Are you a college student interested in a dynamic healthcare career? Do you love analytics and data? If yes, there is nothing better for you than attending an online nursing informatics program to jump-start your career. This career path offers students an excellent opportunity to serve humanity.
To begin with, informatics nurses get a chance to highlight existing healthcare problems, areas of improvement, and potential solutions by using the data collected from the community, hospitals, and patients. Nursing informatics professionals are in high demand because healthcare services worldwide still need much improvement.
Do you want to be a skilled informatics nurse? Are you looking for online nursing informatics programs? Look no further. This guide provides the information necessary to make an informed decision about your career.
Article Navigation: What is Nursing Informatics? | Benefits of Nursing Informatics | Online Nursing Informatics Programs Overview | How to Select a Nursing Informatics Program | Program Accreditation | Career Goals | Best Online Nursing Informatics Programs | Frequently Asked Questions | Get Started With An Online Nursing Informatics Program Today!
What is Nursing Informatics?
Nursing informatics is a particular form of nursing practice that uses information science, computer science, communications, and nursing knowledge to deal with the challenges in the healthcare domain. The Registered Nurses (RNs) who combine nursing practice and technology are known as informatics nurses.
If you want to become an informatics nurse, then earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing would be the first step. A master’s in nursing informatics will establish a promising career in this field. However, some professionals prefer doing a Ph.D. in nursing informatics as well.
Health Informatics vs. Nursing Informatics
Both nursing and health informatics are two essential domains of healthcare information management. These domains are directly linked to the use of technology to collect, organize, distribute, and analyze data. When it comes to keeping medical records, both health and nursing informatics play key roles. One thing that creates a significant difference is the scope. They both consist of a range of career opportunities.
Health informatics is a broad field covering everything from Information Technology (IT) in nursing practice to healthcare data analysis. The individuals working in health informatics don’t usually perform the medical practice. As far as nursing informatics is concerned, it is a subset of health informatics. The professionals serving the nursing informatics field are mostly medical practitioners. They make nursing more effective and efficient by devoting themselves to collecting, analyzing, and managing patient data.
Comparing health informatics vs. nursing informatics also highlights similarities between both fields. For example, the Master of Science in Health Informatics students can adopt clinical and non-clinical informatics. However, many institutions have introduced separate nursing informatics master’s programs. Understanding the similarities and differences between health informatics and nursing informatics can help you decide which path to choose.
Importance of Nursing Informatics
The word “informatics” means solving problems using collected and analyzed data. Nursing informatics ensures excellent patient care based on accurate medical information, e.g., doctor notes, lab test results, medicine list, and patient medical history. The state-of-the-art patient care electronic systems help nurses get precise information to assess the patient’s health and make worthy decisions accordingly. In one instance, the Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) makes life easier for nurses because it reduces the chances of medication errors caused by handwriting. This example shows the fundamental importance of nursing informatics.
Benefits of Nursing Informatics
A wide variety of real-life benefits of nursing informatics are listed below.
1. Fewer Medical Errors
Nurses need to ensure their patients are well cared for without medical errors. Health informatics has proved to be an excellent tool for avoiding these mistakes. For example, an electronic record displays accurate data for the nurses to make credible and safe decisions.
2. Better Record Keeping
Collecting, organizing, and analyzing the patient’s medical history has improved the overall nursing documentation. The proper documentation and instant information-sharing through electronic mediums have made the healthcare management system more efficient and effective.
3. Cost Reduction
Medical errors cost billions of dollars every year. Nurses can help avoid many of these errors using health informatics. The data provides nurses with important alerts and helps them automate different tasks. As a result, the cost gets reduced, and nursing productivity increases significantly.
4. Better Care Coordination
Nurses typically coordinate with doctors and rely on the information extracted from other healthcare, pharmacy, and billing professionals. Anything missing can lead to improper patient care. Here is where nursing informatics lends a helping hand. Health informatics provides nurses with all the information they need to assess their patients, improving overall coordination.
Online Nursing Informatics Programs Overview
Different institutes introduce different programs with varied standards. Therefore, the application requirements, coursework, program duration, education requirements, and program cost varies from one institution to another. Let’s review the nursing informatics programs in general.
Application Requirements
Many students find applying for the best online nursing informatics programs complicated. But, early preparation can make the whole process much more manageable. It is better to discuss with your instructors and mentor before you choose a specific nursing informatics program. Moreover, application requirements may vary slightly depending on your degree. The most common requirements are listed below:
- An online application providing your personal and contact details
- High school diploma and transcripts from all schools attended
- GRE or other test results
- Updated resume
- An essay or personal statement
- References
- Most institutes prefer students with at least a 3.0 GPA (Many but not all universities require this.)
Other requirements include strong communication and analytical skills and evidence of relevant market experience. Professional experience increases your chances of getting shortlisted in top-grade colleges or universities offering online nursing informatics programs. While applying for any program, ensure you carefully review the application requirements of the university where you have chosen to enroll.
Coursework
Most students want to enroll in full-time coursework. However, many universities offer part-time online nursing informatics programs as well. Generally, a bachelor’s in nursing informatics requires a minimum of 124 credit hours over four years. In comparison, a master’s degree in the same field needs 27 credit hours of core coursework and 17 to 25 credits of nursing practice courses.
A few topics taught in colleges and universities include principles of healthcare informatics, system analysis and design, health policy, evidence-based nursing practice, health informatics safety and quality, database management, data analytics, managerial health finance, applied research, and human-technology interface.
Length of Program
It takes two years for most nursing programs to complete. However, many colleges and universities offer as short as five semesters up to three years of degree programs, keeping in mind their standards. Also, program length may vary depending on which advanced degree you choose. For example, a master’s in nursing informatics takes less time to complete compared to a doctorate in the same field. Similarly, the duration of bachelor’s and master’s degrees is also different.
Informatics Nurse Education Requirements
Most entry-level employment opportunities require a bachelor’s degree in nursing informatics. But, top-rated employers prefer considering applicants with a master’s degree. The graduate degree does not only help students get more knowledge about the field but also supports them in expanding their relevant skills. Similarly, nursing informatics certification programs have proved to be the most significant source for nurses to polish their practical skills by practicing under the supervision of experienced professionals. Passing the American Nurses Credentialing Center exam adds extra value to the credibility of informatics nurses. If you want to see yourself in a leading role in the future, you should complete your doctorate in nursing informatics.
Tuition
Tuition rates vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of degree program you choose. Generally, the program cost of an online BSN lies between $5,000 and $30,000. The average tuition fee (based on 16 different top-rated universities) for in-state and out-of-state online nursing informatics master’s programs is $19,444.93 and $18,915.68, respectively. In contrast, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree costs between $10,000 and $42,000 annually. The cost of informatics nursing certification is $340 for a member of the American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA). On the other hand, a member of the American Nurses Association (ANA) pays $295 for this certificate. In contrast, the charges for a non-member are $395.
How to Select a Nursing Informatics Program
The random selection of a nursing informatics program can lead to several complications or challenges somewhere in the middle of your degree. Therefore, the students must be meticulous while selecting the desired programs. Getting in touch with the seniors who are already enrolled in different areas of nursing may help you understand what is better for you. The top three parameters you should remember when selecting a nursing informatics program are listed below.
Type of Program & Prerequisites
The program type is the first and most essential factor when selecting a nursing informatics program. Let’s get into its specifics.
Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN)
A master’s degree in nursing informatics is a great online degree program. Many working nurses prefer to pursue this degree to boost their professional careers. Though a bachelor’s degree in the same domain is okay to avail an entry-level position, a master’s degree program opens the door for professionals to step into reputable organizations.
Nursing Informatics Certification Programs
A nursing informatics certification program is essential because it helps nurses take their careers to the next level. This particular program supports professionals in getting hands-on nursing experiences. Many college students search online for nursing informatics certification vs. masters. Are you one of them? Are you confused about which one to choose? It all boils down to what you want to get from the nursing informatics field.
A comparison of nursing informatics certification vs. master’s degree shows that a certificate helps you enhance your practical skills. In contrast, a degree increases your knowledge of the field. For instance, if you want to get some practical exposure or already work in an organization but want to improve your resume, a certificate will lend a helping hand. In contrast, a master’s degree in nursing informatics focuses on boosting medical knowledge and improving leadership and strategic planning skills.
Informatics Nurse Specialist
This parameter gives a clear picture of how a program combines nursing practice and advanced technology. Nursing informatics specialists are people who treat patients with premium care by utilizing innovative treatment solutions integrated with state-of-the-art electronic patient care systems.
Certification
The nursing informatics certification, without a doubt, improves healthcare productivity and gives students or professionals a fair chance to implement their theoretical knowledge in the real world. You get a decent opportunity to enhance your practical skills and innovate the existing treatment solutions. Therefore, doing a certification in nursing informatics could lead to a promising career.
Program Accreditation
It is super important, and the students can never take it for granted. Before taking admission, the students must look for the regional or national accreditation of the university or college. Accreditation is important because it keeps a close eye on the education standards in a specific institution and improves the overall quality of education. In addition, reputed employers always prefer giving opportunities to students who have graduated from regionally or nationally accredited colleges or universities.
Career Goals
Keeping your career goals in mind is essential when selecting a particular nursing informatics program. Why? Because one program can never help every individual to achieve their aims. For instance, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing school would be enough if you want to start your nursing career immediately. But if you want to excel in the same field, a certificate and the advanced degree(s) must be your next target right after completing your bachelor’s degree. Similarly, if you want to be a part of the top management and leadership role, earning a doctoral degree will help you do that.
Best Online Nursing Informatics Programs
It is necessary to conduct solid research on the best-performing nursing schools, colleges, and universities. This process helps students take the first step toward their professional careers. Below is a list of eight accredited institutions offering credible online nursing informatics degrees.
North Carolina A&T State University
Accreditation: ACEN, SACSCOC, NASAD, NASM, ATMAE
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Duration of the Program: Two semesters
This public institution offers high-quality education under the supervision of experienced instructors and mentors who have been teaching worldwide for many years. The students who want to enroll in this university will be able to benefit from both baccalaureate and traditional nursing programs.
West Coast University
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN)
Duration of the Program: Two years
This university provides its students with the advanced technological tools to do wonders in research, administration, and education. The students learn effective ways of analyzing data to perform well in performance improvement initiatives or programs.
Idaho State University
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Program/Degree Offered: Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
Duration of the Program: Two years
The students at this university get two specialty options, i.e., Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. The duration of each program is two years. A part-time curriculum is also available that lasts up to three years.
Texas Tech University Sciences Center
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
Duration of the Program: Two years
This reputed university prepares its students to precisely collect, organize, and analyze patient data and be the core members of the medical team.
North Carolina Central University
Accreditation: ACEN, SACSCOC, NCATE
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Duration of the Program: Two semesters
North Carolina Central University offers quality online education in nursing informatics. It has taken highly experienced professors on board to meet the highest possible educational standards.
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing/Health Informatics
Duration of the Program: Two semesters
This university focuses on improving the students’ abilities to perfectly analyze healthcare data to ensure the best possible treatment solutions for the patients. The highly experienced and super dedicated faculty is the real strength for the students studying at Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor.
University of Colorado Denver
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Program/Degree Offered: Master of Science in Nursing/Health Care Informatics
Duration of the Program: Two semesters
This university provides the latest patient care technological devices to lead the nursing field from the front. The students get a chance to drive quality care, make credible clinical decisions, promote safety, and advance engagement.
Abilene Christian University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program/Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Duration of the Program: Two semesters
This flexible degree program enables aspiring leaders to advance toward professional development. To illustrate, students will explore evidence-based practice research, pharmacology, data management, quality patient care, health assessment policy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a nurse informatics program?
Mostly, you need two years to complete a nursing informatics degree. However, the length of this program can vary between two and three years, depending on your area of interest or the advanced degree you choose. For instance, an online MSN nursing informatics degree will take less time than a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Is nursing informatics in demand?
Of course! Decent nursing informatics salary, secure career, and faster job growth have made this field high in demand. These benefits are the source of attraction for the students to pursue their careers in nursing informatics.
How do I break into nursing informatics?
Well, the whole journey consists of different steps. Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing opens the doors for the students to kickstart their careers. Then, they must appear in the licensing exam, continue an online MSN nursing informatics, and pass the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) certification exam. Lastly, they must continue nursing informatics education that helps professionals keep their licenses active.
Can nursing informatics work from home?
For remote practice, the field of nursing informatics requires nursing and data management expertise. Therefore, nurses who want to work from home must be able to manage the healthcare system and train staff on how to use it. Troubleshooting is a significant skill to maintain and adequately address the patient care system.
What is an ANCC certification?
Students pursuing this certification should earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing informatics, undergo 1000 to 2000 hours of nursing practice, and 30 hours of nursing informatics continuing education. Right after passing the exam, the students get an RN-BC certificate.
Get Started With An Online Nursing Informatics Program Today!
Are you fond of serving the community? Are you a tech enthusiast who enjoys collecting and analyzing different data sets? If yes, then you should enroll in a nursing informatics degree. But before taking admission, you should have proper guidance so you’re set to face the challenges.
In other words, make yourself familiar with the minimum education requirements. Then, the best online nursing informatics programs, reputable nursing schools, and how to develop an established nursing career. Don’t know where to get all this information? Look no further! Use the educational resources on GetEducated.com to make an informed decision.