30 Best Online MSN in Nursing Informatics Degree Programs

Key Takeaways:

  • Our #1 ranking school for online MSN Nursing Informatics programs is American Sentinel University, followed by Western Governors University.
  • Online MSN in Nursing Informatics degrees ensure job security due to growing demand for nursing informatics specialists, as reported by the American Medical Informatics Association.
  • Programs were ranked based on affordability, accreditation, and recognition from major publications, ensuring high-quality education from reputable institutions.

In this article, we profile the top 30 value schools for an online MSN informatics degree program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for nurses generally grows at a faster rate than all other occupations. The favorable outlook is also true of specialty nurses with MSN degrees. Earning an MSN in nursing informatics online degree can assure you of job security. The American Medical Informatics Association reports that as many as 70,000 nursing informatics specialists may be needed in the next several years. There are a ton of other benefits for those with an MSN degree as well. Informatics is just one of the areas an MSN degree will let you focus on.

Featured Programs

Best Online Nursing Informatics Programs: Top 30 MSN Options

We looked at 158 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered MSN online degrees. We narrowed our selection of schools by choosing only programs that offered specializations in nursing or health informatics. We then applied the following criteria to further narrow our selection: accreditation with a reputable governing body and rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools in order of raw affordability.

Below is our list of the top 30 values for online MSN informatics programs.

#30 – Duke University

Online MSN in Health Informatics

Durham, North Carolina

Website

Duke University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $52,617

Duke University, one of the nation’s premier institutions, offers an MSN in nursing informatics online. This 38-credit degree program offers a distance-based curriculum and requires just two days on campus two times throughout the program. Most students are employed full-time while attending Duke, making it an ideal program for working nurses. Core classes include:

  • nurse as scholar – evidence-based practice
  • nurse as scholar – science development and statistics, population health in a global society
  • professional transitions in advanced nursing practice

Admission is competitive and requires strong GRE scores or a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Duke #8 in best national universities and #13 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #9 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#29 – Vanderbilt University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Nashville, Tennessee

Website

Vanderbilt Universitylogo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $46,297

Vanderbilt University offers an accredited online MSN in nursing informatics program designed to equip nurses for careers in health and nursing informatics. The nationally recognized program offers a strong focus on establishing foundational concepts and developing essential skills for the field. Most classes are delivered online though limited on-campus sessions may be required. Courses cover:

  • topics in advancements in analytical tools
  • emerging trends in telehealth and population health
  • new strategies in interoperability

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Vanderbilt #14 in best national universities and #7 in best value schools.

#28 – Wilkes University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Website

Wilkes University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,056

The MSN in nursing informatics online degree program at Wilkes University is a 39-credit hour online program designed for professional nurses. The program is open to working registered nurses with a strong undergraduate GPA and nursing experience. Courses are delivered online and include:

  • advanced health assessment
  • advanced nursing research
  • advanced role development in nursing
  • health policy and politics for advancing nursing practice
  • scholarly review

Nurse informatics courses include foundations of nursing informatics and a nursing informatics practicum. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Wilkes #68 in best regional universities in the North and #45 in best value schools.

#27 – University of Pittsburgh

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

University of Pittsburgh logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,140

The online MSN in nursing informatics program at the University of Pittsburgh can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. Through interactive online classes led by the University of Pittsburgh faculty, students take part in discussion, problem-solving, and community building. Courses include:

  • clinical information systems
  • database management
  • information technology project management
  • introduction to health informatics
  • methods in technology evaluation and usability
  • statistics for evidence-based practice

Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, current RN license, undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and official GRE scores. The GRE may be waived if an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better is received. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Pittsburgh #70 among the best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #23 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#26 – Nova Southeastern University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

School Profile

Nova Southeastern University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,419

Nova Southeastern University’s online nursing informatics programs are designed for working nurses with industry experience. The online MSN in nursing informatics offers various pathways of completion, including the BSN bridge. Courses are delivered online and include:

  • advanced nurse roles
  • advanced practice in nursing informatics
  • clinical decision support systems
  • database systems in health care
  • information systems project management
  • leadership in health care
  • nursing informatics practicum
  • theory and research

Admission requires an earned BSN or RN with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. U.S. News and World Report ranks Nova #191 in the best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #58 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#25 – Norwich University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Northfield, Vermont

Norwich University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,578

Norwich University’s MSN in nursing informatics online degree program is designed to help build essential skills needed to meet the critical demands of the industry. No GRE or GMAT requirements are needed to enroll, and the average completion time of the program is just 18 months. Core classes are delivered online and include:

  • advanced nursing role in the delivery of healthcare
  • quality, improvement, informatics, and healthcare technologies
  • translating and integrating scholarship into practice

Also required are 18 credits of nursing informatics classes. U.S. News and World Report ranks Norwich #74 in best regional universities in the North and #24 in best value schools.

#24 – Rutgers University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Website

Rutgers University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,984

Rutgers University’s School of Nursing offers an online MSN in nursing informatics designed to prepare students for advanced roles in nursing information systems. The degree can be completed entirely online and requires a total of 37 credits. Courses include:

  • advanced practice in nursing informatics
  • clinical inquiry for evidence-based practice
  • concepts of nursing informatics
  • information systems principles
  • information technology for evidence-based practice
  • seminar on issues in nursing informatics

Admission requirements include proof of current NJ RN license, official transcripts, and a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.2 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rutgers #56 in best national universities and #122 in best value schools.

#23 – Holy Names University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Oakland, California

Holy Names University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,570

Holy Names University offers an online master’s in nursing informatics degree program that integrates computer, information, and nursing science. Classes are held on a monthly basis with weekend intensives. Core courses required of all MSN students include:

  • health law and ethics
  • role transition of the graduate nurse
  • theoretical advanced nursing

Nurse informatics courses include:

  • data management in healthcare
  • health information technology
  • nursing informatics concepts and practice

The program requires a total of 39 credit hours to complete the degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks Holy Names #61 in the best regional universities in the West and #22 in best value schools.

#22 – University of Maryland

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Baltimore, Maryland

Website

University of Maryland logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,884

The University of Maryland offers online nursing informatics programs, including the master’s in nursing. Ranked and accredited, the online MSN degree prepares students through a rigorous curriculum and required practicum hours. Full-time and part-time completion options are available, and the program takes approximately two years or five semesters to complete. Some of the required informatics courses include:

  • healthcare database systems
  • human technology interaction in healthcare
  • information technology project management
  • nursing informatics concepts and practice in systems adoption
  • technology solutions for generating knowledge in health care

U.S. News and World Report recognizes the University of Maryland as a top school, and its graduate nursing programs have earned top 20 rankings.

#21 – University of Mary

Online MSN in Healthcare Informatics

Bismarck, North Dakota

Website

University of Mary logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,225

The nursing informatics degree online program at the University of Mary prepares RNs for careers in advanced nursing and informatics. Admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better and an unencumbered RN license. Courses are delivered fully online so that working nurses with busy schedules may participate. These courses include:

  • applied clinical informatics in patient-centered care
  • ethics and informatics
  • healthcare across the populations
  • influential nursing leadership
  • nursing informatics seminar
  • principles of informatics in healthcare professions

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Mary #111 among the best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the graduate nursing programs have earned recognition.

#20 – National University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

La Jolla, California

Website

National University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,976

National University offers an online master’s in nursing informatics degree designed for nurses seeking advanced education in informatics theory and practice. The program offers online classes and evidence-based practice resources for all MSN students. All courses are taught by experienced National University faculty. These courses include:

  • HER meaningful use
  • health informatics case study
  • health information exchange
  • system management and planning

The goal of the program is to equip registered nurses for leadership roles in informatics. This program is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report recognizes National University among the top regional universities in the West.

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#18 – West Coast University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Dallas, Texas

Website

West Coast University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,800

West Coast University offers an MSN in nursing informatics online degree program designed for RNs to transition to an advanced specialty nursing degree. This 24-month program offers streamlined classes and 335 practice experience hours. Courses are delivered online and include:

  • electronic health records (EHR)
  • information management and analysis
  • liability issues
  • system implementation
  • user involvement in information systems

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Informatics Nursing Certification (RN-BC) exam. West Coast University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is one of the most affordable schools on our list to offer an online MSN in nursing informatics.

#17 – South University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Savannah, Georgia

Website

South University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,316

South University offers a nursing informatics degree online program designed for registered nurses. The program is fully online and requires applicants to hold an active and unencumbered RN license. Courses, taught by university professors, include:

  • advanced theoretical perspectives for nursing
  • health policy and health promotion in advanced nursing practice
  • information technology infrastructure
  • introduction to nursing informatics
  • issues and trends in nursing informatics

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank South #107-#141 in the best regional universities in the South. Also, the graduate nursing programs have been recognized among the best nursing schools for earning a master’s degree.

#16 – Nebraska Methodist College

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Omaha, Nebraska

Website

Nebraska Methodist College

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,236

Nebraska Methodist College offers online nursing informatics programs that cater to working nurses. The online MSN in nursing informatics is a CCNE-accredited program that can be completed in just 21 months. Courses are five or ten weeks in length, with one week off between courses. Required informatics and nursing courses include:

  • advanced nursing roles and phenomena
  • critical appraisal of knowledge for practice
  • issues in advanced nursing roles
  • measurement and statistical concepts for data interpretation
  • synthesis and use of knowledge for evidence-based practice

Admission requires an earned BSN from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and a current unencumbered RN license. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Nebraska Methodist’s graduate nursing programs as among the top nursing schools to earn a master’s degree.

#15 – University of Kansas

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Lawrence, Kansas

Website

University of Kansas logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,704

The University of Kansas offers an accredited online master’s in nursing informatics that prepares graduates for mid-level positions in health and informatics departments. All required courses for the MSN program are delivered online. These courses include:

  • abstraction and modeling of health care information
  • health data – theory and practice
  • health informatics practicum
  • knowledge management in health care
  • transforming healthcare – information systems and technology

Admission requires an earned BSN from an accredited institution, a current RN license, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Kansas #129 among the best national universities and #98 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #18 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#14 – Grand Canyon University

Online MSN in Health Informatics

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Grand Canyon University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555

Grand Canyon University’s online MSN in nursing informatics program is designed for BSN-prepared nurses who want to take on advanced roles in nursing informatics. The program is made up of online courses and a culminating capstone, and a 16-week practicum. Courses are delivered online and taught by GCU’s experienced faculty. Courses include:

  • health care data management
  • health care information systems and technology
  • health data analytics
  • introduction to advanced registered nursing
  • nursing informatics practicum
  • organizational leadership and informatics
  • translational research and population health management

U.S. News and World Report ranks GCU #230-#301 among the best national universities.

#13 – CUNY School of Professional Studies

Online Master’s in Nursing Informatics

New York, New York

Website

CUNY School of Professional Studies logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,830

CUNY School of Professional Studies offers a nursing informatics degree online designed for registered nurses who want to gain expertise in nursing informatics. The master’s in nursing informatics is a fully online program that welcomes individuals that meet requirements. Admission requires an applicant hold a BSN from an accredited college or university, an unencumbered RN license, and a solid undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. Forty-five credits are required for the online master’s program. Courses include:

  • advanced practice health assessment
  • nursing informatics applications – education and evidence-based practice
  • project management and design for quality patient outcomes
  • statistics for advanced nursing practice
  • understanding and management of decision support and health information systems

CUNY is ranked #55 among the best regional universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report.

#12 – Concordia University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Austin, Texas

Concordia University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,750

Concordia University’s online master’s in nursing informatics is comprised of 30 to 34 credit hours and fast-paced online classes. A separate track focusing on nursing informatics is offered. Classes are offered online and taught by the same instructors who lead on-campus courses. These courses cover a series of MSN topics and a specialty nurse informatics curriculum. Admission requirements for the MSN in nursing informatics degree include a BSN from a regionally accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5. An unencumbered RN license and three letters of recommendation are also required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia #96-#127 among the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#11 – Middle Tennessee State University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Website

Middle Tennessee State University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,594

Middle Tennessee State University’s nursing informatics degree online program is designed for working registered nurses. Admission requires an active RN license, earned bachelor’s degree, and no GRE. Those with an RN and BSN are ready for admission into the MSN program. The degree consists of 38 hours of graduate nursing courses and a practicum. Courses are delivered online and include:

  • advanced nursing research
  • advanced role development
  • health care information systems and technology integration
  • introduction to healthcare informatics
  • project management in the design and analysis of health care information systems

U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #230-#301 in the best national universities.

#10 – Mount Mercy University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Website

Mount Mercy University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,820

The online nursing informatics programs at Mount Mercy University include the MSN with nursing informatics specialty track. The program offers two start dates per year and a flexibly designed schedule. Classes are either held online or at night (two nights per week). Courses run five weeks in length and include:

  • health care systems – leadership and organizations
  • nursing informatics outreach
  • technology in health care systems

A clinical practicum experience is also part of the program. Admission does not require entrance exams, such as the GRE or GMAT, and the program is designed to complete in as little as 18 months. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mount Mercy #58 in the best regional universities in the Midwest and #40 in best value schools.

#9 – Liberty University

Online MSN in Nurse Informatics

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University - logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723

Liberty University’s online nursing informatics programs are designed for registered nurses who want to earn a CCNE-accredited master’s in nurse informatics. This 42-credit hour program offers 100% online classes that can be completed in either two years or by following a one-year accelerated track. These online courses include:

  • health informatics
  • health data analytics and decision making
  • health information systems and integrated technologies
  • managing population health
  • nursing theory and advanced practice
  • systems management and leadership for nurse leaders

Admission requires a current license to practice as an RN and a minimum of one year of nursing practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty #230-#301 in the best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #109 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#8 – Texas Tech University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Lubbock, Texas

Website

Texas Tech University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,449

Texas Tech University offers a nursing informatics degree online that is CCNE-accredited and open to registered nurses. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Classes are delivered online and include:

  • finance and budgeting for nurse leaders
  • foundations of nursing informatics theories and practice
  • health information management and knowledge
  • information technology
  • practical application of statistics in health care

An informatics practicum is also required and can be completed in the nurse’s geographic location. U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas Tech #187 in the best national universities and #100 in top public schools.

#7 – Troy University

Online MSN in Healthcare Informatics

Troy, Alabama

Website

Troy University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,362

Troy University’s online master’s in nursing informatics is designed for graduates of baccalaureate programs in nursing. The MSN program offers a specialty track in healthcare informatics and nursing leadership. This track prepares students to meet the growing needs of the complex healthcare system. Courses are delivered online and include:

  • applied principles of leadership and technology in healthcare
  • data analysis techniques in research
  • health care informatics
  • health care systems
  • theoretical foundations of nursing informatics and leadership
  • theories in nursing

U.S. News and World Report ranks Troy University #107-#141 among the best regional universities in the South and #19 in most innovative schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – University of Alabama

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Birmingham, Alabama

Website

University of Alabama logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,866

The accredited online MSN in nursing informatics program at the University of Alabama prepares nurses at the graduate level as advanced practice nurses. The program is fully online and offers classes taught by experienced university faculty. Online coursework covers topics in:

  • advanced quality and patient safety
  • developing the advanced nurse leaders
  • evidence-based translation and management
  • healthcare business intelligence
  • nursing informatics systems analysis and design
  • standards and theories in advanced nursing

Admission requires an earned BSN from a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, three professional references, and satisfactory standardized test scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #157 in the best national universities and #80 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#5 – University of Colorado

Online MSN in Health Care Informatics

Denver, Colorado

Website

University of Colorado logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,839

The online master’s in nursing informatics at the University of Colorado is an online MSN degree with a health care informatics specialization. The program is open to registered nurses with active nursing licenses. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same University of Colorado faculty that instruct on campus. These courses include:

  • decision support
  • foundations of health care informatics
  • semantic representation
  • theory foundations for advanced nursing

You can complete the program in as little as two years with a full-time course load. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Colorado #205 in the best national universities and #112 in top public schools.

#4 – University of South Alabama

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Mobile, Alabama

Website

University of South Alabama logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,578

The nursing informatics degree online master’s program at the University of South Alabama offers both RN to MSN and post BSN to MSN tracks. All courses are delivered online, and clinicals can be arranged in your own community. Courses are taught by university professors who offer experience in and out of the classroom. Industry professionals provide students with a hands-on and evidence-based curriculum. Some of the required courses include:

evidence-based practice and quality improvement

  • health care
  • health data security and computer
  • healthcare policy and finance
  • nursing administration finance
  • organizational and systems leadership
  • scientific underpinnings of advanced nursing practice

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of South Alabama as a top national university.

#3 – Ferris State University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Big Rapids, Michigan

Website

Ferris State University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,332

The MSN in nursing informatics online program at Ferris State University is an adult student-oriented program. The flexible and online degree program allows students to take one to four courses at a time. Classes include:

  • critique of evidence for practice
  • health care systems and policy
  • leadership role for informatics nurse specialists
  • organizational and systems leadership
  • quality improvement and safety

To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s in nursing with an overall GPA of 3.00, an active RN license, and two years of full-time clinical nursing experience. U.S. News and World Report ranks Ferris State #94 in the best regional universities in the Midwest and #22 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #58 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#2 – Western Governors University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Raleigh, North Carolina

Website

Western Governors University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790

Western Governors University offers online nursing informatics programs through their North Carolina campus that can be completed entirely online. The online BSN to MSN is CCNE accredited and consists of 14 courses. Classes are taken at your own pace and include:

  • data modeling and database management systems
  • data science and analytics
  • foundations in nursing informatics
  • informatics system analysis and design
  • nursing informatics capstone

To be considered for the program, you must possess a bachelor’s in nursing from an accredited institution and an active RN license. U.S. News and World Report ranks WGU as a top regional university in the west and #10 in most innovative schools.

#1 – American Sentinel University

Online MSN in Nursing Informatics

Aurora, Colorado

Website

American Sentinel University logo

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,480

American Sentinel University’s MSN in nursing informatics online program is CCNE-accredited and the most affordable degree on our list. The program consists of 12 courses that run eight weeks in length and can be completed 100% online. Informatics courses include:

  • clinical and administrative systems
  • health care data analytics
  • health care informatics
  • health care project management
  • information security and privacy in health care environments

To be eligible for admission, students must have an active, unencumbered RN license and a BSN with a minimum GPA of 2.0. No GRE or placement exam is required. U.S. News and World Report recognizes American Sentinel’s graduate nursing programs in their most recent edition of Best Colleges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?

The role of the informatics nurse varies by location, education level, and facility, but overall duties performed are the same. In general, informatics nurses act as clinical liaisons between medical organization employees and the IT department, vendors, and other staff. They educate employees, including physicians and other nurses, on new systems of operation and workflow. Also, it is the job of the informatics nurse to assess and implement clinical IT applications as needed.

Overall, nursing informatics is a field of nursing that incorporates:

  • computer
  • information technology
  • medical records
  • nursing to support the practice of nursing and improve patient care

Informatics nurses work to develop information technologies and improve communication that benefits the delivery of patient care.

Nurse informatics specialists work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • clinics
  • health care consulting firms
  • hospitals
  • IT companies
  • long-term care facilities
  • nursing schools
  • pharmaceutical companies

They are vital members of any health care team. With the consistent evolution of health care and need to improve patient care, informatics nurses are needed to help physicians and staff navigate and implement new methods of efficiency. Their roles are constantly changing, and nurse informaticists are key players in providing education and ongoing support for resistant learners clinging to “old school” practices.

What are the admission requirements for MSN in nursing informatics online degree programs?

The educational requirements to become an informatics nurse or informatics specialist include proper degrees, licenses, and work experience. One of the first steps in gaining admission to MSN in nursing informatics online degree programs is to have earned an undergraduate nursing degree. A BSN from a regionally accredited college or university is required of most programs on our list.

A valid registered nurse license that is active, or unencumbered, is also required. Licensure may differ among states, but most online MSN in nursing informatics programs require an active RN license.

In many cases, work experience is also required. Some programs ask for at least two years of work experience as a registered nurse. Full-time or part-time work experience varies among programs.

In addition to an undergraduate nursing degree and work experience as a registered nurse, MSN in nursing informatics online programs ask for letters of recommendation and a satisfactory undergraduate GPA. Most programs require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, though some ask for a 2.5 GPA and above. If your undergraduate GPA falls short of the preferred average, satisfactory test scores from the GRE or GMAT may be accepted. Admission requirements should be vetted before applying so that you may determine if you meet the qualifications for each unique program.

What is the career outlook for individuals with an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?

The job market for nurses is always favorable. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a growth in job prospects through the year 2026. In fact, a 15% job growth is expected, much faster than the average for all occupations (steady at 7%). Demand for healthcare services will increase as the population, specifically the large population of baby boomers, ages. Job prospects for nurses and nursing specialists will be favorable.

According to the American Medical Informatics Association, approximately 70,000 nursing informatics and healthcare informatics specialists may be needed within the next five years. The demand for nursing informaticists and surge of new job openings for this highly specialized nursing career is being prompted by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) passed several years ago. Also, the Patient Protection and Accountable Care Act, or PPACA, passed in previous years, has had a great impact on the demand for informatics nurses.

Individuals with an informatics nursing degree should find the job outlook to be favorable. Graduates of informatics nursing programs will be prepared to manage complex medical information in a wide variety of organizations, including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, public health firms, and research laboratories.

How much money will I earn with an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?

PayScale, a global compensation data and research organization, reports the average salary for a nursing informatics specialist is $85,843. Also, the average salary for informatics nurses is $77,124. Location and experience impact compensation the most. We have provided more detail on earnings below.

An entry-level informatics nurse with less than five years of experience should expect to earn an average total compensation, including bonuses and overtime pay, of $69,000. Mid-career informatics nurses with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn $75,000. Usually mid-career positions require the management of employees. An experienced informatics nurse with employees and ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $78,000 per year. Late-career experienced nurses yield the highest compensation. These are informatics nurses with more than 20 years of experience. They can expect to earn in excess of $82,000 in total compensation per year.

Pay also varies with location and size of organization. Rural areas tend to pay informatics nurses less than large city hospitals or medical organizations. Also, informatics nurses with more than ten employees earn more than entry-level nurse informatics jobs with zero to five employees.

How long does it take to earn an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?

The time to complete an MSN in nursing informatics online degree varies by school and program. Accelerated online MSN programs are available if you’ve already obtained a BSN and are a registered nurse, though part-time options are also offered. Some of the quickest programs on our list take between 12 and 15 months to complete the MSN in nursing informatics online degree, while the longer programs take, on average, two years to complete.

If you’ve earned a BSN degree from an accredited college or university, you are eligible for most MSN in nursing informatics online degree programs. A series of courses in advanced nursing and informatics are required. Finishing the online classes can typically be done at your own pace. Some programs even allow students to enroll in an accelerated pathway that helps them earn their degree on a faster track than traditionally enrolled students. Most accelerated programs require full time enrollment, so if you are looking to maintain a lighter load due to outside obligations, you may want to avoid an accelerated pathway.

Part time enrollment usually takes longer than full time enrollment for obvious reasons. A part-time program is ideal for individuals carrying a heavier workload. But if you can balance rigorous and fast-paced coursework, full-time enrollment allows you to earn your MSN in nursing informatics online degree in less than two years.

CVO Staff

Related:

This concludes our list of the best online nursing informatics programs (MSN).