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MSN Nursing Informatics

Take an Interdisciplinary Approach to Nursing

Program Details

Completion: 
As few as 2 years

Next Start Date: 
May 05

Accreditation: 
CCNE

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"Practicum Commitment - Chamberlain University 1889"
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Master of Science in Nursing Informatics Specialty Track

Designed by working nurses for working nurses, our MSN Nursing Informatics specialization prepares you to discover data-driven solutions by using real-world tools for improving technology, data structures and workflow for better patient outcomes. 

Dedicated Practicum Support 

Chamberlain’s Practicum Commitment® helps ensure you successfully secure any needed practicum site and/or preceptor to complete your degree.

Zero Tests

Demonstrate coursework mastery through assignments ― not exams. 

Flexibility for Working Nurses  

In our non-clinical tracks, deadlines flex to fit your schedule. Receive a three-day grace period after major assignment due dates.

Up to 6 Transfer Credits  

Transfer a maximum of 6 semester credits toward your core MSN courses.

The MSN Nursing Informatics specialization prepares you for roles including:1
  • Application/systems analyst
  • Clinical informatics analyst  
  • Clinical informatics project coordinator/manager
  • Clinical/systems team manager
  • Director of nursing informatics/information systems
  • Global health positions (e.g., World Health Organization)
  • Health outcomes analytics manager
  • Informatics technology clinical nurse  
  • Nursing informatics specialist

1Some careers may require several years of experience in addition to educational credentials. 

MSN Nursing Informatics Overview

Discover how health information technology can help improve patient outcomes.

Overview: Develop specialized skills to design, problem-solve, research and analyze health information technology, including AI and telehealth applications. 

What you’ll learn: Drive patient-centered care by optimizing clinical systems to improve safety, privacy, effectiveness and patient outcomes. 

What you’ll do: Prepare to lead in diverse health information technology settings by managing large-scale projects, teaching others or overseeing whole departments as an administrator.

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Mentor Collaboration

Collaborate and network with your chosen nurse informatics leader to identify a problem and propose an actionable solution. 

Applied Learning

Implement many of the concepts, principles and skills learned during the program in a real-world setting. 

Expand Your Network

Build relationships with professionals in the healthcare community while completing your practicum project. 

MSN Nursing Informatics Practicum

Throughout your 216-hour practicum, our faculty and an experienced mentor will provide you the support you need to take on a project designed to meet your educational goals and professional plan.

Here’s how it works: As a student project manager, you’ll lead an evidence-informed quality improvement project, taking it from concept to completion before delivering your results to your mentor or designee from the practicum organization.

Examples of recent practicum projects include integrating medical device information into the electronic record, fall reduction and data conversion initiatives.  

MSN Nursing Informatics Courses

The MSN Nursing Informatics curriculum consists of six MSN core courses and six Nursing Informatics specific courses.  

View the Curriculum Grid

Year 2 Courses

6 Courses

NR-541: Practice of Nursing Informatics (3 credits)

In this course, the student examines the role, functions and scope and standards of practice of the informatics nurse. The student explores, analyzes, applies and evaluates diverse aspects of nursing-informatics practice as a specialization. 

NR-542: Managing Data and Information (3 credits)

In this course, the student examines the use of information technology to create, analyze and exploit data sets in order to monitor and evaluate patient care. The student incorporates the data-information-knowledge wisdom model in the development of databases and other techniques for managing data and information. 

NR-543: Information Workflow in Healthcare (3 credits)

In this course, the student applies concepts, principles and practices of the information-system life cycle to improve information workflows, with an emphasis on healthcare-related settings. The student explores various information systems in healthcare.

NR-640B: Informatics Nurse Specialist Practicum I (3 credits)

In this course, the application of the concepts, principles and practices of formal informatics project management is emphasized. The role of the informatics nurse is implemented, applied and analyzed in a related organizational setting, in collaboration with a mentor. 

NR-642: Informatics Nurse Specialist Concluding Graduate Experience I (3 credits)

In this course, the student has an intensive experience in critical analysis, designed to broaden perspectives and support the integration of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. In collaboration with an informatics-nurse-specialist mentor, the student applies informatics theories and concepts in the implementation of the informatics nurse-specialist role in a virtual learning environment, academic, business or clinical setting and implements evidence-based informatics strategies developed in NR-640B. The student begins a scholarly project demonstrating synthesis of the advanced knowledge and skills needed to address an area of relevance to nursing informatics. 

NR-643: Informatics Nurse Specialist Concluding Graduate Experience II (3 credits)

In this course, the student has an intensive experience in critical analysis, designed to broaden perspectives and support the integration of knowledge gained throughout the curriculum. In collaboration with an informatics-nurse-specialist mentor, the student continues to apply informatics theories and concepts in the implementation of the informatics-nurse-specialist role in a virtual learning environment, academic, business or clinical setting and concludes the implementation of evidence-based informatics strategies developed in NR-640B. The student concludes a scholarly project, begun in NR-642, demonstrating synthesis of the advanced knowledge and skills needed to address an area of relevance to nursing informatics. 

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"Practicum Commitment - Chamberlain University 1889"

Chamberlain's Practicum Commitment® 

Dedicated support when you need it most. 

The Practicum Commitment® is designed to ensure that you receive the essential practicum experiences needed on your path to completing your MSN Population Health degree. To help prepare you for your practicum courses, you will be paired with our Experiential Learning Coordination team, who will provide resources throughout the process, including coaching sessions and tips on how to approach a potential site. We are committed to helping you successfully secure any needed practicum site and /or preceptor to complete your degree. 

Practicum Commitment® supports you with: 

  • Comprehensive practicum readiness tools  
  • A streamlined contracting procedure for sites, preceptors and Chamberlain University 
  • Dedicated team of academic support advisors available for student assistance 

See full Practicum Commitment®. 

Learn more about our Practicum Commitment®. 

Practicum Commitment® Support Qualifications

You may be eligible* if you meet the following requirements:

  1. Request assistance at least three sessions (approximately six months) prior to starting each practicum course for which you are requesting support 
  2. You can document at least three sites that have denied your practicum requests
  3. Complete any professional preparation tasks (if applicable) as assigned by an Experiential Learning Specialist (ELS) or other member of the Clinical Operations team. 
     

*This service is for students in post-licensure nursing programs, graduate certificate programs and College of Health Professions. The Practicum Commitment excludes pre-licensure programs, BSN online, and Master of Physician Assistant.. If the preceptor, mentor and/or field instructor you are submitting for Chamberlain University’s review and approval was found using a student-arranged third-party preceptor matching service, please be advised that Chamberlain University will not reimburse any fees you may have incurred.

 

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Let us help you find the right MSN track for you.
Are you a registered nurse?
You’re more than just a GPA or an application

If your CGPA falls below our requirements - in the range of 2.5 to 2.99 - you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online Master of Science in Nursing program. 

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MSN Nursing Informatics Admission Requirements

How do I get started?  

For your MSN application, you should have:

  • A degree in nursing at the bachelor’s level or higher from an accredited institution
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A current active and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Can I transfer credits into the MSN Nursing Informatics specialization?

Yes, but there are guidelines, requirements and restrictions. General guidelines for transfer credits include:

  • A maximum of six semester hours may be accepted toward your MSN degree.
  • Core coursework must have been completed within the past seven years for transfer.
  • A grade of B or higher is required for transfer credits.

Our Enrollment team can get you started on a transcript evaluation so you’ll know exactly what will transfer in before making your enrollment decision. 

Nursing Informatics Admission FAQ

Is the online MSN Nursing Informatics program accredited?

Chamberlain’s MSN program, including its specializations, is among the university’s accredited nursing programs. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, (www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE). In addition, Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation. 

How long does it take to complete the MSN Nursing Informatics program?

The MSN Nursing Informatics program can be completed in as few as two years, or six semesters, with full-time enrollment, taking two courses per semester for three semesters each year. Some students choose to space out the program requirements and take longer to complete their studies. 

What if I don’t meet the minimum GPA requirement?

If your cumulative GPA falls below our requirements ― in the range of 2.5 to 2.99 ― you may still be considered for provisional acceptance into the online MSN Nursing Informatics program. Speak with our Enrollment team for more information.  

Earning your MSN with a specialization in Nursing Informatics could potentially qualify you for jobs in the nursing informatics field.  

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“My decision to get my master’s degree at Chamberlain has impacted my life significantly. I’ve had management positions at work. I’ve filled an educator role on our unit. And now, with informatics, I feel like I’ve had so many opportunities to do so many different things. I’ve made contacts at two different hospitals, and I really feel like I can have a voice for nurses and be able to help them provide safer care.”
Bonny DieteMSN ’13, RN-BSN ’12
Need help creating a financial plan for your graduate nursing program?

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Tuition & Expenses 

Your Investment in Yourself

Enrolling in an MSN Nursing Informatics program is a significant investment in your future, and we’re here to help guide you in creating a financial plan that will help you achieve this very important goal. More than 90% of Chamberlain students receive some form of financial assistance. 

View tuition and expenses information for the MSN degree program. 

Trying to save money? Here are some great options to help you cover the cost of tuition: 

  • Grants and Scholarships  
    View graduate and external grant and scholarship opportunities.  
  • Special Tuition Rates 
    Chamberlain University offers special tuition rates to 4,500+ partner locations across the U.S. 
  • Tuition Savings for Chamberlain Grads 
    Earning your MSN is closer than you think. Chamberlain alumni are eligible to save 20% on tuition.  

Many Ways to Save 

Explore a wide range of financial aid available to Chamberlain students. 

Become Extraordinary Grant 

The Become Extraordinary Grant offers 15% tuition savings for MSN students who qualify.  

Become Extraordinary Grant

DAISY Honoree Scholarship  

Every DAISY Award recipient is eligible to receive tuition savings of 5%. 

DAISY Honoree Scholarship

Military Rates 

Special rates are reserved for members of our nation’s military community and their spouses. 

Resources for Military

How to Apply 

If you are interested in attending our MSN program, we are here to help. We are committed to providing you a seamless and enjoyable experience, and we understand your busy lifestyle. 

Apply Now
Speak with our Enrollment Reps. 

Our Enrollment team is here to support you and will help determine which specialization fits your goals, walk you through the application process and answer your questions.  
Start or complete your application.  

Applications can be submitted online. Your Enrollment representative will help you through the process. To apply over the phone or get help with your online application, call 630‐317‐9310. 
Complete your admission steps. 

Your Enrollment Representative will guide you through completing your registration documents and steps.  
Register for courses! 

Following acceptance and completion of your registration documents, you will register for courses and start once the session begins. 

Join a Proudly Accredited Institution

Are you looking for an accredited MSN degree program?

Chamberlain University accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.com  an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.

Practicum option availability varies by state/location. Chamberlain reserves the right to update information as it becomes available. For a complete list, and to learn more, check out our authorizations or view our approvals in your state. 

 

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Nursing Informatics FAQ

What is nursing informatics? What does a nurse informaticist do?

Nursing informatics is a specialty field in healthcare at the intersection of nursing and information science. It explores the ways we can use technology to better communicate and manage information, helping both providers and patients.  

A nurse informaticist, or informatics nurse, often works with an organization’s electronic health record (EHR) system. They may work to educate others on using the system, maintain the integrity of the data, and optimize workflows within the systems.  

Is an MSN specializing in Nursing Informatics worth it*?

While the “worth” of a degree is subject to individual interpretation, if you are passionate about improving patient care through the use of technology, gaining skills in informatics could be a fulfilling nursing path. Working in nursing informatics is a way to have a deep impact on an entire organization, including patient experience. Informatics nurses can help optimize electronic health record systems in ways that make providers’ jobs more efficient and effective, thus reducing medical errors, improving communication with patients and reducing the time spent by other nurses in doing administrative work.  

*The worth of a degree is subject to an individual's own interpretation and will be different to different people 

Is there demand for nursing informatics?

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide specific job outlook data for nursing informatics roles in particular, but the BLS projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 29% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Medical and health services managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. 

Looking for something else?

Explore our related programs.

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Masters In Nursing Health Policy (MSN)

MSN Nurse Educator Program

Masters in Nursing Population Health (MSN)