Study Nursing Informatics: Degrees at a Glance
According to the University of Illinois at Chicago, nursing informatics is the application of information technology to the role of nurses in healthcare (www.uic.edu). As a nursing informatics professional, you may assist in all aspects of the patient care process, helping to improve efficiency and eliminate trouble spots. Typically, nurse informatics professionals have experience or are currently working as registered nurses (RNs).
Nursing informatics professionals are a subset of the nursing profession, which was expected to see faster-than-average growth over the coming decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses were projected to see employment increase 26% from 2010-2020. One of the factors that the BLS listed as spurring growth was the advancement of technology.
| Master's | Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Experienced individuals looking to transition into nursing informatics | Experienced healthcare professionals looking to become more knowledgeable in health informatics |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate annual salary) | - Nursing Informatics Specialist ($50,000 - $92,000)* - Nursing Informatics Analyst ($51,000 - $81,000)* - Chief Information Officer** ($81,000 - $284,000)* | (The same careers are available to individuals who complete certification programs) |
| Time to Completion | Two years full-time | Varies; usually less than a year |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Around 30 semester hours - Capstone requirement or practicum | - Several graduate level courses - Practicum |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree - RN license and experience | - Bachelor's degree |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *PayScale (December 2012 figures, 10th - 90th percentile). **Position typically requires experience in addition to a degree
Master's Degree Programs
Master's degree programs in nursing informatics may incorporate multiple disciplines, including psychology, biomedical engineering, business and computer science. These programs familiarize you with the use of information technology and information management, including specific items such as the Electronic Health Records system. Some programs may offer a research track in addition to the professional track.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Prepares you for most entry-level nursing informatics positions
- Research tracks may be offered
- Diverse curricula that include courses from different disciplines
- Online and hybrid programs are available
Cons
- May have to meet work experience requirements to apply
- Undergraduate degree in nursing may be a requirement
- RN licensure may be required
- May need to complete prerequisite coursework
Coursework and Requirements
Master's programs typically include courses specific to healthcare and information technology to lay a foundation for the courses that combine these topics. These programs may include a capstone experience in which you demonstrate your understanding of nursing informatics. Some of the topics you may study include:
- Healthcare data
- Clinical database design
- Biostatistics
- Healthcare delivery
- Project management in health informatics
Online Programs
Online master's programs in nursing informatics are available. Despite these programs being offered fully online, you may still speak with an advisor over the phone to ensure that you're on the proper track with your schedule. While other programs may not be fully online, some courses may be offered online.
How to Get Ahead With This Degree
To set yourself apart from other individuals, you may want to gain experience documenting clinical processes and work flow. The ability to work on a team may also be considered a plus. You may want to be proficient with basic computer programs, such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. Some jobs may prefer you to have experience with Clinical Information Systems or Hospital Information Systems.
You may also seek certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This organization offers the Informatics Nursing Certification credential. To be eligible, you must hold an RN license with at least two years of experience and the minimum of a bachelor's degree and meet continuing education requirements in informatics.
Certification Programs
Graduate certificate programs are offered through universities that grant master's degrees in health or nursing informatics. While the lengths of these programs vary, many require the completion of only a few courses. Some schools may allow the courses in their program to be taken for contact hours rather than academic credit to meet continuing education requirements.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Courses may be used for continuing education requirements
- Programs can be completed by finishing several courses
- Offer coursework similar to master's programs
Cons
- Individually, these programs may not be sufficient for some jobs in nursing informatics
- Not as in-depth as master's programs
- Work experience may be favored during the admissions process
Coursework and Requirements
Certificate programs typically include an introductory nursing informatics course, followed by more specific topics. A practicum may be required for program completion. Some of the topics that may be offered in a certificate program include:
- Clinical information systems
- Introductory nursing informatics
- Consumer health informatics
- Computer technologies for nurse educators
Online Programs
A few online certificate programs are available, although they may be offered as health informatics rather than nursing informatics. Similar to their in-person counterparts, these programs typically require just several courses for completion. If you find an online program specific to nursing informatics, check to ensure that it is properly accredited.
How to Get Ahead With This Degree
You may want to develop additional experience working in nursing informatics, apart from your certificate program. This experience may offset some of the advantages that individuals with more experience in informatics have.
Similar to master's degree holders, you may want to be experienced with common computer programs and specific healthcare packages. Provided you meet the experience requirements, you may also apply for the ANCC credential.
