I might even argue you could skip the certification if you have a technical background already. Since your bachelors is in technical writing, you could potentially get into Informatics through a business analyst role.

Sorry I did not respond to this thread closer to when you posted it. I had my head down building my website. But I did write an article on this topic if it is helpful at all: https://writingfuturehealth.com/how-I-went-from-bedside-nurse-to-informatics-nurse/

Good luck!

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Hi Lisa,

Thanks so much! I've narrowed my choices down to a few informatics programs.

But now I'm also getting interested in UX research, since I do a lot of pt education and am always looking for ways to make pt education materials more usable for my pts. I'm at a large HMO and there are people at headquarters with the UX Researcher title. I'm just having a hard time getting a hold of them to learn more and see if that's a better fit for me. 

I guess I could do certificate programs in both informatics and UX ?

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Specializes in Informatics, Managed Care.

UX is definitely a popular area right now. I know a few folks switching careers into UX - one in education and the other in fashion. I would say for those programs the main thing to look for is what kind of portfolio you can walk away with. For UX design, you usually need to show employers your work. If you are already at a large HMO, though, it should be doable to find projects to apply what you are learning so you can use them for a portfolio. It is a fun space. Good luck!

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The thing that turns me away from UX is all the programs I've looked at seem to only focus on design, whereas I'm more interested in the UX Research side. 

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