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.
2026 Best Nursing Informatics Programs
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 online Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Informatics provides a comprehensive program for healthcare professionals seeking technological innovation in patient care. Designed with a competency-based curriculum, students can complete the degree in approximately 24 months while paying a flat tuition rate of $5,035 per term. The program emphasizes advanced data management skills, enabling graduates to analyze complex healthcare information and develop strategic technology solutions. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, this program offers unique opportunities like earning a NAHQ Healthcare Quality certificate. Students can transfer up to 47% of credits and benefit from a flexible learning environment without requiring 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 online program offers a dynamic pathway for working nurses to advance their technological expertise. Spanning potentially 36 months, the curriculum integrates clinical knowledge with sophisticated health information systems and analytics. Students develop critical skills in data management and strategic decision-making, preparing for high-demand healthcare informatics roles. The program features CCNE accreditation, flexible self-paced learning, and no mandatory RN work requirement. Participants can transfer up to 90 credits and potentially earn a NAHQ certificate. Tuition remains consistent at $5,035 per six-month graduate term, making advanced education accessible and career-focused.
- 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
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 offers a dynamic hybrid program designed for working healthcare professionals seeking advanced technological expertise. Students receive comprehensive training in electronic health data management and clinical systems development through flexible online learning with two mandatory campus intensives. The curriculum emphasizes transformative healthcare technology skills, preparing graduates for high-demand roles like clinical informatics specialists and data analysts. Graduates can potentially earn between $100,000 to $200,000 annually. While specific entrance exam requirements aren't detailed, the program meets national informatics standards and provides personalized learning approaches. With 224 clinical practicum hours and interactive distance-based courses, students gain practical experience in leveraging cutting-edge technological solutions to improve patient care outcomes.
- 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
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 stands out as a pioneering digital health education pathway, strategically designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced technological expertise. The part-time curriculum empowers nurses to seamlessly integrate complex data management techniques with patient care strategies. Students benefit from individually tailored practicums, nationally recognized faculty, and comprehensive ANCC certification preparation. With a low student-faculty ratio and technology-focused coursework, graduates emerge as innovative leaders capable of transforming healthcare through sophisticated technological solutions. The program emphasizes developing actionable insights that optimize organizational workflows and support nursing research, practice, and administrative functions.
- 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
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI - Public 4-Year - umich.edu
Master's - Certificate in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Michigan's Certificate in Health Informatics offers a transformative online program targeting healthcare professionals eager to leverage technological innovation. Designed for bachelor's degree holders with minimum one-year healthcare experience, this 15-credit interdisciplinary curriculum blends online instruction with immersive learning experiences. Students gain advanced skills in health information systems, positioning themselves strategically for emerging informatics roles. The program's unique approach prepares graduates to drive technological advancement in healthcare settings, potentially qualifying participants for specialized informatics certifications. With no health professional licensure requirements, this flexible program accommodates working professionals seeking cutting-edge technological expertise in healthcare delivery.
- 15 total credits required
- Online and immersion learning
- Interdisciplinary program approach
- No health professional licensure required
- Practicum with informatics leaders
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina's online MSN in Nursing Informatics offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to transform healthcare technology integration. Students explore complex intersections between nursing practice and advanced digital systems, developing critical skills in data management, electronic health records, and technological innovation. With no GRE requirement and a flexible 36-credit hour program, students can complete coursework part-time while maintaining professional commitments. The comprehensive practicum enables hands-on learning, allowing students to apply informatics principles directly within their current healthcare environments. Graduates are prepared for specialized roles like clinical informatics specialists, equipped to enhance patient care through strategic technological interventions and data-driven decision-making processes.
- 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
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's online M.S.N. in Nursing Informatics provides a cutting-edge curriculum designed to equip healthcare professionals with advanced technological competencies. The 36-credit program strategically integrates comprehensive nursing knowledge with sophisticated data management techniques, preparing students to revolutionize healthcare information systems. Students engage in 170 clinical hours, developing skills to analyze, communicate, and leverage complex medical data. With a mentored practicum opportunity and flexible online scheduling, the program is ideal for working nurses seeking career progression. While no specific entrance exam is highlighted, the program offers financial aid options and ranks among top informatics education platforms, emphasizing practical, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
- 36 total credit program
- Fully online delivery
- 170 clinical hours required
- Advanced health informatics focus
- Mentored practicum opportunity
- Flexible course scheduling
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 online MS in Nursing Informatics prepares healthcare professionals to leverage advanced technological solutions in clinical environments. Students explore innovative strategies for integrating digital systems into patient care, developing sophisticated analytical skills essential for modern healthcare transformation. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time learning pathways with a total cost under $38,000, making it an accessible option for working professionals. Graduates emerge equipped to design and optimize clinical decision-making systems, potentially pursuing roles like nurse informaticist or clinical system analyst. A nationally ranked program featuring interdisciplinary coursework and experienced faculty, it emphasizes practical experiences and cutting-edge informatics applications. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program prioritizes professional development and technological competence.
- 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
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's Master of Science in Nursing Informatics represents a cutting-edge online program designed for practicing healthcare professionals seeking technological innovation. Students gain comprehensive skills in healthcare information systems management, advanced data analytics, and digital transformation strategies. The program offers a robust curriculum with a six-credit practicum experience, preparing nurses to become strategic technological leaders. While requiring an unencumbered RN license and maintaining a 3.0 GPA admission threshold, the program boasts a remarkable 91% five-year completion rate. CCNE accredited and targeting the growing demand for informatics specialists, graduates can anticipate competitive career opportunities with potential salaries exceeding $100,000. Two recommendation letters are required for admission, with flexibility for up to 12 transfer credits.
- 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
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Master's - Nursing Informatics Specialty
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Nursing Informatics Specialty provides a comprehensive master's program uniquely tailored for nurses seeking technological leadership roles. With a rigorous 40-credit curriculum, the hybrid program seamlessly blends synchronous online coursework and strategic on-campus intensives. Students explore advanced intersections between computer science, cognitive science, and nursing practice, developing sophisticated skills in health information systems design and implementation. The program requires an unencumbered nursing license and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission. Military-friendly and featuring a hospital on campus, UAB prepares informatics professionals to revolutionize healthcare technology, offering part-time study options for working nurses. A BSN serves as a prerequisite for program entry.
- 40 credit hour program
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- Part-time study option
- Advanced practice nurse preparation
- Technology-focused curriculum
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensives included
- BSN required for admission
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Unencumbered nursing license needed
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL - Public 4-Year - southalabama.edu
Master's - Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Alabama's online Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to train advanced practice nurses in healthcare technology integration. Students develop sophisticated skills in electronic health record management, data analytics, and technological system design. The program uniquely prepares professionals to bridge clinical practice with innovative information technologies, emphasizing practical applications in healthcare transformation. With no certification exam required and 120 clinical practice hours, graduates gain comprehensive expertise in leveraging digital tools to enhance patient care and organizational efficiency. Military-friendly and featuring flexible clinical rotation options, this program positions nurses at the forefront of technological healthcare innovation.
- Fully online program
- No certification exam required
- 120 clinical practice hours
- Interdisciplinary healthcare focus
- Advanced nursing technology skills
- Flexible clinical rotation options
- Comprehensive informatics curriculum
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
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 834-2320
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529
Arizona
Arizona State University
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ 85282
(866) 484-1831
California
University of San Diego
- Health Care Informatics Campus
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600
Colorado
University College at the University of Denver
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2291
University of Colorado
- Health Care Informatics Online
Aurora, CO 80045
(303) 724-2152
Georgia
Columbus State University
- Informatics concentration Online
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 507-8800
Georgia Southwestern State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
- Nursing Informatics Online
Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594
Georgia State University
- Informatics Hybrid
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000
Illinois
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800
Iowa
Mount Mercy University
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 363-8213
Kansas
University of Kansas
- Nursing Informatics Online
- Nursing Informatics Online
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-6414
Maryland
University of Maryland
- Nursing Informatics Online
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109
Michigan
Ferris State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2270
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985
Minnesota
The College of St. Scholastica
- Health Informatics Online
Duluth, MN 55811
(800) 447-5444
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Nursing Information Systems Campus
- Nursing Information Systems Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Rutgers School of Nursing
- Nursing Informatics Campus
- Informatics Campus
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307
Thomas Edison State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372
New York
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Nursing Informatics Campus
- Nursing Informatics Campus
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300
North Carolina
Duke University
- Health Informatics Online
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Technology And Informatics Online
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000
Pennsylvania
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
University of Pittsburgh
- Nursing Informatics Online
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586
Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300
Texas
Texas Tech University
- MSN Nursing Informatics Campus
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730
West Texas A&M University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-0000
Utah
University of Utah
- MS Nursing Informatics Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414
Virginia
Liberty University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
Washington
University of Washington
- Clinical Informatics Online
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100
WGU Washington
Kent, WA 98032
(877) 214-7004
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122
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