Choose our Tempo Learning® option and personalize the length, cost, and pacing of your MSN-Nursing Informatics program. There are no set deadlines; submit assignments when you’re ready and get support when you need it.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR PRACTICUM
With Practicum Pledge®, our dedicated Field Placement Team helps you navigate the process and ensure a successful placement.
IMPACTFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Practice new skills and build your confidence through immersive, interactive learning experiences—both in person and virtual.
CREATING LASTING CHANGE
Our MSN informatics online program empowers you to better serve your community and take an active role in advancing healthcare.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Featured MSN-Nursing Informatics Courses
In today's rapidly changing healthcare delivery system, decisions made within the political arena impact the future of health delivery systems, healthcare professionals, and the populations they serve. In this course, students examine the policy process and its impact on healthcare delivery, cost, quality, and access. Students examine the importance of getting healthcare issues on federal and state agenda, investigate governmental response through legislation and regulation, and identify where they can advocate for positive outcomes in program/policy design, implementation, and evaluation. Global health issues are examined for their relevance and impact on the development of the nurse advocate. Through discussions, reflection, case studies, and the application of professional communications techniques as political tactics to influence policy outcomes, students demonstrate integration of policy decision-making into professional nurse practice for the benefit of individuals and populations.
Nursing informatics is essential to the provision of effective and efficient care. This course examines nursing informatics as a nursing competency and a nursing specialty. Students examine the role of the nurse informaticist in current practices related to the collection, access, and use of health information and knowledge, as well as the implementation of clinical systems. Through this course, students gain an understanding of how informatics is used to improve advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across organizations, public health, and consumer health settings.
Nurses base practice on sound and tested evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. This course provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it interacts and aligns with research and quality improvement. Students will examine how to use databases to discover evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methodologies to critically appraise literature. They will also examine opportunities to strengthen their synthesis and integration skills to determine whether a change in practice is needed, based on a body of evidence. Through exploration of implementation, evaluation, and dissemination strategies, students will explore the intricacies of leading and mentoring change within an organization to enhance nursing practice.
Students in this course will develop leadership skills to transform nursing and adapt organizations in response to the turbulent healthcare environment. They will develop and apply theory-based leadership competencies to create the organizational cultures needed to achieve quality patient outcomes. Students will also explore evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments that empower nurses and build collaborative interprofessional teams.
Students will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student's chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN Practicum are introduced.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Featured MSN-Nursing Informatics Courses
Effectively managing healthcare data is essential to the practice of nursing informatics. In this course, students examine database systems including the concept of data modeling and techniques of data definition, data manipulation, and data analytics and visualization. Students explore concepts of information and knowledge management in the healthcare practice setting, including issues related to big data. Course assignments provide students with the opportunity to build essential skills to manage the life cycle of data from how it is captured to how it is managed, stored, interpreted, and applied. Through this course, students have the opportunity to gain the skills needed to make informed decisions related to data management and the translation of data to improve patient care.
In this course, students are provided with an overview of the evolution of nursing as a profession and introduced to their new role as scholar-practitioners. They examine changes in the U.S. healthcare delivery system, the importance of information technology, and measures that promote quality, safety, and better health outcomes in patient care. Students consider major issues and trends in contemporary nursing and healthcare practice, including the influence of socioeconomic, ethical, legal, and political variables and professional values. Through weekly discussions and assignments, students explore and share personal experiences in the context of contemporary nursing issues, such as the nursing shortage, workforce challenges, healthcare financing, professional organizations, and diversity. They are challenged to examine and propose solutions to these nursing issues in addition to those in their workplace. Students reflect on Walden's mission of social change and its impact on their future nursing practice as a scholar-practitioner. Because this is the first nursing course within the RN/BSN program, students learn to use Walden University's resources to enhance writing skills. Students are also introduced to the tools essential to success at Walden.
Nurses must understand research in order to effectively participate in the provision of evidence-based nursing care. Students in this course learn the foundational elements of the research process, refine information-literacy skills, and develop an understanding of ethical research. Students investigate each step of the research process and complete a critical examination of quantitative and qualitative research relevant to their nursing practice. Students are given the tools to analyze nurse-sensitive indicators and clinical practice guidelines.
Nurses play a critical role in the care of patients with major acute and chronic health problems. They are accountable for clinical outcomes and for promoting quality and safety in patient care through the use of information technology. Students in this course will examine their role in the evaluation of nurse-sensitive indicators, standards, and core measures to develop an evidence-based practice approach to care. Students explore the relationship of genetics and genomics to health and illness as well as infection-control issues. The nurse's role in palliative and end-of-life care and complementary and alternative therapies is also explored. Students apply course concepts and demonstrate an understanding of nursing interventions and agency policy to improve nursing practice.
Nursing informatics is a rapidly evolving discipline that impacts all areas of nursing practice. Students in this course establish foundational knowledge for understanding and practicing nursing informatics in healthcare settings. Students increase their awareness of the innovative ways the informatics discipline is helping transform healthcare policies and procedures by appraising the many roles of nurse informaticists. Students explore models and theories that support nursing informatics and examine the use of information technology in support of decisions that promote safety and quality in patient-centered care. They also differentiate concerns about information protection and system integrity. Using concepts learned in the course, students engage in assignments through which they focus on healthcare applications, thus acquiring necessary skills to improve the management of healthcare through nursing informatics practice.
BSN to DNP/PhD in Nursing
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor’s in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Admissions
Need help finding the right nursing program at Walden? Talk to an Enrollment Specialist for insights and guidance as you explore your options.
Streamlined Admissions Process
When you choose to pursue your MSN-Nursing Informatics online degree, a complicated admissions process shouldn’t stand in your way. Walden makes it easier with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT/GRE requirement
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
- The Technical Standards Policy Form, a statement of understanding of the MSN NP practicum requirements.
- Additional Walden admission criteria required. Contact an Enrollment Specialist for more details.
More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We want to help make your MSN-Nursing Informatics online degree more attainable. That’s why Walden offers many ways to lower your tuition costs, including:
Experience-based credits
Tuition savings
Scholarships
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 53 quarter credit hours | $495 per quarter hour | $26,235 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,050 |
| $27,285* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,950 $22,335†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents course-based learning format, BSN-MSN track, no optional sub-specializations, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours | $425 per quarter hour | $11,050 |
| 53 MSN quarter credit hours | $495 per quarter hour | $26,235 | |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,400 |
| $38,685* | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$4,950 $33,735†* | ||
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 35 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
†*Represents course-based learning format, RN-MSN track, minimum time to completion, and Believe and Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® program options follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat rate for each three-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period PROGRAM Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | $3,000** | $175 | 3-month subscription period |
| You may be able to complete your MS in Nursing degree in 14 months for under $13,000 for select specializations.* | |||
*Represents Tempo Learning® format, BSN-MSN option, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**The MSN-Nurse Executive specialization requires two additional hard-copy textbooks. The cost of these textbooks is not included in the three-month subscription price. Students will be required to obtain these textbooks directly from the publisher at a cost of approximately $300.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.
Go at Your Own Pace
You have a unique learning style—and a unique schedule. That’s why Walden offers you more than one way to learn.
Course Based
Instructor-led
Ideal if you prefer predictability, deadlines and traditional learning format.
Starts on October 07, 2024
Tempo Learning®
Self-paced
Ideal if you’re a self-motivated learner with strong time management skills.
Starts on October 07, 2024
*Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
Personalized Practicum Support
After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge® (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your online MSN program.
Career Opportunities
Health information technologists are in demand, with jobs projected to grow 16% by 2032—much faster than the average for all occupations.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Health information managers ensure databases of patient records are complete, accurate, and secure.
Expected growth: 28%1
Estimated annual wage: $67,900–$157,6401
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the MSN-Nursing Informatics program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this specialization, graduates will be prepared to:
Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s faculty is made up of dedicated scholars and active practitioners with many years of experience in the nursing field.
I chose Walden to earn my advanced degree because I was pleased with the design and presentation of the curriculum, its flexibility, and the very encouraging reviews of the experiences of current students and alumni.
Lisa D. Stovel-Rolle | MSN ’12
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FAQ About Walden's MSN Nursing Informatics Online Specialization
Nursing informatics, also sometimes referred to as “medical informatics,” sits at the junction of two thriving industries: healthcare and information technology (IT). Professionals in this interdisciplinary field design and develop the information systems necessary for efficient acquisition, storage, and distribution of health-related data. Nurse informaticists are able to integrate data, information, and knowledge to support decision-making by patients, nurses, and other caregivers in all roles and settings.
An MSN-Nursing Informatics online degree from Walden can prepare you to work in a wide range of settings—including hospitals, healthcare organizations, universities, consulting firms, or corporations that develop and market healthcare information systems. Some typical positions in the field include health information management (HIM) director, health information manager, healthcare system director, medical records manager.
Nursing informatics plays an important role in the incorporation of data and technology to enhance patient outcomes. The nurse informaticist is an expert in the field of nursing and technology, serving as a voice for patients in an interdisciplinary environment. With an MSN-Nursing Informatics online degree from Walden, you’ll be prepared to identify gaps in patient support and care and use data to make real-world improvements in those areas.
Walden’s MSN Nursing Informatics specialization aims to help you develop key skills in collecting, analyzing, and evaluating critical healthcare data. You’ll explore topics such as:
- Health information technology
- Health information systems management
- Quality assessment and improvement
- Strategic and tactical planning
- Evidence-based research and evaluation
- Data management and analytics