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.

#1

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
#2

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
#3

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
#4

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
#5

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
#6

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
#7

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
#8

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
#9

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
#10

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 School of Nursing, Pell Ave
Troy, AL 36081
(334) 834-2320

MSN Programs
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294
(205) 975-7529

Arizona

Graduate Certificate Programs
411 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788

3300 West Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673

1625 W. Fountainhead Pkwy
Tempe, AZ 85282
(866) 484-1831

California

MSN Programs
5998 Alcal? Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4600

Colorado

2211 South Josephine St.
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 871-2291

MSN Programs
12950 E. Montview Boulevard
Aurora, CO 80045
(303) 724-2152

Georgia

MSN Programs
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 507-8800

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive
Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594

MSN Programs
33 Gilmer St SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 413-2000

Illinois

845 South Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 996-7800

Iowa

MSN Programs
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 363-8213

Kansas

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
1246 West Campus Road Room 153A
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-6414

Maryland

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
655 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 706-6109

Michigan

MSN Programs
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2270

426 N. Ingalls St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 763-5985

Minnesota

MSN Programs
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
(800) 447-5444

308 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 624-9600

New Jersey

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
1000 River Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
180 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 972-4307

Graduate Certificate Programs
111 W State St
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372

New York

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
433 First Avenue
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300

North Carolina

MSN Programs
307 Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786

DNP Programs
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000

Pennsylvania

Division of Nursing
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838

MSN Programs
3500 Victoria Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
(412) 624-4586

Tennessee

1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300

Texas

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
3601 4th St.
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730

MSN Programs
2501 4th Ave
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-0000

Utah

MSN ProgramsGraduate Certificate Programs
10 South 2000 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414

Virginia

MSN Programs
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(434) 582-2000

Washington

MSN Programs
1410 NE Campus Parkway
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-2100

College of Health Professions
20435 72nd Ave S #301
Kent, WA 98032
(877) 214-7004

Wisconsin

2442 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 229-1122

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.