Master of Science in Nursing Informatics

Talk with us.

Learn more about how our program works
and what you need to get started

Build your expertise in the growing field of nursing informatics and use data to improve patient care.

Data-Informed Healthcare

Learn to leverage data for the purpose of improving patient outcomes and strengthening quality and safety across the healthcare system. This fully online program will prepare you to work in Nursing Informatics, a field where nursing, data science and information technology work together for the greater good.

Through online courses, practical experiences, and our ACEN-accredited curriculum, you鈥檒l learn how to use data to respond to health care problems, improve care and organizational operations, and make information-based decisions in a variety of health organizations.

Courses are a combination of 8 and 15-week long and fully online, giving you the freedom to work at your own pace. The content includes a graduate nursing core and courses in Nursing Informatics, which culminates in a capstone project.

Upon graduation, you鈥檒l be prepared to manage complex health information in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, public health firms, research laboratories, and insurance agencies. Graduates of our program work in the following positions: clinical informatics specialist, informatics nurse, health IT project manager, clinical informatics manager, chief medical information officer, and chief nursing informatics officer.

Bonus Opportunities

If you鈥檙e a registered nurse without a bachelor鈥檚 degree, see our dual degree RN to MS in Nursing Informatics
精东影业 is home to Tau Kappa-at-Large, a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society for baccalaureate and graduate nursing students.

See if the MS in Nursing Informatics is the right program for you: Review our program requirements.

Dedicated Support

Here for you from start to finish

200,000+ Alumni

Join our global network

Start October 26

Courses start every 8 weeks

PROGRAM DETAILS

Online MS in Nursing Informatics

Degree Requirements 36 Credits

Major Core36 Credits

What courses will I take?

Degree Pathway

Master of Science in Nursing Informatics

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 1 - Term 1
This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of nursing practice through the exploration of nursing theories, organizational change models, and learning theories. The application of theories relevant to nursing practice will be emphasized. The examination of multiple theories and their implications on nursing knowledge development and practice will serve as a foundation for future graduate courses. In addition to the classroom discussions and written assignments, students will engage in a 1-hour practice experience that will support new understanding of professional practice. This is an 8-week 3-credit hour course requiring a minimum of 18 hours of course engagement each week (refer to the Credit Hour Calculation Policy found in the Student Handbook.) Course engagement includes student activities such as discussions, reading, study time, practice experience, and assignments.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license.

Credit Hours
3

Major Requirement
Year 1 - Term 2
This course explores historical knowledge development through the examination of nursing as an art and a science. The science of nursing will be examined through the fundamental patterns of knowing and the science of knowing. The masters-prepared nurse will develop the ability to apply ethical and moral reasoning, evidence-based competencies, and leadership strategies to promote innovation and to transform nursing practice. Students will use the spirit of inquiry, combined with personal creativity, and the translation of evidence to enhance interprofessional collaboration.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license. NUR502 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice.

Credit Hours
3

Major Requirement
Year 1 - Term 3
This course focuses on the development of the nurse as a role model and mentor for the translation and generation of health care evidence in clinical practice. The goals of research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement will be highlighted, and the principles of each will be applied to the clinical setting. Students will examine personal practice in relation to policy and current evidence, and explore grant writing. The integration of theory, evidence, cultural considerations, leadership, ethics, and clinical judgement when implementing change will be emphasized. The student will develop a knowledge base that will prepare them to collaborate with inter-professional teams and embrace leadership roles that initiate, implement, and evaluate innovative practice changes.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license.

Credit Hours
4

Major Requirement
Year 1 - Term 4
This course examines public policy, political ideology and ethics as they shape health policy across populations. Political ideology, social and health policy are considered within the lens of population-based health and reducing health disparities. The role of the master s prepared nurse to lead and advocate within the public policy arena is explored and discussed. Contemporary issues in health policy viewed from the perspective of ethics and the social and material determinants of health are considered. A primary focus of the course is consideration and development of the knowledge and skills that the master s prepared nurse needs to be a change agent in health policy. This is an 8 week 4 credit hour course requiring a minimum of 18 hours of course engagement each week (refer to the Credit Hour Calculation Policy found in the Student Handbook.) Course engagement includes student activities such as discussions, readings, study time, and assignments.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license.

Credit Hours
4

Major Requirement
Year 1 - Term 5
This course provides an overview of clinical decision support focusing on the identification, acquisition, analysis, interpretation and application of data, databases, and decision making strategies which influence health care decisions for improved health care. The course delves into knowledge management and artificial intelligence and its impact on clinical decision making and patient safety. Using a consultant s lens, the student will engage in organizational analysis to determine the best decision support system for implementation based on the needs of the clinicians within their chosen organization. Further, the student determines an implementation approach and plan, and identifies goals while evaluating the effectiveness of the selected system.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license, all Nursing Phase I courses.

Credit Hours
3

Zero Textbook Cost

Major Requirement
Year 1 - Term 6
Epidemiology has long been an integral part of disease prevention and treatment interventions. Recent pandemics have spurred interest in understanding how disease spreads and how to stop the spread. Epidemiology provides valuable insights into what makes people healthy, chronic disease prevention, and an evidence base to create and test interventions. In this course, you will develop an understanding of disease etiology and surveillance strategies. You will learn how to use data to identify trends in morbidity and mortality, as well as how this data can inform public health policy and best practices.

Prerequisites
None

Credit Hours
3

Zero Textbook Cost

Major Requirement
Year 2 - Term 1
The focus of Management of Fiscal and Operational Systems is to provide a foundation in the financial aspect and business strategies of health care in order to maximize organizational performance. Learners acquire knowledge and skills in developing and analyzing budgets, assessing/accessing variances, judging benchmarking, regulatory requirements, interprofessional collaboration, and forecasting future assets and revenues. This course encompasses the analysis of the environment that challenges health care organizations to maintain safe, quality patient care while shifting to meet regulatory and external requirements. The role of the masters prepared nurse, Nurse Manager, and Chief Nursing Officer in interprofessional financial planning for quality, safety, and financial stability will be addressed.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license, all Nursing Phase I courses.

Credit Hours
3

Alternative Courses Available

Major Elective
Year 2 - Term 2
This is a course offering graduate nursing students the opportunity to focus on concepts involved in the design of a database. Specifically, we ll examine the usage, management, and evaluation of data through the application of basic concepts of database design as well as knowledge of data representation, data sets, and data integrity. Through the use of databases, critical discernment and reasoning are applied in composing queries and reports to assess healthcare problem prominence and identify solutions. Through course readings, incorporation of the ANA Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice, discussion boards, and an individual project, students will build upon basic knowledge of data information, the data knowledge continuum, security of databases, and develop an understanding of large scale information system environments in order to understand risk, improve care delivery, and provide guidance in the integration of technology in nursing practice.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license, all Nursing Phase I courses.

Credit Hours
3

Major Requirement
Year 2 - Term 3
This course focuses on a structured methodology to select, develop, and maintain a system; this approach is called the system development life cycle (SDLC). The course incorporates six modules corresponding to the four phases of the systems life cycle: planning, analysis, design, and implementation. System projects as they move through this life cycle require definition of requirements, business need determination and combine various models to provide a design framework; and the management of projects also will include the integration of organizational behavior concepts.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license, all Nursing Phase I courses.

Credit Hours
4

Major Requirement
Year 2 - Term 5
The Graduate Nursing Informatics Capstone Experience is a culminating experience designed to provide learners with an opportunity to apply nursing informatics knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program of study focusing on the competencies of the graduate-level nurse informatics leader. This six-credit course consists of several integrated components: project experience, discussion, assignments, and project presentation. Assessment of the learner's attainment of program competencies is built into these components. This course includes 135 practice experience hours that must be successfully completed with an approved mentor. No additional hours will be awarded beyond the 135 hours.

Prerequisites
Active and unencumbered RN license. Capstone is the last course taken, and all major core courses must be completed prior to beginning the capstone. Students can only take an elective or concentration course with the capstone.

Credit Hours
6

Major Requirement

REQUEST INFO

精东影业 knows Nursing

For over 50 years, 精东影业 has served the needs of new and established nurses by providing access to a high-quality, accessible, and affordable online nursing education.

A top producer of nurses in New York state, 精东影业 has a network of over 60,000 nursing alumni across the nation. These professionals serve and lead the nursing profession in a variety of capacities. They are a testament to our mission of "preparing highly competent, practice-ready nurses who are equipped to meet the complex needs of diverse populations and communities."

Explore Common Careers

Nursing informatics helps streamline workflows and improve patient safety by integrating data analytics into care planning, reducing medical errors, and optimizing treatment plans. The demand for nursing informaticists is expected to rise as health care systems implement electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, and other tech solutions.

Danielle Beasley, PhD, RN, RNC-OB, CNE

Accreditations & Recognitions

Institutional Accreditation

精东影业 is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission) . 精东影业鈥檚 accreditation status is accreditation reaffirmed. The Commission鈥檚 most recent action on the institution鈥檚 accreditation status on June 23, 2022 was to reaffirm accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission鈥檚 geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States.

精东影业鈥檚 academic programs are registered by the and/or have Florida-based licensing with the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928).

ACEN Accreditation

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems, Master of Science in Nursing Education, Master of Science in Nursing Informatics, RN to Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems, RN to Master of Science in Nursing Education, and RN to Master of Science in Nursing Informatics programs at 精东影业 located in Albany, NY, are accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN to bachelor鈥檚 program, master鈥檚 nursing program, and RN to master鈥檚 nursing programs is continuing accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding these programs at .

FAQ

Can I work in both nursing and IT fields with this degree?

Yes, an MS in Nursing Informatics can lead to careers that blend both nursing and information technology. Although it might not be a direct bridge into all IT fields, this degree provides a strong foundation for roles that require both clinical and technical expertise, such as nursing informatics specialist, telehealth project manager, or health care data analyst.

How long does it take to complete 精东影业鈥檚 MS in Nursing Informatics program?

The 精东影业 Master of Science in Nursing Informatics program is designed to be completed at the student鈥檚 pace. The program length for part-time students is 4 years and 2 years for full-time students. Students in the program are required to complete all degree requirements within six years of enrollment.

What types of jobs can I get with an MS in Nursing Informatics?

Roles for MS in Nursing Informatics graduates include clinical informatics specialist, informatics nurse, health IT project manager, and clinical informatics manager. Other common careers include informatics analyst, systems analyst, or leadership positions like chief medical information officer or chief nursing informatics officer.

Is nursing informatics in high demand?

Health care organizations are increasingly reliant on technology and data, which has created a strong need for nursing informatics professionals skilled in both nursing and information technology. This demand is projected to grow significantly in the coming years as technology advances.

Do I need prior nursing or IT experience to enroll?

精东影业鈥檚 MS in Nursing Informatics program is designed for working registered nurses and assumes a higher level of nursing experience. IT experience is helpful but not required. To apply to this program, you must hold an active and unencumbered U.S. Registered Nurse (RN) license or equivalent and provide an official transcript showing the completion of a bachelor鈥檚 degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university, or the foreign equivalent, at an institution that was approved by ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA at the time of your attendance. Your official transcript must also show your completion of a course in statistics at the undergraduate level.

精东影业

Frequently Asked Questions