phd in nursing informatics online

Online MSN: Nursing Informatics

Be the connection between patient care and technology..

Only 36 credit hours are required to earn the MSN in Nursing Informatics.

Ranked Among the Best

Competitive in-state tuition — even for some out-of-state students. Complete the program online from anywhere.

Improve patient care and outcomes through the development, implementation, and evaluation of information technology. Increasing demand for the adoption of electronic information systems is creating a growing need for nursing informaticians in health care organizations and in businesses that develop and sell health care information technology.

Program Snapshot

Tuition and fees  view overview, accreditation  read details.

The new competency-based MSN-NI curriculum, which will apply to students entering fall 2024 or later, will place greater emphasis on the NI role, artificial intelligence, and big data. Other content will provide a nursing leadership and management core specific to evidence-based practice, biostatistics, and professional writing. By increasing the overall practice hours from 135 to 500, the revised curriculum will provide greater clarity for expectations of applicants, graduates, stakeholders, and a more disciplined approach to nursing education. 

What is nursing informatics?

According to the American Nurses Association, nursing informatics is a "specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information management and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. [It] supports nurses, consumers, patients, the interprofessional health care team, and other stakeholders in their decision-making in all roles and settings to achieve desired outcomes. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology."

- Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice , 2nd Edition, ANA 2015

Our Master of Science in Nursing graduates have stellar reputations in the health care informatics job market and are in high demand; they have gone on to work in hospital settings or for businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies as:

• systems analysts
• clinical data analysts
• clinical informatics experts
• health care and business executives
• consultants
• business owners
• faculty members
•  and more.

The  American Medical Informatics Association estimates that up to 70,000 health informatics specialists will be needed in the next few years. A national nursing informatics workforce survey by the  Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society found that half of nursing informaticians earn an annual salary of more than $100,000.

The nursing informatics field is progressive, constantly changing, and has a significant impact on the future of the health care industry and beyond.

Live in one of the yellow states? You may be eligible to pay Maryland in-state tuition for this program.

Through an agreement with the Academic Common Market , you may be eligible to pursue this Master of Science in Nursing degree at UMSON at an in-state tuition rate . You'll complete the program online, and our faculty will help place you at a practicum site convenient to you.

How the Program Works

• The program requires 36 credits and 500 practicum hours.
• Full-time and part-time plans of study are available.
• Complete this program in as little as two years (five semesters).
• You can get started on this Master of Science in Nursing degree while you gain experience in the field. Take 1-2 online courses as you work full time to get a jump-start on your education and your career.

Flexible learning from anywhere:

• This Nursing Informatics program can be completed entirely online.
• Your advisor will develop an individualized plan of study that fits your schedule.
• Advisors can connect with you via email, telephone, Skype, or in person.
• For the required practicum, you and your practicum instructor will arrange a mutually agreeable site in a location convenient to you.
• If you reside in a state belonging to the Southern Regional Education Board, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates (see the sidebar for more information).

Free Exam Preparation

As an UMSON student, you can take part in online Nursing Informatics Certification Review Workshops – at no cost to you. These faculty-led workshops will prepare you for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Nurse Informatics Certification Exam .

"... I successfully passed my board certification on the first attempt! Thank you so much for the prep course and an excellent master’s program. It made me more than prepared for the exam!" - Davis Mitchell Darsch, MS '19

What You’ll Learn

As a student in the nursing informatics specialty, you will be able to:

• analyze nursing information requirements
• manage information technology
• apply principles of data management and databased systems
• evaluate the effectiveness of health informatics products and practices
• develop technology and informatics solutions

You will also be prepared to be a leader in the conceptualization, design, and research of digital information systems in health care organizations and in the informatics industry.

What You’ll Do

• Upon graduation, you will be an Nurse Informatics Specialist.
• Your unique qualifications as a nurse and an informatician will allow you to connect interdisciplinary health care teams and serve as a leader in health IT teams.
• Your role could involve developing, deploying, and optimizing health care information systems; leveraging health care data to improve quality and safety of patient care; enhancing clinician workflow; and helping to lower health care costs.

Our nursing informatics graduates work in many areas:

• The majority work in hospital settings.
• Many work for health IT vendors and health care analytics fields.
• They also work for federal agencies – such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services –or for consulting firms.
• Many experienced Informatics Nurse Specialists have their own businesses and consult with various health care sectors, such as the Department of Defense.
• And many either become an educator or incorporate teaching into their professional careers.

Many of our students are hired as informaticians while they are still in the program, especially by their practicum sites.

More Information About the Nursing Informatics Specialty:

Courses you'll take.

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details .

The Nursing Informatics master's specialty requires:

• 36 credits *For Fall 2024 and Later
• 500 practicum hours *For Fall 2024 and Later

In this section:

Sample Plans of Study

• Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024
• Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024
• Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
• Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
• Part-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later
• Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *For Fall 2024 and Later

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024

*Denotes courses that must be taken in this specialty. No waivers or transfer credits accepted.

Sample Plan of Part-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Spring 2024

* Denotes courses that must be taken in this program. No waivers or transfer credits accepted

** Advisor’s permission required to take NURS 770 after the completion of NURS 738

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Fall Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

*NRSG 784 is Prerequisite or Corequisite to NRSG 781

**NRSG 687 Prerequisite or Corequisite to NRSG 685

***NRSG 737 Prerequisites = NRSG 784, NRSG780, NRSG782, NRSG785, NRSG 781, NRSG 783, NRSG 787

****NRSG 739 Prerequisites = NRSG 784, NRSG780, NRSG782, NRSG785, NRSG 781, NRSG 783, NRSG 787, NRSG 737

Sample Plan of Full-Time Study - Spring Matriculation *Fall 2024 and Later

Sample plan of part-time study - fall matriculation *fall 2024 and later, sample plan of part-time study - spring matriculation *fall 2024 and later, program outcomes.

An MSN Nursing Informatics graduate will:

• Demonstrate leadership, new knowledge, and skills using informatics and industry tools to assess, design, develop, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of health informatics products and practices.
• Have essential knowledge and skills in information and communication technology to provide care for patients, communities, and populations at the advanced practice level.
• Apply principles of data management and databased systems to generate information, knowledge, and wisdom to improve outcomes for patients’ communities and populations.
• Contribute to the evidence base of informatics through scholarly work such as scholarly papers, posters, and presentations.
• Integrate concepts of information management, health policy, social determinants of health and patient care technologies to support health equity in diverse populations through a variety of practice projects.
• Analyze and apply current standards and policies impacting the practice of the informatics specialists through participation in clinical leadership and nursing informatics specialty organizations.
• Envision, identify, develop, and evaluate technology and informatics solutions for problems using innovative approaches.

*As of Fall 2024

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality..

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students receiving funds through the University must:

• be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
• complete a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
• FAFSA Submission period:  Oct. 1 (of the previous year) through Feb. 28
• FAFSA School code:  002104

The  UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education  is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office 410-706-0489 | [email protected]

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office 410-706-7347 | [email protected]

MSN Admission Information

• Qualifications
• Application Materials and Instructions
• Applicants without a High School Diploma or College Degree in the U.S

For best consideration, applicants are encouraged to have all required application materials submitted by the respective deadlines to ensure your application is considered for admission and scholarships.

Qualifications:

• an ACEN- (formally known as NLNAC), CCNE- or NLN CNEA- accredited college or university or
• an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
• an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0

Application Materials:

Applicants without a high school diploma or college degree in the u.s:.

• If you do not have a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university, you are required to demonstrate English proficiency.
• If you have completed coursework outside of the U.S., you must have your transcripts evaluated.

More information .

The Health Service Leadership management and Nursing Informatics master's specialties are not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore due to the amount of online courses.

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process,  contact the Office of Admissions and Student Scholarships  to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Additional Resources

Information packets

Packet for Prospective Nursing Informatics Students  (PDF) Packet for New Nursing Informatics Students (PDF)

Careers in Nursing Informatics: The Future is Now!

Nursing Informatics-Related Events/Webinars

Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference

Big Ten Academic Alliance Nursing Informatics Collaborative Webinar Series

If you're currently a registered nurse with an associate degree, you can save 6 credits (one full semester) when you enroll in  UMSON's RN-to-MSN , an accelerated path to both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and this MSN specialty.

Further Your Education

• DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice : customize a practice-focused doctorate in nursing informatics with the Post-Master’s option
• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy : generate new knowledge in health care and nursing informatics (and advance the field)

Additionally, UMSON’s  Nursing Informatics Certificate is for nurses in an UMSON graduate program or with a master's degree in another specialty area or field who are looking to gain essential knowledge and skills in nursing and health care informatics.

UMSON is also home of the annual Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics Conference .

This program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship by the University of Maryland, Baltimore, due to the amount of online courses.

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Nursing Informatics DNP

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• On-Campus Component Yes
• Cost $1,053.00 per credit (resident and nonresident)
• Total Credits 67
• Credential Doctorate Degree
• Admission GPA 3.0
• Application Deadlines Early Decision Review: January 2 | Final: March 1
• Campus Twin Cities
• College School of Nursing

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with an informatics specialty prepares nurses to lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of information systems to support nursing and interprofessional care, as well as ensure patient access to essential health information.

The DNP program at the University of Minnesota is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

• Watch the Nursing Informatics program introductory video .
• Information sessions .

Program Format

The nursing informatics specialty of the DNP program is a three-year full-time program delivered online.

Students in this specialty are required to come to campus once each semester for a four-day session (Tuesday through Friday) that includes: core courses, enhancement programming, specialty courses, and meetings with their advisor. Students also complete 1,000 hours at practicum sites arranged by the school. All other work is completed online.

Recommended 3-Year Program Plan

Sample Courses

• NURS 6200 – Science of Nursing Intervention (3 cr)
• NURS 6110 – Population Health Informatics (2 cr)
• NURS 7400 – Health Policy Leadership (3 cr)
• NURS 7200 – Economics of Health Care (3 cr)
• NURS 7600 – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (4 cr)

Online Catalog

International Students

Applicants who are not US citizens or permanent residents should understand that the University of Minnesota’s DNP program does not meet the requirements for eligibility needed to obtain the appropriate F-1 student visa or status because the DNP has limited (fewer than four) face-to-face on-site classes per DNP course. During the application process, we ask that international students use ECE or WES credential services for the evaluations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers as:

• Business application analysts
• Chief nursing information officers
• Clinical decision support specialists
• Clinical informatics coordinators or system analysts
• Clinical support—safety managers
• Directors of nursing informatics or quality informatics
• Faculty specializing in informatics
• Health care informatics software developers
• Informatics nurse educators
• Information systems administrators
• Nursing/health informatics consultants

The DNP specialty prepares nurses to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification examination in Informatics Nursing.

School of Nursing

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What Makes Our Program Distinct?

Our Nursing Informatics program is ranked #2 in the nation by US News and World Report's Best Grad Schools ranking.

The University of Minnesota is among the top nursing informatics programs in the United States and provides international scholarly leadership and collaboration through the Center for Nursing Informatics.

The Center for Nursing Informatics at the School of Nursing further connects students and faculty through collaborations with local, national and international partnerships, including:

• Institute for Health Informatics  
• The International Council of Nursing’s eHealth  
• The Minnesota Omaha System Partnership

A unique focus for this field is linking patients, providers, public health and researchers through authorized and secure information sharing. Take time to see this three-minute video by the  Office of the National Coordinator .

Graduates pursue careers as:

• Business application analysts
• Chief information officers
• Chief nursing information officers
• Clinical decision support specialists
• Clinical informatics coordinators
• Clinical informatics system analysts
• Clinical support - safety managers
• Clinical systems analysts
• Directors of nursing informatics
• Directors of quality informatics
• Faculty specializing in informatics
• Health care informatics software developers
• Implementation consultants
• Informatics nurse educators
• Information system clinical project leaders
• Information systems administrators
• Information technology training directors
• Nursing/health informatics consultants
• Project managers for health information systems

Gift from Japan advances nursing informatics

Kanetoshi Hattori wants to light a fire under the next generation of nurse researchers.

Breaking barriers

As a nursing informatics leader at Optum, DNP grad Kari Miller makes health care technology support rather than hinder.

Certifications

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a certification exam in Informatics Nursing.

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Health Sciences Informatics, PhD

School of medicine.

The Ph.D. in Health Sciences Informatics offers the opportunity to participate in ground-breaking research projects in clinical informatics and data science at one of the world’s finest biomedical research institutions. In keeping with the traditions of the Johns Hopkins University and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Ph.D. program seeks excellence and commitment in its students to further the prevention and management of disease through the continued exploration and development of health informatics, health IT, and data science. Resources include a highly collaborative clinical faculty committed to research at the patient, provider, and system levels. The admissions process will be highly selective and finely calibrated to complement the expertise of faculty mentors.    

Areas of research:

• Clinical Decision Support
• Global Health Informatics
• Health Information Exchange (HIE)
• Human Computer Interaction
• Multi-Center Real World Data
• Patient Quality & Safety
• Population Health Analytics
• Precision Medicine Analytics
• Standard Terminologies
• Telemedicine
• Translational Bioinformatics

Individuals wishing to prepare themselves for careers as independent researchers in health sciences informatics, with applications experience in informatics across the entire health/healthcare life cycle, should apply for admission to the doctoral program.

Admission Criteria

Applicants with the following types of degrees and qualifications will be considered:

• BA or BS, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies and a record of scientific accomplishment as an undergraduate; 
• BA or BS, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies and a minimum of five years professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical research, data science, public health, etc.); or
• MA, MS, MPH, MLIS, MD, PhD, or other terminal degree, with relevant technical and quantitative competencies

Relevant fields include: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, ancillary clinical sciences, public health, librarianship, biomedical science, bioengineering and pharmaceutical sciences, and computer and information science. An undergraduate minor or major in information or computer science is highly desirable.

The application is made available online through Johns Hopkins School of Medicine's website . Please note that paper applications are no longer accepted. The supporting documents listed below must be received by the SOM admissions office by December 15 of the following year. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete and we have all supporting letters and documentation.

• Curriculum Vitae (including list of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations)
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Official Transcripts from undergraduate and any graduate studies
• Certification of terminal degree
• You are also encouraged to submit a portfolio of published research, writing samples, and/or samples of website or system development

Please track submission of supporting documentation through the SLATE admissions portal.

If you have questions about your qualifications for this program, please contact [email protected]

Program Requirements

The PhD curriculum will be highly customized based on the student's background and needs. Specific courses and milestones will be developed in partnership with the student's advisor and the PhD Program Director.

The proposed curriculum is founded on four high-level principles:

• Achieving a balance between theory and research, and between breadth and depth of knowledge
• Creating a curriculum around student needs, background, and goals
• Teaching and research excellence
• Modeling professional behavior locally and nationally.

Individualized curriculum plans will be developed to build proficiencies in the following areas:

• Foundations of biomedical informatics: e.g., lifecycle of information systems, decision support
• Information and computer science: e.g., software engineering, programming languages, design and analysis of algorithms, data structures.
• Research methodology: research design, epidemiology, and systems evaluation; mathematics for computer science (discrete mathematics, probability theory), mathematical statistics, applied statistics, mathematics for statistics (linear algebra, sampling theory, statistical inference theory, probability); ethnographic methods.
• Implementation sciences: methods from the social sciences (e.g., organizational behavior and management, evaluation, ethics, health policy, communication, cognitive learning sciences, psychology, and sociological knowledge and methods), health economics, evidence-based practice, safety, quality.
• Specific informatics domains: clinical informatics, public health informatics, analytics
• Practical experience: experience in informatics research, experience with health information technology.

Basic Requirements & Credit Distribution

• 15 "core" quarter credits (5 courses)
• 8 quarter credits of Student Seminar & Grand Rounds
• 60 elective quarter credits
• 6 quarter credits practicum/research rotation
• 36 mentored research quarter credits (12 in year 1, 24 in year 2)
• Research Ethics

2024 Best Online PhD in Health Informatics [Doctorate Guide]

Compared to many degree programs, a PhD in Health Informatics is a much newer field of study. While the term has only recently been coined, though, the concept has been around for a long time.

With the widespread use of technology in medical fields, many students are opting to earn a health informatics doctorate to help them contribute to patient care from a systems perspective.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

If you’re interested in both the medical field and information technology, it may be time to investigate whether an online PhD program in health informatics is right for you!

Online PhD in Health Informatics Programs

Going to the doctor’s office is different today than it was many years ago. Thanks to developments in technology, our medical records are now electronically filed. That means there are many systems in place to help keep these records safe and accurate.

Earning a Ph.D. in Health Informatics can give you the opportunity to learn how these systems work, as well as how to support them. Software programs must be able to store different types of files and meet stringent privacy regulations, all while being shareable between providers.

If you choose to pursue one of the online PhD programs in health informatics, you will have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills. These commonly include:

• How various forms of technology connect with each other
• Data analytics
• Clinical data maintenance
• Scanning and imaging technology
• Security requirements as specified by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Though professionals in the field of healthcare informatics don’t necessarily work with patients directly, their knowledge of biomedicine can be vital to the medical field. It can help them support doctors, nurses, and patients who make use of medical technology.

As a result, professionals in this field are in demand to help develop new technology as well as support and enhance existing technology to ensure patients receive the best care possible.

Healthcare Informatics Careers & Salaries

Students who graduate from online PhD programs in health informatics often pursue careers in medical and healthcare services.

Instead of working as doctors or nurses, though, they are responsible for creating, maintaining, and operating the technology used to care for patients. Professionals in healthcare informatics may be employed by hospitals, healthcare centers, research institutes, or clinics. Some help to develop software for the medical field. Others select teaching roles upon graduation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the availability of careers in medical and health services management is anticipated to grow by up to 28% in the next ten years. This is faster than average for many careers.

Because health informatics combines detailed knowledge of medicine, healthcare science, and information technology, some roles may be classified as IT or computer jobs.

In some cases, health informatics professionals may be employed directly by medical facilities to help coordinate their onsite technology and record keeping systems.  

Health Informatics PhD Curriculum & Courses

The courses offered in a healthcare informatics doctorate program will differ from school to school, but there are classes that are commonly taught in most programs.

Some of the classes you may take in your program include:

• Human Biomedicine : In this course, you’ll review the healthcare process, including treatment paths and diagnostic opportunities.
• Clinical Database Design : This course teaches how to create and implement databases suitable for clinical record keeping.
• Data Warehouse Development : This class teaches how to create a safe and secure system of storage for information, which is especially important for the storage of medical records.
• Quality Control in the Healthcare Setting : This course can help you learn how to gauge the quality and operability of new technology.
• Biomedical Data Keeping : This course explores the types of records that must be kept in healthcare and who may access these records.
• Understanding Public Health : From epidemiology to understanding cultural differences, this course provides insight into what to expect in the field of healthcare.
• Data Mining in Healthcare : This course provides understanding of how to analyze the data accumulated in healthcare technological systems, which can potentially lead to more medical insight.
• Genetics and the Human Genome : This course explains the link between genetic information and possible medical conditions, which is frequently researched through modern technology.
• Biomedical Terminology : This class teaches the terms and abbreviations used by health informatics professionals.
• Healthcare Research Technology : This course focuses on the types of technology used when conducting research in the health field.

These are just some of the classes that may be offered in your program. You may also wish to tailor your education to best suit your future career goals. Since health informatics combines an understanding of both medical and computer sciences, many schools offer courses that can help bridge any potential gaps that students may have.  

Admissions Requirements

Each school can set their own admissions requirements, which means different schools may request their own unique set of information from applicants.

Some common admissions requirements include:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Transcripts from prior education
• Letters of recommendation
• Professional resume
• Statement of intention

Some schools may ask you to participate in an interview with admissions staff as part of the application. Additionally, you may be asked to provide a research plan for your doctoral thesis if your program requires the completion of one.

Finally, having advanced knowledge and skills in the field is often beneficial to applicants to doctoral programs, making having earned a masters in health informatics worth it for many students, but often not required.

Accreditation

When browsing online PhD programs in health informatics, it’s a good idea to pay particular attention to schools that are accredited by the Council of Higher Education (CHEA) .

To earn CHEA accreditation, schools must demonstrate that their degree programs meet stringent educational standards. As a result, many employers look for applicants who have received their education from accredited schools. Additionally, many professional organizations also look for members who have attended accredited schools.  

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For students who need assistance in paying for their health informatics doctorate degree, there are a few options to consider.

Completing the FAFSA , or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step towards gaining access to federal funds intended for continuing education. Additionally, the school you choose to attend may offer scholarships or grants for doctoral students in the field of health informatics. Each school will be able to share details regarding financial aid.

Your employer may also offer educational assistance or tuition reimbursement. You may also wish to connect with your community or professional groups that offer scholarships too.  

What Can You Do with a Doctorate In Health Informatics?

A health informatics doctorate combines the skills practiced by both medical and IT professionals. Graduates of online PhD programs in health informatics often have many career paths open to them.

Technology has become increasingly prevalent in the fields of healthcare and medical research. Because of this, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles in medical and health services management are expected to increase rapidly in the next 10 years.

Earning your doctorate in health informatics can be a great opportunity for expanding your career options. You may choose to work directly in systems for a healthcare facility or in research and development.  

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Health Informatics Online?

The length of time it takes to earn your degree in a health informatics doctoral program depends on the program you select.

A PhD program can usually be completed in 3 to 5 years, but this is contingent on the number of credit hours required by the program. You may also be asked to complete a dissertation, which typically requires intense research that is completed over the course of study.

If you select a program that does not require a dissertation for graduation, you may be able to earn your PhD in Health Informatics in just 3 years of full-time study.  

What’s the Difference between a PhD in Health Information Management vs. Health Informatics?

There are many commonalities between a PhD in health information management and health informatics doctoral programs, but there are also some differences.

Typically, a health information management program focuses on:

• Data storage technology
• Patient data security
• Managing and developing record-keeping technology

On the other hand, a health informatics doctoral program usually focuses on:

• Patient care technology
• Research and data analytics
• Diagnostic tools and analytics

Health information is a field that impacts many individuals. It involves the development of technology that helps patients track their health and software that can create diagnosis and treatment programs.

Is a PhD in Health Informatics Worth it?

Yes, a PhD in Health Informatics is worth it for many students. Health informatics doctoral programs have been introduced in recent years to help accommodate the growing use of technology in the medical and healthcare fields.

As a professional in these fields, earning your PhD in health informatics can help you provide services to patients and doctors alike. While you may never meet the patients impacted by your work, the technology in this field can help keep them healthy and even save lives.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Health Informatics Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Students at Bay Path University can earn a DHSc with a concentration in Health Informatics Management entirely online. The program requires the completion of 48 credit hours, which are earned through 12 core courses and 4 elective courses. Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Colorado Technical University offers a Doctorate in Healthcare Management and Leadership. The program is mostly online but does have a required residency component. To graduate, students must complete 100 credit hours. A thesis is required and built into the courses. Classes start at multiple times throughout the year. Students can choose concentrations like Informatics or Health Policy.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students at Liberty University can earn a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (DBA). The program is offered entirely online. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours. Each course is 8 weeks long, and students can potentially complete the program in just 3 years. The program is vocational and aims to prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Post University offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice—Informatics Leadership Specialization. This program is offered completely online. It has start dates every other month and can potentially be completed in 28 months. To graduate, students are required to complete 42 credit hours in core curriculum and elective courses. A culminating, research-based project is also required.

Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Students at Rutgers University can earn a Doctor of Health Informatics degree. The program is offered on campus and fully online. It can typically be completed in 3 to 4 years based on whether students take two or three courses per semester. To graduate, students must complete 54 credits. The program offers three specializations to choose from.

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Central Florida offers an Online Nursing Practice DNP, Advanced Track program. Each term is 16 weeks long. To graduate, students must complete 42 credit hours. They must also complete a DNP culminating project and log 1000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. The curriculum consists of courses such as Nursing Environment Management, Healthcare Systems and Policy, and Epidemiology Principles.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students at the University of Illinois—Chicago can earn a PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics. The program is a combination of on-campus, online, and hybrid courses. To graduate, students must complete 96 credit hours, which usually takes at least 3 years to complete. The program also requires the completion of at least 40 hours of research.

The University of Illinois – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Minnesota offers a DNP in Nursing Informatics. To graduate, students must complete 67 credit hours. The program is mostly online, but students must come to campus once per semester for a 4 day session. Students must also complete 1000 hours at practicum sites designed by U of M. The program usually takes 3 years to complete.

The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students at the University of South Alabama can earn a DNP in Nursing Informatics. Students are not required to take a certification exam or complete a thesis but must complete a research-based project. The program requires the completion of 64 credit hours. Courses include Health Data Security and Computers, Healthcare Policy and Finance, and Informatics Residency. The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students can earn a Doctorate in Health Informatics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. To graduate, students must complete 63 credit hours, including a fellowship in health informatics. The program allows one cohort per year, starting in the fall. Students without an MSN in Health Informatics must complete an additional 33 hours.

UTHealth is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Getting Your PhD in Health Informatics Online

Whether you are currently working in IT or in a medical field, getting your PhD in health informatics online can be an exciting step towards advancing your career.

Technology is a large part of our lives, including our overall health and wellness. From keeping records that can be safely shared between providers and patients to developing technology that can monitor conditions, health information technology is an expansive field, and this online health information management degree may be worth exploring in detail.

If you are ready to become an important part of the medical field, you can start by researching the health informatics doctorate degree programs offered online.

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Best Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024

2024 - best nursing informatics programs, choosing a nursing informatics program, nursing informatics degree levels offered, online nursing informatics programs, what are the admissions and certification requirements, list of nursing informatics programs.

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.

Nursing informatics is a growing field for RNs who want to take on a high-level role improving processes for optimal patient care outcomes. This highly analytical nursing career requires an advanced registered nursing degree with specialized training. Those interested in the pathway can enroll in a number of available online/hybrid programs to suit their growing careers. Take a look at our rankings for the top Nursing Informatics programs in the country below to get started on your educational pathway today.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page ( https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/ ).

The College of St. Scholastica

Those with a knack for numbers in the healthcare sector can advance their careers with a master’s degree in health informatics at the College of St. Scholastica. The completely online degree focuses on Systems Design, Human Factors and Usability, and Healthcare Data Analytics.

• Health Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Multiple start dates per year.
• Graduates gain eligibility to sit for the CHDA exam.
• A private Benedictine college in Minnesota.

Duke University

Tech-savvy nurses can use data analytics and information systems to improve patient care when they earn their MSN in Health Systems and Nurse Informatics at Duke University. The fully online program includes customized practicums so students gain real-world experiences.

• Students commonly complete the degree in 2 years.
• The program makes use of the latest systems and technologies.
• Duke is a top-ranked, competitive-entry university.

University of Pittsburgh

Blending nursing with the worlds of analytics, information systems and computer science, the University of Pittsburgh offers an online MSN in nursing informatics. The specialty prepares graduates for a career developing and managing databases and information systems for hospitals and medical centers.

• Nursing Informatics Online/Hybrid

• The program includes business as well as nursing and IT courses.
• Practicums are required to earn the degree.
• The no-credit program orientation is delivered via the web.

Grand Canyon University

Healthcare experts who thrive on delving into data can earn a master’s degree in Health informatics at Grand Canyon University. The online program covers topics such as healthcare data management, electronic health records, population health management and more.

• Master Of Science In Nursing With An Emphasis In Health Care Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Can be earned in less than 2 years.
• Students must complete a final project.
• A private Christian university.

University of Washington

University of Washington in Seattle offers an Online Master of Science in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies for health care professionals. In the program, students learn how they can enhance patient outcomes via technology solutions and capabilities.

• Clinical Informatics Online/Hybrid

• Designed for working health care professionals.
• Learners must complete a scholarly project.
• A large, public research university.

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.

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.

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.

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

Nursing informatics programs can be found all over the country, including the following schools listed below.

Jump to Your State Listings

Troy university.

• Healthcare Informatics and Nursing Leadership Online

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Nursing Informatics Campus

Arizona State University

• Master Of Science In Nursing With An Emphasis In Health Care Informatics Online

University of Phoenix

• Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Informatics Online

University of San Diego

• Health Care Informatics Campus

University College at the University of Denver

• Online Master's in Health Data Informatics & Analytics Online

University of Colorado

• Health Care Informatics Online

University of Miami

• MS - Health Informatics (Online) Campus

Columbus State University

• Informatics concentration Online

Georgia Southwestern State University

• Nursing Informatics Online

Georgia State University

• Informatics Hybrid

University of Illinois at Chicago

• Health Systems Leadership and Informatics Hybrid
• Master of Science in Health Informatics Online

Mount Mercy University

University of kansas, university of maryland.

• Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus

Massachusetts

Regis college.

• Nursing Leadership/Health Informatics Online

Ferris State University

University of michigan.

• Leadership, Analytics, and Innovation Campus
• Health Informatics Online

University of Minnesota

• Post-Baccalaureate: Nursing Informatics Campus

Fairleigh Dickinson University

• Nursing Information Systems Campus

Rutgers School of Nursing

• Informatics Campus

Thomas Edison State University

Nyu rory meyers college of nursing, north carolina, the university of north carolina at chapel hill.

• BSN to DNP: Informatics Campus

University of North Carolina Wilmington

• Technology And Informatics Online

Pennsylvania

Desales university.

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics with MSIS in Data Analytics Online Campus

Middle Tennessee State University

• Nursing Informatics Concentration Online

Texas Tech University

• Post-Master's Nursing Informatics Certificate Campus
• MSN Nursing Informatics Campus

West Texas A&M University

University of utah.

• MS Nursing Informatics Campus
• Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate Campus

Liberty University

• Clinical Informatics Online

WGU Washington

• M.S. Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN Program) Online

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• BS to DNP: Clinical Nurse Specialist- Nursing Informatics Campus

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

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

8 Best Online PhDs in Health Informatics

Health and technology are both evolving at a rapid pace every single day, which is why a Ph.D. in health informatics is an excellent degree for the analytical professional who wants to seek a career in healthcare, business, research, or academia.

Simply put, health informatics is managing digital information in the healthcare setting. However, health informatics is a multidisciplinary field, meaning it encompasses other areas such as healthcare, business, information technology, research, and communication.

A Ph.D. is a rigorous commitment, but a health informatics degree allows you to specialize in a specific area of interest, advance your career, and be an influential leader in this dynamic, ever-changing field.

What Are the Best Ph.D. in Health Informatics Degrees?

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

University of Central Florida

Orlando, Florida

Average Net Price

Did you know that the Florida Space Institute , based at the University of Central Florida, includes researchers and educators from UCF? In fact, UCF faculty are part of several NASA missions, like OSIRIS-Rex and New Horizons! Awarding nearly 17,000 degrees each year, UCF in sunny Orlando serves as one of the top-ranked universities in the nation. The impact UCF has on the state, nation, and outer space is vast.

Listed as one of the most innovative universities in the country by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2020 Guide, UCF excels in providing top-notch online degree programs for working students. UCF’s DNP is offered online, includes 42 credit hours, and prepares nurses to step into a clinical leadership role in the healthcare setting.

In this program, you will engage in scholarly research while contributing to the creation and application of new care models. In addition, you will study “leadership, clinical management, innovative technologies, healthcare systems, and advanced clinical practice” which build your current knowledge and skills and give you the confidence to contribute to research and practice.

With a DNP degree, you can explore career opportunities such as an APN, ARNP, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse practitioner. Step one to apply to this program is to speak with a success coach through the UCF Online Connect Center. Your coach will then help you gather and submit the information you need to apply, including GRE scores and official transcripts.

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

The University of Utah in Salt Lake City, affectionately called “The U” by students, faculty, alumni, and fans is well known for being the best in the nation in creating startup companies that start with research and innovation. Established in 1964, the U’s Department of Biomedical Informatics is “recognized as one of the most prestigious training programs for informatics in the world.” The program is set apart from others because of its wide span and depth of research opportunities in clinical and public health informatics.

The U’s Ph.D. in biomedical informatics provides coursework and research to train students to become independent researchers and go into academic careers. Eight specific tracks are available to choose from; four are application tracks, and four are methods tracks within the field of biomedical informatics. This program entails passing the comprehensive and qualifying exams, 40 hours of coursework, and 14 or more hours of research work, which lead to the completion of an original Ph.D. dissertation.

While this program’s admission process is rigorous, UT’s goal is to provide funding for all students who are admitted. Funding includes annual stipends, tuition coverage, health insurance, and financial support for research conferences. The deadline to apply for fall admission is December 1.

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

As a flagship research university, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is one of the most prestigious and diverse academic institutions in the world. The current 47,493 students represent all 50 states and 130 countries, and 2,576 of them are currently studying abroad. In addition, U of M is one of only five universities in the country with an engineering school, a medical school, a veterinary school, and an agricultural school.

Reiterated from U of M’s nursing informatics video, the program’s DNP in nursing informatics prepares doctoral students to “lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of information systems to support nursing and interprofessional care.” Students can choose from twelve specialty areas, including gerontology, health and innovation leadership, and nurse-midwifery.

The 67-credit hour DNP program is three years (full-time) and primarily online, although students are required to attend a four-day session once a semester. Students will also complete 1,000 practicum hours. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be accepted into the program, and the GRE exam is not required. The deadlines for applications are October 15 (priority) and February 1 (final).

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

Surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the lakes and hiking trails in Madison, South Dakota, and filled with rich history and tradition, is Dakota State University. Born in 1881 as a school for teachers, Dakota State University’s focus has evolved over the years to technology in the cyber world. DSU’s mission is to “provide learning that integrates technology and innovation to develop graduates ready to contribute to local, national, and global prosperity.”

DSU’s Ph.D. in information systems prepares students for a lucrative, fulfilling career in research, teaching, or administration, and they can choose from three specializations: health care, analytics, or health care. This multidisciplinary program includes research projects that focus on information systems and information technology, and managing these systems. Technology is at the center of DSU’s mission, and they integrate the latest advances into their Ph.D. program.

Overall, this degree includes 72 credit hours, which includes 60 credit hours of coursework, a comprehensive exam, a qualifying portfolio, and 12 hours of dissertation work. Students can complete this program on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time students with a master’s degree should be able to complete the program in just three years. Applicants may be accepted without a master’s degree, but they should have at least a bachelor’s degree and will need to take an additional 12 hours of coursework.

University of South Alabama

Mobile, Alabama

The University of South Alabama, South for short, is where more than 14,000 students create a dynamic culture of learning, supporting, challenging, and engaging each other to become leaders in the world. South’s strategic plan focuses on five major priorities : student access and success, enhancement of research and graduate education, global engagement, excellence in health care, and university-community engagement.

South’s DNA in nursing informatics gives students the knowledge and skills to improve patient care, promote consumer health, apply nursing research, and educate through information technology. The program consists of 39-64 credit hours, depending on whether the student has a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Some of the required courses include Health Data Security and Computers, Clinical Prevention and Population Health, and Healthcare Policy and Finance. Although this program does not require a dissertation, students are required to complete an evidence-based research project on quality improvement in healthcare. Applicants need either a BSN or an MSN with no less than a 3.0 GPA in all coursework. The application deadline is February 28 for fall admission.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, according to Vogue (and many others) is “the Midwest’s Coolest City.”  Founded in 1956, the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is home to the state’s largest online education program, offering more than 850 courses and 40 online degree programs. Additionally, UWM’s College of Health Sciences contains the largest number of health-related degree programs in the state, featuring 16 undergraduate majors and 12 graduate degree programs.

The Ph.D. in health sciences from UWM is an interdisciplinary program in areas such as health and clinical informatics, communication sciences, biomedical sciences, kinesiology, and occupational therapy. While this may seem like a broad Ph.D., students will choose a concentration while completing cross-disciplinary courses in health-related education and research.

As a doctoral student at UWM, you will engage in cutting-edge research in one of the many research labs, such as the Rehabilitation Design and Disability Center or the Lyme Borreliosis Laboratory. The Ph.D. program requires 72 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree, which means that if you have a master’s degree, you can apply (at most) 36 credits to this program. Students will complete a minimum of 16 credits of coursework and complete a dissertation.

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

A Christian university nestled in the mountains of Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University began offering online classes in the 1980s when they mailed VHS tapes with course content to students, and students would mail back assignments and proctor-supervised tests. Today, Liberty is both home and online home to more than 100,000 students. With 17 colleges and schools and more than 600 degree programs, there’s certainly something for everyone through Liberty.

Liberty’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in healthcare management is a practical, terminal business degree that is designed to equip students for leadership positions in the healthcare setting. Students will receive training in healthcare management, human resource development, quality control, and global healthcare systems. This 60-credit hour, 100% online program takes most students three years to complete.

Sample courses include Legal and Ethical Issues for Health Professionals, Managing Human Capital in Healthcare, and Grant Acquisition and Management. Applicants need a master’s degree in business or a related field with at least 30 hours of graduate business courses and a minimum 3.0 GPA in all graduate work.

American Sentinel University

Aurora, Colorado

Not reported

As one of the first in the nation to design online education degrees, American Sentinel University in Denver, Colorado, focuses primarily on healthcare programs. Since 2006, American Sentinel has awarded over 7,900 degrees to students worldwide and continues to offer top-notch, affordable, and relevant online education to healthcare professionals.

As one of the only online DNP informatics programs in the nation, American Sentinel’s DNP in informatics leadership prepares master-educated nurses for healthcare leadership careers in informatics, including chief nursing informatics officers. Students have the opportunity to interact with nursing leaders from the top U.S. healthcare organizations like Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Cleveland Clinic.

This program is 28 months long and offered in eight-week courses, totaling 42 credit hours of coursework. During your first year, you will choose between a four-day onsite residency in Denver or a two-week virtual residency. American Sentinel offers competitive tuition rates and different payment options that let most graduate students graduate debt-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a PhD in health informatics is worth it for several reasons. You gain a high level of knowledge and skills you can use to perform your job better. It’s also a terminal degree, so you will have expertise in the field that can lead to more lucrative positions. Having this level of knowledge can also benefit the health systems in which you work by using technology to improve patient care. PhD-level workers often make much more money than bachelor’s and master’s workers.

The Education Data Initiative reports that the average PhD in the U.S. costs $106,860. Your health informatics PhD might cost much less or much more, though. The cost of a health informatics doctorate depends on various factors, including the program’s length, the university you attend, and whether you study on campus or online.

Most PhD students pursue grants and assistantships to help pay for their degree. Scholarships might also be available. None of these financial aid sources must be repaid, though assistantships require you to work as a research or teaching assistant in exchange for funding. In some cases, employers help pay for their employees’ PhD expenses, too. Typically, you must agree to certain terms, such as working for the company for a certain number of years, to receive funding.

A PhD in health informatics focuses on understanding and managing healthcare systems by digitally collecting, storing, and analyzing medical information. Those who pursue this advanced degree combine medical knowledge with informatics, engineering, and communications. A PhD in health informatics aims to equip you with a high degree of knowledge and skills in electronic health records, advanced health informatics, global health informatics, and health system projects. The degree may go by different names, such as a PhD in health information technology or healthcare informatics. In addition, there are variations of this degree. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in informatics focuses on nursing informatics. On the other hand, a PhD in business management with a concentration on informatics emphasizes the business side of the field. Though every program is different, you are likely to take relevant coursework and complete a dissertation.

Many health informatics PhD programs require three years of full-time studies. However, the time needed to finish this degree largely depends on the length of the specific program. Some programs are relatively short, requiring around 42 credits. Others require more than 70. These longer programs typically require around five years of full-time studies to complete. Most universities allow you up to seven or eight years to finish a doctoral program, though.

A common career for health informatics PhD graduates is working in the healthcare informatics software development field. As the title indicates, this job focuses on devising software that can be used in healthcare settings to assist in delivering and managing patient care. Another common job path is working as a healthcare information systems administrator. This job entails overseeing a healthcare organization’s information technology systems to ensure they work properly and are protected from data breaches. While most PhD students have a background in clinical care, computer information sciences, or business, you can use your doctorate to explore many other careers. Our No. 3 ranking, the University of Minnesota, lists the following as potential careers in health informatics: • Business application analysts • Chief nursing information officers • Clinical decision support specialists • Clinical informatics coordinators or system analysts • Clinical support—safety managers • Directors of nursing informatics or quality informatics • Faculty specializing in informatics • Informatics nurse educators • Nursing/health informatics consultants You can pursue jobs in many settings: healthcare, government, and non-profit organizations. It’s common for health informatics experts to work in business and academic settings, too.

Most careers in health informatics pay over $100,000 per year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health information managers can expect to make around $104,830 per year. Top earners make over $182,600. Computer and information research scientists also fall under informatics careers. These professionals earn a median salary of $136,620 per year, with the highest-paid workers earning over $232,010.

According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paid health informatics job is Chief Medical Informatics Officer, which pays $274,592 on average. This totals $22,882 per month or $5,280 in weekly earnings. Other high-paying jobs in this field include the following (with their average yearly salary in parentheses): • Physician Informatics ($217,445) • VP Informatics ($193,750) • Pharmacy Informatics Manager ($156,236) • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer ($155,833)

Related Articles:

• 20 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• 20 Best Schools for a Degree in Health Informatics
• Best PhDs in Healthcare Management Online

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The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

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Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

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Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

Request a PhD Student Handbook

What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

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Online Nursing Ph.D. | OU Online

Online Ph.D. in Nursing

Advance the theoretical foundations of nursing science., 22+ courses, 52-78 hours, $293-$720/ch, become a healthcare leader.

Contemporary healthcare is quickly evolving, and nurse scientists are at the forefront of this change. The online Ph.D. in Nursing program equips our scholars to ask and investigate questions relevant to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing the theoretical foundations of nursing science. The program prepares nurse scientists for successful careers and leadership roles as change agents in:

• Research-intensive Academic Settings
• Interdisciplinary and Inter-professional Venues
• Clinical Research Sites
• State and Federal Research Positions

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Admission deadline.

Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).

Program Start Terms

Fall, Spring, Summer

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Benefits of the Nursing Ph.D.

Outstanding faculty leadership.

Learn from our diverse faculty devoted to educating nurses and impacting health care. With their guidance, you will advance health care through OUHSC's intensive research initiatives and health-related community outreach programs.

Strong Career Growth

Our program prepares you to join the healthcare administration and management sector, projected to grow 18% through 2028 (BLS). Nursing management positions can earn up to $129,000, and director roles can earn up to $169,000 (AONL).

Flexible Format

Learn in a flexible online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while gaining advanced skills and research experience needed for leadership roles in healthcare.

OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation

OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more

OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field

Pursue Your Nursing Ph.D. Degree

Take the next step in your career with a degree from the University of Oklahoma. Applications are reviewed year-round for fall, spring, and summer sessions. Choose your program, choose your start, and apply today.

Program Breakdown

Ph.D. students can choose from a wide range of research opportunities and mentors. All prospective Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to read about the program's faculty research focus to identify a potential match with a mentor. All applicants are encouraged to contact potential mentors to discuss the unity of their interests with the faculty member's research. A close match is beneficial in assuring success in the program.

Paths to the Ph.D.

• If you already have a Master’s in Nursing: Master's to Ph.D. Option
• If you are a BSN graduate: BSN to Ph.D. Fast Track Option
• Roles and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist
• Philosophy of Science (Graduate level)
• Ethics in Research and Scholarship
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Epistemology in Nursing Science
• Vulnerability and Disparity in Diverse Populations
• Quantitative Methods in Research
• Qualitative Methods in Research
• Research Measurement and Instrumentation
• Grant Writing Seminar
• Applied Statistics I
• Applied Statistics II
• Special Focus in Applied Statistics
• Implementing Research with Diverse Populations
• Research Practicum (must take a minimum of one credit)
• Prospectus Seminar
• Dissertation Research 

How to Apply

Minimum Prerequisites for the online Ph.D. in Nursing program are as follows:

• Applicants may enter the Ph.D. program with either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Nursing
• GRE scores taken in the past five years for Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing exams
• Submit a current Curriculum Vitae using the  CV template  provided
• Evidence of entry-level graduate writing ability based on written  application essay
• Prerequisite Statistics Course
• Interviews with Ph.D. nursing faculty members, in person or via telephone conference
• Personal computer required
• TOEFL may be required for students born outside the U.S.

There is a two-step application process for the online Ph.D. in Nursing: 

STEP 1: NURSING CAS ADMISSIONS APPLICATION

• Complete only sections marked required at  https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.com
• Pay appropriate application fees.
• Submit your transcripts.
• Questions: Contact NursingCAS at [email protected] or (617) 612-2880.

STEP 2: OUHSC SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING APPLICATION 

• Complete the supplemental application at:  https://apps.ouhsc.edu/admissions/
• Enter the NursingCAS ID number from the Admission Application.
• Pay the $75 application fee.
• Residency documentation
• TOEFL exam results
• WES evaluation of international coursework
• Immigration documentation

Note: An interview may be requested by faculty.

The admissions committee operates under a rolling admission process, and admissions may continue until two weeks before classes start. The committee strives to respond to all applicants within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.

If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the  cost calculator  on our OU Online financial aid page. 

Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.  

Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application

If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please contact the HSC Financial Aid office by emailing [email protected]  or calling 405-271-2118.

Same Academic Excellence

Like every OU Online program, the Ph.D. in Nursing is built on the foundation of world-class University of Oklahoma faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success. 

An Investment in Your Future

Earning a Ph.D. in Nursing from OU Online gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.

Tuition for online Nursing programs has a wide range based on the type of program and what fees are associated with the program.

Please visit OU HSC Financial Services to determine the tuition for your program of interest.

Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. 

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Doctorate in Health Informatics Online

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Degree Options and Potential Careers

Pursuing a Ph.D. in health informatics online takes commitment and dedication, but the hard work often pays off with career opportunities. As the  healthcare field continues to grow  and advance technologically, the workforce also expands. Consequently, healthcare is the  second most popular bachelor’s program  and the third most popular master’s program. This creates more demand for college-level healthcare teachers.

When you earn a doctorate in health informatics online, however, opportunities extend into many other areas. Graduates can explore the medical management profession , pursue  computer and information research , or apply their skills to a management analyst role in a variety of industries. This guide explores doctorate in health informatics online programs in more detail, highlighting what they entail and what career opportunities they can result in.

Should I Earn an Online Ph.D. in Health Informatics?

While students have personal motives for pursuing a Ph.D. in health informatics online, here are some of the more common reasons:

Growing collegiate student body

With the influx of students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in healthcare and health informatics, the need for instructors increases. A Ph.D. in health informatics online gives graduates the skills and qualifications to earn teaching positions and prepares them for the field’s technological evolution.

Technological developments in healthcare

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the adoption of electronic records and advanced information technology systems in healthcare calls for managers with information technology and informatics expertise. Because of that, many healthcare professionals pursue doctorates to gain specialized technology skills and position themselves for management careers.

Broadly applicable skills

Advanced training in informatics, like that in a doctoral program, provides students with the ability to use technology to solve complex problems, monitor large-scale data groups, and improve decision-making processes. While important to healthcare, these skills also apply to a variety of other careers and industries, like business, manufacturing, logistics, and research.

Helping Others

At the core of all healthcare careers is the desire to help people. Health informatics professionals with doctorates can create change and truly impact the healthcare system overall. Through their research, design, or decision-making, graduates of these programs serve their communities and the world through their work.

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What Can I Do With an Online Ph.D. in Health Informatics?

After earning a Ph.D. in health informatics online, graduates can pursue a variety of industries. Many doctoral program graduates pursue careers in academia, working as professors and performing scholarly research. Similarly, graduates can pursue research positions. While researchers typically work at universities, they can also work at government institutions, medical institutions, and private or nonprofit organizations.

In the healthcare industry, doctoral graduates tend to occupy the highest positions.  According to the BLS , advancement to top-level executive positions typically requires a master’s degree, with doctorates offering additional qualifications. That applies to hospitals, health centers, research institutions, and clinics.

Graduates may also seek out consulting or analyst positions — roles that allow them to move between locations, helping other organizations make better decisions and solve problems. This type of opportunity may come from outside the healthcare world, as the technical skills acquired in a healthcare informatics doctoral program can also aid in business and manufacturing. The following list looks at some of the best options available.

Career Profiles

Postsecondary teacher.

These teachers instruct and train the students in colleges and universities, conduct research, and publish scholarly work. Postsecondary teachers typically instruct in their fields of expertise. Most teaching positions at the postsecondary level require candidates with doctorates, and some may need additional licensure or certifications.

Medical Manager

Medical managers  oversee clinics, departments, and facilities in the healthcare field. They do administrative work and ensure everyone follows relevant laws, policies, and procedures. While this career features varying requirements, many upper-level positions, like  medical directors in large institutions , need a doctorate for consideration.

Medical Scientist

Medical scientists research, test, and run clinical trials to help improve care delivery, health outcomes, medicine, and medical care devices. While most professionals in this field have doctorates, many also have medical degrees. Health informatics doctorate holders, however, can work with medical devices, do public health research, or explore quantitative and analytical models of data collection.

Management Analyst

Management analysts  assess organizational processes and advise on ways of improving. This may include evaluating day-to-day functions, finances, logistics, or the marketplace. While many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees as a minimum, doctoral degree holders may gain access to management, senior-level, or partner positions in the organization.

Health Informatics Specialist

Health informatics specialists  manage the information systems in their organizations. They may design and implement improved systems or evaluate current systems for inefficiencies. While many professionals in this field begin with a bachelor’s degree, those with doctorates often enjoy substantial salary increases  and management positions.

Health Informatics Ph.D. Program Overview

Every online Ph.D. program in health informatics features its own unique curriculum, and students benefit from flexibility and freedom in how they complete the degree. Yet, many of the programs share elements, and students should know what to expect from a doctorate in health informatics online program. The following information identifies some of the typical application requirements, offered courses, and outcomes available to graduates.

Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Admission requirements for doctoral programs vary considerably, but students can expect to see some of the following criteria. Nearly all applicants need a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and some programs have prerequisites, like computer programming, statistics, and health sciences. Many doctoral programs also require GRE scores, especially for the quantitative score.

Applicants also need strong letters of recommendation and a personal statement that addresses the candidate’s connection to or interest in the field or highlights intended research. While program advisors may not expect a full research plan, they often want to see what students are interested in and how that aligns with the department’s goals.

Every program features a unique curriculum, but there are some common elements. Curricula often divide into sections, including core, research, clinical, and elective courses. Some programs also offer general education courses. While the following information covers a health informatics doctorate generally, students should note that some programs emphasize independent research while others feature more coursework or clinical practice.

Core courses cover topics related to the major. This includes healthcare courses, technology courses, and advanced mathematics. Depending on the program, the core section typically makes up about 35% of credit requirements. Electives also make up about 35%, but electives at the doctorate level include specialization, interdisciplinary, and complementary courses. Students use these credits to do research or branch out professionally after graduation.

The clinical and research sections make up the remaining 30% of the program, though that can vary depending on the degree. Students pursuing academia often perform more research while writing a dissertation or completing a research project whereas those pursuing a career outside academia may dedicate more time to gaining clinical experience. Below are some of the standard courses students in these programs might encounter.

• Translational Bioinformatics In this course, students analyze biological data with the goal of improving human health, care delivery, prognostics, and diagnostics. The course trains learners to use this information to create clinical strategies that other medical professionals can apply.
• Healthcare Databases Students learn how to operate health information systems and design databases to record information and solve healthcare problems.
• Healthcare Analytics This course offers training in the use of healthcare information to provide improved healthcare processes. Students learn to design analytical models that generate informative insights from data.
• Clinical Software Engineering In this course, students learn what successful clinical software needs and what the field lacks or requires. They also learn how to design and create this software.
• Advanced Research Methodology At the doctorate level, learners must conduct intensive research, and many students continue that during their careers. This course teaches students a variety of research methods, including the ethics and challenges that go along with it.
• Project Management This course covers the management of complex projects, including employee and volunteer training, resource allocation, and performance evaluation. Students may also learn motivation and leadership techniques.

Program Outcomes

While completing a Ph.D. in health informatics online, students gain a set of skills and competencies that set them in good stead moving forward. The advanced medical and healthcare foundation gives graduates a solid footing to manoeuvre through the healthcare system. They also gain the management skills and qualifications to pursue executive positions.

As the industry becomes more reliant on technology, finding professionals and managers with the ability to operate and oversee these advanced systems and devices is paramount. Healthcare informatics graduates gain these skills, which also translate into a variety of other industries, affording graduates more choice and flexibility in their career paths.

Finally, doctorate students generally gain excellent research, problem-solving, and analytical skills. While these abilities apply to a variety of career paths, they particularly stand out in health informatics, where much of the day-to-day work relies heavily on analysis. With an informatics Ph.D., graduates set themselves up for success.

Accreditation for Online Health Informatics Ph.D. Programs

Accreditation is one of the most important considerations when reviewing online Ph.D. programs in health informatics. Not only does accreditation verify that the school meets industry standards, but it also tells employers, funding agencies, and other schools that the applicant has the knowledge and skills that come with the degree.

At the institutional level, schools need regional accreditation from an approved accrediting agency . When it comes to programs, a variety of national accrediting agencies overlook the healthcare industry. This type of accreditation is beneficial but not always necessary. To ensure their programs received proper accreditation, students can search for schools in the  Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs .

Ph.D. in Health Informatics Online

The university of minnesota twin cities.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $13,318
• Out-of-state $31,616
• Retention Rate 93%
• Acceptance Rate 57%
• Students Enrolled 51,327
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 30%
• Accreditation Yes

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

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Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs Offering Informatics

Nurse informaticists work with patients to marry their care with their health information. These schools offer online master's degree programs in informatics, where students learn about health care hardware and software, ensure patient data security, and work with nurses and system engineers to translate these health data systems and monitoring devices. Read the Best Online Programs Methodology  »

Here are the online programs offering informatics

University of south carolina, duke university, vanderbilt university, university of colorado anschutz medical campus, university of pittsburgh, the university of texas at tyler, texas tech university health sciences center, troy university, university of utah.

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Columbia , SC

#1 in Nursing Programs

University of South Carolina is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Durham , NC

#4 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Duke University is a private institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The... Read more

Nashville , TN

#10 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Vanderbilt University is a private institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Aurora , CO

#14 in Nursing Programs (tie)

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at... Read more

Pittsburgh , PA

University of Pittsburgh is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. One... Read more

#31 in Nursing Programs

The University of Texas at Tyler is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Lubbock , TX

#36 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material... Read more

#49 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Troy University is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The admissions... Read more

Salt Lake City , UT

University of Utah is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. Ninety-five... Read more

University of Maryland--Baltimore

Baltimore , MD

#70 in Nursing Programs (tie)

University of Maryland--Baltimore is a public institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their... Read more

Nova Southeastern University Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing

Fort Lauderdale , FL

#86 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Nova Southeastern University Ron & Kathy Assaf College of Nursing is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access... Read more

DeSales University

Center Valley , PA

#92 in Nursing Programs (tie)

DeSales University is a private institution. One hundred percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. The admissions deadline for these programs is rolling. Read more

Robert Morris University School of Nursing, Education and Human Studies

Moon Twp , PA

Robert Morris University School of Nursing, Education and Human Studies is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access... Read more

Ferris State University

Big Rapids , MI

#97 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Ferris State University is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. Ninety-eight... Read more

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville , FL

#119 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Jacksonville University is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The... Read more

University of South Alabama

Mobile , AL

#132 in Nursing Programs

University of South Alabama is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Queens University of Charlotte

Charlotte , NC

#137 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Queens University of Charlotte is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Chatham University

#141-186 in Nursing Programs

Chatham University is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The admissions... Read more

Liberty University

Lynchburg , VA

Liberty University is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The admissions... Read more

National University

San Diego , CA

National University is a private institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

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Master of Science

Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN)

A nursing informatics degree that helps you impact patient outcomes.

Information is power. Patient outcomes are better and healthcare organizations thrive when data is at the center of decision-making. This nursing informatics program combines nursing science with data management, analyzation, and communication, leading to data that empowers healthcare administrators to make the best choices. By earning this nursing informatics degree you will learn the skills which enable you to provide insights and influence policies and procedures that will save lives and improve patient outcomes.

This online degree program also includes clinical practice experiences such as analyzing and visually displaying data from a dataset. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to earn the NAHQ (National Association for Healthcare Quality) HQ Principles certificate along with your degree, helping enhance your offering and earning you the respect of employers and peers in the health care industry.

Need to earn your BSN first? No problem!  Check out the RN-to-MSN version of this program.  You can also  compare all of our MSN programs .

64% of graduates finish within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you reduce the ultimate cost of your degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Transfer credit is accepted*

of your coursework (up to 17 credit units) taken at the graduate (master's) level at a nationally or institutionally accredited school can be transferred to this WGU program.

*Courses must have been completed within the past five years with an earned grade of "B" or higher.

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Nursing Informatics Courses

Program consists of 14 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

The WGU MSN – Nursing Informatics curriculum is evidence-based. Students learn to apply systems-thinking strategies and master the skill of transforming data into wisdom that better serves the healthcare needs of diverse populations. We take the science of success and combine it with the art of caring to ensure you're prepared for this exciting profession in health care.

In this online MSN program, you will develop knowledge related to the complexities of healthcare like access to quality services and costs for diverse populations. In the nursing informatics specialization, you'll become an expert at applying systems-thinking strategies to transform data into wisdom and using current technologies to work with teams across disciplines for the development and implementation of health education programs, evidence-based practices, and point-of-care policies.

This program consists of the following courses, which you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

This course addresses the integration of technology to improve and support nursing practice. It provides nurses with a foundational understanding of nursing informatics theory, practice, and applications. Topics include the role of nursing in informatics; use of computer technology for clinical documentation, communication, and workflows; problem identification; project implementation; and best practices.

In Informatics System Analysis and Design, a broad understanding of data systems is covered to build upon the Foundations in Nursing Informatics course. The importance of effective interoperability, functionality, data access, and user satisfaction are addressed. The student will be analyzing reports and integrating federal regulations, research principles, and principles of environmental health in the construction of a real-world systems analysis and design project. This course will be directly applicable to healthcare settings as electronic records management has become compulsory for healthcare providers. All of the information in this course will be directly tied to the delivery of quality patient care and patient safety. Foundations in Nursing Informatics is recommended as a prerequisite.

This course addresses the interdisciplinary and emerging field of data science in healthcare. Candidates learn to combine tools and techniques from statistics, computer science, data visualization, and the social sciences to solve problems using data. Topics include data analysis; database management; inferential and descriptive statistics; statistical inference; and process improvement.

This graduate course is designed to engage the student in planning, analyzing, and designing a relational database management system (DBMS) for use by nurse administrators, clinicians, educators, and informaticists. This experience will provide the knowledge needed to advocate for nursing informatics needs within the field of healthcare.

Nursing Informatics Field Experience requires students to complete clinical/practice experiences while engaging in authentic activities relevant to the role of an informatics nurse. To help students develop competency in this area, this course gives students opportunities to apply methods and solutions to support clinical decisions. They will be prepared to improve health outcomes by analyzing an existing health information system to determine the need for a system optimization that will improve an organization’s ability to measure and report Triple Aim objectives. All MSN Core and Specialty courses, with the exclusion of the Capstone course, are prerequisites to this course and must be completed before taking this course. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.

Nursing Informatics Capstone requires students to complete clinical/practice experiences (CPE) and finalize their system optimization proposal paper, which addresses the Institute of Health’s Triple Aim initiative. During this course, students will plan the final phase of their system development life cycle (SDLC), which consists of proposing the processes, methods, and tasks for monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and evaluating their system optimization. The knowledge and skills that students acquire during the CPE in this course will prepare them to complete their system optimization proposal paper. This is a culminating course that provides students an opportunity to demonstrate the competencies acquired during this program. All MSN Core and Specialty courses, including the Field Experience course, are prerequisites to this course and must be completed before taking this course. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.

Professional Presence and Influence is a masters-level course designed to guide students towards an enhanced state of presence, where therapeutic relationships are built between nurse and patient. Students will learn techniques for self-care practices that result in enhanced mental and physical wellbeing and that ensure ethically-generated patient care. Presence is an intrapersonal and interpersonal quality that allows the nurse to relate to others and to be aware of the world around them. The characteristics of presence, which include holism, intimacy, sensitivity and adaptability, create a heightened sense of awareness that fosters therapeutic relationships between the nurse and patient. Developing a mindful, authentic presence is central to health and spiritual practices in several cultures and a major element of leadership. Students will intentionally develop a focused mindfulness practice that will influence patient outcomes and lead to conditions that create joy in the workplace.

Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice explores essential characteristics of the advanced professional nurse in the role of leader, educator, practitioner, or informatics specialist. In this course, students will apply evidence-based strategies to facilitate interprofessional collaboration on teams. Students will explore the role of nurses in advocating for change at the bedside, as well as leading teams to advocate for health policy reform. Students will gather and analyze data to identify patients and populations at risk and recommend policy change to improve health outcomes in the community.

Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care incorporates current standards of quality and safety within the context of value-based care. In a value-based healthcare system, the benefits are derived from measuring health outcomes against the cost of delivering the outcomes. These benefits are then extended to patients, providers, payers, suppliers, and society as a whole. This course introduces new healthcare delivery models, which stress a team-oriented approach to patient care and sharing of patient data so that care is coordinated, and outcomes can be measured easily. Emphasis is placed on performance and quality improvement methods that underlie value-based nursing care. The nurse in advanced practice today must exemplify the standards of quality and safety and be prepared to lead the delivery of value-based patient-centered care.

Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations provides advanced practice nurses foundational knowledge in the many pathologies encountered in practice today. Advancing from the cellular to the body system level, this course examines the pathologies of common conditions seen in healthcare today. Consideration is also given to the human affective response to alterations in health. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Advanced Health Assessment of Patients and Populations builds on prior physical health assessment knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate studies by focusing on the advanced assessment of biopsychosocial and sociocultural contexts in patients and populations across the life span. This course emphasizes the use of a comprehensive health promotion, disease prevention, and health restoration model to address health concerns in patients and communities. Students will acquire advanced assessment knowledge and skills for clinical interviewing, focused history taking, critical diagnostic reasoning, and clinical decision-making using a problem-focused framework that integrates authentic experiences with practical knowledge of health patterns in patients and communities. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage, and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to apply informatics concepts, communications, and data that are critical to facilitating interprofessional data-driven decision-making. It is designed to build competence in the use of patient- and population-based applications that inform and support the transformation of nursing care delivery toward a future of value-based quality nursing care that improves health outcomes. This course aligns theoretical concepts with practical applications of informatics and is consistent with the functional areas and responsibilities of informatics nurses as defined by the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards for nursing informatics.

Leadership and Management in Complex Healthcare Systems prepares graduate nurses to be thoughtful strategists and informed decision-makers who serve as strong leaders in high-performing healthcare systems. Students develop competencies for managing diverse teams in complex systems, monitoring and measuring organizational performance, allocating financial and human resources, and leading change towards a transformed healthcare system. Additionally, students acquire the knowledge and skills to become full partners with other healthcare professionals by demonstrating nurse contributions toward high-quality care to patients and populations, while working collaboratively with interprofessional teams. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Advancing Evidence-Based Innovation in Nursing Practice introduces students to the dynamic union of healthcare innovation and evidence. Core competencies and behaviors required to be a nurse innovator are discussed. Strategies for measuring innovation at various system levels are presented, as well as techniques for synthesizing and disseminating evidence to advance innovation in healthcare. The skills needed to appraise the quality of diverse sources of evidence are presented within the framework of evidence-based practice. This course focuses on identifying new and emerging sources of evidence that can inform, translate, and scale the complexity of leading innovation in healthcare organizations. Students will experience building communities of practice for collaboratively developing innovative practices and policies designed to improve the health of populations and enhance the patient experience of care.

Program consists of 14 courses

Field Experiences

Special requirements for this program

While most of your coursework will be completed online, your nursing program includes some requirements—including field experiences—that must be completed in a facility near you.

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Successfully managed clinical data in a digital format, enhancing the quality and safety of patient care by ensuring accurate and accessible health records.
• Utilized reporting systems within the electronic medical record (EMR) to identify trends and implement strategies that improved the overall quality of care provided to patients.
• Data Analysis:  Analyzed complex healthcare system data to measure progress in meeting organizational performance indicators, leading to data-driven improvements in healthcare practices and outcomes.
• Health Information Technology:  Applied technology and information management tools effectively to support safe processes of care, enhancing patient safety and optimizing healthcare delivery.
• Problem Solving : Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing healthcare information to identify issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Research: Developed evidence-based processes and interventions based on research findings, leading to improved access and enhanced quality of care for patients and healthcare recipients.

“Working a full-time job and having an extremely busy home life, going back to school after a 20 year break wasn't something that I thought was actually achievable. However, the ability to do coursework when my schedule allowed due to the flexibility of online classes, the extremely helpful instructors and the wonderful mentors at WGU, I managed to achieve my goal of obtaining a master's degree in Nursing Informatics.”

—Natalie S. M.S. Nursing – Informatics

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year

Affordability

WGU tuition is charged per six-month term, not per credit. That means if you want to move faster through this nursing informatics program, you'll pay less.

On Your Schedule

You can continue working at your full-time job or maintaining your responsibilities while pursing your BSN to MSN degree. You don't have to log-in to classes and there aren't due dates. You are in charge of your degree.

Alumni Network

When you enroll in the nursing informatics program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals.

Accredited,

Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ).

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org ). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

TRANSFER CREDIT

Transfer Credits Accepted, No Work Requirement

Now's the time to advance your healthcare career with a master's degree:

• Transfer up to 17 credits (47%) of your MSN courses taken at the graduate (master's) level at an accredited institution to this WGU degree program. Courses must have been completed at an accredited MSN program within the past five years with an earned grade of "B" or higher.
• There is no RN work requirement. This means you don't need to be currently working as an RN in order to be eligible for admission into our MSN programs.

Safety Notice

WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. Interactions might include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, laboratory experiences, project development, or conducting research.  Standard compliance verification for students in applicable LSH programs is required to protect the public, meet LSH program expectations, reasonably assure compliance with state regulatory board requirements, meet WGU’s contractual and legal obligations with clinical partners, and support WGU’s mission to prepare students who will be qualified to enter their desired field. Compliance items may include, but are not limited to, background checks, immunizations, and drug screens as needed.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Nursing Informatics Degree

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Nursing Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

Designed to be Different: An MSN Program Built for a Busy Nurse’s Schedule

Our unique education model puts working nurses in the driver’s seat of their education. As a busy nurse, you need a nursing degree program that's more than simply online—you need an online nursing program that truly reflects the realities of your work life and experience.

At WGU, your progress is driven by your ability to prove what you’ve learned. How—and how quickly—are largely up to you. Once you’ve mastered the material, you prove what you know through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s MSN – Informatics curriculum.

Other universities' online M.S. programs may give you the convenience of distance learning; WGU's online programs take that flexibility further—many steps further!

"I learned a lot about doing research, which has helped me tremendously in my new position. You learn so much with this degree.”

—Jennifer Granger Brown M.S. Nursing

CAREER OUTLOOK

Impart Excellence—Drive Decisions Grounded in Sound Data

Nurse informatics is a profession focused on delivering the best quality data, enhancing patient outcomes, and contributing to a better healthcare experience. This degree program uniquely qualifies you for this exciting profession centered on giving back to others. Join thousands of WGU graduates who are hard at work, making a difference and improving health outcomes.

Once you have earned a CCNE-accredited M.S. Nursing – Informatics degree, you will have the knowledge and skills it takes to be an outstanding informatics nurse. 

And as an informatics nurse, you’ll play a crucial role in elevating the level of care in your facility and in today’s healthcare industry. You’ll empower your colleagues to make decisions, implement policies, and perfect practices that are proven to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

The number of jobs for medical and health service managers is expected to grow by 28% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A High-Demand, Fulfilling Career: An MSN – Informatics Degree Prepares You for Real Results

First things first: What is nursing informatics? Simply put, it’s the juncture of information technology, medical practice, and medical research. It uses data, statistics, and research to make smart decisions that improve healthcare. In a survey of 576 healthcare professionals, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society found that respondents overwhelmingly felt informatics nurses had a significant impact on the quality of care patients receive, especially on implementation, optimization, workflow, and patient safety.

• Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
• Informatics Director
• Nursing Informatics Specialist
• Informatics Analyst

Diverse Industries

• Hospitals and Healthcare Clinics
• Healthcare Systems and Vendors
• Insurance Companies
• Long-term Care Facilities
• Local, State, or Federal Government
• Colleges and Universities

Major Employers

• Healthcare Corp. of America
• Kaiser-Permanente
• Atrium Health

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.

ADMISSIONS & TRANSFERS

Admissions Requirements Unique to This Nursing Degree

To be considered for this master's in nursing education program, you must:

• Possess a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN). 
• Possess an active, unencumbered RN license (though you are not required to be working as an RN at the time of enrollment):

1. In your state of residence, or 2. In your state of employment.

Prior to your clinical placement, you must submit to a criminal background check through American Databank and provide proof of current immunizations. Additional fees apply.

NOTE: RN licensure in your state of residence or employment is required to successfully complete clinical experiences. You must be licensed in the state in which you will complete the project or clinical experience. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. For more information about compact licenses .

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

Transfer Credits

More About the BSN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics Program

• General Program Questions
• Financial Aid Questions

What are examples of nursing informatics?

A nursing informatics professional has many potential responsibilities in the health care organization. Some examples of what nursing informatics specialists do include:

• Data recovery
• Patient health chart organization and maintenance
• Data security
• Telenursing
• Imaging informatics
• Test results
• Decision support systems

What does an informatics nurse do?

Informatics nurses can have many different responsibilities including:

• Managing paper or digital health records
• Developing an information system based on current care standards
• Developing electronic health record interfaces for patients
• Analyzing health record data to identify how the system is working
• Working with government agencies to ensure laws and regulations are compatible with healthcare needs
• Developing unique systems for the organization to serve patient needs
• Representing the hospital or clinic in making important decisions

How long does it take to be in nursing informatics?

You'll likely need a master's degree in nursing informatics to be qualified for this role. This means you'll need a BSN and an MSN, as well as some nursing experience. From start to finish it will likely take 6 years to become a nursing informatics specialist, but if you're already an RN, you can finish your MSN program and get started on the path sooner than you think.

What is nursing informatics and why is it important?

In order to care for patients, doctors and nurses need all their information. Medical histories, test results, medication lists, and more are all vital to understand a patient's health. Nursing informatics play a vital role in improving health care technology to provide doctors and nurses with the data they need to make decisions for patients. Communication, technology, and regulations all play a part in ensuring that health care providers have the information they need. Nursing informatics is focused on using software and technology to document and secure patient data and information so it can be accessed when needed, and is safe from threats. 

Is nursing informatics in demand?

Yes. Nursing informatics is a growing field that is certainly in high demand. Just as the need for nurses is growing, so is the demand for nursing informaticists. As healthcare moves increasingly online, demand within the nursing informatics field is expected to grow even more over the coming years. In fact, from 2019 to 2029, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be 221,900 additional jobs for registered nurses. A similar trend may follow for nursing informaticists.  

What are nursing informatics skills?

In order to be successful in the field of nursing informatics, in addition to having an understanding of nursing, you should possess skills in the following areas:

• Data analytics
• Computer science
• Design and development
• Information systems

Can a graduate of this program get into a nurse practitioner certificate or other post-graduate nursing program?

Admissions requirements vary widely from program to program and from school to school. Nurse practitioner programs—including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and post-MSN NP certificate programs—can be among the most competitive. One factor commonly considered for enrollment in post-graduate nursing programs is grade-point average (GPA) from previous college work. The nature of WGU’s competency-based model means WGU graduates do not have a GPA when they earn their degree. WGU will work with you to help other institutions understand our model.

However, other factors beyond GPA are considered by many programs across the country. WGU provides opportunities for students to students to demonstrate excellence beyond a GPA, including participation in nationally recognized honors programs, real-world projects that you complete as part of your program that you can showcase in your post-graduate applications, and letters of recommendation from WGU faculty or leadership.

The WGU non-NP MSN courses do not satisfy the requirement for three separate courses in Physical Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology.  These are often referred to as the “3 Ps” and are required for national certification and licensure as a nurse practitioner.

You will need to work closely with the nurse practitioner program, national certification organization and licensing agency to be sure you have completed all requirements before certification and licensure.

For any aspiring graduate student, it is important to maximize your own qualities as well as do the research to understand the schools that offer the programs you seek to join.

You can start your research by reviewing post-graduate programs that have admitted WGU alumni in the past. Look on LinkedIn for WGU nursing alumni who have gone on to become nurse practitioners , and check their profiles to see which schools they attended after graduating from WGU. Contact the school to ask whether they enroll students from competency-based programs like WGU’s. And talk to your WGU Enrollment Counselor. WGU can provide alumni with a letter they can share with graduate schools, explaining our competency-based model. This letter has helped WGU alumni be accepted into a variety of graduate programs in a number of fields and disciplines.

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
• Eligibility requirements
• Examples of scholarships
• What happens after you apply
• Other financial aid options

How does tuition work at WGU?

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

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7 Best Online DNP In Nursing Informatics Programs For 2024

What Exactly Is The Goal Of A DNP In Nursing Informatics Program?

Dnp-nursing informatics vs. msn-nursing informatics: what are the benefits, 3 major challenges dnp-nursing informatics students face and how to overcome them, 1. communication skills:, 2. quantitative analysis:, 3. competitive edge:, how long are online dnp-nursing informatics programs, how much do online dnp-nursing informatics programs cost, admission requirements, clinical practicum, 7 tips to get into top dnp in nursing informatics online programs, 1. research schools carefully:, 2. tailor your application:, 3. submit applications and documents in a timely manner:, 4. showcase your previous experiences with technology:, 5. select your references carefully:, 6. spend time developing personal statement:, 7. demonstrate leadership:, following are the 7 best online dnp in nursing informatics programs for 2024, 1. university of minnesota - minneapolis, mn, 2. university of arizona - tucson, az, 3. university of texas health science center at houston - houston, tx, 4. university of san diego - san diego, ca, 5. university of south alabama - mobile, al, 6. university of kansas - lawrence, ks, 7. american sentinel university - denver, co, what kind of career opportunities exist for graduates of this program, average earnings for graduates of this program, job market for graduates of this program, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what’s the difference between healthcare informatics and nursing informatics, 2. will i need to be certified after i graduate from a dnp in nursing informatics online program in order to work as a nursing informaticist, 3. are graduates of dnp in nursing informatics online programs considered to be advanced practice nurses.

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IUPUI offers over 250 graduate degrees to students interested in pursuing a Ph.D., a professional degree, a master's degree, or a graduate certificate. Several of these degrees are not offered by any other public institution in the state.

In addition, current IUPUI undergraduates have the opportunity to explore many different accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs . Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree programs allow ambitious IUPUI undergraduate students the opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree AND a master’s degree in a shorter time frame than if pursued independent of each other (i.e., 5 years vs. 6 years).

IUPUI Graduate & Professional Programs by School

Herron school of art & design, kelley school of business, lilly family school of philanthropy, luddy school of informatics, computing & engineering, paul h. o'neill school of public and environmental affairs, richard m. fairbanks school of public health, robert h. mckinney school of law, school of dentistry, school of education, school of health & human sciences, school of liberal arts, school of medicine, school of nursing, school of social work, school of science.

Programs with an asterisk (*) are IU degrees offered through Purdue University at IUPUI and are administered through the Indiana University Graduate School.

Looking for Computer Science degree programs? Luddy School of Informatics, Computing & Engineering offer degrees in this field.

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Engineering and Technology will become a part of Purdue University in Indianapolis on July 1, 2024. Contact Purdue University for information on their programs.

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Approved ph.d. minors.

As new minors are approved, this list will be updated, so please check back often.

All other minors will be considered Individualized.

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The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) meets the growing demand for nurses who have advanced preparation in informatics, health care technologies, analytics and e-health.

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Become a Leader in Nursing

The health care landscape is constantly evolving. This field requires compassionate, expert professionals who understand the nuance of care and bring a wealth of skills in leadership, technology, informatics, data management and analysis, finance, policy and ethics. As the need for these skills increases, we are also witnessing a growing demand for nursing leaders in advanced practice roles.

As a graduate nursing student at USD, you will gain the technical knowledge and practical skills you need to thrive as a leader in health care. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing informatics and e-health emphasizes informatics, health care technologies, analytics and e-health. Through this program, you'll develop your expertise in the science of how to use data, information systems and health care technologies to direct patient care, improve the delivery of safe, high-quality, efficient healthcare services and lead transformative practice. The program is offered by South Dakota's most comprehensive health sciences school – providing you with the convenience and flexibility you need alongside the expert instruction and professional connections that will position you to thrive.

You will graduate as the leader our health care industry needs: a highly engaged, expert professional capable of maintaining the highest standard of patient care.

Degrees & Offerings

Nursing: nursing informatics and e-health specialization (msn).

The MSN  with  a specialization in nursing informatics and e-health positions you to be an essential member of the health care team who is able to use data, information systems and health care technologies to improve patient outcomes. You'll develop your leadership capacity in informatics and technology, health care business for the digital economy and utilization of evidence-based practice to clinical and system improvement.

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Program Details

School of Health Sciences

Start Your Application Today

This graduate program utilizes a specialized CAS online application to complete the admissions process. To learn more about this program's unique application process, requirements and program deadlines, visit Specialty Graduate Program Applications.

Additional requirements exist for international applicants. For more information, visit International Admission Requirements.  

Known for Excellence

Usd offers advanced nursing programs online to make your education flexible and convenient., with the state's only comprehensive health sciences school and medical school, usd is the region's leading institution for health care education., prepare for high level careers in nursing administration, expand your knowledge of the business and finance areas in health systems or consider a career in academia as a nursing faculty. .

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Student opportunities.

As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.

• Assistantships

An Affordable Education

Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation. 

Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.

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At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:

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Our department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, supporting today's health care workforce and delivery of quality patient care.

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The Parry Center for Clinical Skills & Simulation is a state-of-the-art learning environment that allows collaboration among students and safely simulates real-patient experiences.

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The University of South Dakota’s human anatomy lab offers a cadaver-based experience to undergraduate, graduate, medical and health sciences students. Our lab enables future health care professionals to assist their patients through the mastery of human anatomy.

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Anne Pithan

Christine Doty

Kelli Ebbesen

Lisa Feller

Cheryl Fischbach

Danielle Fleming

Catharine Fransen

Samantha Gottsleben

Helene Hegge MSN,RN

Valarie Hower

Tyler Kaufmann

Anne Kleinhesselink

Michelle Knuppe

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Regan Luken

Beth Melstad

Lori Munter

Lesli Olson

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Jeannie Rossow

Michele Seaton-Bertsch

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Barbara Stolle MS, RN CNE, CHSE

Lorie Truhe

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Jessica Warren

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Ashtyn Van Zee

Jean Yockey

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Developing Your Specialty

We have integrated a specialization into your advanced degree, ensuring you graduate with a marketable and unique education that positions you for success in your career. Your understanding and implementation of informatics processes and technologies will allow you to be an innovator in your field as you support patients and teams to deliver high quality, efficient healthcare services.

Surprisingly Affordable

More about tuition & fees.

Tuition rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the program or department. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs  page for more information.

* Graduate Assistant (GA) rates are available for resident, non-resident and online students.

** Resident rates may be available to you through the SD Advantage, Child of Alumni or Western Regional Graduate Program. To see if you quality, visit usd.edu/grad-tuition .

student success story

Ashley Leigh Herrity

MSN '23 B.S. Nursing '17 Senior Clinical Informatics Analyst RN, Sanford Health Vermillion, SD

Quality Educational Experiences  

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of South Dakota are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .

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Health Informatics (MS)

Health Informatics is a cutting-edge discipline and a natural fit to support all health professions. It is a developing discipline with an emphasis on technology as an integral tool to organize, analyze, manage, and use health information, clinical data, images, and knowledge for patient care, health education, administration and research. It is one of the fastest growing fields with a positive job outlook that provides an excellent opportunity to build a career.  

The Master of Science in Health Informatics is a STEM designated program offered by the Health Informatics Program in the School of Health Professions (SOHP). The program consists of a 39-credit curriculum (30-credit core and 9-credit electives) that emphasizes on clinical informatics, human computer interaction, electronic health records, evaluation of healthcare information system, clinical data management, health data analytics and visualization.  

The program is flexible and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. The complete MS program is offered in both traditional in-person and distance learning (online) format for student enrollment. In-person classes are offered in the evening, which works well for working professionals who work during the day. The completely online curriculum option is offered in asynchronous format with optional weekly live sessions (evening only) for students to interact with course instructors and other students which are recorded and made accessible to enrolled students.  

The program offers  the opportunity to thrive in a conducive learning environment with a tightly-knitted support system. Rigorous training opportunities are provided and offered to the students to enhance and develop the necessary skills needed to succeed in a health informatics career.  

How to Apply

Program Outcome

Requirements

School of Health Professions

Health Informatics Program

• Phone: (718) 270-7770

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Careers & Outcomes

Every day, healthcare organizations collect a universe of data—and they need experts who know how to handle it. There's rising demand for specialists who aren't just technically adept but also understand how medical data is used.

• Systems Administrator
• Health Informaticist
• Clinical Services Manager
• Network Manager
• Clinical Information Specialist
• NYC Health + Hospitals

Meet Our Faculty

Informatics is a young field, but our faculty are seasoned veterans. Learn from experts who specialize in topics such as human-computer interaction, medical decision making, large-scale implementation of electronic medical records, information security, and using technology to reduce health care disparities.

Program Highlights

Put your training to work..

You'll complete a 120-hour internship in one of the city's busiest healthcare environments, such as Downstate and King's County hospital and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Hands-on help.

When you pitch in at the student-run Brooklyn Free Clinic, which provides free health care services, you'll help the community—and sharpen your own skills.

Build your network.

Meet working professionals and volunteer in the community through the Students of the Medical Informatics Association, a student group.

Take the next step.

• Information Sessions

Health Informatics and Information Management, BS

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Focus on the Business of Healthcare Through Securing Medical Information

The BS in Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) prepares you to care for patients by ensuring that medical data is high quality and kept secure. The field provides a link between clinicians, administrators, technology designers, operations, and information technology professionals. You’ll present health information in a meaningful manner and are experts in managing, interpreting, analyzing, auditing, coding and converting health data into statistical information that everyone can use. The work you do will help improve patient outcomes.

Throughout your courses, learn about business management, systems analysis, medical coding, and computer applications in healthcare. In addition to medical coding skills, gain an understanding of how to use data analytics to interpret a variety of healthcare scenarios that may be encountered in the workplace. You’ll also have opportunities to interact with industry professionals through workshops and conferences. Plus, the program’s required internship provides you with hands-on experience.

Earn your health informatics and information management degree online or on campus, providing you with the convenience and flexibility to learn when and where it works best for you. Health informatics and information management graduates find employment in a variety of settings, including healthcare organizations, consulting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, information technology vendors and pharmaceutical companies. Graduates also find positions in public health departments and other governmental agencies after testing out the industry through our internship program. Others pursue careers in the private industry in marketing, health insurance, and selling health devices and pharmaceuticals. With healthcare changing, new doors are opening as new technologies emerge. And as a HIIM graduate, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

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Check out your application requirements. See what freshmen and transfer students need to apply.

Short on time? You can start your application today and come back later to finish.

Course Overview

Fundamentals of health information technology.

The origin, evolution and application of health information technology in today's healthcare industry.

Health Data Management

Health care statistics, data analytics and data usage specific to health informatics and information management will be explored in depth.

Medical Terminology

A study of the language of medicine and allied health specialties, including word construction, definitions, and application of terms.

HIIM Skills You'll Learn

• Gain the knowledge necessary to gain specialized certifications that improve your resume and career opportunities.
• Learn highly sought-after skills such as medical coding, patient record database systems, and healthcare finance computer applications
• Achieve a flexible career path that may take you into hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, research and pharmaceutical organizations, insurance companies, public health organizations, and other settings where health information is gathered and used.

Career Opportunities

• Medical Records Manager
• Privacy Officer
• Risk Manager
• Medical Coding Manager
• Corporate Compliance Officer
• Data Analysis and Reporting Manager

College of Community Innovation and Education News

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University of Central Florida Colleges

The BS in Health Informatics and Information Management (HIIM) prepares you to care for patients by ensuring that medical data is high quality and kept secure. The field provides a link between clinicians, administrators, technology designers, operations, and information technology professionals. You’ll present health information in a meaningful manner and become experts in managing, interpreting, analyzing, auditing, coding and converting health data into statistical information that everyone can use.

Health Informatics and Information Management (B.S.) may be completed fully online , although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

Degree Requirements

• Students should declare their major as HIIM Pending until admission to the program is granted.
• Students who are pending Health Informatics and Information Management and are admitted to the program must adopt the most current catalog
• Students should complete the General Education Program, Foreign Language Admissions and the Common Program Prerequisites Requirements before transferring within the Florida College System or State University System.
• Students should consult with a departmental advisor
• The courses designated in sections 1 and 2 below may be taken at a Florida College System institution, and should be completed in the first 60 hours
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in prerequisite and major courses is required for admission to, continuation in, and graduation from the Health Informatics and Information Management Program
• UCF Residency Requirement: 30 hours

Online Health Informatics and Information Management, BS

Core Requirements: Advanced Level

• HSA3423 - Health Law (3)
• HSA3170 - Health Care Finance (3)
• HSA4109 - Principles of Healthcare Reimbursement, Insurance, and Managed Care Plans (3)
• HSA4191 - Fundamentals of Health Information Technology (3)
• HSC3537 - Medical Terminology (3)
• HIM4624 - Health Data Management (3)
• HIM3006 - Foundations of Health Information Management (HIM) (3)
• HIM3806C - Professional Practice Experience I (3)
• HIM4816C - Professional Practice Experience II (3)
• HIM4226C - ICD Diagnosis Coding (5)
• HIM4256C - Outpatient Procedural Coding and Reimbursement (3)
• HIM4676 - Professional Development and Issues in Health Information Management (3)
• HIM4726 - ICD Procedure Coding (3)
• HIM4838 - Management Affiliation (3)
• HIM4998 - Internship Orientation
• HIM3116 - Health Record Organization & Management (3)
• HIM4344C - Health Information Department Management (4)
• HIM4508C - Quality Management (3)
• HIM4656C - Health Information Management Systems (3)
• HSA4180 - Organization & Management for Health Agencies I (3)
• MAN3025 - Management of Organizations (3)

Grand Total Credits: 60

Additional Requirements

As a requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management major, students must complete an internship within the HIM realm of an actual health care organization. The internship program takes 2 semesters to complete: one orientation semester and one internship semester. In order to participate in the HIIM Internship the student must have completed or earned credit for HIM 3806- Professional Practice Experience I, HIM 4816- Professional Practice Experience II and HIM 4998- Internship Orientation. Additionally, many health care organizations will require that students complete a background check, which may include, but not be limited to, law enforcement finger printing, state driving records, credit reports, and criminal records check. The cost of the background check is the student's responsibility. Background checks may take time to complete and, subsequently, could delay the student's internship placement. Students who have potential background issues must contact the Director of Internships to schedule an interview in order to discuss the impact on field placement. The Health Informatics and Information Management program cannot guarantee internship placement or subsequent degree completion for students who do not pass background checks. A fee may be required as part of the placement application process for the internship program. Students will receive all the information they need, as well as access to internships they may apply for during HIM 4998 –Internship Orientation.

Upon completion of general education, common program pre-req’s, required core, BS required courses (or BA required foreign language), students may still need electives to reach the minimum overall credit hour requirement to be eligible for graduation. Students needing additional electives are encouraged to enroll in general electives as needed. Courses or additional minor/certificate should be selected with the assistance of an advisor.

Required Minors

Departmental Exit Requirements

A minimum 2.5 overall GPA is required for graduation. Upon completion of the approved program, the student is eligible to submit an application for writing the national registration examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association to qualify as a Registered Health Information Administrator.

University Minimum Exit Requirements

• A 2.0 UCF GPA
• 42 semester hours of upper division credit completed
• 60 semester hours earned after CLEP awarded
• 30 of the last 39 hours of course work must be completed in residency at UCF.
• A maximum of 45 hours of extension, correspondence, CLEP, Credit by Exam, and Armed Forces credits permitted.
• Complete the General Education Program, the Gordon Rule, and nine hours of Summer credit.

Additional Information

Honors In Major

Related Programs

Certificates

Healthcare Quality and Revenue Management

Business Minor Computer Science Minor

Advising Notes

Transfer Notes

Human Anatomy& Physiology I& II (BSC X085 and X086) Financial Accounting (ACG 2021) Managerial Accounting (ACG 2071) Statistics (STA 2014C or STA 2023) Computer Science for Business (CGS 2100C or CGS 1060)

Acceptable Substitutes for Transfer Courses

Program Academic Learning Compacts

Program Academic Learning Compacts (student learning outcomes) for undergraduate programs are located at: http://www.oeas.ucf.edu/alc/academic_learning_compacts.htm

Plan of Study

Freshman Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours) MAC 1105C College Algebra ENC 1101 Composition I CHM 1032 General Chemistry HSA 2117 Civic Engagement in the US Healthcare System

Freshman Year - Spring (16 Credit Hours) ENC 1102 Composition II STA 2014C Principles of Statistics BSC 2010C Biology I GEP Historical Credit Hours: 3 GEP Social Credit Hours: 3

Freshman Year - Summer (3 Credit Hours)

General Elective Credit Hours: 3

Sophomore Year - Fall (13 Credit Hours) ZOO 3733C Human Anatomy CGS 2100C Computer Fundamentals for Business ACG 2021 Principles of Financial Accounting GEP Historical Credit Hours: 3

Sophomore Year - Spring (13 Credit Hours) ACG 2071 Principles of Managerial Accounting PCB 3703C Human Physiology GEP Communication Credit Hours: 3 GEP Cultural Credit Hours: 3

Junior Year - Fall (15 Credit Hours) HSA 4109 Principles of Healthcare Reimbursement, Insurance, and Managed Care Plans HSA 4191 Fundamentals of Health Information Technology

Select One: (3 Credit Hours) MAN 3025 Management of Organizations HSA 4180 Organization & Management for Health Agencies I

These courses may be taken at any time during the two years. Certain HIM courses are offered only during the semester in which they appear on this schedule and are restricted to majors only.

Junior Year-Spring (14 Credit Hours) HIM 4226C ICD Diagnosis Coding HIM 3116C Health Record Organization and Management HIM 3806C Professional Practice Experience I HIM 4624 Health Data Management

Junior Year - Summer (6 Credit Hours) HSA 3423 Health Law HIM 4256C Outpatient Procedural Coding and Reimbursement

Senior Year - Fall (13 Credit Hours) HIM 4508C Quality Management HIM 4726 ICD Procedure Coding HIM 4344C Health Information Department Management HIM 4816L - Professional Practice Experience II Credit Hours: 3

• HIM 4998 Internship Orientation

Senior Year - Spring (12 Credit Hours) HSA 3170 Health Care Finance HIM 4676 Professional Development and Issues in Health Information Management

HIM 4838 Management Affiliation HIM 4656C Health Information Management Systems

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Nursing Adjunct Faculty - Informatics, Quality, and Safety

• Please do not upload documents to “Cover Letter” or “References”. If the required application materials were not uploaded at the “resume” prompt, please withdraw your application, and re-apply to upload your combined documents as one file. Job Summary The School of Nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler invites applicants to apply for a part-time, non-tenure-track, adjunct faculty position in the Nursing Informatics, Quality, & Safety program. This appointment is made on a semester-by-semester, as-needed basis. Salary is commensurate with education, background, and experience. Essential Functions Duties vary depending on the program and need and include, but are not limited to:
• Primary teaching in on-line courses for the master's core and/or the Nursing Informatics, Quality, & Safety program
• Assisting other classroom faculty as needed.
• Mentoring students.
• Participation in program meetings as required.
• Terminal degree in nursing (DNP or PhD).
• Eligible for Texas licensure.
• One (1) year online teaching experience with Canvas learning management system
• Recent experience as informatics nurse specialist.
• ANCC certification in nursing informatics
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Certification as a nurse educator is a plus.

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