IT degree prior to Nursing Informatics?

[scox2353]

Hi! i have been a RN in critcare going on 5 years and am looking to get my masters in nursing informatics. i am decent with computers but have no formal training. i was wondering if getting a certification or associates degree in information technology prior to starting the masters program would be benificial or will the masters program teach me enough in the IT area. Also if any one has sugestions for online programs that would be great:). Thanks

[Mission]

I have an IT degree that I got long before I became a nurse. While it has been beneficial to me whether or not it would be beneficial to you depends on your career goals. Most of the NI people I work with are "good with computers" but don't have an IT background. Also, IT degrees can really vary. At an associates level I would imagine you'd end up taking a lot of classes that would be of no benefit to you. I think you're better off taking a couple supplemental classes and focusing on your NI degree program. I think a class in database design is always good for informaticists because it helps one understand how data is stored and retrieved and what the limitations and strengths are of different methods. This will give you a better idea of what is going on behind the scenes. Usability testing is a good one, but that may already be covered as a part of your NI program. If you're planning to be on the development side, any kind of algorithm development class might serve well.

[rninformatics, DNP, RN]

Greetings SCOX,

You've come to the right place!

Many have asked similar if not the exact same questions.

Please feel free to search the forum for answers and insights into this wonderful specialty! Here you will find numerous insights and a great place to network and learn about the specialty of nursing/clinical informatics.

Good Luck!