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?