If you are passionate about healthcare and love data and analytics, you might enjoy a career as an informatics nurse. Informatics nurses use patient, hospital, medical, and often community data to identify problems or opportunities for improvement and find solutions.
This guide explores the best online nursing informatics programs, along with how to choose and apply to a program. We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN in health informatics programs, making it easier for you to choose the right option. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Keep reading to learn more, or go straight to our list of the best online MSN in health informatics programs.
Featured Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
The Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
#1 The Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
The Rutgers School of Nursing offers a 37-credit MSN informatics track. The online nursing informatics program features mostly asynchronous coursework and 225 clinical hours completed at a healthcare facility. Rutgers prepares graduates to manage and communicate data that impacts patient care and outcomes.
Details:
- Program: MSN - informatics
- Campus: New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $971 per credit in-state; $1,408 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor's degree in nursing, minimum 3.2 GPA, and New Jersey RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.2% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $112,970 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
Western Governors University
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online
Description:
WGU offers a bridge program, letting RNs earn their bachelor's degree and MSN informatics degree online.
The online nursing informatics program includes clinical practice experiences using tools such as immersive virtual reality training. Learners get the opportunity to earn National Association for Healthcare Quality certification.
Details:
- Program: RN-to-MSN - informatics
- Campus: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $3,475-$4,240 per six-month term
- Admission Requirements: An associate degree or diploma in nursing, RN license, criminal background check, and current immunizations
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.7% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $86,988 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
136,139
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 The Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Description:
MS in nursing informatics students at the University of Utah learn to develop and deliver effective patient-focused systems. "The U'' offers an online curriculum blending systems analysis and programming with leadership and clinical decision support skills. The online nursing information program includes clinical practicums at partner organizations.
Details:
- Program: MS in nursing informatics
- Campus: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Tuition: $921 per credit in-state; $3,279 out-of-state
- Admission Requirements: A bachelor's degree in nursing, minimum 3.0 GPA, and RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 5 semesters
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.6% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $85,070 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 The Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online
Description:
Excelsior's online RN-to-MS in nursing informatics lets working nurses apply 30 prior education credits and NCLEX-RN exam completion toward their degrees. Students earn their bachelor's in nursing then move on to the master's-level online nursing informatics program. Capstone courses include practical experience and a project presentation.
Details:
- Program: RN-to-MS in nursing informatics
- Campus: Albany, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Tuition: $695 per credit
- Admission Requirements: An associate degree or diploma in nursing and an RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: Variable depending on transfer credit
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 77.8% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,959 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
What Can You Do With an MSN in Health Informatics?
A master of science in nursing (MSN) in health informatics is one of a few MSN degrees that let you apply your nursing expertise to areas beyond direct patient care. An MSN informatics program prepares candidates to collect and prepare data for analysis, identify the right analytics tools to use for different situations, and communicate results to leadership, administrators, and other healthcare staff.
Graduates with an online nursing informatics MSN work in hospital and healthcare systems, private practices, research companies, insurance firms, and government offices. According to Payscale data from December 2021, the median annual salary for an informatics nurse is $85,000.
Nurse Informaticist
MSN required
Nurse informaticists identify and collect data, run analyses, design reports, and explain the results. They must effectively collaborate with administrators, IT specialists, researchers, and other nurses. They should also be good at identifying patterns, solving problems, and performing statistical analysis.
Learn more about nurse informatics careers
Clinical Informaticist
MSN required
A clinical informaticist performs many of the same duties as a nurse informaticist, but works with a wider variety of data and on a broader spectrum of issues. The essential skills of problem identification, data management, analytics, and communication are the same, as is the need to collaborate effectively across the organization.
Learn more about clinical informatics careers
Chief Medical Information Officer
MSN required
A chief medical information officer is responsible for all medical data and analytics. They often work with upper-level executives, including chief information officers and chief technology officers. They must demonstrate strong leadership skills, identify problems and opportunities for improvement, and drive change in the organization.
Learn more about nurse executive careers
What To Look For in an Online MSN in Health Informatics Program
The best online nursing informatics program for you depends on your interests, academic background, and career goals, along with program format and cost. Many programs include group projects and tasks, so you should be sure that you understand or can learn your program's team collaboration tools.
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Admission Requirements
Admission requirements suggest how likely you are to be admitted to an MSN informatics program, and how challenging the coursework may be. These guidelines also indicate what the school values in its students.
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Program Curriculum
An online nursing informatics program's curriculum details what students learn and how they complete coursework. Classes should be accessible, and should provide you with the skills you need to excel in your future career.
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Clinical Experience
Do the clinical requirements use a format that fits your lifestyle and schedule? Online MSN informatics programs often let students fulfill their practicum requirements virtually. If you must complete your practicum in person, can you find a placement in your community?
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Accreditation
Most employers prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs, and accredited schools rarely accept transfer credits from unaccredited programs. Attending an unaccredited online nursing informatics program can severely restrict your career prospects and financial aid opportunities.
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Program Length
Most MSN informatics programs require two years of full-time study, or up to four years for part-time students. If you hold an informatics certification from an accredited program, you may be able to apply the credits to your online nursing informatics program and graduate sooner.
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School NCLEX Pass Rate
A school's NCLEX pass rate hints at how well-prepared students are for their nursing careers. A high pass rate suggests that students receive a solid education, while a low pass rate may be a warning sign.
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School Graduation Rate
Overall graduation rates are another indicator of school quality. A low graduation rate suggests that instruction is poor, or that students lack the right amount of academic support.
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Online Learning Format and Requirements
An MSN informatics program's format should suit your learning style and schedule, especially if you plan to work full time while studying. Some formats offer more structure and support, while others feature flexible or self-paced schedules.
Applying to an Online MSN in Health Informatics Program
While applying to an MSN informatics program might seem daunting, early preparation can help you succeed and make the process less stressful. Discuss the program with your mentors and be sure your references are ready to speak to your strengths.
Undergraduate transcripts; resume or CV; standardized test scores (such as GRE); at least two references; application with personal statement or essay
Most online nursing informatics programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher. However, relevant work experience, strong analytical skills, or positive references might make up for a borderline GPA. Talk to the admission department if you have questions about your GPA.
Programs often require or look for undergraduate coursework in analytics or other evidence of relevant skills or talents. If you didn't complete undergraduate coursework in the field, some schools offer certificate programs that may later be applied to a full program.
Why Is Online MSN Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is an independent evaluation used to determine a program's quality. An accrediting body, or official group of professionals and academics, examines the program to see if it effectively prepares students for the workforce. Accreditation is vital to your success because:
- Most employers strongly prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs.
- Most accredited schools only accept transfer credits from other accredited programs.
- Students must attend an accredited institution to receive federal financial aid.
- Attending an unaccredited program may raise questions in employers' minds about your abilities.
Paying for Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
Distance learners can use the same financial aid options to pay for an online nursing informatics program as on-campus students. Most schools offer scholarships and loans to help pay for your nursing degree. You can also get scholarships and grants from government programs, nonprofit associations, corporations, and foundations.
Some candidates choose to take out private loans, or apply for federal student loans. Your employer may also cover some of your program costs; often if you agree to work for them for a certain period after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
How much does someone with an MSN in informatics make?
Informatics jobs pay well, offering a median annual salary of $85,000. An online MSN informatics program can prepare you for an even more lucrative informatics job, such as chief medical information officer or consultant.
What can I do with an MSN in informatics?
You can use your degree to work for a hospital or health system, identifying ways to improve the organization's efficiency and efficacy. Some graduates find jobs in public healthcare policy, at insurance companies, or with healthcare organizations.
What is an MSN in health informatics?
Students pursuing an MSN in informatics learn to analyze and apply health data to improve patient outcomes. They gain the skills needed to gather, clean, analyze, and report on nursing data and make recommendations based on their combined nursing and analytics expertise.
Are nurse informaticists in demand?
Nurse informaticists are in demand at hospitals and health systems, insurance companies, consultancies, nurse temporary agencies, and government offices. Demand for nurse informaticists is likely to grow as organizations seek to improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
