Nursing informatics is an exciting area of nursing that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information technology. Nurses have taken on new and more important roles in order to meet the needs of both patients and the facilities that care for them. Nursing informatic specialists possess the skills and the training to manage important patient data on computers and online, improving access to patient info and overall care. With patient privacy laws like HIPPA, patient privacy is paramount in the healthcare field. It’s important that Nursing Informatics Specialists can keep patient data both private as well as accessible to doctors, insurance companies, and others responsible for patient care. Due to the advanced nature of this specialization, both MSN and DNP programs now include this area of focus.
Ranking the Top Nursing Informatics Programs
We created a ranking of the top 20 programs in nursing informatics based on information from the National Center for Education Statistics. To be included in our list, programs need to offer either a master’s or DNP level program with a focus on nursing informatics and hold regional accreditation. Programs selected for consideration are taught by experienced faculty, offer a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on training, and provide students with mentoring or guidance while in the program. We then developed a ranking methodology that included:
- average graduate tuition rates
- student to faculty ratio
- overall graduation rate
The top 20 schools made our list. Where there are ties, the school with the lower average graduate tuition is favored.
Student to Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 5 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1=3 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition Rate
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 3 Points
- More than $15,000 per year= 1 Point
Overall Graduation Rate
- Less than 30%= 1 Point
- Between 30% and 50%= 2 Points
- Greater than 50%= 3 Points
Below are the 20 schools that offer the best graduate nursing informatics programs.
20. University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nursing Informatics DNP
Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,728/year in-state and $25,884/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 80%
Points: 7
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities School of Nursing offers a three year Nursing Informatics Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. This program is offered in a flexible online format requiring students to come to campus only for short, four day sessions each semester. The program is ranked 2nd in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Graduates of this top nursing informatics DNP program have found success working in positions like:
- clinical systems analysis
- healthcare informatics software development
- information systems administration.
19. Removed by editor.
18. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BS-DNP: Leadership/Systems-Informatics Track
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,387/year in-state and $23,424/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 41%
Points: 8
The College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee features a BS to DNP in nursing informatics for students with a BSN. This 65 credit hour program includes coursework in:
- health policy
- biostatistics
- clinical informatics
Students can complete their degree following a three or four year plan, depending on their schedule.
17. Fairleigh Dickinson University – Teaneck, New Jersey
Master of Science in Nursing Program-Nursing Information Systems
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,410/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 39%
Points: 8
The MSN program at Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a specialization in Nursing Information Systems for students with a passion for both nursing and computer science. Specialization coursework covers areas like
- project management
- nursing informatics roles and theory
- nursing information systems and applications
Students complete a master’s project and a practicum experience in nursing informatics, further developing professional skills.
16. New York University – New York, New York
Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $41,352/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
Points: 9
The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics at New York University is a great opportunity for individuals who want to work at the crossroads of technology and patient care. This unique MS degree focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of systems and patient care settings. Students have the opportunity to complete unique practicum experiences. They will work with experts in the field and collaborate with other NYU colleges. Graduates are able to sit for the ANCC Nursing Informatics Certification Examination.
15. University of San Diego – San Diego, California
Master of Science in Nursing Program
Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $26,064/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 82%
Points: 9
The University of San Diego features a top MSN in Nursing Informatics program. It’s considered one of the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. This HIMSS approved program prepares students for certification as Nursing Informaticists. This 42 credit hour program takes about two years to complete and is offered either on-campus or online. Graduates have been successful working in hospitals and medical devices companies in roles like:
- clinical information systems specialists
- data management professionals.
14. Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts
Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $23,408/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 87%
Points: 9
The Bouve College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University offers a Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate that students can complete online, in-person, or a combination. This 12 credit hour program can be completed in just one year of study. Students can apply this coursework toward a master’s degree in Nursing Administration/Leadership or Health Informatics or even a DNP. Courses cover:
- health informatics
- operational informatics in Health Care Organizations
- the business of healthcare informatics
New students are accepted in either the fall or spring semester.
13. Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $20,340/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 66%
Points: 9
The Jefferson College of Nursing offers a top nursing informatics MSN program. It’s for nurses who want to apply clinical information and knowledge in professional healthcare settings. Courses are offered on-site and online, making this a great program for working professionals. The program emphasizes the development and implementation of data analysis to improve patient care and privacy. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Nursing Informatics Clinical Nurse Specialist exam through the ANA.
12. Molloy College – Rockville Centre, New York
Nursing Administration with Informatics – M.S.
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $19,980/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 72%
Points: 9
The top nursing administration with informatics at Molloy College is a 43 credit hour hybrid program designed for future administrators. Courses cover both nursing informatics and administration. A 90 clock hour practicum in Nursing Administration and 200 experiential hours in nursing informatics are program highlights. Students can also pursue a dual degree in Nursing Administration with Informatics-MS/MBA in Healthcare.
11. Fairfield University – Fairfield, Connecticut
MSN Nursing Leadership-Informatics Nursing Concentration
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,968/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 81%
Points: 9
The top nursing informatics MSN at Fairfield University is a three year program featuring offering hands-on learning experiences focused on informatics. Courses cover areas like:
- information systems
- database systems
- information systems and database management
Students complete a leadership practicum and clinical practicum in nursing informatics. Graduates are prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Informatics Nursing examination.
10. Rutgers University – Newark, New Jersey
Nursing Informatics Masters in Nursing
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,848/year in-state and $28,656/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 68%
Points: 9
The School of Nursing at Rutgers University is home to a top Nursing Informatics Master’s in Nursing program. It integrates nursing with information management and analytical sciences. Students are trained in the many areas of Nursing Informatics (NI). This specialty area integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice. Nursing Informatics Specialists are prepared to help advance the health of populations, communities, families, and individuals by enhancing information management and communication.
9. University of Illinois – Chicago, Illinois
Health Systems Leadership and Informatics DNP
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,502/year in-state and $#23,742/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 57%
Points: 9
The UIC College of Nursing offers a top Health Systems Leadership and Informatics DNP program. It’s ranked 4th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students have access to a variety of practicum settings including hospitals, accrediting agencies, and professional associations. Coursework covers areas like:
- data driven health care improvement
- strategic planning and operations management
- human resources
This 60 credit hour program includes both practicum and project courses that develop leadership skills in a professional environment.
8. Jacksonville University – Jacksonville, Florida
Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $13,860/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 43%
Points: 10
Jacksonville University features a top master’s in nursing informatics program through the Keigwin School of Nursing. This 22 month cohort program is comprised of 10 courses that align with the American Nurses Credentialing Center Informatics Certification. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Courses cover areas like:
- data analytics and impact on patient care
- leadership in informatics
- ethics in healthcare informatics.
7. University of Texas – Houston, Texas
DNP-Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,219/year in-state and $28,515/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: N/A
Points: 10
The University of Texas Cizik School of Nursing features an innovative hybrid post-master’s DNP program for part-time students. It’s the only program of its kind in Texas. The program features a curriculum that incorporates nursing science with information and analytical science. This three year program includes coursework in:
- health data display
- data analysis and evaluation
- evidence based practices
Each student is assigned an advisor who provides support throughout the program.
6. University of Colorado – Denver, Colorado
Master of Science in Nursing-Health Care Informatics
Informatics Program Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,714/year in-state and $22,374/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 45%
Points: 10
The Health Care Informatics MSN program at the University of Colorado is CCNE accredited. It provides students with the skills to tackle the informatics specialist role. The program is an HIMSS Academic Organizational Affiliate, indicating dedication to better health through IT. The core nursing informatics courses provide students with a strong foundation in:
- information management and decision support
- nursing and healthcare terminologies
- the general “life cycle” of an information system
Students complete an advanced practicum experience that focuses specifically on a particular role in informatics in the student’s own community.
5. University of Mary – Bismarck, North Dakota
MSN Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,500/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 54%
Points: 11
The University of Mary features a cutting edge nursing informatics MSN program that can be completed online or on-campus. Students will complete 360 clinical hours in addition to coursework in areas like:
- human technology interface
- resilient nursing leadership
- applied clinical informatics
This CCNE accredited program prepares graduates for leadership roles to positively impact healthcare, safety, and efficiency.
4. Arizona State University – Phoenix, Arizona
MS Nursing (Nursing Informatics)
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,240/year in-state and $24,320/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 66%
Points: 11
Arizona State University features a top master’s in nursing informatics program. It integrates data management and technology with health care to enhance quality and safety. This 35 credit hour program includes coursework in:
- database modeling and applications
- research
- leadership
A practicum experience in clinical prevention and population health enables students to showcase their skills and talents.
3. Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio
MSN for Registered Nurses-Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,070/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
Points: 11
Xavier University offers a top MSN program. It includes a concentration in informatics focusing on critical systematic inquiry, professional development, and information management. Concentration coursework is available in:
- advanced informatics
- organizational behavior
- management processes
Two practicum experiences and a scholarly project cap the program, which takes about two years to complete.
2. University of Utah – Salt Lake City, Utah
Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,725/year in-state and $23,740/year out-of-state
Overall Graduation Rate: 67%
Points: 11
The MSN in Nursing Informatics is a 32 credit hour program designed for nurses interested in computer science and information systems. This CCNE accredited program is open to BSN graduates with at least one year of clinical nursing experience. Courses cover areas like:
- project management
- nursing informatics roles
theory and nursing information systems and applications
Students complete a practicum experience in nursing informatics. They and can choose additional elective coursework to get more hands-on experience in the field.
1. Mount Mercy University – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Informatics
Website
Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,820/year
Overall Graduation Rate: 58%
Points: 13
The top master’s in nursing informatics program at Mount Mercy College is an innovative specialization designed for working professionals. Courses are held two evenings a week, in a five-week accelerated format. Students learn how to develop, implement, and lead health information technologies that benefit their patients. Courses cover areas like:
- health care systems
- professional role and skill development
- health promotion and disease prevention
This 36 credit hour program includes a professional practicum, providing students with hands-on industry experience.
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