Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2023

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.

2023 - 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 registered 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. Take a look at our rankings for the top Nursing Informatics programs in the country below to get started on your educational pathway today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

1.

Duke University

Durham, NC

Tech-savvy nurses can use data analytics and information systems to improve patient care when they earn their MSN in Health Systems and Nurse Informatics at Duke University. The fully online program includes customized practicums so students gain real-world experiences.

MSN Programs

• Health Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Students commonly complete the degree in 2 years.
• The program makes use of the latest systems and technologies.
• Duke is a top-ranked, competitive-entry university.

2.

The College of St. Scholastica

Duluth, MN

Those with a knack for numbers in the healthcare sector can advance their careers with a master’s degree in health informatics at the College of St. Scholastica. The completely online degree focuses on Systems Design, Human Factors and Usability, and Healthcare Data Analytics.

MSN Programs

• Health Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Multiple start dates per year.
• Graduates gain eligibility to sit for the CHDA exam.
• A private Benedictine college in Minnesota.

3.

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA

Blending nursing with the worlds of analytics, information systems and computer science, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN in nursing informatics. The specialty prepares graduates for a career developing and managing databases and information systems for hospitals and medical centers.

MSN Programs

• Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid

• The program includes business as well as nursing and IT courses.
• Practicums are required to earn the degree.
• The no-credit program orientation is delivered via the web.

4.

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Healthcare experts who thrive on delving into data can earn a master’s degree in Health informatics at Grand Canyon University. The online program covers topics such as healthcare data management, electronic health records, population health management and more.

MSN Programs

• Master Of Science In Nursing With An Emphasis In Health Care Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Can be earned in less than 2 years.
• Students must complete a final project.
• A private Christian university.

5.

University of Washington

Seattle, WA

University of Washington in Seattle offers an Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies for health care professionals. In the program, students learn how they can enhance patient outcomes via technology solutions and capabilities.

MSN Programs

• Clinical Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Designed for working health care professionals.
• Learners must complete a scholarly project.
• A large, public research university.

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.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.