a nurse clicking a futuristic looking screen with medical data, graphs, and charts on it

Nursing Informatics (MSN)

Take your nursing career to the next level with the 100% online MSN Nursing Informatics program. You’ll gain the advanced skills you need to meet the growing demands of today’s complex healthcare environment and provide superior patient care.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Concentration
Location
  • Online
Department
College
Program Contact
Associate Professor, Director, MSN/MBA Program Director, MSN Informatics Program
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Virtual Information Session

You're invited to the Commonwealth University MSN Nursing Informatics Virtual Information Session on Thursday, November 21 at 12 p.m. on Zoom! Join program faculty as they preview coursework, clinicals, program delivery, career options, job outlook, life as a graduate student, and the admission process. 

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Get on the Cutting Edge of Clinical Patient Care

Nurse Informatics is a sub-specialty of Nursing that combines nursing, information technology, and data analytics. This includes the application of informatics and information technology to deliver healthcare services, as well as the integration of technology and the management of information into clinical and business decision-making.

The entirely online MSN Informatics program consists of 21 credits of nursing courses and 18 credits of concentration in information technology management and analytics. All of Commonwealth University's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

MSN Informatics Program Details

  • Program Focus – This program prepares registered nurses to utilize healthcare informatics within various healthcare settings. Designed for the nurse that wants to improve patient care both for the nurse (provider) and the client.
  • Flexible Start Dates – Applications are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
  • Coursework – 42 credit program- including 12 credits of MSN Core courses and 30 credits in information technology management (ITM) and Informatics courses.
  • Program Delivery – Coursework is delivered 100% online and is built with working nurses in mind.
  • Continue Your Climb – Ability to apply for MSN immediately after completing the BSN.
  • Accreditation – CCNE-accredited.

Request InformationCost EstimatorContact Dr. Metzger

Courses and Curriculum

Nursing Informatics: Part-Time / Full-Time

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

  • Online application.
  • College transcripts.
  • 1 Letter of recommendation and 2 additional names with contact information.
  • Copy of current, unencumbered professional nursing license.
  • Resume which includes a description of professional nursing and clinical experience.
  • Short statement on career goals.
  • Q: Do I need professional experience in order to be admitted?
    A: No- You can apply for admission as soon as you complete your BSN program.
  • Q: Do I need any prior IT or technology background in order to start the program?
    A: No- All that's needed is an interest in applying technology and data to a healthcare setting.
  • Q: How is the program delivered?
    A: Coursework is offered 100% online and is available in part-time and full-time formats.
  • Q: When can I start?
    A: Applications are accepted for the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
  • Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
    A: No- the GRE is not required for admission.
  • Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
    A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary to integrate technology and use information systems to support evidence-based decision-making.
  • Analyze current regulations and practices around healthcare and clinical data.
  • Perform data analysis and report writing related to both patient and/or system outcomes.
  • Analyze workflow processes in various clinical settings in order to improve the healthcare delivery process.
  • Manage communications and relationships between system developer and interprofessional clinical users to support system and patient outcomes.

The Commonwealth Difference

CCNE Accredited logo
The master's degree program in nursing at Commonwealth University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Careers

As evolving technology continues to impact all aspects of healthcare, nurse informaticists are on the cutting edge of clinical patient care and effective data analysis. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMMS) 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, 49% of nurse informaticists reported a salary greater than $100,000. This is up from 45% in 2017 and 33% in 2014.

Potential Job Opportunities

  • Nurse Informatics Educator
  • Nurse Informaticist
  • Nursing Informatics Specialist
  • Nursing Informatics Clinician
  • Clinical Nurse Informatics Specialist
  • Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
  • Perioperative Informatics Nurse
  • Telehealth Clinical Coordinator
  • Electronic Health Record System Integration Specialist
  • Informatics Consultant

Continue to Explore

nursing students discussing clinical information in a classroom setting

Commonwealth Launches MSN Informatics Program

The entirely online MSN Informatics program consists of 21 credits of nursing courses and 18 credits of concentration in information technology management and analytics. All of Commonwealth University's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Faculty

Lori

Lori Metzger

  • Associate Professor, Director, MSN/MBA Program Director, MSN Informatics Program
  • Bloomsburg
Professor Jennifer Sheaffer

Jennifer Sheaffer

  • Chair of Graduate Nursing, Director of Nurse Practitioner Programs
  • Bloomsburg

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