At the intersection of technology and medicine lies the nursing informatics field. Nurses who want to improve patient outcomes through the use of data and systems can advance to a nursing informatics role. With master's and doctoral degree levels available, prospective informatics nurses have a wealth of educational opportunities to choose from.
2025 Best Nursing Informatics Programs
Looking for the best nursing informatics programs? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list is based on key factors like quality, cost, and student success. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to make informed choices. Check out our detailed rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu
Master's - Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Vanderbilt's Nursing Informatics program equips healthcare professionals to bridge technology and patient care through advanced data management skills. This part-time online master's specialty prepares nurses to solve complex technological challenges, develop innovative healthcare solutions, and improve organizational workflows. Students learn to transform data into actionable insights, supporting nursing practice, research, and administration. The program offers a cutting-edge curriculum aligned with current healthcare technology standards, enabling graduates to become leaders in digital health transformation.
- 6 Part-time Semesters
- Fully Online Learning Format
- Individually Tailored Practicums
- Nationally Recognized Faculty
- ANCC Certification Preparation
- Career Growth Potential
- Technology-Focused Curriculum
- Low Student-Faculty Ratio
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI - Public 4-Year - umich.edu
Master's - Certificate in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Michigan's Certificate in Health Informatics is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary program designed for professionals seeking to transform healthcare through technology. Tailored for individuals with a bachelor's degree and at least one year of health-related experience, this program equips students with advanced skills in health information systems. Spanning 15 credits, the curriculum combines online learning with immersive experiences, preparing graduates to drive innovation in healthcare technology. Participants can potentially qualify for informatics certifications, making it an strategic credential for career advancement in a rapidly evolving field.
- 15 total credits required
- Online and immersion learning
- Interdisciplinary program approach
- No health professional licensure required
- Practicum with informatics leaders
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of South Carolina's MSN in Nursing Informatics equips healthcare professionals to leverage technology in clinical settings. This innovative online program integrates computer science and nursing principles, preparing students to manage healthcare data, improve patient outcomes, and support interprofessional teams. Graduates gain expertise in system design, data analysis, and health technology, positioning themselves for advanced roles like clinical informatics specialists and directors. The flexible curriculum allows full-time or part-time study, with a comprehensive practicum enabling students to apply skills directly in their workplace.
- 36 credit hours total
- Online distance format
- Full or part-time options
- No GRE required
- National certification preparation
- Flexible workplace practicum
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 225 total clinical hours
Duke University
Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu
Master's - MSN in Health Informatics
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's MSN in Health Informatics prepares nurses to leverage cutting-edge technology and data analytics for transforming patient care. This innovative hybrid program equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills in electronic health data management, clinical systems development, and technological solutions that improve individual and population health outcomes. Designed for working nurses, the program offers flexible online learning with two campus intensives, ensuring students can advance their careers without interrupting professional work. Graduates can expect competitive salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, with potential earnings up to $200,000 in specialized roles like clinical informatics specialists and data analysts.
- Hybrid online/campus learning
- 224 clinical practicum hours
- Top 3 Nursing Schools ranking
- Distance-based interactive courses
- Meets national informatics standards
- Personalized learning approach
- Advanced technology training
- Competitive career opportunities
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu
Master's - M.S.N. in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Nova Southeastern University's M.S.N. in Nursing Informatics bridges technology and healthcare, preparing professionals to transform data management in medical settings. This comprehensive online program combines nursing expertise with advanced technological skills, enabling graduates to leverage information systems for improved patient care. Students complete 36 total credits, learning to manage, communicate, and analyze complex healthcare data. The curriculum offers a strategic blend of foundational nursing courses and specialized informatics training, with opportunities for practical experience through a mentored practicum. Ideal for working nurses seeking career advancement, the program provides flexible online learning and potential financial aid options.
- 36 total credit program
- Fully online delivery
- 170 clinical hours required
- Advanced health informatics focus
- Mentored practicum opportunity
- Ranked among top programs
- Flexible course scheduling
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - Private 4-year - cuw.edu
Master's - MSN Healthcare Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The MSN Healthcare Informatics program at Concordia University-Wisconsin equips nurses with advanced skills to leverage data for transformative healthcare improvements. Students learn to analyze treatment outcomes, manage complex healthcare information systems, and drive evidence-based practices that enhance patient care. The online program develops expertise in data mining, policy analysis, and healthcare technology, preparing professionals to be innovative leaders who use informatics to support patient-centered strategies and improve health outcomes across individual and population levels.
- Online flexible format
- No GMAT/GRE required
- Advanced data analysis skills
- Improve healthcare processes
- Patient-focused data strategies
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Master's - MS in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Utah's MS in Nursing Informatics is a top-ranked, innovative program preparing healthcare professionals to bridge technology and patient care. Students develop critical analytic skills to improve clinical decision-making systems across diverse healthcare settings. With an affordable total program cost under $38,000 and flexible online learning options, graduates can pursue high-demand roles like nurse informaticist or clinical system analyst. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines informatics, leadership training, and practical experiences with nationally recognized faculty.
- Online full-time/part-time options
- Total program cost under $38k
- Nationally ranked #2 program
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Practicum placement opportunities
- Co-offered informatics courses
- Flat-rate online tuition
- Experienced nursing informatics faculty
CUNY City College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - ccny.cuny.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics prepares healthcare professionals to leverage technology and data in transforming patient care. Designed for practicing nurses, this online program equips students with advanced skills in managing healthcare information systems, analyzing complex data, and improving clinical outcomes. Graduates emerge as tech-savvy nursing leaders who can bridge clinical practice with cutting-edge informatics solutions. With high job demand and competitive salaries exceeding $100,000, this program offers a strategic pathway for nurses seeking to advance their careers in the rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape.
- 100% Online Degree Format
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Six-Credit Practicum Experience
- 70,000 Informatics Specialists Needed
- High Salary Potential Over $100k
- 91% Five-Year Completion Rate
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Unencumbered RN License Required
- Two Recommendation Letters Needed
- Up to 12 Transfer Credits Accepted
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Informatics and e-Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Dakota's Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Informatics and e-Health concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to leverage technology in healthcare delivery. Students will gain expertise in using data systems, electronic health technologies, and informatics to transform patient care and improve service delivery. This innovative online program enables nurses to enhance patient outcomes through strategic technological integration, addressing critical healthcare workforce needs in rural and urban settings.
- Online flexible program
- Nursing informatics focus
- Telehealth expertise
- Technology-driven curriculum
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Part-time or full-time options
- Advanced healthcare leadership
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Master's - Nursing Informatics Specialty
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Nursing Informatics Specialty offers a cutting-edge master's program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to leverage technology in healthcare. This innovative 40-credit hour curriculum combines computer science, cognitive science, and nursing expertise to prepare professionals for transformative roles in health information systems. Students learn to analyze, design, and implement sophisticated communication technologies that improve patient care and healthcare delivery. The flexible, part-time distance-accessible format accommodates working nurses, featuring synchronous online classes and on-campus intensives. Graduates emerge as specialized informatics professionals capable of driving technological innovation in complex healthcare environments.
- 40 credit hour program
- Hybrid distance-accessible format
- Part-time study option
- Advanced practice nurse preparation
- Technology-focused curriculum
- Synchronous online classes
- On-campus intensives included
- BSN required for admission
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Unencumbered nursing license needed
Choosing a Nursing Informatics Program
Before choosing a nursing informatics program, nurses should consider the following:
Accreditation
Accreditations are an essential way of ensuring that a nursing informatics program is reputable. National organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and/or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main accrediting bodies for graduate nursing programs. Some nursing informatics programs may also be accredited by local or regional organizations as well.
Program Cost
Advanced nursing informatics programs typically list their tuition fees by credit. For both MSN and DNP level programs, students can expect to pay tuition of roughly $400-$700 per credit hour, on average. Doctoral nursing informatics programs tend to be more expensive overall, as they require more credits to complete. Tuition costs often don't include additional expenses, such as books, course materials, and other mandatory fees.
Program Length
For MSN nursing informatics programs, students will need to complete around 37 credit hours, which equates to roughly 2-3 years of study. Both part-time and full-time options are typically available. For DNP programs, approximately 73 credit hours are required, and the degree can be achieved in around 3-4 years of dedicated study.
Internship/Externship Opportunities
A certain number of clinical hours are required for both MSN and DNP nursing informatics programs, so it's a good idea to see what kind of partnerships a prospective school has with area hospitals and medical facilities. Some schools will let students choose their own internship/externship sites for their clinical rotations.
Online/Campus Options
Many schools now offer both online and campus-based nursing informatics program options to accommodate a wider variety of students. Some schools even offer "hybrid" programs, where most coursework is completed online, but some lectures and labs are held on campus.
Nursing Informatics Degree Levels Offered
Prospective informatics nurses can choose between a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Both degrees prepare nurses with the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to excel in this advanced role. DNP programs take things a step beyond the MSN curriculum to provide a more in-depth informatics education.
MSN Programs
Students enrolled in an MSN-level nursing informatics program will develop skills in clinical information systems, strategic planning, and more. The curriculum consists of both advanced core nursing courses and specialty courses, including Data Analytics, Synthesis of Specialty Practice, and Database Systems in Healthcare. For nurses seeking a health-based option see our MSN in health informatics guide.
DNP Programs
DNP-level nursing informatics programs add to the MSN curriculum, preparing students to function as managers and leaders within the specialty. Courses taken may include Knowledge Management in Healthcare, Interpreting Research for Applied Science, and Organizational Foundations for Leading Change. The University of Kansas Medical Center is an example of a school offering a DNP in Nursing Informatics.
Learn about post-master’s nursing informatics certificate programs.
Online Nursing Informatics Programs
With technology being the main foundation of the nursing informatics specialty, it's no wonder that students are gravitating toward online programs. These online programs allow students to complete courses when and where they choose, making them ideal for today's hectic schedules. Many schools with campus-based nursing informatics programs also offer online options.
Advantages of an Online Program
The main advantage of an online nursing informatics program is the convenience factor. Students are able to complete coursework on their own time, allowing them to keep up with work, family, and other important obligations. Students based in rural areas may also find online programs advantageous, as it affords them the option to complete their education without a long commute. For those interested in lowering expenses, online programs allow students to virtually eliminate transportation expenses such as gas, tolls, and parking fees.
Program Accreditation
Like traditional campus-based programs, online nursing informatics programs should be properly accredited. ACEN and CCNE accreditations are recommended. These accreditations can give some peace of mind to students who may be apprehensive about enrolling in an online program.
Costs and Length
Credit requirements for online programs are the same as campus-based programs, though online options typically offer more flexibility in course completion. Therefore, program length for these online versions may fluctuate more based on the student's wants and needs. Tuition costs are also similar, though students may be able to find more affordable online options, and can also factor in transportation savings. Grantham University, for example, offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics that charges tuition of around $350 per credit hour.
What Are the Admissions and Certification Requirements?
Students can generally expect the following admissions requirements from a nursing informatics program:
- BSN or higher from an accredited university
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- Satisfactory GRE scores may be required
- One or more years of nursing experience
- Current, active RN license
- Current resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation and personal statement
Informatics nursing certification (RN-BC) is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Eligibility requirements for the examination include:
- Must hold a current U.S. RN license
- Must hold a BSN or higher
- Must have practiced the equivalent 2 years as a full-time nurse
- Must have completed 30 hours of continuing education in informatics nursing in the last 3 years
- Must have practiced a minimum number of hours in the nursing informatics field
List of Nursing Informatics Programs
Nursing informatics programs can be found all over the country, including the following schools listed below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
Troy University
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 834-2320
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529
Arizona
Arizona State University
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ 85282
(866) 484-1831
California
University of San Diego
- Health Care Informatics Campus
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600
Colorado
University College at the University of Denver
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2291
University of Colorado
- Health Care Informatics Online
Aurora, CO 80045
(303) 724-2152
Georgia
Columbus State University
- Informatics concentration Online
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 507-8800
Georgia Southwestern State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
- Nursing Informatics Online
Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594
Georgia State University
- Informatics Hybrid
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000
Illinois
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800
Iowa
Mount Mercy University
- Nursing Informatics Campus
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 363-8213
Kansas
University of Kansas
- Nursing Informatics Online
- Nursing Informatics Online
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-6414
Maryland
University of Maryland
- Nursing Informatics Online
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109
Michigan
Ferris State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2270
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985
Minnesota
The College of St. Scholastica
- Health Informatics Online
Duluth, MN 55811
(800) 447-5444
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Nursing Information Systems Campus
- Nursing Information Systems Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Rutgers School of Nursing
- Nursing Informatics Campus
- Informatics Campus
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307
Thomas Edison State University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372
New York
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Nursing Informatics Campus
- Nursing Informatics Campus
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300
North Carolina
Duke University
- Health Informatics Online
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Technology And Informatics Online
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000
Pennsylvania
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
University of Pittsburgh
- Nursing Informatics Online
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586
Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300
Texas
Texas Tech University
- MSN Nursing Informatics Campus
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730
West Texas A&M University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-0000
Utah
University of Utah
- MS Nursing Informatics Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414
Virginia
Liberty University
- Nursing Informatics Online
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000
Washington
University of Washington
- Clinical Informatics Online
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100
WGU Washington
Kent, WA 98032
(877) 214-7004
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122
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