At the intersection of technology and medicine lies the nursing informatics field. Nurses who want to improve patient outcomes through the use of data and systems can advance to a nursing informatics role. With master's and doctoral degree levels available, prospective informatics nurses have a wealth of educational opportunities to choose from.

2025 Best Nursing Informatics Programs

Finding the best nursing informatics programs is key for students aiming to merge healthcare with technology. RegisteredNursing.org has ranked top programs to help you make an informed choice. These rankings consider factors like accreditation, program quality, and student success. Start your journey in nursing informatics with confidence by exploring our list. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu

Master's - Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Vanderbilt University's online Nursing Informatics master's program is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to integrate technology with patient care effectively. This program stands out for its part-time, six-semester format, offering flexibility for working nurses. It focuses on equipping students with the skills to manage healthcare data, innovate solutions for technological challenges, and enhance organizational workflows. With a curriculum that aligns with the latest healthcare technology standards, students are prepared to lead in the digital transformation of healthcare. The program boasts a fully online learning format, nationally recognized faculty, and opportunities for individually tailored practicums, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Highlights include preparation for ANCC certification and a technology-focused curriculum, all supported by a low student-faculty ratio for personalized learning.

  • 6 Part-time Semesters
  • Fully Online Learning Format
  • Individually Tailored Practicums
  • Nationally Recognized Faculty
  • ANCC Certification Preparation
  • Career Growth Potential
  • Technology-Focused Curriculum
  • Low Student-Faculty Ratio
#2

Duke University

Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu

Master's - MSN in Health Informatics

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Duke University's MSN in Health Informatics stands out for its hybrid format, blending online coursework with essential campus intensives, catering to the busy schedules of working nurses. The program is designed to empower healthcare professionals with the expertise to harness technology and data analytics for enhancing patient care and health outcomes. With a curriculum that covers electronic health data management and clinical systems development, graduates are well-prepared for high-demand roles such as clinical informatics specialists and data analysts, with salaries potentially reaching up to $200,000. The program's commitment to meeting national informatics standards and offering a personalized learning approach ensures a comprehensive education in health informatics.

  • Hybrid online/campus learning
  • 224 clinical practicum hours
  • Top 3 Nursing Schools ranking
  • Distance-based interactive courses
  • Meets national informatics standards
  • Personalized learning approach
  • Advanced technology training
  • Competitive career opportunities
#3

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Master's - M.S.N. in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University offers an innovative M.S.N. in Nursing Informatics designed for nurses aiming to excel in the intersection of healthcare and technology. This 36-credit online program equips students with the skills to manage and analyze healthcare data effectively, enhancing patient care through technology. With a curriculum that blends nursing science with informatics, participants engage in a mentored practicum for hands-on experience. The program stands out for its flexibility, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with career commitments. Highlights include a fully online format, 170 required clinical hours, and a focus on advanced health informatics, making it a top choice for aspiring nursing informaticists.

  • 36 total credit program
  • Fully online delivery
  • 170 clinical hours required
  • Advanced health informatics focus
  • Mentored practicum opportunity
  • Flexible course scheduling
#4

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI - Public 4-Year - umich.edu

Master's - Certificate in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a Certificate in Health Informatics, an online program that stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, blending technology with healthcare to innovate patient care solutions. Designed for professionals holding a bachelor's degree and with at least one year of health-related experience, this 15-credit program dives deep into health information systems without requiring health professional licensure. It uniquely combines online coursework with immersive learning experiences, including a practicum alongside informatics leaders. This program not only prepares graduates for certifications in informatics but also positions them as frontrunners in the tech-driven evolution of healthcare.

  • 15 total credits required
  • Online and immersion learning
  • Interdisciplinary program approach
  • No health professional licensure required
  • Practicum with informatics leaders
#5

Georgia Southwestern State University

Americus, GA - Public 4-Year - gsw.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website

Georgia Southwestern State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Informatics, designed for nurses aiming to specialize in healthcare technology. This fully online program equips students with the skills to manage and improve patient care through information systems, focusing on data management and communication technologies. Accredited by CCNE, it requires a BSN, an unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. The curriculum includes five core courses and seven specialized informatics courses, culminating in a focused project. With multiple admission cycles yearly, the program is tailored for working professionals, offering a flexible path to completion in about 22 months.

  • Fully online MSN program
  • 22-month completion time
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • BSN required for admission
  • Unencumbered RN license needed
  • Five core courses
  • Seven nursing informatics courses
  • 3-hour focused project
  • Multiple admission cycles yearly
#6

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 offers a distinguished MS in Nursing Informatics program, designed for healthcare professionals eager to merge technology with patient care. This program stands out for its affordability, with total costs below $38,000, and flexibility, offering both full-time and part-time online study options. Ranked #2 nationally, it provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes leadership training and practical experiences, facilitated by experienced faculty. Students gain the skills to become nurse informaticists or clinical system analysts, with practicum placement opportunities enhancing their learning. The program's co-offered informatics courses and flat-rate online tuition further add to its appeal.

  • 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
#7

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an MSN in Nursing Informatics designed for healthcare professionals aiming to integrate technology into clinical practice. This online program blends nursing science with computer science, focusing on healthcare data management, patient care enhancement, and interprofessional collaboration. Students develop skills in system design and data analysis, preparing for leadership roles such as clinical informatics specialists. The program's flexibility accommodates both full-time and part-time students, featuring a practicum that allows for immediate workplace application. Highlights include no GRE requirement, preparation for national certification, and a curriculum that requires 36 credit hours and 225 clinical hours, with a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.

  • 36 credit hours total
  • Online distance format
  • Full or part-time options
  • No GRE required
  • National certification preparation
  • Flexible workplace practicum
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • 225 total clinical hours
#8

CUNY City College

New York, NY - Public 4-Year - ccny.cuny.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

CUNY City College offers a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics, tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to integrate technology and data into patient care. This online program is perfect for nurses looking to enhance their expertise in healthcare information systems, data analysis, and clinical outcomes improvement. It stands out for its 100% online format, allowing flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum includes a six-credit practicum, preparing students for real-world challenges. With a focus on high-demand skills, graduates are positioned for lucrative roles in nursing informatics, where the need for specialists is growing rapidly. The program boasts a 91% five-year completion rate and requires an unencumbered RN license for admission.

  • 100% Online Degree Format
  • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
  • Six-Credit Practicum Experience
  • 70,000 Informatics Specialists Needed
  • High Salary Potential Over $100k
  • 91% Five-Year Completion Rate
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Unencumbered RN License Required
  • Two Recommendation Letters Needed
  • Up to 12 Transfer Credits Accepted
#9

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing and Health Care Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Mary presents an innovative online Master of Science in Nursing focused on Nursing and Health Care Informatics, designed for nurses aiming to revolutionize healthcare with technology. This program, spanning two years, equips students with the expertise to utilize data and information systems for improving patient outcomes and operational effectiveness. At an affordable rate of $495 per credit, with scholarship opportunities reaching $3,000, participants delve into data analysis, policy formulation, and tech integration. The inclusion of 360 clinical hours ensures hands-on experience, paving the way for careers such as Nursing Informatics Specialist. Accredited by CCNE, it stands as a beacon for those seeking to merge nursing with informatics.

  • Online two-year MSN program
  • 10% job industry growth
  • $495 per credit tuition
  • Up to $3,000 scholarships
  • 360 clinical hours included
  • Career paths in informatics
  • CCNE Accredited program
#10

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI - Public 4-Year - ferris.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ferris State University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Informatics equips healthcare professionals with the expertise to integrate technology into patient care effectively. This program stands out for its affordability and flexibility, offering 24/7 access to coursework tailored for working nurses. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes the management of healthcare information systems, preparing graduates to lead in the digital transformation of healthcare. The curriculum is designed for those aiming to specialize in Nursing Informatics, providing a comprehensive understanding of data management and technological applications in nursing. Requires GRE.

  • Fully online MSN program
  • 24/7 flexible learning access
  • Top 10 affordable MSN program
  • Three concentration options
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Diverse learning community
  • Nursing Informatics specialty track
*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Choosing a Nursing Informatics Program

Before choosing a nursing informatics program, nurses should consider the following:

Accreditation

Accreditations are an essential way of ensuring that a nursing informatics program is reputable. National organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main accrediting bodies for graduate nursing programs. Some nursing informatics programs may also be accredited by local or regional organizations as well.

Program Cost

Advanced nursing informatics programs typically list their tuition fees by credit. For both MSN and DNP level programs, students can expect to pay tuition of roughly $400-$700 per credit hour, on average. Doctoral nursing informatics programs tend to be more expensive overall, as they require more credits to complete. Tuition costs often don't include additional expenses, such as books, course materials, and other mandatory fees.

Program Length

For MSN nursing informatics programs, students will need to complete around 37 credit hours, which equates to roughly 2-3 years of study. Both part-time and full-time options are typically available. For DNP programs, approximately 73 credit hours are required, and the degree can be achieved in around 3-4 years of dedicated study.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

A certain number of clinical hours are required for both MSN and DNP nursing informatics programs, so it's a good idea to see what kind of partnerships a prospective school has with area hospitals and medical facilities. Some schools will let students choose their own internship/externship sites for their clinical rotations.

Online/Campus Options

Many schools now offer both online and campus-based nursing informatics program options to accommodate a wider variety of students. Some schools even offer "hybrid" programs, where most coursework is completed online, but some lectures and labs are held on campus.

Nursing Informatics Degree Levels Offered

Prospective informatics nurses can choose between a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Both degrees prepare nurses with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to excel in this advanced role. DNP programs take things a step beyond the MSN curriculum to provide a more in-depth informatics education.

MSN Programs

Students enrolled in an MSN-level nursing informatics program will develop skills in clinical information systems, strategic planning, and more. The curriculum consists of both advanced core nursing courses and specialty courses, including Data Analytics, Synthesis of Specialty Practice, and Database Systems in Healthcare. For nurses seeking a health-based option see our MSN in health informatics guide.

DNP Programs

DNP-level nursing informatics programs add to the MSN curriculum, preparing students to function as managers and leaders within the specialty. Courses taken may include Knowledge Management in Healthcare, Interpreting Research for Applied Science, and Organizational Foundations for Leading Change. The University of Kansas Medical Center is an example of a school offering a DNP in Nursing Informatics.

Learn about post-master’s nursing informatics certificate programs.

Online Nursing Informatics Programs

With technology being the main foundation of the nursing informatics specialty, it's no wonder that students are gravitating toward online programs. These online programs allow students to complete courses when and where they choose, making them ideal for today's hectic schedules. Many schools with campus-based nursing informatics programs also offer online options.

Advantages of an Online Program

The main advantage of an online nursing informatics program is the convenience factor. Students are able to complete coursework on their own time, allowing them to keep up with work, family, and other important obligations. Students based in rural areas may also find online programs advantageous, as it affords them the option to complete their education without a long commute. For those interested in lowering expenses, online programs allow students to virtually eliminate transportation expenses such as gas, tolls, and parking fees.

Program Accreditation

Like traditional campus-based programs, online nursing informatics programs should be properly accredited. ACEN and CCNE accreditations are recommended. These accreditations can give some peace of mind to students who may be apprehensive about enrolling in an online program.

Costs and Length

Credit requirements for online programs are the same as campus-based programs, though online options typically offer more flexibility in course completion. Therefore, program length for these online versions may fluctuate more based on the student's wants and needs. Tuition costs are also similar, though students may be able to find more affordable online options, and can also factor in transportation savings. Grantham University, for example, offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics that charges tuition of around $350 per credit hour.

What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?

Students can generally expect the following admissions requirements from a nursing informatics program:

  • BSN or higher from an accredited university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Satisfactory GRE scores may be required
  • One or more years of nursing experience
  • Current, active RN license
  • Current resume or CV
  • Letters of recommendation and personal statement

Informatics nursing certification (RN-BC) is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Eligibility requirements for the examination include:

  • Must hold a current U.S. RN license
  • Must hold a BSN or higher
  • Must have practiced the equivalent 2 years as a full-time nurse
  • Must have completed 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing in the last 3 years
  • Must have practiced a minimum number of hours in the nursing informatics field

List of Nursing Informatics Programs

Nursing informatics programs can be found all over the country, including the following schools listed below.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

Troy University School of Nursing, Pell Ave
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 834-2320

MSN Programs
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529

Arizona

Graduate Certificate Programs
411 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788

3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673

1625 W. Fountainhead Pkwy
Tempe, AZ 85282
(866) 484-1831

California

MSN Programs
5998 Alcal? Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600

Colorado

2211 South Josephine St.
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2291

MSN Programs
12950 E. Montview Boulevard
Aurora, CO 80045
(303) 724-2152

Georgia

MSN Programs
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 507-8800

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive
Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594

MSN Programs
33 Gilmer St SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000

Illinois

845 South Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800

Iowa

MSN Programs
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 363-8213

Kansas

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
1246 West Campus Road Room 153A
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-6414

Maryland

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
655 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109

Michigan

MSN Programs
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2270

426 N. Ingalls St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985

Minnesota

MSN Programs
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
(800) 447-5444

308 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600

New Jersey

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
1000 River Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
180 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307

Graduate Certificate Programs
111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

New York

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
433 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300

North Carolina

MSN Programs
307 Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786

DNP Programs
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000

Pennsylvania

Division of Nursing
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838

MSN Programs
3500 Victoria Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586

Tennessee

1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300

Texas

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3601 4th St.
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730

MSN Programs
2501 4th Ave
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-0000

Utah

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
10 South 2000 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414

Virginia

MSN Programs
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000

Washington

MSN Programs
1410 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100

College of Health Professions
20435 72nd Ave S #301
Kent, WA 98032
(877) 214-7004

Wisconsin

2442 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122

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