phd in nursing informatics

Health Sciences Informatics, PhD

School of medicine.

The Ph.D. in Health Sciences Informatics offers the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking research projects in clinical informatics and data science at one of the world’s finest biomedical research institutions. In keeping with the traditions of the Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Ph.D. program seeks excellence and commitment in its students to further the prevention and management of disease through the continued exploration and development of health informatics, health IT, and data science. Resources include a highly collaborative clinical faculty committed to research at the patient, provider, and system levels. The admissions process will be highly selective and finely calibrated to complement the expertise of faculty mentors.    

Areas of research:

• Clinical Decision Support
• Global Health Informatics
• Health Information Exchange (HIE)
• Human Computer Interaction
• Multi-Center Real World Data
• Patient Quality & Safety
• Population Health Analytics
• Precision Medicine Analytics
• Standard Terminologies
• Telemedicine
• Translational Bioinformatics

Individuals wishing to prepare themselves for careers as independent researchers in health sciences informatics, with applications experience in informatics across the entire health/healthcare life cycle, should apply for admission to the doctoral program.

Admission Criteria

Applicants with the following types of degrees and qualifications will be considered:

• BA or BS, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies and a record of scientific accomplishment as an undergraduate; 
• BA or BS, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies and a minimum of five years professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical research, data science, public health, etc.); or
• MA, MS, MPH, MLIS, MD, PhD, or other terminal degree, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies

Relevant fields include: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, ancillary clinical sciences, public health, librarianship, biomedical science, bioengineering and pharmaceutical sciences, and computer and information science. An undergraduate minor or major in information or computer science is highly desirable.

The application is made available online through Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's website . Please note that paper applications are no longer accepted. The supporting documents listed below must be received by the SOM admissions office by December 15 of the following year. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete and we have all supporting letters and documentation.

• Curriculum Vitae (including list of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations)
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Official Transcripts from undergraduate and any graduate studies
• Certification of terminal degree
• You are also encouraged to submit a portfolio of published research, writing samples, and/or samples of website or system development

Please track submission of supporting documentation through the SLATE admissions portal.

If you have questions about your qualifications for this program, please contact [email protected]

Program Requirements

The PhD curriculum will be highly customized based on the student's background and needs. Specific courses and milestones will be developed in partnership with the student's advisor and the PhD Program Director.

The proposed curriculum is founded on four high-level principles:

• Achieving a balance between theory and research, and between breadth and depth of knowledge
• Creating a curriculum around student needs, background, and goals
• Teaching and research excellence
• Modeling professional behavior locally and nationally.

Individualized curriculum plans will be developed to build proficiencies in the following areas:

• Foundations of biomedical informatics: e.g., lifecycle of information systems, decision support
• Information and computer science: e.g., software engineering, programming languages, design and analysis of algorithms, data structures.
• Research methodology: research design, epidemiology, and systems evaluation; mathematics for computer science (discrete mathematics, probability theory), mathematical statistics, applied statistics, mathematics for statistics (linear algebra, sampling theory, statistical inference theory, probability); ethnographic methods.
• Implementation sciences: methods from the social sciences (e.g., organizational behavior and management, evaluation, ethics, health policy, communication, cognitive learning sciences, psychology, and sociological knowledge and methods), health economics, evidence-based practice, safety, quality.
• Specific informatics domains: clinical informatics, public health informatics, analytics
• Practical experience: experience in informatics research, experience with health information technology.

Basic Requirements & Credit Distribution

• 15 "core" quarter credits (5 courses)
• 8 quarter credits of Student Seminar & Grand Rounds
• 60 elective quarter credits
• 6 quarter credits practicum/research rotation
• 36 mentored research quarter credits (12 in year 1, 24 in year 2)
• Research Ethics

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University of Minnesota

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Nursing Informatics DNP

• Program Website
• Contact Department
• On-Campus Component Yes
• Cost $1,053.00 per credit (resident and nonresident)
• Total Credits 67
• Credential Doctorate Degree
• Admission GPA 3.0
• Application Deadlines Early Decision Review: January 2 | Final: March 1
• Campus Twin Cities
• College School of Nursing

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with an informatics specialty prepares nurses to lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of information systems to support nursing and interprofessional care, as well as ensure patient access to essential health information.

The DNP program at the University of Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• Watch the Nursing Informatics program introductory video .
• Information sessions .

Program Format

The nursing informatics specialty of the DNP program is a three-year full-time program delivered online.

Students in this specialty are required to come to campus once each semester for a four-day session (Tuesday through Friday) that includes: core courses, enhancement programming, specialty courses, and meetings with their advisor. Students also complete 1,000 hours at practicum sites arranged by the school. All other work is completed online.

Recommended 3-Year Program Plan

Sample Courses

• NURS 6200 – Science of Nursing Intervention (3 cr)
• NURS 6110 – Population Health Informatics (2 cr)
• NURS 7400 – Health Policy Leadership (3 cr)
• NURS 7200 – Economics of Health Care (3 cr)
• NURS 7600 – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (4 cr)

Online Catalog

International Students

Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s DNP program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the DNP has limited (fewer than four) face-to-face on-site classes per DNP course. During the application process, we ask that international students use ECE or WES credential services for the evaluations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers as:

• Business application analysts
• Chief nursing information officers
• Clinical decision support specialists
• Clinical informatics coordinators or system analysts
• Clinical support—safety managers
• Directors of nursing informatics or quality informatics
• Faculty specializing in informatics
• Health care informatics software developers
• Informatics nurse educators
• Information systems administrators
• Nursing/health informatics consultants

The DNP specialty prepares nurses to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination in Informatics Nursing.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of philosophy (phd), ignite your future with a columbia nursing phd.

The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

Program Design

Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

Request a PhD Student Handbook

What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

7 Best Online DNP In Nursing Informatics Programs For 2024

What Exactly Is The Goal Of A DNP In Nursing Informatics Program?

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Job Market For Graduates Of This Program

Frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what’s the difference between healthcare informatics and nursing informatics, 2. will i need to be certified after i graduate from a dnp in nursing informatics online program in order to work as a nursing informaticist, 3. are graduates of dnp in nursing informatics online programs considered to be advanced practice nurses.

Nursing Informatics

Be the connection between patient care and technology..

Ranked No. 1 in the nation. Competitive in-state tuition — even for some out-of-state students. Take courses online from anywhere.

Improve patient care and outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of information technology. Increasing demand for the adoption of electronic information systems is creating a growing need for nursing informaticians in health care organizations and in businesses that develop and sell health care information technology.

What is nursing informatics?

According to the American Nurses Association, nursing informatics is a "specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. [It] supports nurses, consumers, patients, the interprofessional health care team, and other stakeholders in their decision-making in all roles and settings to achieve desired outcomes. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology."

- Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice , 2nd Edition, ANA 2015

Our graduates have stellar reputations in the health care informatics job market and are in high demand; they have gone on to work in hospital settings or for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies as:

• systems analysts
• clinical data analysts
• clinical informatics experts
• health care and business executives
• consultants
• business owners
• faculty members
•  and more.

The  American Medical Informatics Association  estimates that up to 70,000 nursing informatics specialists will be needed in the next few years. A national nursing informatics workforce survey by the  Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society  found that half of nursing informaticians earn an annual salary of more than $100,000.

The nursing informatics field is progressive, constantly changing, and has a significant impact on the future of the health care industry and beyond.

Live in one of the yellow states? You may be eligible to pay Maryland in-state tuition for this program.

Through an agreement with the Academic Common Market , you may be eligible to pursue this degree at UMSON at an in-state tuition rate . Our faculty will help place you at a practicum site convenient to you.

How the Program Works

• The program requires 40 credits and 135 practicum hours.
• Full-time and part-time plans of study are available.
• Complete this program in as little as two years (five semesters).
• You can get started on this master's degree in advanced nursing practice while you gain experience in the field. Take 1-2 online courses as you work full time to get a jump-start on your education and your career.

Flexible learning from anywhere:

• All nursing informatics courses are available online.
• Your advisor will develop an individualized plan of study that fits your schedule.
• Advisors can connect with you via email, telephone, Skype, or in person.
• For the required practicum, you and your practicum instructor will arrange a mutually agreeable site in a location convenient to you.
• If you reside in a state belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates (see the sidebar for more information).

Free Exam Preparation

As an UMSON student, you can take part in online Nursing Informatics Certification Review Workshops – at no cost to you. These faculty-led workshops will prepare you for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Informatics Certification Exam .

What You’ll Learn

As a student in the nursing informatics specialty, you will be able to:

• analyze nursing information requirements
• design system alternatives
• manage information technology
• identify and implement user-training strategies
• evaluate the effectiveness of clinical and/or management information systems in health care.

You will also be prepared to be a leader in the conceptualization, design, and research of digital information systems in health care organizations and in the informatics industry.

What You’ll Do

• Upon graduation, you will be an Nurse Informatics Specialist.
• Your unique qualifications as a nurse and an informatician will allow you to connect interdisciplinary health care teams and serve as a leader in health IT teams.
• Your role could involve developing, deploying, and optimizing health care information systems; leveraging health care data to improve quality and safety of patient care; enhancing clinician workflow; and helping to lower health care costs.

Our nursing informatics graduates work in many areas:

• The majority work in hospital settings.
• Many work for health IT vendors and health care analytics fields.
• They also work for federal agencies – such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services –or for consulting firms.
• Many experienced Informatics Nurse Specialists have their own businesses and consult with various health care sectors, such as the Department of Defense.
• And many either become an educator or incorporate teaching into their professional careers.

Many of our students are hired as informaticians while they are still in the program, especially by their practicum sites.

More Information

Plans of study.

The Nursing Informatics master's specialty requires:

• 135 practicum hours

In this section:

Course overview.

Nursing Core Courses and Electives

Leadership Management Courses

Informatics Courses

Sample Plans of Study

• Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation
• Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation
• Part-Time Study - Fall Matriculation
• Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation

The nursing core courses may be taken in any sequence:

The leadership courses may be taken in any sequence.

In general, the informatics courses must be taken in the sequence shown. However, NURS 785 may precede or follow NURS 784 and NURS 786.

Some courses have co-requisites or prerequisites:

NURS 737 prerequisites: NURS 736, NURS 786, NRSG 790, NRSG 795

NURS 738 prerequisites: NURS 737, NURS 785, NURS 690, NRSG 780, NRSG 782

NURS 738 pre- or co-requisites: NURS 691, NURS 784

NURS 770 pre- or co-requisite: NURS 790

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation

*Denotes courses that must be taken in this specialty. No waivers or transfer credits accepted.

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation

* Denotes courses that must be taken in this program. No waivers or transfer credits accepted

** Advisor’s permission required to take NURS 770 after the completion of NURS 738

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality..

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students receiving funds through the University, including financial aid, merit awards, grants, and scholarships, must complete a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

• UMSON Federal Code: 002104
• FAFSA Deadline for Maryland Residents (state awards and scholarships): Feb. 28
• FAFSA Deadline: March 1

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Student Financial Assistance and Education Office is available to guide you through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office 410-706-0489 | [email protected]

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office 410-706-7347 | [email protected]

Our faculty members are nationally and internationally known experts in each field that they are teaching and conduct a variety of informatics research. In particular, all faculty members bring years of informatics practice experience and share their experience with students. We also have a computer scientist as a full-time faculty member who offers students opportunities to learn more in-depth database and programming, if they desire to do so. 

MS Admission Deadlines and Requirements

• Qualifications
• Application Materials
• Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S
• fall enrollment:  rolling admissions review begins in January
• spring enrollment:  rolling admissions review begins in August

The Admissions Committee will review completed applications on a rolling basis and release decisions accordingly. Competitive applicants will be offered admission first. Space is limited so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Qualifications:

• an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC) or CCNE-accredited college or university or
• an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
• an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0

Application Materials:

Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S:

• If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
• If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.

More information .

The Health Service Leadership management and Nursing Informatics master's specialties are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore due to the amount of online courses.

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process,  contact the Office of Admissions  to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Additional Resources

Information packets

Packet for Prospective Nursing Informatics Students ‌ (PDF) Packet for New Nursing Informatics Students  (PDF)

Testimonials/Careers

Careers in Nursing Informatics: The Future is Now!

Student Testimonials

Nursing Informatics-Related Events/Webinars

Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference

Archived webinars from the Big Ten Academic Alliance Nursing Informatics Collaborative Webinar Series

• Big Data: What is it and why is it important for nursing? (March 9, 2017)
• Machine Learning in the Age of Health Care Analytics (April 20, 2017)

Further Your Education

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) : customize a practice-focused doctorate in nursing informatics with the Post-Master’s option
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) : generate new knowledge in health care and nursing informatics (and advance the field)

Additionally, UMSON’s  Nursing Informatics Certificate is for nurses in an UMSON graduate program or with a master's degree in another specialty area or field who are looking to gain essential knowledge and skills in nursing and health care informatics.

UMSON is also home of the annual Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference .

This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.

Best Nursing Informatics Programs | Accreditation & Cost 2024

As technology grows within the healthcare field, nursing informatics is becoming a more widely known subspecialty within the nursing profession. 

If you're looking to join this growing profession, we've ranked the top nursing informatics programs for 2024 to help you choose the right one for you. 

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

GCU 's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions is committed to providing a curriculum that challenges and prepares graduates to lead and prosper in the ever-changing health care industry. 

Enrollment: Nationwide

• MSN - Health Informatics

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics
• BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

• MSN - Nurse Informatics

What is Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics combines nursing science with technology to improve communication and the transfer of information within the field of nursing. 

Some of the most common nursing informatics examples include:

• Electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Computerized provider order entry (CPOE)
• Telemedicine

You may also not know that many different career titles are associated with nursing informatics. Common titles may include:

• Clinical Nurse Analyst
• Chief Information Officer
• Informatics Nurse
• Nursing Informatics Specialist
• Health Informatics Specialist
• Chief Nursing Officer

If you have ever considered working in a nursing role away from the bedside, enjoy learning about advancements in nursing technology, and want to improve the flow of information for better patient outcomes, you might consider learning more about this growing subspecialty.

Find Nursing Programs

What is a nursing informatics program .

Although nurses with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) can work in this field, nursing informatics programs are generally advanced-level degree programs that require a master’s of nursing (MSN) or a doctorate of nursing (DNP). 

These programs teach nursing students about utilizing technology to:

• Improve communication between nurses and ancillary healthcare specialists
• Provide fast data to healthcare providers so they can make informed choices
• Help administrators analyze large amounts of patient data
• Provide detailed patient health insights
• Influence healthcare policies with better-informed patient data
• Achieve better patient outcomes
• Help lower healthcare costs

>> Show Me Nursing Informatics Programs

Top Nursing Informatics Programs 

We ranked the top nursing informatics programs based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, accreditation, and more. 

1. University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh's MSN in nursing informatics is a 100% online program. It is a go-at-your-own-pace MSN, with options to attend full-time or part-time. This program is also unique because students can earn an MSN in Nursing Informatics, and it’s also possible for other MSN students to earn a minor or a post-professional nursing informatics certification. 

The school prides itself on a 100% national certification pass rate. Students in the program also have unique opportunities to customize their programs and present their capstone projects at local, state, and national meetings.

Additional program information: 

• Tuition: $1,231 per credit 
• Program length: Five semesters if attending full-time
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Fall: June 15th
• Spring: October 1st
• Summer: March 1st
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (412) 624-4586 or (888) 747-0794
• Are online options available? Yes 
• Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
• Minor in Nursing Informatics
• Post Graduate Certificate 

2. Duke University

Duke University offers an MSN in health informatics that emphasizes “clinical informatics, leadership, and real-world application.” Ranked in the top 3 of nursing informatics programs in the country by U.S News & World Report, Duke graduates consistently earn high-paying positions at top healthcare institutions. 

The university also reports that, although most MSN students attend the program full-time, students say that they can still work as they complete their coursework. Students take 4 MSN courses, 7 informatics courses, and 2 DNP courses in this program. 

Faculty report using personalized instruction with a combination of online and on-campus learning. In addition, the university reports having multi-disciplinary faculty with nationally recognized expert experience in biomedical information and the nursing profession.

• Tuition: $2,166 per credit
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application deadline: December 1st
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (919) 684-3786
• MSN in Nursing Informatics
• Post-Graduate Certificate
• Health Informatics Certificate

3. University of Utah

The University of Utah is one of the first nursing informatics programs in the U.S. They report that they help nurses bridge the gap between technology and patient care outcomes. Nationally recognized nursing informatics leaders teach the courses at this program, tailoring each experience to the needs and interests of the students. 

Their MSN in nursing informatics program offers an online and on-campus option. They also offer full-time and part-time coursework to help students manage their coursework and be successful in the program. Additionally, most of the informatics courses are co-offered with the Biomedical Informatics Department allowing students to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden their horizons.

• In-state: $3,963.36 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $7,322.27 per credit hour
• Program length : Five semesters if full-time
• Accreditation: CCNE, AACN
• Application deadline: February 1st
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (801) 581-3414
• On-campus and online MSN in Nursing Informatics

4. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Ranked as one of the best online MSN programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, the nursing informatics program at the University of Colorado is entirely online, with the exception of an in-person clinical requirement. 

Students can complete the program in as little as two years, if full-time, but have up to seven years. 

• Tuition: $725 per credit hour
• Program length : 2 Years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application deadline: Rolling
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (303) 724-7223
• Online - MSN in Health Care Informatics

5. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist College has a two-year MSN program with an informatics track, which helps nurses develop competencies as healthcare informaticists.

As the only healthcare informatics degree in the region, this program gives nursing students essential insight into managing information systems to promote better health systems and improve patient outcomes. 

The benefits of Nebraska Methodist College’s informatics program include faster courses (either five or ten weeks each) and the ability to complete coursework from anywhere with internet access. Students in the program also receive national and chapter membership to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

• Tuition: $588 per credit
• Program length: Two years
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (402) 354-7000
• Online MSN program with an informatics track

6. University of South Carolina

Nursing informatics MSN students at the University of South Carolina apply computer science and nursing practice to improve healthcare technology.

The program is online and can be paired with fieldwork from the student's workplace. The school emphasizes that the program allows flexibility to manage school and work simultaneously. 

• In-state: $7,398 per semester 
• Out-of-state: $13,124 per semester
• Four semesters - full-time
• Seven semesters - part-time
• Application deadline: Rolling between November 1st and May 1st
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (803) 777-9080
• Online Nursing Informatics MSN
• Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate Nursing Informatics

7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The MSN nursing informatics program at Texas Tech was the first nursing informatics master's offered by a Texas-based university. This program fills a critical gap in advanced nursing education and prepares nurses for the many existing and emerging informatics roles. 

Of note, Texas Tech is unable to accept students from the following states: Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

• In-state: $265 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $470 per credit hour
• Program length: 39 credit hours
• Fall: February 15th
• Spring: August 31st
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (806) 743-1000
• Post-Master’s Nursing Informatics Certificate

8. University of Maryland 

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, Maryland's MSN Nursing Informatics program is entirely online but still provides a top-quality education in bridging the gap between technology and patient care. 

They recently revamped the entire curriculum to focus more on the role of a nursing informaticist, big data, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, students must complete 500 clinical hours (significantly more than other programs), making graduates leaders in the field of nursing technology.  

• In-state: $873 per credit hour
• Out-of-state: $1,549 per credit hour
• Application deadline: August 5th
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (410) 706-0501
• Are online options available? Yes
• MSN with a combination of online and onsite clinical requirements

9. National University

National University offers two types of nursing informatics programs for nursing students:

• An MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics, and
• An MS in Health Informatics Degree

The university also offers graduate students flexibility not commonly seen in many programs, such as:

• Degree completion in as little as 12 to 15 months
• Few on-campus requirements
• Online monthly meetings

But what makes the university unique is that many courses are complete in just four weeks. Additionally, students receive one-on-one faculty advising and consultation with industry experts.

• Tuition: $16,200 per year
• Program length: 12 to 15 months 
• Application deadline: Rolling 
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (855) 355-6288
• MSN with a Specialization in Nursing Informatics
• Master of Science in Health Informatics Degree
• Post-Master’s Certificate Informatics

10. University of South Alabama

The University of South Alabama offers students online courses along with clinicals located in the student's town.

The program takes about two years to complete if attending as a full-time student, and the program website reports that 100% of students are employed when they enroll in the program.

• Tuition: $594 per credit unit
• Program length: Two to three years
• Application deadline: February 15th
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone number: (251) 460-6101
• Online MSN in Nursing Informatics 

Nursing Informatics Career Overview 

Nursing informatics salary.

According to ZipRecruiter , as of March 2023, informatics nurses in the U.S. earn a median annual income of $98,409 or $47.00 /hr . That is about $8,200 per month!

ZipRecruiter adds that nurse informatics salaries can range from as high as $166,500 per year to as low as $42,500. 

Highest Paying Cities for Informatics Nurses

Via ZipRecruiter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median income for nurses of all specialties is about $86,070 or $41.38 per hour. Based on those numbers, informatics nurses have more earning potential than most nursing specialties!

Nursing Informatics Program Overview

Average nursing informatics program length .

Most nursing informatics programs take about two years to complete . However, some can take as little as three semesters, while others can take up to three years. Timing will also vary depending if you are attending the program on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Your program length will likely be determined by the type of advanced degree you want to achieve. Generally speaking, an MSN will take less time than a DNP.

Nursing Informatics Program Requirements 

Because nursing informatics programs don’t require bedside nursing care, most classroom work can be completed almost or entirely 100% online. However, you will also be required to complete clinical hours at a local healthcare facility. This will vary based on the program. It’s important to consider the number of clinical hours required and also if the program will assist in setting up the clinical experience. Some programs require the students to find their own clinical experiences and submit all necessary paperwork. 

• Classes taught in nursing informatics programs often include topics such as:
• Informatics systems design and analysis
• Data analytics and science
• Database management systems
• Nursing informatics capstone
• Nursing informatics in the healthcare environment
• Professional informatics influence
• Informatics for transforming nursing care
• Leadership and management in nursing informatics
• Advancing evidence-based practice through technology
• Quality outcomes with value-based nursing care

How long is a nursing informatics program? 

• Most nursing informatics programs take about two years to complete. However, some can take as little as three semesters, while others can take up to three years. In most cases, an MSN will take less time than a DNP.

What do nursing informaticists do? 

• Nurse informaticists combine nursing science with technology to improve communication and the transfer of information within the field of nursing. Some of the most common examples of nursing informatics in action include electronic medical records (EMR) systems and telemedicine.

Is nursing informatics in demand? 

• Nursing informatics is in high demand because of changes in healthcare technology, such as electronic medical records (EMRs) and computerized provider order entry (CPOE).

Is a nursing informatics degree worth it?

• Yes, a nursing informatics degree is worth it for many students for various reasons, such as nurses can promote better patient outcomes with non-bedside positions. The degree may provide better income opportunities. It allows nurses to collaborate with other advanced degree specialists and administrators. Nurses can take various new nursing positions as data analytics, computer systems specialists, IT consultants, administrators, and more!

How do I get into nursing informatics?

• Although nurses with a BSN can work in the nursing informatics field, hiring managers generally prefer nurses who have completed an advanced-level degree program focusing on nursing informatics.  Nursing informaticist programs usually result in either an MSN or DNP degree.

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Health Informatics PhD Graduate Program

The PhD program is designed for students seeking the highest level of advanced training in the area of health informatics.

Students take a sequence of core courses in health informatics, computing, and biostatistics, and electives in technical and health science areas, and pursue one of four tracks: Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems ; Clinical Informatics ; Translational Bioinformatics ; or Precision and Personalized Medicine (PPM) Informatics . Students pursuing the Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems track are expected to complete the University’s Data Science MS degree en route to the PhD.

• Stan Finkelstein

PhD Program in Nursing

Phd program in nursing goals.

The PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurse scholars who will advance nursing science and promote equitable health outcomes and care systems, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDOH). Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate innovative models of care that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead and transform nursing practice, policy, and research to promote health equity and social justice. PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are fully funded for up to five years.

At Duke University School of Nursing we admit a small number of highly qualified, diverse applicants that work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences supported by formal coursework.

PhD Academic Calendar

PhD Admissions

PhD Financial Support

Current Research Grants

What Makes Duke Great?

Reasons to Choose Durham

Your work with our faculty will:

Socialize you to the role of nurse scientist;

Ensure you gain significant knowledge and acquire the skills for launching a successful independent program of research post-doctorate; and

Prepare yourself for an entry-level role as a nurse scientist in a research setting (e.g., academic, clinical, or industry).

To help our students succeed, the Duke School of Nursing PhD Program provides:

A broad perspective on the philosophy of science and its application to solving challenging health problems facing our nation, particularly those related to health equity, social determinants of health, and justice;

Experience with standard and emerging research designs and methods;

Rigorous training in statistics; and

Mentored research and teaching experiences to reinforce knowledge acquisition and skill development.

In addition to addressing the standards of Duke University and ensuring the highest-quality PhD education, the Duke PhD Program in Nursing is designed to meet the indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Study with Duke expert faculty focused on:

Acute & Long-Term Care Systems

Adaptive Leadership

Data Science

Digital Health

Decision Making

Disease Prevention

Family Caregiving

Health Equity

Informatics

Mental Health

Multi-level Interventions

Nurse-led Models of Care

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Perioperative Care

Social Determinants of Health

Symptom Management

Specialty Populations

Premature and High-Risk Infants

Children with Acute and Chronic Illnesses

Adults with HIV, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Cancer, or Cardiovascular Disease

Older Adults

PhD Program in Nursing Description

The program requires a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students will work on research projects; it is expected most will graduate with several publications. Coursework is structured with a substantive core of nursing science and research methods to be taken in the School of Nursing. This core is expanded with elective courses that typically support the student’s dissertation and future research career. These can be taken in other Duke University departments or other Universities that have arrangement with Duke (i.e., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University). Additional requirements include research practicums and elective credits that may count towards specialty certificates (i.e., teaching, global health, data science, entrepreneurship, etc.).

In addition to course work, the PhD Program in Nursing will require each student to develop a scholarly portfolio, successful completion of a preliminary examination, and a dissertation. Students are expected to disseminate their work through scholarly venues such as publications and conference presentations.

Terminal Objectives

After the PhD Program in Nursing, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and nurse-led models of care to improve health outcomes for a population and/or system of care.
• Apply conceptual models and theories from nursing and other relevant disciplines to design and conduct research.
• Use a health equity, SDOH, and/or nurse-led models of care lens to critically evaluate and synthesize research conducted in nursing and other disciplines.
• Demonstrate scientific integrity and ethics in research across phases of the research process.
• Apply appropriate methods and analytic strategies to design, conduct, and evaluate research across phases of the research process, from discovery to translation.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to perform research using socioculturally aligned approaches.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly venues to advance the evidence base for nursing and healthcare, with a focus on promoting health equity and social justice.

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The Center for Nursing Informatics leads the discovery, application, and cutting edge thinking for nursing and health informatics scholarship to improve the health of individuals and communities.

About our Center

Improving the health of individuals and communities through nursing informatics

Our areas of excellence

The Center for Nursing Informatics provides a scholarly home within the University of Minnesota for:

• Nursing and Interprofessional informatics research teams
• Networking and scholarship opportunities for professional, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate nursing informaticians
• Engagement with local, national, and international informatics partners
• Applying nursing and health informatics knowledge to improve health and health care

Overarching strategic goals

• Lead cutting edge research through discovery and application of informatics research methods
• Provide partnerships for testing new informatics’ products
• Develop and use electronic information systems and other health information technologies (i.e. serious gaming, simulation software, GIS) to support clinicians and health consumers 
• Provide nursing informatics professional development offerings
• Ensure academic offerings that are state of the science
• Foster collaboration in nursing and health informatics through engagement of community and international partnerships

Nursing Knowledge: Big Data Science Conference focuses on AI, ethics and innovation

This year’s conference, held June 5-7 at McNamara Alumni Center, explored artificial intelligence (AI), nursing innovations, and the ethical implications of using technologies for nursing care.

Nursing informatics, innovation empower nurses

Center members at the forefront of nursing informatics

On the leading edge of national, international initiatives

At the leading edge of nurses’ involvement

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MSN Informatics

Summer MSN Informational Webinar

Please join us for an informational webinar this summer with an admissions representative and the Program Director to learn more about our MSN programs.  To sign up for a webinar, please click HERE.

All applicants and incoming students need to be aware that while the School of Nursing does not require COVID-19 vaccination, our clinical partners are requiring that all students are fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to clinical placement and proof of vaccination must be provided, in advance. The successful completion of the clinical component of your program is essential for graduation. As a result, students will not be able to complete program requirements for graduation without completing the clinical requirement.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Informatics track is the first nursing informatics masters offered by a Texas-based university. This program fills a critical gap in advanced nursing education and prepares nurses for the many existing and emerging informatics roles. The education provided covers a broad spectrum of informatics-based theories and skills, with emphasis on the following, but not limited to: 

• Data and standards management, data analytics, clinical decision support
• Project management and quality improvement methods and techniques
• Public health informatics 
• Electronic health record evaluation and optimization 
• Systems development life cycle and workflow assessment methods 
• Evaluating innovative technologies and digital solutions for clinical care

The nursing informatics track prepares graduates to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics. 

A Post-Master’s Nursing Informatics Certificate is also available to those who currently hold a Master of Science in Nursing and wish to assume an advanced practice role in nursing informatics.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates of the MSN NI track are sufficiently competent to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.

Disclaimer: Due to changing regulations, the TTUHSC SON Graduate Programs cannot guarantee at the time of submission of an application that we can accept students from a particular state. At this time, we are unable to accept students living in the following states – Arizona, California, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Program Length

The MSN NI track is completed in 39 semester credit hours. There are several options to substitute NI track courses with TTUHSC DNP courses that may be used if the student should choose to pursue their doctoral degree later

Program Cost

Current tuition information can be found here   or by contacting Student Business Services from 8:30am-4pm CST at (806) 743-7867. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships) are available upon admittance to the School of Nursing. Additional information may be found at the  Financial Aid Office website   or by calling 806-743-3025.

• Admission Requirements

Although academic criteria (cumulative GPA) are the most important factors in admission consideration, additional non-academic information can be considered. All applicants will be reviewed in an individual and holistic manner. No single factor will determine a student's admission.

All applicants who receive offers of admission will be required to submit documentation of required immunizations and consent to a criminal background check. A history of criminal conduct or convictions may result in withdrawal of the admission offer. See "Criminal Background Checks" section of the   School of Nursing Student Handbook   for the school policy.

Transfer Credit

The Graduate Department Chair and/or Program Director will review the applicant's previous academic preparation and/or competency in required courses in order to award transfer credit. Any deficiencies will be met by enrollment in required courses.

Generally, credits earned at an accredited college or university are accepted for transfer credit provided course content is equivalent. A grade below B is not acceptable for transfer credit.

Academic Admission Criteria

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR APPLICANTS WHO ATTENDED A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN SPRING 2020

An explanation of how TTUHSC School of Nursing considers courses in which a student earns grades of Pass (P), Fail(F), Credit (CR) or No Credit (NC) is outlined below:

• Official transcripts with courses awarded with P or CR during the SPRING 2020 semester can be used to meet prerequisite course requirements and will not be used in calculating either the cumulative or science GPA for admissions.  
• TTUHSC SON reserves the right to determine how, and if, courses awarded with P or CR during any semester, outside of spring 2020, will be calculated into a GPA and/or considered for transfer credit.
• Official transcripts with courses awarded with a Fail (F) or No Credit (NC) during any semester cannot be used to meet prerequisite course requirements
• Valid unencumbered RN License
• Baccalaureate nursing degree (BSN) from a regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or from the American Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
• Applicants with a nursing transcript from a foreign university are to submit an official course-by-course evaluation from CGFNS. If the coursework is not related to a nursing degree, the applicant must submit an official course-by-course evaluation from one of the four agencies listed here .
• Completion of undergraduate courses in research and statistics with a grade of C or better
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all coursework leading to a baccalaureate degree.
• Personal Statement/Essay (maximum of 500 words)
• Professional letters of reference (3). Family members, friends, ministers, are not considered a professional reference
• Official transcript for the BSN plus transcripts for all undergraduate courses including undergraduate research and statistics course if not included on the BSN transcript
• Computer Literacy: defined as an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a computer and how to use them wisely within clinical workflow and for scholarly work. Applicants must complete the TTUHSC SON Computer Literacy Test located at   http://nursing.ttuhsc.edu/skills/   prior to applying
• TOEFL Scores – Applicants from a country where the primary language is not English must provide evidence of achieving a total score of 84 or higher with a speaking score of 26 or higher and a writing score of 27 or higher on the TOEFL iBT. This may only be waived if the student has received a degree from an accredited college/university in one of the listed countries: Australia, Canada (except the Province of Quebec), Commonwealth Caribbean countries (including Anguilla, Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands), Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales), United States.

International students with F1 and F2 status are not eligible to apply to an online program

Non-Academic Considerations include, but are not limited to

• Evidence of leadership in nursing (Professional organizations, committees, etc.)
• Potential for leadership in an advanced role as evidenced by reference letters
• Professional nursing work experience
• Diversity of work or life experience (For example: experience with other cultures, study/travel/work abroad, community service, military service, degree in other field, volunteerism or other related extracurricular activities)
• Curriculum vitae/resume which includes educational background, honors, nursing experience, professional membership(s), and community service
• Permanent resident of Texas or TTUHSC service area/county or TTUHSC campus location
• First generation college student
• Fluent in a language in addition to English

Track-specific Requirements

• Experience in nursing informatics or technology (minimum super user experience) is required
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience
• Response to Track specific essay questions
• Participate in an interview with faculty if selected for an interview
• Application

It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that their application is complete: Application Instructions

All application fees and placement fees/enrollment deposits are non-refundable.  Please be sure you are applying for the correct term/program before submitting your application.

Additional Information to Note

• It is to your advantage to include as much information as possible in your application including any certifications you may have (i.e. BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, etc.), information on any professional nursing organizations of you may be a member, current and previous work experience. Additional tips can be found by reviewing Tips for a Successful Application to the Graduate Program .
• There are two steps to submitting the application. First, submit all application fields and submit the application. Within 24-48 hours, supplemental items will post on your status page. This is the second step you will be required to complete. Application will be marked complete once all supplemental items are received.
• Ensure that all required application documents are received by the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant, not that of TTUHSC, to make sure that your application is complete and submitted. We will not contact you for missing items.
• If you already have your MSN degree and are interested in applying for the post-master's certificate program, you will need to follow a different application process which is outlined on the websites for the post-master's tracks.

Important Reminder About Transcripts

• Once you have submitted your application, official transcripts must be submitted by ALL colleges or universities attended. You may only request official transcripts – you may not submit an official transcript yourself.

TTUHSC School of Nursing Office of Admissions 3601 4th St. STOP 8212 Lubbock, TX 79430-8212

[email protected]

• *Effective immediately, TTUHSC School of Nursing will no longer accept transcripts transmitted through the SPEEDE system.  Please ensure your official transcripts are submitted electronically to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions.

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Learn to lead with data by earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) on the Nursing Informatics track at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston.

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Data can be the key to positive change if you know how to analyze, manage, and apply it. Designed in partnership with the School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston, our Nursing Informatics track integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to empower our graduates to improve health care systems. Earn your DNP through the only specialty track of its kind in Texas.

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Beaula Thomas, MSN, RN, wants to make sure nurses have the support they need to effectively use emerging technologies, and Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston as inspired her to be a leader in the field of nursing informatics.

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Each DNP student at Cizik School of Nursing is assigned an advisor to guide them toward achieving their academic goals. One of these  expert faculty members award-winning Associate Professor Juliana J. Brixey , PhD, MPH, MSN, RN, who has been named a  Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association.

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Home / Nursing Informatics / Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

2024 - best nursing informatics programs, choosing a nursing informatics program, nursing informatics degree levels offered, online nursing informatics programs, what are the admissions and certification requirements, list of nursing informatics programs.

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.

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/ ).

The College of St. Scholastica

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.

• Health Informatics Online/Hybrid

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

Duke University

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.

• 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.

University of Pittsburgh

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.

• 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.

Grand Canyon University

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.

• 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.

University of Washington

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.

• Clinical Informatics Online/Hybrid

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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Troy university.

• Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership Online

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Nursing Informatics Campus

Arizona State University

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

University of Phoenix

• Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Informatics Online

University of San Diego

• Health Care Informatics Campus

University College at the University of Denver

• Online Master's in Health Data Informatics & Analytics Online

University of Colorado

• Health Care Informatics Online

Columbus State University

• Informatics concentration Online

Georgia Southwestern State University

• Nursing Informatics Online

Georgia State University

• Informatics Hybrid

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Master of Science in Health Informatics Online
• Health Systems Leadership and Informatics Hybrid

Mount Mercy University

University of kansas, university of maryland.

• Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus

Massachusetts

Regis college.

• Nursing Leadership/Health Informatics Online

Ferris State University

University of michigan.

• Leadership, Analytics, and Innovation Campus
• Health Informatics Online

University of Minnesota

• Post-Baccalaureate: Nursing Informatics Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Nursing Information Systems Campus

Rutgers School of Nursing

• Informatics Campus

Thomas Edison State University

Nyu rory meyers college of nursing, north carolina, the university of north carolina at chapel hill.

• BSN to DNP: Informatics Campus

University of North Carolina Wilmington

• Technology And Informatics Online

Pennsylvania

Desales university.

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics with MSIS in Data Analytics Online Campus

Middle Tennessee State University

• Nursing Informatics Concentration Online

Texas Tech University

• Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus
• MSN Nursing Informatics Campus

West Texas A&M University

University of utah.

• MS Nursing Informatics Campus
• Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate Campus

Liberty University

• Clinical Informatics Online

WGU Washington

• M.S. Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) Online

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• BS to DNP: Clinical Nurse Specialist- Nursing Informatics Campus

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

MS in Nursing Informatics

College of nursing, bridge technology and patient care.

Improve the outcome of patients by developing and delivering user-friendly and patient-centric systems that enhance clinical workflows, inform decision making, and improve patient care.

Why Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics is a dynamic, interdisciplinary healthcare specialty with no end to new opportunities and challenges as clinical and health IT systems evolve.

Nurse Informaticists practice wherever you find health information! Our graduates work for healthcare systems, public health, EHR/decision support vendors, software and analytic companies….

An MS (Nursing Informatics) prepares you with analytic skills and knowledge to improve systems that support clinical decision making, bridge technology and patient care, and move into leadership roles that influence systems of care.

Leads to a well-paying job.   List of potential job titles/roles:

• Nurse informaticist
• Clinical system analyst
• Chief clinical informatics officer
• Any management role that requires informatics expertise  

Program Information

The NI program is online with full-time and part-time options . The faculty are nationally-known nursing informatics leaders with practical and research experience at the University of Utah, Intermountain Health, and the VA.

The NI curriculum is interdisciplinary and a mix of informatics and other courses to build your informatics and leadership skills and systems-level thinking. Informatics-related courses range from systems analysis, programming, clinical decision support, standards and terminology for interoperability, and more. Most of the informatics courses are co-offered with the Biomedical Informatics Department allowing you to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden your horizon.

Why Nursing Informatics at the U?

History of excellence and integration with clinical systems.

• One of the first Nursing Informatics programs in the United States, with a long history of informatics excellence.
• Faculty are nationally-known nursing informatics leaders with practical and research experience at the University of Utah, Intermountain Healthcare, and the VA.
• Opportunity to learn in clinical settings that are advanced in the informatics space – University of Utah Health and Intermountain are leaders in clinical informatics, clinical decision support and standards development. 

Affordable Program

The total program expense is less than $38,000 (total program cost is based off of number of credit hours taken per semester and is subject to change).

We offer flat-rate tuition for our online program no matter what state someone resides in.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Students receive:

• Guidance from nationally-recognized faculty with a broad range of operational and research experience
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with Biomedical Informatics students and faculty 
• A program of study that promotes collaboration and creativity useful in future work environments
• An interdisciplinary curriculum, with a mix of informatics and other courses to build your informatics and leadership skills and systems-level thinking
• Most of the informatics course are co-offered with the Department of Biomedical Informatics allowing you to build interdisciplinary skills and broaden your horizon! 

Exposure to the Real World of Informatics

Engage with informatics leaders in the community through: 

• Faculty have informatics leadership roles at Intermountain and/or extensive experience in the NI role
• Seminars (e.g. biomedical informatics grand rounds, seminars, and other social events)
• Special events (e.g., Show & Tell with the telemedicine program at Intermountain Healthcare)

Practicum experiences and placements: 

• We help students find practicum placements that meet their goals 
• We have a strong partnership with the University of Utah Healthcare, Intermountain, Utah Department of Health, and the VA, all of which are potential sites for practicum experiences.
• Students have opportunities for practical experiences if they take optional credits. 

Nursing Informatics Conference Engagement Scholarship

Through a generous alumni donation, a scholarship is available to support College of Nursing students’ engagement in the Informatics community and covers up to $1,000 for expenses to attend and present at a conference. To be eligible, applicants must be a currently enrolled nursing student (either full-time or part-time) with an informatics focus, including (but not limited to) students in the MS Nursing Informatics program, Informatics certificate program, or the PhD program. Other eligibility criteria and details about the scholarship are available here . For more information, please contact Chris Macintosh  or Jia-Wen Guo .

Top-Ranked Program

The University of Utah College of Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program is ranked #2 in the United States .

Program Manager Kristen Mahoney [email protected]

Specialty Track Director Christopher Macintosh, PhD, RN [email protected]

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What Is Nursing Informatics

5 min read • July, 05 2023

Minutes count when nurses provide patient care. Efficiency begins with accurate patient health information. An electronic health records (EHR) or electronic medical records (EMR) system offers the ability to quickly access and review accurate and secure patient health information. That is if the organization's technology allows nurses to access that information efficiently.

Nurses understand when information is necessary for providing clinical care to their patients. That's where the role of nursing informatics comes in. Nursing informatics bridges the gap between health care's clinical and technological perspectives. Nurses should advocate for the innovative use of nursing informatics while always keeping sight of their focus on patient safety and privacy. 

What Is Informatics in Nursing? 

The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing informatics as the integration of nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. This data approach to patient care enhances the clinical experience for health care providers and patients.

What Skills and Education Are Required for an Informatics Nurse?

First and foremost, it's necessary to be a registered nurse (RN) to work in nursing informatics. Most organizations prefer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and some may prefer a master's degree in health informatics or a similar field. 

Some universities offer courses or certificate programs to develop the required technical skills, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers an Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) . An active RN license, at least two years of nursing experience, and 30 hours of continuing education in nursing informatics are required to take the ANCC exam.

Essential informatics nurse skills include:

• Clinical experience and an understanding of the information needs of a health care setting
• Proficiency in EHRs, data analytics, and other health care technologies
• An ability to adapt to emerging technology and skills in data analysis and interpretation
• Project management skills related to system implementation, upgrades, or process improvements
• Strong communication skills to educate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams regarding technology use
• The ability to promote advocacy for nursing ethics and patient safety and privacy

What Are the Common Applications of Nursing Informatics?

An informatics nurse works in various settings to aid in using information systems. They may find ways to optimize an organization's current EHR system.

The role of the informatics nurse can vary depending upon the health care setting and the organization, but it's rooted in system design and implementation, education, research, and quality improvements.

Common Roles in Nursing Informatics Include:

• Nursing Informatics Specialist. This person may be in charge of information technology solutions and educating nurses. They may also work as an executive or analyst. The informatics nurse possesses a strong understanding of both nursing and technology. Tasks may also include ensuring the integrity and security of health care data.
• Clinical Informatics Nurse. This role works to optimize the use of EHRs and other clinical systems, customize workflows, and identify opportunities for process improvement. If this is a leadership role , such as a chief nursing informatics officer (CNIO), tasks may include strategizing and identifying trends to develop a vision and plan for implementing informatics.
• Informatics Nurse Consultant. A consultant may assist with system selection, project management, and workflow redesign. The informatics nurse consultant provides guidance and support as organizations implement health technology systems. 

What Is the Value of Nursing Informatics in Health Care?

Nursing time is expensive. When nursing informatics can improve data handling, it makes it easier for nurses to provide quality patient care more efficiently and effectively. 

Other benefits of nursing informatics include:

• Improved patient care and outcomes. Optimized EHRs can allow nurses and other health care providers to quickly glean patient information if data is collected, analyzed, and shared effectively.
• Enhanced patient safety. More accurate documentation and better access to patient information may minimize medical errors and improve communication between health care providers and patients . 
• Streamlined workflow. Improved efficiency and simpler workloads reduce the time and frustration that nurses may have with administrative burdens, allowing more time for patient care.
• Research and quality improvements. Access to timely, correct data and the ability to analyze it can support research, quality improvement initiatives, and innovation . These efforts may assist in implementing evidence-based practice.
• Virtual care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing informatics stepped up to implement and support more telehealth and virtual health care platforms .
• Data-driven decision making. Access to real-time data and analytics can allow for better-informed decisions and proactive care interventions. 

Nursing informatics is a fast-growing field that plays a vital role in leveraging technology and data to transform health care delivery, enhance patient outcomes, and advance the nursing profession. This nursing role bridges a health care organization's systems, nursing staff, and providers, including nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. Incorporating informatics in nursing offers valuable input into how technological systems should be designed and implemented from a nursing perspective.

Images sourced from Getty Images

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Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC™)

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Nursing (Nursing Informatics), MS

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Informatics, MS in Nursing, Master's Degree in Nursing, Nursing Informatics, nursing

The MS program in nursing with a concentration in nursing informatics provides registered nurses with advanced preparation to integrate technological expertise and data management skills in health care settings to improve access to health care, enhance health care quality and safety, and reduce health care costs. This program supports preparation for the national certifications Registered Nurse-Board Certified and Certified Professionals in Health Information and Management Systems.

• College/school: Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

38 credit hours including the required Applied Project Course (NUR 593)

Required Core (18 credit hours) DNP 601 Theoretical Foundations for Advance Practice Nursing (3) DNP 602 Evaluating Research for Practice (3) DNP 604 Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (4) DNP 608 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan (3) NUR 501 Individual and Innovation Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice (3) NUR 502 Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Health Promotion I (2)

Concentration (15 credit hours) BMI 601 Fundamentals of Health Informatics (3) BMI 603 Health Informatics Database Modeling and Applications (3) NUR 530 Foundational Concepts for Nursing Informatics (3) NUR 531 Advanced Concepts in Nursing Informatics (3) NUR 539 Role-Focused Practicum: Nursing Informatics (3)

Other Requirements (2 credit hours) NUR 509 Clinical Prevention and Population Health Practicum (2)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) NUR 593 Applied Project (3)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• three professional letters of recommendation
• goal statement
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency per the Graduate College requirement and all requirements for the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

All students are also required to have an unencumbered Arizona RN license or an unencumbered compact state RN license as mandated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing. The RN license must remain unencumbered throughout enrollment in any nursing program.

An interview with program faculty is required.

There are no required admission examinations for this program.

Health and safety requirements include passing disposition on a background clearance and satisfactory completion of a substance screen.

Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation | HLTHN 113 [email protected] 602-496-0937

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Nursing Informatics

Post-master's certificate in nursing informatics.

Vanderbilt School of Nursing now offers a four semester Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Informatics . The 18-credit part-time program is designed for either graduate-prepared nurses working in nursing informatics or graduate-prepared nurses desiring to make a transition into nursing informatics. The certificate program will provide learners with foundational and advanced concepts of nursing informatics that have been designed to prepare them for a variety of informatics roles with a focus on analytics. The certificate program contains six courses taken over four semesters, starting in the spring semester.

What about a practicum?

The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Post-Master’s Certificate program does not contain a practicum requirement.

What is the cost of the program?

View  financial aid and contact information  at VUSN.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at  https://apply.vanderbilt.edu/apply

Post-Master's Certificate Option for Nursing Informatics  

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What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Health Informatics?

Health Informatics Jobs Overview

• Top-Paying Undergraduate Jobs
• Top-Paying Graduate Jobs

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Health informatics is a multidisciplinary field that uses information technology to improve healthcare. Informatics specialists, or informaticists, analyze data to identify trends and optimize resources.

The demand for skilled health informatics professionals continues to grow as healthcare increasingly relies on data and technology .

Health informatics professionals play a crucial role in fostering innovation that can ultimately lead to greater efficiency, effectiveness, and personalized healthcare. On this page, you’ll discover some of the highest-paying jobs in health informatics, including career trends and outlooks, regardless of whether you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field.

Popular Online Master’s in Health Informatics Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Health informatics involves managing and analyzing data from electronic health records (EHR) systems to support clinical decision-making at the point of care using health data.

The health informatics field includes broad job titles such as:

• Health Informatics Specialists: Develop and implement health information systems
• Data Analysts: Analyze healthcare data to identify trends and improve outcomes
• Computer and Information Research Scientists: Solve complex healthcare computing problems

Nursing informatics is a specialized branch that integrates nursing science with information technology solutions to influence nursing practice and patient care outcomes.

The field is experiencing growth due to healthcare employers increasingly adopting digital health solutions. There’s a high demand for skilled professionals and salaries are competitive, with advanced positions commanding higher pay because of the specialized skills required. While undergraduate positions in health informatics offer entry-level opportunities, graduate-level positions tend to offer higher salaries, greater responsibilities, and an increased opportunity for advancement.

The Highest-Paying Undergraduate Health Informatics Jobs

Health informatics professionals earn average salaries ranging from $76,000-$100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

As in many other professions, health informatics salaries are influenced by geographical location, experience, and work setting. Note that some employers may prefer graduate-level degrees for the following positions.

1 | Health IT Project Manager

A health IT project manager oversees technology projects in a healthcare setting. The IT project manager plans, executes, and closes projects while managing teams and coordinating with stakeholders. These professionals must have expertise in both healthcare and IT, along with strong leadership and problem-solving skills. They play a vital role in implementing important systems like EHRs and telemedicine to improve care delivery and patient outcomes.

Average Annual Salary: $100,984

2 | Informatics Nurse

Informatics nurses combine their expertise in IT and patient care to help hospitals and other facilities optimize EHRs, data, and important software applications. They may help develop and implement systems and train other users on how to best use data and technology in the workplace.

Average Annual Salary: $84,433

3 | Clinical Informatics Specialist

Clinical informatics specialists work with data produced by healthcare facilities, including data collected by EHRs, imaging databases, and other sources. In smaller practices, the clinical informatics specialist is more of an IT generalist, establishing systems and policies while assisting staff and other users with data entry and evaluation. Many clinical informatics specialists have patient care backgrounds.

Average Annual Salary: $83,132

4 | Health Information Management Director

The health information management or HIM director typically leads the medical coding and records departments. This includes both overseeing operations and collaborating with other stakeholders including top executives to determine needs and strategy. Depending on the size of the facility, the HIM director could manage a handful of people or a large number of employees. Along with a bachelor’s degree, this position often requires experience with medical coding or records.

Average Annual Salary: $79,720

5 | Health Informatics Specialist

The health informatics specialist helps develop IT applications, processes, and other tools that help care providers use healthcare data more effectively. They typically work in healthcare facilities and systems to establish and maintain the organization’s information technology systems.

Average Annual Salary: $76,288

The Highest-Paying Graduate Health Informatics Jobs

Graduate-level health informatics jobs leverage advanced expertise in technology and healthcare to improve patient care, data management, and operational efficiency. These professionals oversee health information systems and ensure the security and integrity of medical data. A growing reliance on digital solutions has increased the demand for skilled health informatics professionals.For these positions, a master’s degree is either required or strongly preferred by employers.

1 | Chief Information Officer

While this is a figure for all CIOs, there is evidence that averages may be higher for chief information officers (CIO) in a healthcare context. In fact, one report placed the average health system CIO salary at around $460,000. As with many other positions in healthcare, the size of the employer often plays a role in CIO salaries.

It only makes sense that graduate-level training in health informatics would be a cornerstone of many healthcare CIO resumes. In this role, healthcare CIOs serve on the executive team, overseeing technology operations and making key decisions regarding IT strategy, personnel, and resources.

Average Annual Salary: $175,655

2 | Computer and Information Scientist

Healthcare computer and information research scientists develop innovative technological solutions that improve healthcare delivery. They conduct research that ultimately leads to better systems and methods of addressing complex challenges. Many of today’s computer and information scientists use artificial intelligence to design personalized care plans and improve data analysis. These professionals collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure technology meets clinical needs.

Average Annual Salary: $110,028

3 | Clinical Informatics Manager

Think of the clinical informatics manager as the connection point between the IT department and the healthcare operation. These professionals collect and interpret healthcare data and share the findings with providers to improve patient care. Clinical informatics managers focus on helping to monitor, maintain, and improve safety.

Average Annual Salary: $105,664

4 | Bioinformatics Scientist

A bioinformatics scientist applies computational techniques to analyzing and interpreting medical data. They use software to analyze genomic data and clinical trial results, which ultimately helps personalize medicine through tools like predictive modeling. By collaborating with clinicians, researchers, and IT professionals, they help to translate complex data into actionable medical functions.

Average Annual Salary: $101,408

5 | Information Systems Manager

A healthcare information systems manager ensures that the technological infrastructure—including EHRs, databases, and networks—is operating securely and seamlessly. They work closely with the IT department to implement new technologies that improve patient care and streamline administrative operations. Importantly, healthcare information systems managers must ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and protect sensitive patient data.

Average Annual Salary: $92,580

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Informatics Jobs

Is health informatics a good career.

Yes, there is a growing demand for health informatics professionals. The field has a high earning potential and significantly affects healthcare quality. Professionals in this field can receive opportunities that allow them to innovate, improve patient outcomes, and be employed in diverse work settings.

What does a health informaticist do?

A health informaticist is typically responsible for managing and analyzing health data to improve patient care and operational efficiency. They may develop electronic health record systems and ensure data integrity and security to optimize patient outcomes.

What is the highest salary in health informatics?

A healthcare chief information officer makes an average of about $176,000 per year according to Payscale. Other six-figure positions in health informatics include healthcare computer and information scientist, clinical informatics manager, and bioinformatics scientist. However, salary is influenced by geographical location, experience, work setting, organizational structure, and additional certifications.

What is an example of informatics in healthcare?

An example of using informatics in a healthcare system is the electronic health record (EHR). The EHR allows healthcare providers such as nurses, physicians, and therapists to record, store, and access information digitally. This improves communication and coordination and reduces errors. The goal of an EHR is to improve patient outcomes using real-time data that’s shared with healthcare professionals.

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Nursing Informatics Career Overview

A career in nursing informatics offers fulfilling work, high salaries, and strong career advancement opportunities. Read on for information on nursing informatics and how to enter the field.

How Technology Has Changed the Role of Nursing

Learn how nurses use technology to enhance the level of care they deliver to patients and future technology trends in healthcare.

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Nursing Education - M.S.N.

Concentration, learning format.

The Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) with a concentration in Nursing Education is designed for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing who wish to expand their careers into education. All courses are offered in a hybrid/blended learning format, combining online with traditional on-campus classroom experiences. The program prepares nurses with a strong theoretical foundation in research, nursing and related theories, healthcare policy, ethics, cultural competency, and informatics/technology as well as practice expertise as a nurse educator.

Program Accreditation The master’s degree in nursing at Framingham State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

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Admission Requirements

Note: Applications are accepted only for enrollment in the fall semester every year. The following admission and degree requirements will be effective for Fall 2013 MSN students.

• Applicants must complete the online graduate admission application .
• Applicants must submit the $50.00 application fee.
• Applicants must have an unrestricted RN license.
• Applicants are required to possess an overall undergraduate grade point average (QPA) or at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, and a minimum of a 3.25 QPA in undergraduate nursing courses.
• Applicants who do not meet the above criteria for undergraduate QPA may be asked to take the Miller Analogies Test.
• Applicants must have completed an undergraduate, introductory course in statistics with a minimum grade of C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale).
• Applicants must have a personal interview with the Nursing Chairperson or Graduate Program Coordinator.
• Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from nurses with an MSN who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in a master’s program, submitted on the Framingham State University Letter of Recommendation form and sent directly to the University by the recommender.
• Applicants must submit a typed, 300-word personal statement discussing their motivation for seeking a master’s degree in view of prior formal education, current job responsibilities, and career plans.

Courses Before Admission and Transfer Credit Transfer coursework is not accepted for the MSN program.

Program Requirements

This program consists of ten (10) course credits or 40 semester hours. Students take a Common Core of six (6) courses, and then four (4) concentration courses. A thesis, an evidence-based research project/paper, will be completed as part of the requirements for the Common Core courses.

• NURC 905 Health and Education Resources and Policies
• NURC 915 Advanced Technology and Nursing Informatics
• NURC 925 Ethical, Social, and Cultural Competencies
• NURC 935 Essential Preparation for Advanced Nursing Role
• NURC 971 Nursing Theory and Research I
• NURC 972 Nursing Theory and Research II
• NURE 941 Curriculum Design and Evaluation
• NURE 951 Course Development and Implementation
• NURE 981 Advanced Teaching Methods
• NURE 991 Application of Technology to Education

Effective as of the 2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

Learning Outcomes

The MSN Program will prepare graduates who will be able to:

Analyze current trends in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment in order to fulfill the role of nurse educator and nurse leader.

Evaluate nursing research findings to provide evidence-based guidelines to identify and solve practice and systems problems.

Integrate social, ethical, cultural, and interpersonal competencies in the delivery of individualized and comprehensive nursing care at the three levels of preventive health care: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Apply nursing informatics and technology to enhance evidence-based nursing practice.

Examine the role of the nurse leader and nurse educator as it relates to policy and politics in the workplace, organizations, government, community, and healthcare delivery and finance.

Role model leadership and education skills through communication, collaboration, and change processes for interdisciplinary team members.

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Lisa Jean Thomas

Susan M. Mullaney, Ed.D., RN, CNE

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Introducing MCNY’s New MS in Health Informatics

Health informatics is a rapidly growing field within the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for health information technologists and other related positions is expected to grow much faster than the national average 1 — opening the door to many job opportunities.

Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is excited to introduce a new Master of Science in Health Informatics for those interested in furthering their careers by joining this growing field. Request more information about our one-year, online program here!

What Is Health Informatics?

Health informatics professionals use biomedical data, information, and knowledge for scientific inquiry and problem-solving. Through data analytics and artificial intelligence insights, they can drive innovations in the healthcare industry, such as making impacts in predictive medicine and tracking epidemics.

While the field can be confused with health information technology and bioinformatics, health informatics focuses on actual health data and information (including its collection, processing, analysis and use). The focus is on data and its use in decision-making, rather than providing the tools to do so. The industry’s demand for evidence-based medicine, quality improvement, and patient data security and accessibility is fueling a need for well-trained health informatics professionals.

What Do Health Informatics Professionals Do?

Professionals in this field work in various positions and carry out job duties that involve:

• Safeguarding patient data
• Collecting and analyzing data to improve health outcomes
• Optimizing data to communicate with other healthcare providers securely and efficiently
• Applying biomedical data effectively for scientific inquiry and decision-making
• Utilizing data analytics and AI to innovate healthcare
• Developing medical technology, public health strategies and digitized healthcare records
• Integrating electronic health records smoothly with existing systems for enhanced healthcare services

The field requires job candidates to have the highly specialized knowledge and skills needed to support the adoption and use of health information systems and data science tools. From data analytic skills, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively — MCNY’s master’s program equips students with these necessary skills.

What Are Career Areas in Health Informatics?

Those interested in making a difference in the healthcare field, but who may not want to work directly with patients as a medical professional, might be a good fit for the health informatics field. Health informatics professionals make a positive impact on patients indirectly, while also contributing to the healthcare industry.

Career areas in health informatics include:

• Public health informatics, which uses IT to educate the public, track medical research and innovate in the field.
• Organizational informatics, which studies communication and data collation within medical organizations.
• Social informatics, which researches the social impact of computerization and society’s perception of IT systems.
• Clinical informatics, which examines how IT influences clinical research, medical education and patient perception.

Where Do Professionals in This Industry Work and What Are Their Job Titles?

Everyday job duties vary across different health informatics careers, with most positions involving some type of data protection and analysis. Job settings also range widely, including private and public sector government agencies, hospitals and clinics, consulting and software firms, research institutions, and insurance companies, just to name a few.

Health informatics is a diverse field that can lead to many different career paths, including:

• Health informatics consultant
• Health informatics specialist
• Public health informaticist
• Medical and health services manager
• Management analyst
• Clinical analyst
• Clinical informatics specialist
• Nursing informatics specialist
• Pharmacy or nutrition informaticist
• Clinical informatics manager
• Informatics director

What Is the Earning Potential Within Health Informatics?

Job titles, career paths and employment locations vary widely within the health informatics field, leading to a wide salary range as well. Below you’ll find estimated employment outlook figures for specific health information–related fields.

How Do I Become a Professional in the Field of Health Informatics?

Because health informatics is a technical and business-oriented career, most related positions require a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is typically preferred for higher-level and higher-paying roles.

The healthcare industry’s demand for evidence-based medicine, quality improvement, and patient data security and accessibility is fueling a need for well-trained health informatics professionals. Metropolitan College of New York’s Master’s in Health Informatics prepares students to meet that need by teaching them how to work with big data to improve patient outcomes.

What Does One Study in the Health Informatics Master’s Program?

In just one year, students gain a transformative master’s-level education in health informatics at MCNY. Topics of study include:

• Health informatics and health information systems
• Clinical informatics
• Healthcare information technology project management
• The business of health informatics
• Data mining and visualization
• Artificial intelligence in healthcare
• Security and privacy in health informatics
• Database management systems
• Analysis and reporting in healthcare
• Biomedical sciences and health information technology
• Leading and managing clinical information systems projects and change
• Big data and information systems

Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze real and complex health data, manage evolving health information systems, and support the continuing transition to electronic health records.

What Is the Future of the Health Informatics Field?

With the goal of improving patient care through a combination of communication, data information and healthcare, health informatics is not only a growing field but also an increasingly vital one.

The digitization of healthcare has already begun, and progression in artificial intelligence, data security standards and big data is increasingly affecting the healthcare industry. The need to respond to these changing technologies fuels the growing need for professionals prepared to lead the industry into the future.

You will join MCNY’s 12,000+ active alumni network that works throughout New York State and the country in NGOs, the healthcare industry, in the government and in government agencies. Apply to Metropolitan College of New York’s MS in Health Informatics and start learning how to make an impactful difference in healthcare today!

Sources List

1 (2024, April 17). Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/health-information-technologists-and-medical-registrars.htm

2 (2024, April 17). Medical and Health Services Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm

3 (2024, April 17). Management Analysts. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm

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