In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable MSN in nursing informatics online programs.
Nursing informatics incorporates communications, computer science, data science, and nursing science in an effort to improve and manage knowledge in nursing practice. The integration of information is designed to improve patient care. As the baby boomer population ages, there is a need to improve quality healthcare services, and as a result, the demand for nursing informatics specialists rises.
Top 30 Most Affordable MSN in Nursing Informatics Online Programs Methodology
We looked at over 100 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered affordable MSN in nursing informatics online programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation, online pathways to completion of the MSN in nursing informatics, school and/or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordability – programs costing less than $26,000 per year. We then listed the programs according to raw affordability.
Featured Programs
Below is our list of the most affordable MSN in nursing informatics online programs.
#30 – Wilkes University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,968
Wilkes University offers an MSN in nursing informatics online degree program dedicated to working, registered nurses who want to impact 21st century healthcare. Online courses are flexibly designed and include topics such as advanced health assessment, advanced nursing research, advanced role development in nursing, health policy and politics for advancing nursing practice, and nursing informatics leadership in healthcare systems and project designs. Admission to the MSN program requires a nursing degree and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wilkes #68 in best regional universities in the North.
#29 – University of Pittsburgh
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,696
University of Pittsburgh’s online MSN in nursing informatics combines cognitive science, computer science, information science, and nursing science to prepare nurses for careers in nursing informatics. The program is offered fully online and includes courses such as clinical information systems, database management, ethics for advanced practice nursing, introduction to health informatics, and methods in technology evaluation and usability. Applicants to the program are expected to have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN, ACICS, or CCNE accredited program and a current RN license. GRE scores are also required, but may be waived for applicants with a 3.5 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Pittsburgh #70 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#28 – Thomas Jefferson University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,600
Thomas Jefferson University’s online nursing informatics programs are dedicated to preparing nurses for leadership roles in the unique field of nurse informatics. The flexible online format adheres to most work schedules, allowing students to earn their degree between two and five years. Applicants must have RN licensure and a conferred BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Some of the core classes required for the MSN include epidemiology for the health professions, informatics for advanced nursing practice, and research for advanced nursing practice. Thomas Jefferson ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 15th best regional university in the North and 30th best value schools.
#27 – Nova Southeastern University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,620
Nova Southeastern University’s online nursing programs prepare registered nurses with knowledge and expertise needed to work in the highly specialized field of nursing informatics. The MSN in nursing informatics track integrates coursework from a variety of fields. Students study computer and information science, communication data, and nursing science, which lays a strong foundation for how informatics in healthcare works and is best utilized. Admission to Nova’s MSN programs require an undergraduate degree in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0. Nova ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 191st best national university. In addition to school rankings, the online graduate nursing programs rank #93 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#26 – DeSales University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,160
DeSales University’s MSN in nursing informatics online degree program offers full-time and part-time completion pathways. Courses are delivered flexibly in online, hybrid, or on-campus formats. The unique blend of study is favorable for working registered nurses looking to advance their education. Some of the required coursework includes topics like applied research, data analytics, database management, health informatics quality and safety, health policy, and systems analysis and design. U.S. News and World Report ranks DeSales #55 in best regional universities in the North and #43 in best value schools. Also, several of the school’s graduate programs in healthcare have received rankings by U.S. News.
#25 – Rutgers University
Online MSN in Informatics
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,416
At Rutgers University New Brunswick, registered nurses can earn an online MSN in nursing informatics. The 37-credit hour program prepares nurses to communicate data and manage care that impacts health outcomes and nursing research. Through a series of online specialty courses, students gain the knowledge needed to successfully and effectively apply informatics in daily healthcare environments. In addition to courses, students complete 225 clinical hours at one of the school’s partner sites. Rutgers is a highly ranked national university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #56 in best national universities and #122 in best value institutions.
#24 – Norwich University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Northfield, Vermont
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,360
One of the top online nursing informatics programs on our list is the CCNE-accredited program at Norwich University. Admission is convenient with four start dates each year and no GRE or GMAT requirement. Courses are taught by doctoral-level faculty and emphasize the nursing informatics specialization in addition to core nursing classes. Classes are kept small with a maximum number of 15 students. Norwich’s MSN in nursing informatics program moves at a rigorous pace, and most students complete their degree in just 18 months. There is a one-week required residency that takes place on campus for the culminating experience. In addition to Norwich’s accreditation, the school has also received rankings from U.S. News and World Report as the 74th best regional university in the North and 24th best value school.
#23 – Excelsior College
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Albany, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,350
Excelsior College’s nursing informatics online degree program requires no GRE for admission. This full online dual degree program allows registered nurses to earn a BSN and an MSN in nursing informatics. This is one of the few BSN to MSN programs on our list and is ideally designed for individuals looking to earn both degrees in an efficiently delivered online format. The curriculum is robust and classes move at a quick pace. The entire program from RN to MSN (including the BSN) requires the completion of 142 credits. Excelsior is accredited by the ACEN, NLN, and Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In addition to accreditation, the school has received rankings and recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#22 – Chatham University
Online MSN in Informatics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,744
Chatham University’s online nursing programs include the online MSN in nursing informatics. This fully online graduate nursing degree consists of 33 core MSN credits, which include the specialty track designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice roles in nursing informatics. Classes run fourteen weeks in length and the last two semesters include hands-on-experience within the specialty area. Students complete a supervised experience in their geographic location of choice. Also, upon graduation, students may apply the required 120 supervised hours to the required 500 practice experience hours necessary for admission to the DNP program. Chatham ranks #62 in best regional universities in the North and #82 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #109 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
Featured Programs
#21 – University of Maryland
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Baltimore, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,456
The University of Maryland offers an accredited online MSN in nursing informatics that has received top rankings from major publications. In fact, the nursing informatics program ranks #1 in nursing informatics programs in 2020 by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to this prestigious ranking, the program is fully accredited and affordable. In fact, multiple scholarship opportunities help students afford their graduate education at University of Maryland. With the convenience of online courses, most enrolled students continue working while earning their MSN degree. Online courses include biostatistics for evidence-based practice, health care database systems, managerial health finance, and technology solutions for generating knowledge in health care.
#20 – Waynesburg University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,960
Waynesboro University’s online nursing informatics programs are designed to provide students with cutting-edge research and innovation, while preparing them for careers in the healthcare industry as specialty nurses. In addition to the MSN courses, students take specialty nursing informatics classes like decision support, electronic healthcare information, health data management, and implementation of health information. Also, capstone practicums and nursing informatics practicums are required. The program takes approximately two years to complete on a part-time basis. Classes run eight weeks–seven weeks during the summer–through a mix of online and hybrid formatting. Waynesboro is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #81 in best regional universities in the North and #6 among best value schools.
#19 – University of Mary
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Bismarck, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,630
University of Mary’s MSN in nursing informatics online degree program prepares registered nurses to use technology to improve the quality of choices made by healthcare professionals and patients. This highly specialized CCNE-accredited program takes two years to complete with classes delivered entirely online. Courses offered online include critique and design of nursing research, ethics and informatics, human technology interface, principles of informatics in health care professions, and professional domain of nursing informatics. Admission to University of Mary’s online MSN programs requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and 2.75 GPA, a current unrestricted RN license, two letters of reference, and a criminal background check. The school ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 111th best regional university in the Midwest.
#18 – National University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480
National University’s nursing informatics online degree programs include the online MSN with specialization in nursing informatics. This fully online degree consists of rigorous and fast-paced classes that run four to twelve weeks in length. The quick pacing allows students to earn their degree in as little as 12-18 months. To meet eligibility requirements for the specialization option, students must pass all MSN core courses before embarking on health informatics courses. Once MSN courses are complete, students explore health informatics topics such as health informatics case study, health information exchange, and system management and planning. While most classes meet online, minimal on-campus requirements may be necessary to earn the degree. National University is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, National recently made the list of best regional universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report.
#17 – Jacksonville University
Online MSN in Informatics
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,274
The CCNE-accredited online nursing informatics programs at Jacksonville University, offered through the Keigwin School of Nursing, help prepare students for careers in informatics. Part-time and full-time options and convenient eight-week sessions with six start dates make the program highly flexible for working students. Classes are delivered online and practicums and projects are completed in your own hometown or desired geographic location. Courses in nurse informatics include data analytics and impact on patient care, healthcare informatics as a profession, law and ethics in healthcare informatics, and leadership in informatics for healthcare organizations and public health strategy. Jacksonville ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best regional university in the South. Also, the online nursing programs rank #42 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#16 – South University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Savannah, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,316
South University’s online nursing programs include graduate study in nursing informatics. The fully online MSN in nursing informatics is CCNE-accredited and one of the few on our list to offer options to earn a BSN pathway. Courses are taught by university professors and delivered in an online format, making the program flexible and convenient for working RNs. For the RN to MSN degree, students take classes like computer and internet literacy, human growth and development, microbiology and laboratory, and a series of clinical practicums in areas such as family or adult health and women’s health. South is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South.
#15 – Thomas Edison State University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Trenton, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,024
Thomas Edison State University’s nursing informatics online degree program prepares graduates to function as skilled nursing informatics professionals. Students earn an MSN degree with a specialization in nurse informatics. Some of the online courses include evidence-based nursing practice, health policy, nursing informatics – consumer informatics and communication technologies, nursing informatics – databases and knowledge management, and nursing informatics – systems life cycle. Applicants must have earned a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution and be ready to participate in an online environment. Additional admission criteria include an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, essays, two letters of recommendation, and two years of relevant work experience. Thomas Edison State is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#14 – Grand Canyon University
Online MSN in Health Informatics
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Open to BSN-prepared nurses, the MSN in nursing informatics online program at Grand Canyon University offers evidence-based curriculum and a sixteen-week practicum. Courses are delivered online and taught to prepare nurses for roles in health informatics. Course study includes topics such as electronic health records, ethics and policy, healthcare data management, healthcare innovation, healthcare research analysis, leadership and informatics, and research and population health management. The total program consists of forty credits with online classes running eight weeks in length. Students typically finish their degree requirements within two years of their initial start date. GCU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent rankings include Grand Canyon University as #230-#301 in best national universities.
#13 – Texas Tech University
Online MSN in Informatics
Lubbock, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,806
Texas Tech University’s online MSN in nursing informatics track prepares registered nurses to assume advanced practice roles in nursing informatics. The program requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours with online classes taught by university professors. Upon completion of the program requirements, students earn eligibility to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams. As stated above, courses are administered online and cover topics such as finance and budgeting for nurse leaders, leadership for healthcare, practical application of statistics in health care, and scientific foundations of advanced practice nursing. Texas Tech ranks #187 in best national universities and #100 in top public schools.
#12 – Troy University
Online MSN in Healthcare Informatics
Troy, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,506
Troy University’s online MSN in nursing informatics program is offered fully online and designed to prepare nurses for roles in healthcare informatics. Coursework includes classes like concepts of healthcare informatics and leadership, data analysis and interpretation in quantitative research, healthcare systems, research and evidence for advanced nursing practice, and roles in nursing leadership and informatics. Students applying to the MSN program must provide official transcripts, GRE test scores, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Troy ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South and #19 in most innovative schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #126 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Liberty University
Online MSN in Nurse Informatics
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Offering a 42-credit hour MSN in nursing informatics online degree program, Liberty University makes our list of most affordable informatics programs. The MSN in nurse informatics takes two years to complete and offers 100 percent online courses. Some of these courses include database design and development, health data analytics and decision-making, health informatics, and health information systems and integrated technologies. The program is CCNE-accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent publication put out by U.S. News lists Liberty’s online graduate nursing programs #126 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Featured Programs
#10 – University of South Alabama
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Mobile, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,156
University of South Alabama’s online nursing informatics programs include the online MSN with nursing informatics specialty. Two completion pathways are available: post BSN track to MSN and the RN to MSN. All courses, no matter the pathway, are offered online. Clinicals can also be conveniently arranged in a geographic location of your choosing, such as your local community. Some of the online classes you will take at University of South Alabama include administrative concepts and resources, health data management and decision support systems, introduction to nursing informatics, organizational and systems leadership, and scientific underpinnings of advanced nursing practice. South Alabama ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, several of the school’s graduate programs, including nursing, have earned recognition.
#9 – University of Utah
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,151
Accreditation and affordability earn University of Utah’s nursing informatics online degree program a top spot on our list. The program prepares BSN-educated nurses with comprehensive knowledge and skills to help improve organizational processes and patient care through information and communication technologies. The specialty track can be completed in as few as five semesters. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online classes. Informatics courses include clinical database design, clinical decision support, foundations of health informatics, human systems interaction, quality improvement in health care, and systems analysis and implementation. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Utah #119 in best national universities and #133 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #30 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#8 – University of Alabama
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Birmingham, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,100
University of Alabama’s online nursing programs include the MSN in nursing informatics degree. The program combines computer science, cognitive science, information science, and nursing science, which make up the nursing informatics discipline. Courses are delivered online and include developing the advanced nurse leader, foundations of nursing informatics, informatics and information technology to advance care, health care systems overview for nurse leaders, and nursing informatics systems analysis and design. Successful admission to the MSN program requires applicants hold a BSN degree from a regionally accredited school and a nationally accredited nursing program and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or better. GRE scores may also be required. The university ranks #157 in best national institutions and #80 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #23 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#7 – University of Colorado
Online MSN in Health Care Informatics
Denver, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,017
Through the Anschutz Medical Campus of University of Colorado, registered nurses may embark on a graduate nursing informatics online degree pathway. The 34-credit online MSN in health care informatics combines clinical expertise as a nurse with clinical informatics to offer a unique skillset. As an interdisciplinary profession, the discipline requires a unique program. Classes include decision support, foundations of health care informatics, semantic representation, and theory foundations for advanced nursing. All classes are delivered online and taught by UC faculty. In addition to the program reputation and quality, the school has received rankings from U.S. News and World Report. In fact, University of Colorado ranks #205 in best national universities and #112 in top public schools.
#6 – Western Governors University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Durham, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,790
Western Governors University’s online nursing informatics programs prepare nurses for careers in nurse and healthcare informatics. The BSN to MSN pathway consists of online courses that move at a fast pace. According to WGU, 93% of graduates finish their online degree in just 15 months. The program consists of 14 courses that cover topics like data science and analytics, foundations in nursing informatics, informatics system analysis and design, and nursing informatics field experience. Admission requires a current, unencumbered RN license, criminal background check, and a BSN degree. WGU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the school ranks #10 in most innovative institutions.
#5 – Columbus State University
Online MSN in Informatics
Columbus, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,612
Columbus State University’s nursing informatics online degree program is offered cooperatively through the University System of Georgia and Georgia Southwestern University. The Georgia Intercollegiate Consortium for Graduate Nursing Education (GICGNE) helps prepare competent professional nurses pursing specialties like informatics. The specialty program equips nurses with proficiency in health information technology and essential informatics competencies to function within the health care industry. Classes include applied statistics and data mining, clinical decision support systems, health information and exchange standards and models, health systems project management, and process improvement for health care. U.S. News and World Report ranks Columbus State #102 in best regional universities in the South and #19 in most innovative schools.
#4 – Ferris State University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Big Rapids, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,320
Ferris State University’s MSN in nursing informatics online program is designed to prepare nurses for specialty nursing careers and leadership roles. Courses are delivered online with the exception of several Saturday face-to-face meetings. Capstone experiences are flexible and designed to fit with individual’s work schedules, adding to the program’s convenient structure. Some of the courses required for the program and include critique of evidence for practice, health care systems – policy and advocacy, leadership role for nursing informatics specialist, and quality improvement and safety. Ferris State ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 94th best regional university in the Midwest and 22nd top public school. Also ranking #68 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs, the online graduate nursing programs have received top recognition.
#3 – Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Online MSN in Informatics
Weatherford, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,996
The online MSN in nursing informatics program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is designed for hard-working nurses looking to advance their skillsets and careers. The school offers several online MSN programs and specialties, including informatics. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university faculty members who instruct on campus. Some of the required courses include clinical information systems design and implementation, healthcare systems databases, interactive technology and cognitive informatics, and technology solutions for healthcare and healthcare information exchanges. U.S. News and World Report ranks Southwestern Oklahoma State #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West.
#2 – American Sentinel University
Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Aurora, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,660
American Sentinel University recognized healthcare professionals are busy, which is why they offer nursing informatics online degree programs designed for working nurses. The CCNE-accredited MSN degree is specifically designed to be taken fully online. Courses run eight weeks in length and a total of 12 classes are required for the degree. The flexible design of the online classes allows students to work at their own pace with no mandatory login times. Required informatics courses include clinical and administrative systems, healthcare data analytics, healthcare informatics, healthcare project management, and information security and privacy in health care environments. American Sentinel is one of the top most affordable MSN in nursing informatics online programs on our list.
#1 – Georgia Southwestern State University
Online MSN in Informatics
Americus, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,836
The MSN in nursing informatics online program at Georgia Southwestern State University is the most affordable program on our list. The 36-44-hour program prepares professional registered nurses for advanced practice nursing roles in informatics, as well as leadership. Courses are offered fully online through the Georgia On My Line (GOML) learning management system. Full-time students earning a specialty in informatics may complete their degree in 22 months, though part-time enrollment options are also available. Courses include advanced health assessment, applied statistics and data mining, clinical decision support systems, health information exchange standards and models, and health systems project management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Georgia Southwestern State #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South.
Featured Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?
Nursing informatics is a unique specialty of nursing that integrates the study of nursing with analytical sciences, such as computer and information technology, to manage and convey communication and information in health and patient care. By combining nursing knowledge and skills with contemporary and emerging technology, nursing informatics specialists create and leverage healthcare systems designed to improve the delivery of services to patients.
With an MSN in nursing informatics online degree, you are qualified to implement current innovations in the field. As programs prepare nursing students for leadership roles, graduates find they are highly skilled to enter healthcare and to lead and support teams of healthcare professionals.
Earning an MSN in nursing informatics online degree means spending time in and out of the classroom. Most online programs require the completion of an internship and/or practicum, which provides students with practical application skills and valuable hands-on experience.
Various nursing informatics jobs for recent graduates include clinical information systems specialists, data analysts, health information specialists, medical and health services managers, and registered nurses. The informatics nurse has a number of duties, but is responsible for identifying and managing the computerization and technological needs related to patient care services. Work is generally conducted in a hospital or medical care facility where teams of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers are employed.
How long does it take to complete an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?
MSN in nursing informatics online degree programs can take anywhere between 18 months and six years. Program parameters vary and are impacted by the needs of each individual student, but the average time to completion is two years. Since MSN in nursing informatics online programs require the completion of a practicum and/or a clinical internship, which sometimes take up several hundred hours, completion time may take longer.
So, what impacts the completion time of MSN in nursing informatics online degree programs? The first factor to consider is enrollment. Full-time enrollment shortens the program length by months, if not years. In fact, some of the shortest programs on our list can be completed in 15-18 months with full-time enrollment status. Full-time enrollment means students take more than one class at a time and are required to move through their coursework at a rapid pace. This enrollment status is beneficial if you want to earn your degree quickly and have few outside obligations that would prevent you from doing so. Part-time MSN in nursing informatics online programs provide flexibility, though they take longer to complete.
Most online MSN in nursing informatics programs are designed for working nurses and considerable flexibility is given to students in terms of course loads. Depending on the needs of each individual student, part-time or full-time options help pave the road to success. Be sure to check with your program of interest to see if classes will accommodate your busy schedule.
What is the job outlook and opportunities for graduates with an MSN in nursing informatics online degree?
Professional nurses who complete an MSN in nursing informatics online degree gain competency in both nursing and healthcare informatics. These highly specialized nurses have unique skills, and knowledge that proves to be valuable in providing care to patients in a wide range of health facilities. As a result, the demand for nursing informatics specialists and managers is high in hospitals, medical care facilities, and other patient care organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the job outlook for registered nurses is favorable over the next several years. In fact, employment of RNs is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average (7 percent growth) for all occupations. Growth is expected for the nursing industry due to several factors.
First, as preventive care becomes a primary goal for patients and healthcare professionals, we should see an increased emphasis and demand. Also, as the baby boom population lives longer and becomes more active during their twilight years, a demand for healthcare services will increase the need for nursing professionals. In addition to the increased emphasis on preventive care, growing chronic condition rate should also drive the demand for nursing informatics specialists.
How much money do nurses with an online MSN in nursing informatics degree make?
According to PayScale, a global compensation research organization that compiles and compares salaries and market changes, the average informatics nurse salary is $77,424. The lowest ten percent earned an average salary of $58,000 and the highest ten percent earned an average of $98,000.
The average salary for this occupation will vary according to a number of factors, such as geographic location, education level, type of employment facility, and experience level. We evaluated the salaries for nursing informatics specialists according to experience level and determined that there is an increase in pay by experience. This means that an informatics nurse with ten years of experience earns more than an entry-level nurse. The breakdown is detailed below.
PayScale reported that entry-level informatics nurses with less than one year of experience earns an average total compensation of $69,257. Early career nurses with one to four years of experience earn $71,710 on average. Mid-career informatics nurses with five to nine years of experience earn a total compensation of $77,444. For experienced informatics nurses with ten to nineteen years of experience, the average total compensation is $81,988. And informatics nurses with more than twenty years of experience earn an average total wage of $85,924. These numbers show an increase in compensation according to experience.
What is the completion time for MSN in nursing informatics online programs?
The completion time for an MSN in nursing informatics online degree varies by program, enrollment status, and degree pathway. Different programs have different requirements, though the average completion time is twenty-four months. However, there are several factors that may lengthen or shorten the time it takes to earn an online MSN in nursing informatics degree.
Enrollment status impacts completion time. Part-time enrollment increases completion time, as students typically take one class at a time, while full-time enrollment means taking more than one class at a time.
For programs that accept registered nurses without a BSN, additional time may be required to complete the MSN pathway. BSN graduates should expect to add an additional two years of study time on average to earn their MSN in informatics online. Bridge programs typically take more time to complete degree requirements than non-bridge programs. For individuals with their BSN, the average time to completion for an MSN is two years.
Another factor that impacts completion time for the MSN in nursing informatics online degree is the learning model. Cohort learning models mean the same group of students start and end their program together. A cohort MSN program that is completed online takes approximately two years to complete. Non-cohort programs offer several start dates and allow students to work at their own pace. Non-cohort programs are generally shorter than cohort programs.
BCO Staff
October 2019
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