RNs know how to care for people, but what about managing the data that makes up healthcare's next frontier? Learn how to transform data into wisdom and power up your career with this online MSN nursing informatics degree.

In a data-driven world, nursing professionals must know how to use, manage, and analyze data for better healthcare outcomes. Nursing informatics specialists are at the juncture of information technology medical practice and research, and they help facilities and systems make smarter decisions that benefit patients and improve overall care.

Most CCNE-accredited RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs prepare you to arm fellow healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and wisdom to make informed, effective decisions for the greater good of patients.

The fully online program lets you continue working full-time and maintaining your professional responsibilities while pursuing your degree.

Plus, if you've already completed five graduate-level courses (at the bachelor's level or higher), you can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate to add to your resume immediately.

A master's in nursing informatics provides an ideal foundation for your career. As a nurse specialist in this field, you will learn to use systems-thinking strategies and current technologies to address the complex challenges of healthcare, like access to quality services and costs for diverse populations. You will also become an expert at analyzing data to support decision-making and improving clinical workflows.

The MSN nursing informatics online program is designed with working nurses in mind. The curriculum includes informatics, information technology, healthcare management, and leadership courses. You can complete the degree in three years, so you can continue to work full-time and earn your graduate degree simultaneously.

You may be able to transfer up to 17 credits from undergraduate coursework toward this degree program. Please consult your advisor to learn more about this option.

You became a registered nurse to make a difference, change lives, and empower people to take control of their health. Now, you're ready for a new challenge to give you the tools to put data at the center of healthcare decisions. Nursing informatics courses focus on enhancing patient outcomes through developing, implementing, and evaluating information systems, technology, and data management. The curriculum also includes the analysis of complex societal problems related to access to quality healthcare, costs, and point-of-care policies.

While every RN to MSN program has a unique curriculum, many strive to align their coursework with the nursing informatics competencies established by HIMSS' Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform. Some programs will ask you to fulfill a practicum course in your chosen clinical setting, but this is uncommon. Other requirements often include an admission essay and/or a statement of purpose. Most RN to MSN programs do not lead to advanced practice state licensure.

A nursing informatics degree can help you bridge the gap between the complexities of healthcare and the information technology that makes it happen. This enables you to develop strategies that support healthcare teams and enable them better to balance access to care with quality of service.

The application essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills and clarify your purpose for pursuing this graduate program. Applicants with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.75 may submit an explanatory statement to be considered for provisional admission.