Nurse practitioners (NPs) and other high-level nurses may wonder if there are opportunities to specialize in nursing informatics without pursuing an additional degree. For those who have already completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the solution may be the post-master's certificate in nursing informatics. This certificate program enables individuals to become nurse informaticists without requiring an additional degree, such as a doctoral-level nursing degree. NPs who go this route have the advantage of earning a quality education in their specialty of choice at a fraction of the price of a longer degree program.

2025 Best Online Nursing Informatics Post-Master's Graduate Certificates

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully ranked the best online nursing informatics post-master's graduate certificates to help nurses advance their careers with flexibility. These programs are perfect for those who need to balance work and study, offering the convenience of distance learning without sacrificing quality. Online programs make it easier for nurses everywhere to gain specialized skills in informatics, a field that's growing fast. Whether you're looking to move up in your current job or switch to a new role, these certificates can open doors. Learn more about how we picked these programs by visiting our rankings methodology page.

#1

Duke University

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

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate with Major in Health Informatics

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Duke University offers a Post-Graduate Certificate with a Major in Health Informatics, designed for professionals aiming to navigate the healthcare technology sector. This hybrid program blends online learning with on-campus sessions, catering to those with health-related work experience and a bachelor's degree. It focuses on clinical information systems and health technologies, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. The curriculum spans 19 credit hours over one year, including a practicum for hands-on experience. Ideal for nurses and healthcare administrators, it starts in the fall and does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing flexibility and practical skills in data management and technological innovation.

  • One-year comprehensive program
  • Online and on-campus instruction
  • 19 total credit hours
  • For master's degree holders
  • Health-related work experience
  • Two certificate options available
  • Intensive individualized practicum
  • Technical and clinical focus
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Fall semester start
#2

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

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

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's online Certificate in Health Informatics is tailored for professionals aiming to excel in the healthcare technology sector. This program, requiring no entrance exam, is perfect for those with a bachelor's degree and health-related experience seeking to innovate healthcare systems. Its 15-credit curriculum blends self-paced learning with practical immersion experiences, offering a flexible yet comprehensive approach to health informatics. Highlights include no healthcare licensure requirement, interdisciplinary learning, and preparation for informatics certifications. The program's online format ensures accessibility for students nationwide, making it a standout choice for advancing in the field of health informatics.

  • 15 total credit program
  • Remote learning curriculum
  • No healthcare licensure required
  • Interdisciplinary learning approach
  • Immersion practicum experience
  • Flexible elective options
  • Prepare for informatics certifications
#3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC - Public 4-Year - charlotte.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Applied Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Graduate Certificate in Applied Nursing Informatics, ideal for nurses aiming to specialize in healthcare information systems without the need for GRE scores. This 12-credit program, completable in one year, is tailored for BSN or MSN holders with a minimum 2.8 GPA and an active RN license. It delves into healthcare data analysis, health informatics, and technology management, preparing graduates for leadership in informatics. The program's online format allows for flexibility, making it a practical choice for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in nursing informatics.

  • Online nursing informatics certificate
  • 12 credit hours total
  • Minimum 2.8 GPA required
  • No GRE needed
  • Four specialized courses
  • Requires active RN license
  • Completes within one year
  • Concurrent MSN studies possible
  • Focuses on data analytics
  • Strategic planning emphasis
#4

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's online Post-Master's Certificate in Informatics is tailored for nursing professionals aiming to specialize in nursing informatics. This 24-25 credit program, requiring 225 practicum hours in New Jersey, is designed to prepare students for certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The curriculum delves into nursing informatics concepts, database design, systems development lifecycle, and project management, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. With no entrance exam required, this program is ideal for those seeking leadership roles in healthcare informatics. Its online format provides flexibility for working professionals, making it a standout choice for advancing in the field of nursing informatics.

  • 24-25 credits.
  • 225 practicum hours.
  • Online program.
  • Eligible for certification.
  • Specialty courses offered.
  • Practicum in New Jersey.
  • Focus on informatics concepts.
  • Database design included.
  • Systems development lifecycle.
  • Project management training.
#5

Vanderbilt University

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

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Vanderbilt University offers an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Informatics, tailored for graduate-prepared nurses aiming to specialize in healthcare technology. This 18-credit, part-time program emphasizes advanced analytics and technology integration, preparing nurses for informatics roles without the need for a full-time commitment. Unique features include a curriculum designed for working professionals, no practicum requirement, and completion in just four semesters. The program focuses on equipping nurses with the skills to navigate the healthcare technology landscape effectively. Vanderbilt's program stands out for its analytics-focused approach and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for nurses seeking to advance their careers in nursing informatics.

  • 18-credit part-time program
  • No practicum required
  • Six total courses
  • Four semester completion
  • Graduate nurse focused
  • Analytics-focused curriculum
  • Technology integration training
#6

The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX - Public 4-Year - uttyler.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics, Quality & Safety Certificate

Concentration: Quality & Safety - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Texas at Tyler offers an online Post-Bachelor's Nursing Informatics, Quality & Safety Certificate, specifically focusing on Quality & Safety. This program is tailored for BSN-prepared nurses aiming to enhance their expertise in healthcare technology and clinical practice. It emphasizes data analysis, quality improvement, and information systems management, with a competency-based practicum to align with ANCC and HIMSS certification standards. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and completion of a statistics course. No entrance exam is mentioned as required. The program is entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals, and prepares graduates for diverse roles in healthcare settings, consulting, and government agencies.

  • Online Post-Bachelor's Certificate
  • Competency-based practicum
  • ANCC/HIMSS certification mapped
  • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
  • BSN degree prerequisite
  • Nursing informatics focus
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Quality improvement skills
  • Information systems expertise
#7

University of South Carolina-Columbia

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

Graduate Certificate - Certificate of Graduate Study, Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an online Certificate of Graduate Study in Nursing Informatics, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in the intersection of healthcare and information technology. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. With no GRE required, applicants need a preferred 3.0 GPA and a minimum of 2400 nursing hours. The curriculum, spanning 18-32 credit hours, is designed to be completed in 3-6 semesters, preparing graduates for national certification. The program emphasizes advanced practice and leadership, incorporating clinical practicum experiences to ensure hands-on learning in nursing informatics.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • Multiple nursing specialization tracks
  • 18-32 credit hour programs
  • 3-6 semester completion time
  • No GRE required
  • Preferred 3.0 GPA
  • Minimum 2400 nursing hours required
  • National certification preparation
  • Advanced practice and leadership options
  • Clinical practicum experiences
#8

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Utah's online Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in the intersection of healthcare and information technology. This program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Offering a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum, students can delve into areas such as bioinformatics and public health informatics, alongside core nursing informatics courses. With a requirement of 15 credit hours and a minimum grade of B- in each course, the program ensures a rigorous academic standard. Participants benefit from personalized guidance by a faculty advisor, culminating in a transcripted graduate certificate that signifies their specialized knowledge in this dynamic field.

  • 15 credit hours required.
  • Interdisciplinary informatics focus.
  • Specializations in bioinformatics, public health.
  • Minimum B- grade required.
  • Faculty advisor provided.
  • Transcripted graduate certificate awarded.
  • Courses from Nursing Informatics Program.
  • Biomedical Informatics Department courses.
  • Standard course prerequisites apply.
  • Tailored to individual learning objectives.
#9

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

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

Graduate Certificate - Advanced Certificate in Nursing Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

The CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers an Advanced Certificate in Nursing Informatics, an 18-credit online program tailored for nursing professionals aiming to enhance their technological proficiency in healthcare. This program focuses on the integration of advanced information systems to improve patient care and support evidence-based practices. It is designed for those with a master's in nursing, requiring a 3.0 GPA, an active nursing license, and submission of comprehensive application materials. The curriculum includes a practicum component and prepares graduates for certification in nursing informatics, opening doors to high-paying roles in clinical informatics. The program is CCNE accredited and emphasizes the role of nurses as technology translators in healthcare settings.

  • Online 18-credit graduate certificate
  • Prepares for informatics certification
  • Focuses on healthcare technology integration
  • Potential six-figure salary careers
  • Master's in Nursing prerequisite
  • Practicum component included
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Requires unencumbered nursing license
#10

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics is a fully online program tailored for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in health informatics. This 15-credit program is designed for individuals from nursing, therapy, and business backgrounds, offering a curriculum that covers health data management, telehealth, and healthcare information systems. With no GRE required, the program is accessible to a wide range of professionals. It prepares graduates for certifications such as ANCC Informatic Nursing and HIMSS CAHIMS, opening doors to careers in healthcare technology. The program highlights include a 100% online format, a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and a bachelor's degree prerequisite, making it an ideal choice for those looking to specialize in health informatics without the need for an entrance exam.

  • 100% online program
  • 15 credits total coursework
  • Interdisciplinary collaborative approach
  • Transferable to MS Informatics
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Bachelor's degree prerequisite
  • ANCC and HIMSS certification aligned
  • Supervised practicum experience
  • Diverse professional backgrounds welcome
*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2023 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Choosing a Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Program

Selecting the perfect post-master's nurse informaticist certificate program may seem challenging at first, mainly if the nurse has not attended school in some time. There are a few key things to keep in mind when researching programs, and choosing the right fit can be made simple by considering the following:

  • Accreditation– Choosing a quality, properly vetted certificate program is extremely important. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are two of the most respected and well-known agencies that accredit nursing programs in the United States. Students are encouraged to seek out programs that bear the mark of these organizations.
  • Cost– A main factor for most prospective students, tuition and fees for post-master's nurse informatics certificate programs can vary widely. Aside from these main costs, students need to account for textbooks and other supplies. Online students may need to purchase equipment such as a laptop, webcam, and/or special software. It's a wise idea to consider the full cost of a certificate program, including incidental expenses, before making a decision, as this can make a seemingly inexpensive program more expensive than initially thought.
  • Program Length– While city, state, type of school, and other factors contribute to program length, most post-graduate nursing informatics certificate programs require 15-26 credits to complete. They are typically capped off with a certain number of clinical practicum hours. Students should carefully consider the curriculum and how it aligns with their future goals, rather than choosing the shortest program blindly.
  • Online Options– Many schools have expanded to offer online certificate program options. These options are popular, allowing students to take courses from the comfort of their own homes. Another new program option is the "hybrid" program, which will enable students to take select classes online, with the remainder being taken on campus. Students should inquire whether these program options are offered at their school of choice.
  • Internship/Externship Options– With hands-on experience often a requirement, it's a good idea to ask about partnerships a school might have with area hospitals and medical facilities. If the program is online, students can often arrange for a local preceptorship upon approval from the faculty.

Online Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Programs

Due to the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare technology, online nursing informatics post-master’s certificate programs are experiencing unprecedented growth. For nurses accustomed to traditional classroom environments, this digital learning approach may appear both appealing and intimidating. While online nursing informatics programs offer numerous benefits, including flexible scheduling and interactive technology platforms, they may not be suitable for every learner’s needs and preferences.

Online vs. Classroom-Based Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Programs

Since many nurses continue to work while they pursue their certification, online post-master’s nursing informatics certificate options make this circumstance feasible. Students enrolled in online courses have maximum flexibility in when and where they study. This convenience is also ideal for those with children or other obligations that may make a traditional campus-based program difficult.

Online programs aren't for everyone, however. Those who prefer face-to-face interaction, collaboration with other students, and closer relationships with their professors may find traditional programs more suitable. Some online students also have issues with the slower pace, whereas classroom programs tend to have more predictable hours and a higher level of structure. While online programs eliminate the need for costly commuting and parking expenses, traditional programs don't usually have as many technological requirements. For those seeking the best of both worlds, hybrid programs that combine online and traditional campus-based courses offer a great middle ground, but may not be as widely available.

Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Admissions Requirements

Those interested in enrolling in a post-master's nursing informatics certificate program should take care to ensure that they meet all the admissions requirements. While each school will differ, most include the following:

  • MSN degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • Current unencumbered license as an RN
  • Official college transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • Professional letters or recommendations
  • Interview or personal essay

Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Curriculum

The post-master's certificate for nurse informatics is comprised of specialty courses designed to familiarize students with informatics, information systems, database and project management, and more. Furthermore, a minimum number of practicum hours will also be required. Course titles may include:

  • Intro to Healthcare & Nursing Informatics
  • Regulator, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Informatics
  • Clinical Information Systems for Clinical Practice
  • Information Technology Project Management
  • Managing Data & Information

Helpful Resources

Other Degree Programs

List of Post Master’s Certificate Nurse Informatics Programs

Jump to Your State Listings

Arizona

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

Georgia

Graduate Certificate Programs
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Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594

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Baltimore, MD 21201
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Pennsylvania

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(610) 282-1100 x2838

Texas

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

Utah

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

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