13 Best Nurse Informatics Programs | 2024

In today's digital age, the healthcare industry is undergoing a transformative shift, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient care, streamlining clinical processes, and optimizing healthcare delivery.

At the heart of this transformation is nursing informatics, a specialized field that marries the science of nursing with the power of information technology. These professionals are the linchpins, ensuring that technology is seamlessly integrated into healthcare, enhancing patient outcomes, and fostering efficient clinical workflows.

If you're considering a career in nursing informatics, read more as we explore the significance of the profession, the educational pathways to kickstart your career, and the top programs that offer specialized training in this interdisciplinary field.

Whether you're a nursing professional looking to pivot into informatics or a student exploring future career paths, you've come to the right place.

Nursing Informatics Overview

Nursing Informatics is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data science. It empowers nurses with the knowledge and skills to optimize healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and streamline clinical workflows through the effective use of information technology and data management.

Professionals in Nursing Informatics, often referred to as nurse informaticists, serve as bridge builders between the clinical world and the digital realm. They play a pivotal role in integrating technology into healthcare, ensuring that electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, data analytics, and health information systems work seamlessly to support healthcare delivery and patient care.

There are several educational pathways to becoming a nursing informaticist, each tailored to different career goals and levels of expertise

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics

Program Requirements:

• Core nursing courses
• Informatics coursework covering topics like health information systems, data management, and healthcare technology
• Clinical practicum or internship in informatics
• Capstone project or thesis

Program Costs: The cost of an MSN in Nursing Informatics can vary widely depending on the institution and whether you attend in-person or online. On average, tuition for an MSN program can range from $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to eligible students.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a focus on Nursing Informatics

Program Requirements:

• Advanced nursing coursework
• In-depth informatics courses
• Clinical practicum or residency
• DNP project addressing an informatics-related healthcare issue

Program Costs: The cost of a DNP program, including those with a Nursing Informatics focus, varies significantly by institution and whether it's delivered online or in person. Tuition can range from $30,000 to $70,000 or more. Many DNP students are eligible for financial aid, grants, or scholarships to offset costs.

Graduate Certificates in Nursing Informatics

Program Requirements:

• Informatics-specific courses
• Typically shorter in duration than degree programs
• May include a practicum or project

Program Costs: Graduate certificate programs in Nursing Informatics are generally more cost-effective than full degree programs. Tuition can range from a few thousand dollars to around $10,000, depending on the institution. Financial aid options may be limited for certificate programs, but some scholarships or employer-sponsored opportunities may be available.

Best Nursing Informatics Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Duke University

Duke University's Health Informatics program is designed to prepare nurses to utilize information technology and electronic health data to enhance individual, community, and population health outcomes.

Program Highlights:

• The program offers both an MSN degree in Health Informatics and two certificate options: The Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics (for those with an earned Master's degree) and the Post-Bachelor's Certificate in Health Informatics (for those with an earned Bachelor's degree).
• The curriculum encompasses informatics courses, MSN core courses, and DNP courses.
• Most students complete the program in 2 years.
• Duke University School of Nursing is renowned for its focus on creating innovative nurse-led models of care and has been offering distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.
• The faculty members are leaders in their field, possessing real-world clinical experience.
• The program is associated with one of the most advanced health systems in the world, allowing students to learn and practice in a cutting-edge environment.

Additional Services: Duke University provides a Student Success Center that offers academic support, connection with tutors, promotes emotional health, and assists students in accessing various resources at Duke and beyond. The center also provides individual consultations and group workshops on topics like stress management, academics, mental health, and well-being.

2. University of Pittsburgh

The Nursing Informatics online concentration at the University of Pittsburgh is a blend of cognitive science, computer science, information science, and nursing science. It encompasses the creation, analysis, and assessment of information systems enhanced by technologies that bolster, amplify, and oversee patient care.

Program Highlights:

• The concentration emphasizes the cultivation of leadership in nursing.
• The program offers three different options: a major, a minor, and a post-professional certificate. All of these can be pursued either full-time or part-time.
• The core of the nursing informatics program serves as a foundation to expand students' understanding of nursing theory, research, health care outcomes, and nursing informatics. This core includes coursework in introduction to informatics, clinical information systems, database management, evaluation of informatics projects, and consumer health informatics. Practica are structured to boost students' active involvement in a chosen informatics role.
• The program requires a total of 39.5 credits.
• Sample courses include Introduction to Health Informatics, Database Management, Methods in Technology Evaluation & Usability, Information Technology Project Management, and Clinical Information Systems.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a CCNE, ACICS, ACEN, or NLN accredited program. Other prerequisites for admission encompass an application, official transcripts, professional references, an essay, a resume/CV, a statistics course, and a copy of a current license to practice nursing in the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practicum requirements will be fulfilled.

Format: The Nursing Informatics concentration is exclusively offered online and can be completed either full-time or part-time.

3. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a DNP specialization in Health Informatics. This program prepares graduates for leadership and management roles in various settings. Health informatics has become integral to the continuum of care and research systems.

Program Highlights:

• Nurses specializing in informatics possess skills in analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of information systems that support a broad spectrum of clinical and patient care functions.
• The specialization in informatics at KU prepares students to function at all leadership and management levels in diverse settings. As translation specialists, graduates are equipped to lead in organizational improvement, software design, and work as consultants or staff in organizations that focus on informatics and knowledge management.
• The curriculum provides a foundation in information technology, with special skills acquired in human factors design, advanced interoperability, organizational change, project management, and impact evaluation.
• Except for the Professionalism and Scholarship Workshop (NRSG 935) and DNP Synthesis Workshop (NRSG 954), all required courses for the program are offered online.
• The program leads to an academic credential and is not a licensure preparation program. However, the university provides information on how their curriculum meets education requirements for professional nursing licensing in each state.

4. University of Utah

The University of Utah offers an MS in Nursing Informatics. This program is designed to equip nurses with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve systems that support clinical decision-making, bridge technology and patient care, and assume leadership roles that influence systems of care.

Program Highlights:

• The total program expense is less than $34,000. The total program cost is based on the number of credit hours taken per semester and is subject to change.
• Residents of certain western US states may qualify for in-state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Eligible states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam.

Additional Information: The University of Utah's College of Nursing offers a range of programs, and interested students can explore other paths within the college.

5. Grand Canyon University

The MSN with an emphasis in health informatics at Grand Canyon University is tailored for BSN-prepared nurses. It aims to help them comprehend and apply the data involved in healthcare to make informed decisions through evidence-based practices. The program merges computer science, information science, and nursing science to bolster the delivery of healthcare.

Program Highlights:

• The curriculum emphasizes the optimization of patient and health data to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
• Students are trained to assist organizations in adapting to technological integration and the ongoing changes in patient-care systems.
• The program covers topics such as healthcare research analysis, ethics, policy and finance, healthcare information systems, project evaluation and development, healthcare innovation, healthcare data management, electronic health records, research and population health management, and leadership in informatics.
• Graduates are equipped to automate clinical care, establish new operational data systems, train healthcare workers in the use of computer systems, and analyze data to refine patient care.
• Potential career roles for graduates include data scientist, computer network architect, computer and information systems manager, software developer, and computer systems analyst.

Duration & Format: The program is offered online, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. Each online course is structured to last 8 weeks.

Total Credits: The program comprises 40 credits.

Tuition: The tuition rate for the online program is $575 per credit.

6. University of South Carolina

The Masters in Nursing Informatics (N.I.) at the University of South Carolina is designed to prepare nurses for the management of information and technology to enhance healthcare quality, patient safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The program integrates nursing science, computer science, and informatics science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice.

Program Highlights:

• The program focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge to the practice of advanced nursing roles.
• It emphasizes the utilization of evidence to address population health problems.
• Graduates are trained to demonstrate professionalism at the advanced nursing level in clinical settings.
• The program encourages the pursuit of quality, effectiveness, and innovation in shared leadership of interprofessional health teams.
• Upon completion, graduates may be eligible to sit for a certification examination in nursing informatics.

Learning Outcomes:

• Apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of advanced nursing roles.
• Utilize evidence to address population health problems.
• Demonstrate professionalism at the advanced nursing level in the clinical setting.
• Pursue quality, effectiveness, and innovation in shared leadership of interprofessional health teams.

7. Nebraska Methodist College

The two-year MSN program with an Informatics track from Nebraska Methodist College prepares graduates to fill the in-demand role of the informaticist in a healthcare setting. This degree is the only one of its kind in the region and equips nurses to stand at the intersection of big data and the healthcare field.

Program Highlights:

• The online format caters to working nurses, allowing them to balance educational goals with personal and professional responsibilities.
• The program is CCNE-accredited and can be completed online in 21 months.
• Upon completion, graduates will have completed 200 clinical hours and be eligible for informatics certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) from a state-approved or professionally accredited program. A BSN program GPA of 3.0 is required, though GPAs below 3.0 will be considered on an individual basis. Current unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse is also necessary.

Cost: The cost per credit hour is $588.

8. The University of Texas at Tyler

The MSN-IQS program at the University of Texas at Tyler prepares baccalaureate or higher degree-prepared nurses to serve as the essential link between healthcare technology, information systems, clinicians, providers, and consumers. The program emphasizes the integration of quality improvement, data analysis, and information systems selection, implementation, and optimization.

Program Highlights:

• The program is mapped to the ANCC Test Plan for Board Certification in Informatics Nursing, HIMSS CAHIMS certification, AANC Essentials, and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies.
• The MSN-IQS degree is designed for working registered nurses, offering online access in a student-friendly format and a flexible schedule.
• The program provides thorough preparation for the ANCC certification exam and serves as a sound basis for future doctoral studies or career advancement.
• The faculty consists of experienced informatics nurse specialists dedicated to the success of every student.

9. Ferris State University

Ferris State University offers a MSN degree with a concentration in Nursing Informatics. This concentration is designed to address the growing need for experts who have a healthcare background, such as nursing, to manage the continuous expansion of information technology in the healthcare setting. The use of technology in the storage, dissemination, and utilization of patient data has become a constantly evolving challenge for the healthcare industry.

Program Highlights:

• All courses are delivered fully online, providing students with the opportunity to interact with peers from inside and outside the state, creating a diverse learning community.
• The online format allows students to participate in classes at times that are compatible with their work and family schedules.

10. University of South Alabama

The MSN nursing informatics program at the University of South Alabama aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance patient-care delivery, promote consumer health, utilize nursing research, and offer education through information technology.

Program Highlights:

• The program is delivered online, making it accessible to students from various locations.
• The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills to leverage technology in enhancing patient care, promoting health among consumers, utilizing nursing research findings, and providing education.
• The Nursing Informatics program does not necessitate the completion of a certification exam either for program completion or post-graduation.

11. University of Washington

The Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies program at the University of Washington is tailored for health care professionals. It is designed to enhance their expertise in clinical informatics and healthcare technology. The program emphasizes understanding and promoting the increasing role of technology in clinical settings.

Program Highlights:

• The curriculum focuses on implementing a wide variety of tools and technologies to bolster the work of healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
• The program is ideal for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree and have at least one year of experience in the healthcare field.

12. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The MSN Informatics Certificate program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center prepares graduates to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics. The program is designed to be an online track, but it requires occasional travel to the Lubbock campus for field experience or immersion work on technical and analytic competencies.

Program Highlights:

• The NI Masters program is tailored for those who wish to take on an advanced practice role in nursing informatics.
• A Post-Graduate Nursing Informatics Certificate is also available for individuals who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing and are looking to specialize further in Nursing Informatics.
• Upon completing the course requirements, graduates of the Masters NI track are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.
• The program emphasizes the importance of integrating technology and informatics in the healthcare setting to improve patient outcomes and streamline processes.

Note: Due to changing regulations, the TTUHSC SON Graduate Programs cannot guarantee at the time of application submission that they can accept students from certain states. Currently, they are unable to accept students living in Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

13. University of Maryland - Baltimore

The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers an MSN with a specialty in Nursing Informatics. The program is designed to prepare students to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. The curriculum integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences.

Program Highlights:

• The program is available both full-time and part-time.
• Students can complete the program in as few as five semesters (full-time) or as many as nine semesters (part-time).
• The program includes a total of 36 credits.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing Certification Exam.
• The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person classes.
• The curriculum includes courses such as Informatics in Health Care Systems, Data Management and Data Mining in Health Care, and Project Management in Health Care.

How to Become a Nurse Informaticist

Becoming a nurse informaticist involves a deliberate process of education, training, and gaining practical experience in the field of healthcare informatics. Here are the five essential steps.

1. Obtain a Nursing Degree

Start by earning a nursing degree, typically either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN is becoming increasingly preferred, as it provides a more comprehensive foundation for nursing practice and advanced roles.

2. Gain Clinical Nursing Experience

After completing your nursing degree, gain practical experience as a registered nurse (RN). Clinical experience is crucial because it provides you with an in-depth understanding of healthcare workflows, patient care processes, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

3. Pursue Informatics Education

To specialize in Nursing Informatics, you'll need to pursue further education in the field. This often involves enrolling in an MSN program with a focus on Nursing Informatics. Some Nurse Informaticists also opt for a DNP program with a concentration in informatics. For those who are already graduates of an MSN or DNP without a concentration in nurse informatics, graduate certificates are often a viable option.

4. Gain Practical Informatics Experience

During your MSN or DNP program, seek opportunities for practical experience in healthcare informatics. This can be through internships, clinical practicums, or research projects focused on healthcare technology, electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, or informatics systems.

5. Attain Certification and Seek Employment

While not always mandatory, obtaining certification in Nursing Informatics can enhance your qualifications and career prospects. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) for nurses in this field. After completing your education and gaining practical experience, you can apply for informatics positions in healthcare organizations, hospitals, clinics, or health IT companies.

It's important to note that nursing informatics is an evolving field, and ongoing professional development is essential to stay current with technology advancements and healthcare practices. Additionally, networking within the informatics community and participating in relevant conferences and associations can help you build a strong foundation for your career as a nurse informaticist.

Nursing Informatics Salary Expectations

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a nurse informaticist is $97,795 per year or approximately $47.02 per hour.

Several factors such as employer, location, experience, etc., can affect compensation, so it's advisable to take into consideration your personal context and that of your employer in order to develop the best expectations for salary.

ZipRecruiter reported annual salaries as high as $160,500 and as low as $15,500, with the majority ranging between $67,500 (25th percentile) to $130,500 (75th percentile) with the highest-earners making $152,500 (90th percentile).

Top-Paying Cities for Nurse Informatics:

• San Jose, CA: $126,929
• Oakland, CA: $125,175
• Antioch, CA: $122,728
• Hayward, CA: $121,216
• Seattle, WA: $121,067
• Santa Cruz, CA: $118,836
• Concord, CA: $118,359
• Seaside, CA: $116,837
• Sunnyvale, CA: $116,416
• Jewett, TX: $115,827

Is a Nursing Informatics Degree Worth It?

Determining whether a Nursing Informatics degree is worth it depends on your career goals, interests in the intersection of healthcare and technology, and the evolving landscape of healthcare needs.

Nursing Informatics Pros

1. Growing Field: Healthcare increasingly relies on technology for patient care and data management, making nursing informatics a rapidly growing field.
2. Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore various roles, such as informatics nurse specialist, clinical analyst, and health IT project manager.
3. Higher Earning Potential: Professionals in nursing informatics often command higher salaries compared to traditional nursing roles due to their specialized skills.
4. Impact on Healthcare Improvement: This field plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care quality and safety through technology, offering a sense of professional fulfillment.

Nursing Informatics Cons

1. Cost and Time for Education: Obtaining a degree in nursing informatics can be expensive and time-consuming, requiring a significant educational commitment.
2. Rapidly Changing Technology: Keeping up with constantly evolving technology and healthcare regulations can be challenging and requires continual learning.
3. Potential for Limited Patient Interaction: Roles in nursing informatics may involve less direct patient care, which might be a drawback for those who prefer hands-on patient interaction.
4. Technical Challenges: The role often involves dealing with complex technical systems and data, which can be daunting for those less inclined toward technology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do online MSN programs differ from traditional on-campus programs in Nursing Informatics?

Online MSN programs offer flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The curriculum is typically the same as on-campus programs, but the delivery method is virtual. Online programs often use interactive platforms, discussion boards, and virtual simulations, while on-campus programs may offer more hands-on experiences and face-to-face interactions.

Q: What is the enrollment process for online nursing informatics programs?

The enrollment process typically involves submitting an application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and possibly a statement of purpose or essay. Some programs may also require interviews, either in-person or virtual. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each institution.

Q: How does Nursing Informatics intersect with public health?

Nursing Informatics plays a pivotal role in public health by facilitating the collection, analysis, and dissemination of health data. Informatics tools can track disease outbreaks, monitor population health trends, and inform public health interventions. Nurse informaticists can collaborate with public health officials to leverage technology for community health initiatives.

Q: Are online nursing informatics programs as recognized and respected as traditional programs?

Many online nursing informatics programs are offered by reputable institutions and are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. The key is to ensure that the program you choose is accredited and has a good reputation in the field. The content and rigor of online programs often mirror their on-campus counterparts, and graduates are equally prepared to excel in the field of Nursing Informatics.