Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2019
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.
2019 - Best Nursing Informatics Programs
Nursing informatics is a growing field for RNs who want to take on a high-level role improving processes for optimal patient care outcomes. This highly analytical nursing career requires an advanced nursing degree with specialized training. Those interested in the pathway can enroll in a number of available online/hybrid programs to suit their growing careers and busy schedules. To help prospective students choose the right program, we have ranked the top Nursing Informatics program in the nation. An exciting career as a nurse informaticist starts here.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).
Austin, TX
Concordia University Texas provides multiple pathways to a nursing informatics career through its online offerings. Students can choose between an MSN, an RN to MSN, and an RN Plus to MSN (for those who hold a bachelor's degree and an associate's degree in nursing). Each route allows students to graduate with an MSN-level degree. The online format allows students to balance their studies with work and other obligations, and students can even complete their clinical practicum hours at their place of employment.
MSN Programs- Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid
- RN Plus to MSN: Informatics Online/Hybrid
- RN to MSN: Informatics Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Private Non-Profit 4-Year
- Many grad programs offered online
- Faith-based school
Americus, GA
Georgia Southwestern State University's MSN program in Nursing Informatics trains RNs to become proficient in healthcare technology through a curriculum that includes courses in Applied Statistics and Data Mining, Process Improvement for Health Care, and much more. The full-time program can be completed in 22 months, though part-time options are also available. By the time they graduate, students will have completed 36 total credit hours and completed a 3-hour focused project.
MSN Programs- Nursing Informatic Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- Some grad programs offered online
- APRN Loan Repayment Program available
Columbus, GA
Georgia's Columbus State University offers an MSN degree with a Nursing Informatics specialty track for students who want to further their careers in the discipline. Enrolled students complete 36-38 total program hours, including core courses, informatics-based concentration courses, and a thesis project. The curriculum is delivered in a convenient online format.
MSN Programs- Informatics concentration Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Public 4-Year
- Some grad programs offered online
- MSN students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in order to graduate
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University (TESU), based in Trenton, NJ, offers a unique online MSN degree with a nursing informatics specialization. Students take core courses, direct care area courses/electives, and nursing informatics specialty courses to total 36 credits. A Nursing Informatics certificate is awarded alongside the MSN degree at the close of the program. TESU's MSN Nursing Informatics program is usually completed in 18-33 months, depending on how quickly a student paces themselves.
MSN Programs- Nursing Informatics Specialty Online/Hybrid
- RN-BSN/MSN Program: Nurse Administrator Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- GRE/GMAT scores not required for admission
- Public 4-Year
- Many grad programs offered online
Lynchburg, VA
Liberty University offers an online MSN Nursing Informatics degree program that can be completed in as little as one year. Due to the flexible nature of this online program, students are able to take courses while maintaining their job and family obligations without the need to travel to campus. The 42 credit-hour Nursing Informatics specialization includes courses in Financial and Resource Management for Nurse Leaders, Database Design & Development, and much more.
MSN Programs- Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid
Tuition & Fees:
- $$$$$
Quick Facts:
- Private Non-Profit 4-Year
- Many grad programs offered online
- Minimum 1 year of RN experience needed for MSN admission
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 on 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 a 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 it 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 to an online nursing informatics program is the convenience factor. Students are able to complete coursework in 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 the transportation savings. Grantham University, for example, offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics that charges tuition of around $325 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 includes:
- 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.
Select Your State:
Alabama
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Troy University MSN Programs | Troy University School of Nursing, Pell Ave Troy, AL 36081 (334) 834-2320 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham MSN Programs
| 1720 2nd Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35294 (205) 975-7529 |
Arizona
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Arizona State University Graduate Certificate Programs
| 411 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 (480) 965-7788 |
Grand Canyon University MSN Programs | 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 (855) 428-5673 |
University of Phoenix MSN Programs | 1625 W. Fountainhead Pkwy Tempe, AZ 85282 (866) 484-1831 |
California
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of San Diego MSN Programs
| 5998 Alcal? Park San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4600 |
Colorado
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University College at the University of Denver Programs | 2211 South Josephine St. Denver, CO 80208 (303) 871-2291 |
University of Colorado MSN Programs
| 12950 E. Montview Boulevard Aurora, CO 80045 (303) 724-2152 |
Florida
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Miami MSN Programs | P.O. Box 248153 Coral Gables, FL 33124 (305) 284-3666 |
Georgia
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Columbus State University MSN Programs
| 4225 University Avenue Columbus, GA 31907 (706) 507-8800 |
Georgia Southwestern State University Graduate Certificate Programs
| 800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive Americus, GA 31709 (877) 871-4594 |
Georgia State University MSN Programs
| 33 Gilmer St SE Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 413-2000 |
Illinois
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) DNP ProgramsMSN Programs | 845 South Damen Ave Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 996-7800 |
Iowa
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Mount Mercy University MSN Programs
| 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 363-8213 |
Kansas
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Kansas DNP Programs
| 1246 West Campus Road Room 153A Lawrence, KS 66045 (785) 864-6414 |
Maryland
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Maryland Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
| 655 W. Lombard St. Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 706-6109 |
Massachusetts
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Regis College MSN Programs | 235 Wellesley Street Weston, MA 02493 (781) 768-7000 |
Michigan
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Ferris State University MSN Programs
| 200 Ferris Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 591-2270 |
University of Michigan MSN Programs
| 426 N. Ingalls St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (734) 763-5985 |
Minnesota
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
The College of St. Scholastica MSN Programs
| 1200 Kenwood Avenue Duluth, MN 55811 (800) 447-5444 |
University of Minnesota DNP Programs | 308 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 624-9600 |
Nevada
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Western Governors University - Nevada RN to MSN Programs | 4001 S Edmond St Las Vegas, NV 89118 (877) 214-7005 |
New Jersey
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Fairleigh Dickinson University Graduate Certificate Programs
| 1000 River Rd Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 692-2000 |
Rutgers School of Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs
| 180 University Avenue Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 972-4307 |
Thomas Edison State University Graduate Certificate Programs
| 111 W State St Trenton, NJ 08608 (888) 442-8372 |
New York
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Graduate Certificate Programs
| 433 First Avenue New York, NY 10010 (212) 998-5300 |
North Carolina
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Duke University MSN Programs
| 307 Trent Drive Durham, NC 27710 (919) 684-3786 |
The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill DNP Programs
| Carrington Hall Chapel Hill, NC 27599 (919) 962-2211 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington DNP Programs
| 601 S. College Road Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 962-3000 |
Ohio
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Xavier University MSN Programs
| 3800 Victory Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45207 (513) 745-3000 |
Pennsylvania
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Pittsburgh MSN Programs
| 3500 Victoria Street Pittsburgh, PA 15261 (412) 624-4586 |
Tennessee
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Middle Tennessee State University MSN Programs | 1301 East Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37132 (615) 898-2300 |
Texas
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Concordia University Texas MSN Programs
| 11400 Concordia University Dr Austin, TX 78726 (512) 313-3000 |
Texas Tech University Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
| 3601 4th St. Lubbock, TX 79430 (806) 743-2730 |
West Texas A&M University MSN Programs
| 2501 4th Ave Canyon, TX 79016 (806) 651-0000 |
Utah
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Utah Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
| 10 South 2000 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112 (801) 581-3414 |
Virginia
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
Liberty University MSN Programs
| 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24515 (434) 582-2000 |
Washington
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Washington MSN Programs
| 1410 NE Campus Parkway Seattle, WA 98195 (206) 543-2100 |
WGU Washington BSN to MSN Programs | 20435 72nd Ave S #301 Kent, WA 98032 (877) 214-7004 |
Wisconsin
| School | Contact Information |
|---|---|
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee DNP Programs | 2442 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53211 (414) 229-1122 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.