If you are passionate about healthcare and love data and analytics, you might consider a career as an informatics nurse. Informatics nurses analyze patient and medical data from various sources to identify improvement areas 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.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online MSN in health informatics programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
At a Glance: The Top Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Western Governers University
- University of Utah
- Excelsior College
Featured Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
Using Our Rankings: What To Look For in an Online MSN in Health Informatics Program
When you’re ready to apply for an online MSN in health informatics program, check the program's curriculum, accreditation, graduation rate, and admission requirements. These factors help determine whether the program is right for you and are key elements in our program rankings.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements suggest how likely you are to be admitted to an MSN informatics program, and how challenging the program may be. These requirements also indicate what the school values in its students and usually require a minimum GPA.
Program Curriculum
The program's curriculum tells you specific information about the concepts and skills taught, so you can decide if the program gives you the skills needed to pursue your desired career.
Practicum Experience
Health informatics practicums may be online or in-person. Check the program's practicum format, whether the school will help you find a placement in your area, and if the requirements fit into your schedule.
Accreditation
Enrolling in an accredited school is important since it can affect your eligibility for financial aid. Many healthcare employers require that applicants graduate from accredited programs.
If you attend an accredited program, you will have more job opportunities, more financial aid opportunities, and more academic opportunities to transfer credits or continue your education. All programs that NurseJournal.org ranks are accredited.
Program Length
Most MSN in health informatics programs have between 35-40 credits and take 24 months to complete if you take them full-time. Full-time enrollment may include summer terms, so if you don’t take summer courses, you may take longer to finish.
School Graduation Rate
School graduation rates tell you how well the program supports students on their path to success. A high graduation rate tells you that most students have enough support to complete the program.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Many online MSNs in informatics programs feature flexible formats to 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.
Why Is Accreditation Important for an Online MSN in Health Informatics Program?
The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) accredits health informatics programs. CAHIIM's Health Informatics Accreditation Council (HIAC) is made of subject matter experts who review programs to determine whether they meet accreditation requirements.
Accreditation shows that a program prepares students for a profession by meeting rigorous education standards. Ensure your program is accredited by the CAHIIM because attending an accredited program can make it easier to receive financial aid, transfer credits, continue your education, and find a job. Other benefits of accreditation include:
- Many state boards require graduation from an accredited school to apply for licensure.
- 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.
Learn More About the Best Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs & Schools
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#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
How Online Health Informatics MSN Programs Work
Most accredited online MSN programs in health informatics take 24 months to complete if you enroll full time. The full-time schedule may require summer semesters. If you choose not to take summer classes or take fewer classes per semester than recommended, you will take longer to finish.
Programs have between 35-40 credit hours and between 130-150 practicum hours. Unlike in-person classes, online courses can be:
-
Asynchronous, which allows you to complete coursework whenever your schedule allows
-
Synchronous, which requires you to log in and attend lectures at the same time as your classmates
Practicums can be completed online or in-person at a clinical site near you. Most programs require you to earn an RN license in the state where you live or work to help you complete practicum hours locally.
Check with your program to see if they’ll help you find a clinical site, or if you have to find your own clinical site and get it approved.
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.
- Admission Requirements: Unrestricted RN license in state or NCSBN jurisdiction where you live or work, BSN-degree
- Admission Materials: Criminal background check, application fee between $50-$75, official college transcripts from all universities attended, statement of purpose
- GPA Requirement: 3.0
Paying for Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
The same financial aid options apply to distance learners 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 students 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.
What Can You Do With an MSN in Health Informatics?
An MSN in health informatics teaches you how healthcare and information technology intersect. This degree prepares you to collect, analyze, manage, and report on data. You’ll take courses such as managerial health finance, systems analysis and design, and a health informatics practicum.
Then, you'll learn how to use that knowledge to implement programs, manage projects, or suggest changes to current practices. Your work will improve workflow, healthcare costs, and patient care.
After graduation, you may find a position at a hospital or healthcare system as a nursing informatics specialist, clinical analyst, or director or manager of clinical informatics.
The average salary for nursing informatics specialists is $80,735, according to Payscale as of November 2022. Nursing informatics specialists may earn more if they have an informatics certification, 11 or more years of experience, and a doctoral degree.
According to the 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce survey, 49% of nursing informaticists earn $100,000 or more annually. This includes:
71%
of nursing informatics specialists with 11 or more years of experience
61%
of doctoral degree holders
56%
of certified nursing informatics specialists
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSN in Health Informatics Programs
What is an MSN in health informatics?
Students pursuing an MSN in informatics analyze and apply medical data to improve patient outcomes. They gain the skills needed to gather, analyze, and report on nursing data and make recommendations based on their combined nursing and analytics expertise.
How much does someone with an MSN in informatics make?
The average annual salary for nurse informaticists is $80,735, according to Payscale in November 2022. Forty-nine percent of nurse informaticists earn more than $100,000 annually, according to the 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey. Nurse informaticists’ salary varies by certification, degree level, and experience.
What can I do with an MSN in informatics?
Graduates can pursue jobs as nurse informaticists, clinical informaticists, and chief medical officers. These people collect, analyze, manage, and report data. They need communication, problem-solving and identification, and data management skills. Hospitals and healthcare systems usually hire these roles.
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.
Last Reviewed on December 5, 2022. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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