Nursing informatics programs
Nursing informatics is the part of nursing that deals with health records, data and clinical technology. Programs come in several forms, and the federal data we use can’t rank them, so this page shows how to compare them and where to look.
- 612
- US schools award a master’s degree in nursing, the usual base for an informatics track
- 190
- of the master’s programs offered entirely online hold ACEN or CCNE accreditation
- 4
- program types: MSN track, post-master’s certificate, graduate certificate and health informatics master’s
Four kinds of program
MSN with an informatics track. A master’s in nursing where informatics is the specialty. It usually takes two years part time and includes a practicum. This is the most common route for nurses who want to lead informatics.
Post-master’s certificate. For nurses who already hold an MSN in another area. Shorter, often a year, and focused on informatics only.
Graduate certificate. Open to nurses with a bachelor’s degree, a few courses that can sometimes count toward a later master’s degree.
Health informatics master’s. A degree in the broader field, not limited to nursing. Programs may be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
For nursing track options, see accredited online MSN programs: 93 fully online MSN programs with ACEN or CCNE accreditation and a debt figure, some of which offer an informatics track. 225 schools offer their master’s program entirely online.
What to compare
- Accreditation. The nursing degree should be accredited by ACEN or CCNE, see accredited programs by state. A health informatics degree should say whether CAHIIM accredits it.
- Practicum. Does the program place you in a real informatics team, such as a hospital’s electronic health record group, and who finds the site?
- Curriculum. Look for data analysis, workflow design, clinical decision support, project management and privacy and security. Ask which electronic record systems students work with.
- Eligibility for certification. Check whether the courses and practicum hours count toward the credential below.
- Format and cost. Most are online for working nurses. Ask about total tuition and employer reimbursement. See how to pay for nursing school.
Certification and careers
The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers an informatics nursing certification. Eligibility combines nursing licensure, education, practice hours and informatics coursework or experience, and the rules change, so check ANCC directly. Our page on nursing informatics certification explains the options.
To see what the role involves day to day, read what is nursing informatics, and for how technology is changing nursing, see technology in nursing.
Common questions
Do you need a master’s degree to work in nursing informatics?
Not always. Many informatics nurses start with a bachelor’s degree and years of clinical experience, then move into the role at their hospital. A master’s degree or graduate certificate becomes more important for leadership, analytics and consulting roles.
What is the difference between nursing informatics and health informatics?
Nursing informatics focuses on how clinical information and technology support nursing practice and patient care. Health informatics is broader and includes information managers, analysts and technology specialists who may not be nurses. A health informatics degree is open to nurses but does not require a nursing background.
Why is there no ranking of informatics programs?
Federal data counts nursing programs by degree level, not by track, so an informatics track inside an MSN is not separated from other master’s programs. Board data covers licensing exams and does not apply to graduate degrees. We would rather say so than publish an invented list.
Sources: IPEDS (programs and delivery), ACEN and CCNE directories. Data sources.