Best Nursing Informatics MSN Programs Near Salt Lake City, UT: Rankings & Career Guide
- 2026 Best MSN Nursing Informatics Programs Near Salt Lake City
- Nursing Informatics Overview
- Why Pursue an MSN in Nursing Informatics in Salt Lake City?
- How to Choose the Right Nursing Informatics MSN Program in Salt Lake City
- MSN Nursing Informatics Admission Requirements Overview
- MSN Nursing Informatics Curriculum & Specializations
- Nursing Informatics Career Outcomes in Salt Lake City & Utah
- Nursing Informatics Certification & Licensing in Utah
- Financial Aid & Funding Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Latest Articles & Guides
Salt Lake City is rapidly emerging as a hub for healthcare technology, where innovative medical care meets cutting-edge digital solutions. As healthcare systems, such as Intermountain Health and the University of Utah Health, invest heavily in electronic health records, data analytics, and telehealth infrastructure, the demand for skilled nursing informatics specialists has never been higher.
For registered nurses looking to advance their careers, pursuing a nursing informatics degree at the MSN level offers an excellent pathway. Salt Lake City’s unique position at the intersection of healthcare excellence and the thriving “Silicon Slopes” tech ecosystem creates unparalleled opportunities. This guide will help you navigate the best programs, understand career prospects, and make an informed decision about your educational investment.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to evaluate and choose the right nursing informatics MSN program in Salt Lake City
- What nursing informatics specialists earn in Utah and which employers are hiring
- Admission requirements, curriculum details, and program formats available locally
- Utah-specific funding opportunities and financial aid options
- Career paths, certifications, and advancement opportunities in the Salt Lake City market
2026 Best MSN Nursing Informatics Programs Near Salt Lake City
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - wgu.edu
Master's - Master of Science, Nursing - Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Governors University's Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Informatics is an online, competency-based program that merges nursing science with health information technology to enhance patient care through data management. It focuses on analyzing healthcare data, developing tech solutions, and improving safety, with a flat tuition of $5,035 per six-month term. The program is CCNE-accredited, allows up to 47% transfer credits, includes an NAHQ Healthcare Quality certificate opportunity, and has no entrance exam requirement. Students can finish in as little as 24 months, and it does not require prior RN work experience.
- Online, flexible BSN to MSN program
- $5,035 per six-month term
- 64% of graduates finish in 24 months
- 47% transfer credits accepted
- CCNE-accredited nursing degree
- No RN work requirement for admission
- Includes NAHQ certificate opportunity
Master's - Master of Science, Nursing - Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Governors University's RN to MSN Nursing Informatics program is an online pathway for registered nurses to integrate clinical skills with data analytics and information systems for better healthcare outcomes. Emphasizing flexibility, it offers self-paced learning, a tuition of $5,035 per six-month term, and the potential to complete in 36 months. The CCNE-accredited curriculum includes clinical practice, opportunities for an NAHQ certificate, and accepts up to 90 transfer credits. No entrance exam is required, and it prepares graduates for high-demand informatics roles without mandating RN work experience.
- Online RN to MSN pathway
- Tuition $5,035 per term
- CCNE-accredited program
- Flexible, self-paced learning
- No RN work requirement
- Potential to finish in 36 months
- Clinical practice experiences included
- Earn NAHQ certificate possible
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Career growth in healthcare informatics
Master's - Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Western Governors University's online RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics program is designed for RNs with an associate degree or diploma and an active license, focusing on applying information technology to nursing for data-driven healthcare improvements. It is CCNE-accredited, features clinical practice experiences, and offers a chance to earn the NAHQ HQ Principles certificate. With affordable flat-rate tuition and a flexible schedule, the program does not require an entrance exam and equips students for careers in nursing informatics by blending nursing science with tech innovations.
- Online program.
- CCNE-accredited.
- RN-to-MSN pathway.
- Includes clinical practice.
- Opportunity for NAHQ HQ Principles certificate.
- Affordable flat-rate tuition.
- Flexible schedule.
- Requires active RN license.
- Focus on nursing informatics.
- Prepares for data-driven healthcare decisions.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Master's - MS in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Utah's MS in Nursing Informatics program stands out as a nationally ranked #2 option that prepares healthcare professionals to effectively integrate technology with patient care. This online program offers flexible full-time or part-time study options with a flat-rate tuition structure, keeping total costs under $38,000. Students develop critical analytical skills through an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines informatics, leadership training, and practical experiences. The program features experienced nursing informatics faculty and provides practicum placement opportunities. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program, making it accessible for working professionals seeking roles as nurse informaticists or clinical system analysts.
- Online full-time/part-time options
- Total program cost under $38k
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Practicum placement opportunities
- Co-offered informatics courses
- Flat-rate online tuition
- Experienced nursing informatics faculty
Nursing Informatics Overview
Nursing informatics combines nursing science, information science, and computer science to manage and communicate healthcare data. These specialists bridge clinical care and technology.
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing and optimizing electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Training clinical staff on healthcare technology platforms
- Analyzing healthcare data to improve patient outcomes
- Ensuring compliance with regulations and data security standards
- Serving as liaisons between IT departments and clinical teams
Why Pursue an MSN in Nursing Informatics in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City offers an exceptional environment for nursing informatics professionals. Intermountain Health is renowned for pioneering data analytics and clinical decision support tools. University of Utah Health operates a top-tier academic medical center testing emerging technologies. HCA Healthcare’s Mountain Division, Select Health, and numerous specialty hospitals create a robust healthcare infrastructure.
Career Demand in Utah
The Utah Department of Workforce Services projects healthcare informatics positions to grow 15-20% through 2030, significantly outpacing the national average. Salt Lake City currently has over 200 active nursing informatics positions, with many employers reporting difficulty filling these specialized roles.
Beyond career opportunities, Salt Lake City offers world-class outdoor recreation, a lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, and a family-friendly environment.
Learn more about nursing schools in Salt Lake City, Utah.
How to Choose the Right Nursing Informatics MSN Program in Salt Lake City
Selecting the right program requires careful consideration of factors impacting your educational experience, career outcomes, and return on investment.
| Factor | Why It Matters | Questions to Ask |
| Accreditation | Ensures quality, eligibility for federal aid, meets certification requirements | Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN? |
| Program Format | Affects work-life balance | Online, hybrid, or on-campus? Synchronous or asynchronous? |
| Schedule Flexibility | Critical for working RNs | Evening/weekend classes? Part-time option? Maximum completion time? |
| Clinical Placement | Determines job readiness and networking | Does school arrange placements? Partnerships with local health systems? |
| Total Cost & ROI | Impacts financial health | Total tuition? Average completion time? Salary increase potential? |
| Faculty Expertise | Affects learning quality | Active informatics backgrounds? Industry connections in SLC? |
| Career Services | Influences job placement | Job placement rate? Alumni network strength in Utah? |
| Technology Resources | Determines skill development | Access to training EHR systems (Epic, Cerner)? Current software? |
Prioritize factors that matter most for your situation. A working parent might value asynchronous courses and flexible timelines, while a career-changer might prioritize strong clinical placements and career services.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of programs lacking proper accreditation, promising unrealistic completion timelines, having unclear practicum arrangements, or unable to provide employment outcomes data.
Explore other Utah nursing programs.
MSN Nursing Informatics Admission Requirements Overview
Most programs share common prerequisites:
- Active RN License: Current Utah or compact state license
- BSN Degree: From CCNE or ACEN-accredited program
- Minimum GPA: Usually 3.0 or higher
- Clinical Experience: Many prefer 1-2 years (not always required)
- GRE Scores: Increasingly optional
- Professional References: Typically 2-3 letters
- Personal Statement: Career goals and interest in informatics
- Background Check & Immunizations: Standard healthcare requirements
Applications are typically due 3-6 months before the intended start term. Begin the process at least 6-9 months before your desired start date.
MSN Nursing Informatics Curriculum & Specializations
Programs blend nursing theory, information technology, project management, and healthcare analytics.
Core courses typically include:
- Healthcare Information Systems and Technology
- Database Management and Data Analytics
- Clinical Decision Support Systems
- Healthcare Project Management and Leadership
- Legal, Ethical, and Security Issues in Health Information
- Healthcare Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
- Change Management and Implementation Science
- Population Health and Data-Driven Care Models
Sample Course Spotlight
Clinical Decision Support Systems: Design tools that provide clinicians with real-time, evidence-based recommendations at the point of care using actual EHR data.
Healthcare Data Analytics: Develop skills in statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling to analyze readmission patterns and evaluate clinical interventions.
Most programs require 200-500 practicum hours in real healthcare settings. Salt Lake City students benefit from placements with Intermountain Health’s Innovation departments, University of Utah Health’s clinical programs, or regional hospital informatics departments.
Nursing Informatics Career Outcomes in Salt Lake City & Utah
Common job titles include:
- Clinical Informatics Specialist/Analyst
- EHR Implementation Specialist
- Clinical Systems Coordinator
- Nursing Informatics Manager/Director
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Clinical Application Specialist
- Telehealth Coordinator
- Population Health Informatics Specialist
Salary Data: Nursing Informatics in Utah
Avg. Annual Salary: $92,000 – $115,000
Salt Lake City Metro: $95,000 – $120,000
National Average: $98,000 – $125,000
Senior/Leadership Roles: $125,000 – $160,000+
Entry-level positions typically start around $85,000-$92,000. Most MSN-prepared informaticists see a $20,000-$40,000 salary boost post-graduation.
Top Employers Near SLC
- Intermountain Health – Utah’s largest healthcare system employs numerous informatics specialists across 33 hospitals and 385 clinics, offering exceptional career growth opportunities.
- University of Utah Health – Academic medical center working on pioneering projects in precision medicine, genomic data integration, and AI applications.
- HCA Healthcare Mountain Division – Multiple hospitals providing opportunities with enterprise-level informatics initiatives.
- Select Health – Utah’s largest not-for-profit health insurer managing population health data and value-based care initiatives.
Many positions offer hybrid or remote work arrangements, providing excellent work-life balance. Career advancement progresses from specialist to senior analyst, then management roles like informatics director or chief nursing informatics officer.
Nursing Informatics Certification & Licensing in Utah
Maintain your RN license through biennial renewal with required continuing education. Utah participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).
The Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC) from ANCC demonstrates expertise and enhances career prospects. Other valuable certifications include CPHIMS, PMP, CAHIMS, and Epic/Cerner EHR certifications.
Financial Aid & Funding Options
Complete the FAFSA for federal loans and grants. Graduate nursing students may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually.
Utah-Specific Funding Opportunities
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Intermountain Health, University of Utah Health, and HCA facilities commonly provide $3,000-$8,000 annually for employees pursuing advanced degrees.
- HRSA Programs: Nurse Corps Scholarship and Loan Repayment Programs provide funding for service commitments.
- Professional Organizations: HIMSS, American Nursing Informatics Association, and nursing foundations offer scholarships ranging from $1,000-$5,000.
- Military Benefits: Service members and veterans may use GI Bill benefits or Yellow Ribbon Program participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I complete an MSN in Nursing Informatics while working full-time in Salt Lake City?
A: Yes, most programs are designed for working nurses with part-time enrollment, evening/weekend classes, and asynchronous online coursework. Most students take 2-3 years to finish while working full-time. Schools often arrange practicum placements that accommodate work schedules.
Q: What is the average salary for nursing informatics specialists in Utah?
A: Specialists in Utah earn $92,000-$115,000 annually, with Salt Lake City salaries ranging from $95,000-$120,000. Entry-level positions start around $85,000-$92,000, while leadership roles earn $125,000-$160,000+. Most see a $20,000-$40,000 salary boost post-graduation.
Q: Do I need clinical experience to apply to nursing informatics MSN programs?
A: Most programs prefer 1-2 years of clinical experience, though this is not universally required. Clinical background provides essential context for understanding workflows and challenges that informatics solutions address. Some programs accept recent BSN graduates with relevant technology experience.
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