Best Online Nursing Informatics Programs near Omaha, NE
- 2025 Online Nursing Informatics Programs near Omaha, NE
- Why Study Nursing Informatics in Omaha?
- What to Look for in an Online Nursing Informatics Program
- Tech-Focused Curriculum in Nursing Informatics
- Getting Started: Eligibility and Timeline
- Advancing Your Career with Informatics
- Sources
- Latest Articles & Guides
As healthcare technology rapidly evolves, the demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between patient care and digital systems continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for health information technologists and medical registrars is projected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the national average. In Omaha, Nebraska—a city anchored by leading institutions like CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine, and Methodist Health System—there is a growing need for nurses with expertise in informatics to drive improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and health data systems.
For registered nurses looking to expand their career potential, online nursing informatics programs offer a flexible, career-aligned path forward. These programs combine foundational clinical knowledge with emerging skills in data analysis, health information technology, and systems management. This guide outlines top online nursing informatics programs accessible to students in or near Omaha and provides key insights into curriculum design, program formats, and how to get started in this dynamic field.
2025 Online Nursing Informatics Programs near Omaha, NE
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Omaha, NE - Private 4-year - methodistcollege.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Informatics, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in healthcare technology. This CCNE-accredited program, requiring no GRE, spans two years and includes 200 clinical hours, preparing graduates for roles as healthcare data specialists with a median salary of $100,000. The curriculum focuses on electronic health records and data analysis to improve patient outcomes, offering flexible online coursework and eligibility for informatics certification.
- Online CCNE-accredited program
- 24-month program completion
- No GRE required
- Median salary $100,000
- 200 clinical hours included
- Informatics certification eligible
- Flexible online coursework
- HIMSS membership provided
- Cost per credit: $588
Master's - RN to MSN Online Degree Program (Nursing Informatics)
Concentration: Health/Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
The RN to MSN Online Degree Program in Nursing Informatics at Nebraska Methodist College is a 33-month, CCNE-accredited program designed for registered nurses. It emphasizes the use of data to enhance patient and population outcomes, with no GRE required. The program offers online flexibility, includes 200 clinical hours, and prepares graduates for certification in informatics. Courses cover advanced health assessment, leadership, and informatics, providing a comprehensive education for nurses seeking to advance in the field of nursing informatics.
- 33-month program
- CCNE-accredited
- No GRE required
- Online flexibility
- 200 clinical hours
- Eligible for certification
- Focus on health informatics
- Advanced health assessment
- Leadership courses
- Informatics specialization
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing with an Informatics track
Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Nebraska Methodist College's online Master of Science in Nursing with an Informatics track is a unique program in the region, focusing on the impact of big data on patient care. This 36-credit hour program, which does not require a GRE for admission, includes 200 clinical hours and prepares graduates for informatics certification. Designed for working nurses, it offers flexible online courses and leads to a median salary potential of $100,000, equipping nurses with the skills to bridge healthcare and IT.
- Online format for flexibility.
- No GRE required for admission.
- 36 credit hours to complete.
- 200 clinical hours included.
- Eligible for informatics certification.
- Median salary potential $100,000.
- Focus on healthcare informatics.
- Designed for working nurses.
- CCNE-accredited program.
- 24 months to complete.
Why Study Nursing Informatics in Omaha?
Omaha serves as a central hub for healthcare delivery and innovation in the Midwest. The presence of multiple research hospitals, medical colleges, and high-tech health networks makes it an ideal location for launching a career in nursing informatics. The city’s healthcare landscape creates a high demand for professionals trained in both patient care and digital systems integration.
Graduates of informatics programs in the Omaha area are increasingly taking on roles such as:
- Clinical informatics specialists
- Health IT project managers
- Nurse analysts
- EHR implementation consultants
Omaha also offers a lower-than-average cost of living, allowing students to invest in their education without the financial strain often found in larger metro areas.
What to Look for in an Online Nursing Informatics Program
Choosing the right program involves more than just finding an online format. Prospective students should evaluate several key factors to ensure they receive a high-quality education that supports their long-term career goals.
Accreditation and Reputation
Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets rigorous academic and professional standards. Programs affiliated with respected universities or healthcare institutions tend to provide stronger clinical and networking opportunities.
Curriculum Content
A strong nursing informatics curriculum will include:
- Health information systems
- Clinical decision support
- Data management and analytics
- System design and lifecycle management
- Nursing leadership and policy development
Programs that incorporate capstone projects, simulations, or real-world practicums allow students to apply classroom learning in practical settings.
Flexibility and Format
Online nursing informatics programs near Omaha are designed for the demands of working nurses. Many feature asynchronous coursework that can be completed on evenings or weekends. Hybrid formats may include occasional on-campus labs or intensives, adding hands-on experience to the learning model.
Part-time and full-time tracks give students the flexibility to progress at their own pace. Some schools also offer accelerated pathways or customizable study plans that align with career interests in data analytics, clinical systems, or nursing leadership.
Local Clinical Opportunities
Although the coursework is delivered online, many programs include a practicum component. In Omaha, clinical placements may be available through leading healthcare organizations such as:
- Nebraska Methodist Health System
- Children's Hospital & Medical Center – Omaha
- CHI Health and affiliate clinics
These experiences allow students to apply informatics knowledge in real-world settings while building connections in the local healthcare community.
Tech-Focused Curriculum in Nursing Informatics
As healthcare settings grow increasingly digitized, informatics professionals must be equipped with more than just clinical know-how—they need a deep understanding of the technology driving care delivery. This section explores how nursing informatics programs are structured to provide that essential tech fluency.
A defining feature of these programs is their emphasis on integrating cutting-edge technology into nursing practice. Students learn how to manage and improve healthcare systems using digital tools, while maintaining a patient-centered approach.
Typical courses in a tech-focused curriculum include:
- Electronic Health Record (EHR) Design and Implementation: Training on selecting, customizing, and deploying EHR systems in clinical settings.
- Clinical Decision Support Systems: Instruction on using algorithms and software to aid clinical decision-making.
- Health Data Analytics: Skills development in evaluating healthcare data sets to improve safety and outcomes.
- Telehealth Technologies: Education on remote care systems and their role in increasing patient access.
- Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance: A look at safeguarding sensitive health data and ensuring compliance with HIPAA and other standards.
Many programs incorporate simulation platforms or virtual labs to reinforce these competencies, while also offering practicum experiences within Omaha-area hospitals and clinics.
Getting Started: Eligibility and Timeline
Entering the field of nursing informatics requires a combination of clinical training, academic preparation, and a strong interest in healthcare technology. Online programs are structured to accommodate working professionals, but meeting the eligibility criteria is essential before beginning the application process.
To qualify for admission into most online nursing informatics programs, applicants typically must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school
- Possess an active and unencumbered RN license
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Submit academic references and a statement of professional goals
Some programs may also require recent clinical experience or prerequisite coursework in statistics or information systems, especially for students seeking advanced informatics roles.
In terms of timing, program durations generally range from 18 to 30 months. Flexible entry points are common, with many schools offering rolling admissions or several start dates per year. This allows nurses to begin their studies when it best fits their professional and personal schedules. For those eager to fast-track their careers, select programs offer accelerated pathways that compress coursework while maintaining the same academic rigor.
Advancing Your Career with Informatics
A credential in nursing informatics positions professionals for a wide range of leadership and specialist roles in the evolving healthcare landscape. From optimizing hospital workflows to shaping digital health policy, informatics-trained nurses play a pivotal role in patient safety, care quality, and operational efficiency.
In Omaha's expanding healthcare ecosystem, there are growing opportunities for informatics professionals across hospitals, insurance companies, public health agencies, and health tech firms. With the right education and skills, nurses can move into impactful roles that blend compassion with technology and lead the charge in transforming healthcare delivery.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center – College of Nursing
- CHI Health
- Nebraska Methodist College
- Children's Hospital & Medical Center – Omaha
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