Key Takeaways:

• East Carolina University and Dakota State University are two top schools with an affordable online nursing and healthcare informatics master’s degree.
• Online Master’s programs in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics are designed to be cost-effective and less time-consuming than traditional programs.
• The flexibility of online learning allows professionals to continue working while advancing their education and career in healthcare informatics.

An affordable online master’s in nursing or health informatics is a flexible path for HIT professionals or nurses to advance their careers. Just like all the other industries, the healthcare sector is going through dynamic technological changes. More professionals are finding it necessary to go back to school and advance their skills.

One of the most in-demand degrees in the healthcare sector is healthcare informatics. Graduate programs in health informatics combine healthcare with IT, computer analysis, and data analysis. Most people in the healthcare industry sign up for an affordable informatics master’s as a way of improving or boosting their careers. Doctors, nurses, hospital technicians, and even administrators can sign up for a graduate degree in this field. After completing the course, they can pair this course with their professional experience and find better-paying jobs in the healthcare sector. They can become IT professionals, data analysts, chief information officers, and hospital administrators.

Although a degree in healthcare informatics could lead to higher or better salaries and a fulfilling career, paying for this education is a challenge to many. While cost is a major consideration, today’s students are looking beyond the price tag and looking into obtaining a quality education. Some of the institutions that offer affordable healthcare informatics master’s degree programs include small private schools, regional public colleges, and institutions where online learning is an option.

Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Health Informatics Programs 

Working nurses and healthcare managers who want to improve their credentials or move into a new career like informatics have a lot of concerns, but one of the most important is cost. That’s why the BHD ranking of the most affordable nursing and healthcare informatics programs is focused on one main criteria: tuition cost, as reported to IPEDS. Only accredited, reputable institutions are considered.

1. East Carolina University

Among the 90+ online degree courses offered by East Carolina University is the master’s degree in health informatics and information management. Before commencing with the program, students have to complete 33 hours of foundational curriculum and prerequisite courses. All Students cover the coursework in 126 hours. It includes such topics as allied health management, healthcare payment systems, and health information systems. Students can choose to submit a thesis or complete an internship at the end of the program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Information Management (CAHIIM).

Founded in 1907, East Carolina University, shortly known as ECU, is the third-largest university in North Carolina. It is among the few institutions in the state offering the top health informatics programs. ECU has quite a number of campuses, nine undergraduate schools and colleges, and three graduate schools. The institution is also fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 

Degree: MS Health Informatics and Information Management

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

2. Dakota State University

Dakota State University provides a master’s in health informatics and information management program in a bid to train healthcare professionals to become health information administrators. As the course is 100 percent online, students can choose to undertake the 33-credit program either part-time or full-time. Full-time students can undertake the course in as little as four semesters. All students must complete the program in five years. Students must be experienced or trained in such courses as healthcare information, information systems, and applied statistics. This is an ideal course for health professionals who want to pursue such careers as clinical coding specialists, information managers, and privacy officers. 

Located in Madison, Dakota State University was founded in 1881 when South Dakota was not yet a sovereign state. Popular majors offered in the university include:

• Information Science
• System Administration
• Database
• Network

BusinessThe institution is quite popular for its top nursing informatics programs and its 84% acceptance rate.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics and Information Management

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University’s MSN nursing informatics online program is offered through the institution’s Health Sciences Center. While the 39-credit program is fully online, students might have to travel to the institution’s campus in Lubbock for immersive sessions. Students can choose to specialize in such courses as education, administration, family nurse practitioners, which is further divided into nursing informatics and midwifery. Such diversification makes this one of the top health informatics programs in the country. The program requires clinical experience through an applied course or practicum. The course is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is suitable for nurses or healthcare providers who want to hone their leadership and management skills. The course also certifies students for CPHIMS and ANCC Board Certification exams. 

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is famous for its Larry Community Health & Wellness Center, which accommodates about 7,500 low-income patients. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the institution 91st across the country. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

4. Columbus State University + Georgia Southwestern University

The joint Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University’s MSN in nursing informatics is a course aimed at preparing students for such careers as case management, health education, patient education, and program planning. As one of the top nursing informatics programs, nursing students can specialize in nursing informatics, nursing education, nursing leadership or management, and family nurse practitioner. The program requires a 3.0 GPA score for the degree to be conferred. The program is CCNE accredited and can be completed in four full-time semesters or longer, depending on the student’s professional demands and availability. 

Columbia State University and Georgia Southwestern State University are part of the University System of Georgia. The two regional public universities were founded in 1958 and 1906, respectively. While the first started out as a junior college and the second an agricultural school, both are committed to delivering the highest-quality education in the region. 

Degree: MSN – Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a master’s in nursing informatics program, which is meant to prepare registered nurses in a healthcare informatics career. The program is entirely online, and students can take at their own pace. Rather than receiving credits, the program’s coursework is measured in competency units. This means that the instructors are more concerned about the skills students gain rather than how much class time they register. Students pay a flat rate fee every six months rather than paying for competency units or credit hours.

The program is also one of the top health informatics programs and covers topics such as foundational courses:

• Nursing informatics
• Database management
• Data science and analysis
• Data modeling

To qualify for the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

Western Governors University was founded in 1997. It is a no-profit institution that ranks 12th on the list of the most innovative schools. The institution’s popular majors include Nursing, Elementary Education, and Business. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

6. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University’s master’s of health informatics program is meant for working professionals. The program is provided through the institution’s College of Applied and Natural Science. Unlike other top health informatics programs that are designed for healthcare practitioners, this program accommodates students from all backgrounds such as IT or computer science who wish to switch careers. The 45-credit program includes such topics as:

• Computerized decision support
• Database architecture
• Information system evaluation

Students do not have to submit GRE scores to be admitted into the program. However, they must have at least two years of experience in an IT or healthcare-related field. 

Located in Ruston, Louisiana Tech University, formerly known as Louisiana Industrial Institute, is a public higher learning institution that was established in 1894. Since then, the institution has gone on to work with notable institutions such as the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Health, and even NASA. Admission into the university is rather competitive as it has an acceptance rate of 65%. The institution is SACSCOC accredited. 

Degree: Master of Health Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

7. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a fully online master’s program in healthcare informatics. The program has three concentrations: healthcare informatics, leadership, and family nurse practitioner. It is designed to hone the leadership skills of registered nurses while reducing health disparities through data management. The program’s inclusion of courses such as:

• Decision support
• Information management
• Life cycle of information systems
• Healthcare technology

Through the CCNE-accredited program, students have a chance to build their networks and take advantage of the online program’s collaborative tools such as video conferencing. Students are required to arrange for a practicum session before they graduate. 

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz was established in 1912 as an extension to the University of Colorado. The institution’s College of Nursing is renowned for its excellence when it comes to nursing education. The U.S. News & World Report has also ranked it 5th for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 13th for Nursing Midwifery, and 16th for Family Nurse Practitioner. 

Degree: MSN Health Care Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

8. University of Central Florida

PSM in Healthcare Informatics is one of the University of Central Florida’s more than 30 online degrees. As one of the top nursing informatics programs, the program is aimed at preparing students for the highly dynamic healthcare industry by enabling them to improve patient care, healthcare data management, and delivery. Unlike other programs that are largely based on research and classwork, this program is based on real-world training. The 38-credit program is set out in 10 courses. Students begin the course by undertaking a course in informatics fundamentals and end with an internship. Although the program is fully online, some specializations may require students to go to the campus for brief sessions. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 

The University of Central Florida offers some of the most affordable online graduate degrees. Students can gain admission into the institution during the spring and fall semesters. The institution is ranked 10th by the U.S. News & World Report. 

Degree: PSM in Healthcare Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

9. Ferris State University

The Ferris State University offers an MSN informatics degree program which is available to healthcare practitioners. Students are required to complete 24-bridge coursework as well as 37-credits in general education before commencing with the MSN program. The online program enables students to take as much as four courses at a time.

The 37-credit program includes such topics as:

• Leadership for informatics specialists
• Healthcare systems and policies
• Organizational leadership, and data management and safety

Such depth and scope in coursework have made it one of the top nursing informatics programs in the country. Applicants must have an active registered nurse license and an overall GPA of 3.0. The institution recommends that applicants have at least two years of experience. While it is a fully online program, successful applicants need to attend a 4-hour face-to-face orientation session at the main campus. 

Formerly known as Big Rapids Industrial School, Ferris State University was established in 1884. The institution’s main campus is located in Big Rapids, while a secondary campus is in Grand Rapids. Ferris State University ranks 94th among the best regional universities in Midwest, according to U.S. News & World. 

Degree: MSN – Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

10. Troy University

Troy University’s College of Health and Human Services offers a Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Informatics for registered nurses. The program is meant to help them advance their leadership and clinical skills. The program prepares nurses for advanced roles in their careers, which could include informatics specialists, nurse administrators, and family nurse practitioners. Although this is a fully online program, new students are required to attend a one-day orientation session. The coursework covers such topics as pharmacology and health assessment. The 47-credit MSN nursing informatics program is accredited by CCNE, ACEN, and NLNA , making it one of the top nursing informatics programs in the U.S.  

Troy University was founded in 1887 as Troy Normal School. The institution is the flagship of Troy University System, and it boasts of a student ratio of 15:1, which explains the strong campus culture and student support. Currently, it has four campuses in Alabama and 50 teaching sites across 15 states. It is also the first institution to have established an open publishing facility in Alabama. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

Where Can I Get an Affordable Informatics Degree?

Small private schools and regional universities tend to be quite affordable compared to huge public universities. Also, due to the personal touch with students, such institutions often offer attractive financial aid to students that deserve them. Students get an intimate learning atmosphere as opposed to the arena-like classroom settings typical of public universities.

USA Today notes that small private colleges and regional public universities tend to have more resources at their disposal. For instance, faculty mentors and lecturers are available to guide students through the learning process. Also, due to the smaller number of graduates compared to public institutions, there is a high likelihood of alumni providing support as well as career opportunities for students.

Enrolling in an online college has its unique perks. Students prefer it as they can undertake their health informatics courses in the comfort of their homes. It is also quite affordable as you do not have to incur such costs as commuting costs and housing fees. The flexibility offered by online learning is unparalleled. For instance, a person working as a nurse can fulfill their obligations and complete health informatics tasks and assignments once they are off work. This is because the course content is available 24/7.

The coursework for those undertaking a health informatics course includes:

• Data management and analysis
• Database management
• Computer technology and health information systems
• Coding
• Biomedical Sciences, and
• Legal aspects as far as health information is concerned

How Much Can I Make in Health Informatics?

A healthcare or nursing informatics professional works in a hospital or healthcare setting to maintain the organization’s IT systems. This includes ensuring that the system complies with the law as well as company policies and regulations. The professional works alone or as part of a team to perform extensive research on available solutions depending on the organization’s needs. They then plan on how the software system or technological solution will be implemented.

Implementing a software could involve testing the system, debugging it, and optimizing it for maximum functionality. The health informatics specialist will also troubleshoot the system whenever it encounters a problem. They may also be responsible for the training of the other employees to familiarize them with how the system works. They will also need to stay informed on system developments so that they can update it when necessary. In some instances, health informatics work with clients to optimize online platforms.

The healthcare informatics salary depends on such factors as:

• The type of informatics career one chooses
• The level of the student’s health informatics degree
• The work environment or the type of healthcare facility one works in
• The years of experience
• Types of health informatics careers and potential salaries

Health informatics salaries differ from one career to another. Some of the most common health informatics professions include:

1. Health informatics director

This position requires one to have health informatics skills along with people skills. A health informatics director organizes and integrates data flow across different departments in the organization. They also meet with stakeholders to discuss technological changes and how to mitigate any challenges presented by existing technological systems.

2. Health informatics consultant

Most health informatics consultants work independently to perform such tasks as:

• Installation of new software systems
• Monitoring and troubleshooting systems
• Training teams
• Updating networks, among others

3. Chief medical information officer

The roles and responsibilities of a chief medical information officer vary from one organization to the other. This professional is responsible for conducting analysis to optimize IT infrastructure and designing software applications to ensure high-quality patient care. Apart from working in a hospital setting, a chief medical information officer could also work in a government agency and or an academic setting.

4. Nursing informatics specialist

In a world where big data is becoming increasingly popular, most healthcare organizations are looking for nurses with specialist skills in informatics. These professionals work alongside healthcare providers and regular nurses to keep accurate records of patient care plans. They sometimes train their colleagues on record-keeping procedures.

5. Healthcare IT manager

A healthcare IT manager is responsible for the creation and execution of technological project plans within healthcare organizations. The professional will also communicate with other employees within the organization to ensure that projects are completed on time.

6. An electronic medical records keeper

An electronic medical record keeper is responsible for inputting such data as patients’ diagnosis, symptoms, conditions, and treatments into the organization’s database. This professional ensures that patient data is as accurate as possible. They could also be responsible for the collection of data for medical studies and research. Due to the ongoing transition by healthcare facilities from conventional data-keeping structures to modern solutions such as cloud computing, there is an increased demand for electronic medical records keepers.

Healthcare informatics master’s degree salary is about $20,000 annually more compared to a healthcare informatics bachelor’s degree salary.

How Much Can I Make as a Nurse Informaticist?

Technology plays a key role in the delivery of quality healthcare in institutions. This has led to an increase in the demand for nursing informatics professionals. This field blends technological systems with patient care to enhance the patient’s experiences as far as nursing care is concerned. Apart from being registered nurses, nurse informatics helps develop and implement clinical applications and information systems. Therefore, people who want to advance in this field must have a background in technology and clinical nursing.

Some of the most common nurse informatics roles include:

• Programming systems or customizing systems provided by a vendor or developed by an in-house team
• Participating in data analysis and improvement initiatives to optimize existing technological systems
• Providing support and training to other employees
• Simplifying documentation and access to patients’ records. This ensures that other healthcare providers can access patients’ record on computers and mobile devices

Nursing informatics salary depends on such factors as the work setting, the region, and the level of education or certification. For example, a master’s in nursing informatics salary is more compared to a bachelor’s nursing informatics jobs salary. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the averages for health informatics professionals are as follows:

• Median annual wage: $67,310
• Lowest 10%: Less than $39,120
• Highest 10%: More than $112,130

The highest 10% are those that have advanced degrees and specialized certifications, such as an MSN in informatics.

There are skills that make a healthcare informatics candidate more desirable. These may include:

• Clinical information systems
• Information technology
• Electronic medical records (EMR) implementation
• Project management
• Policy writing

Nursing informatics is a potentially lucrative career. Nurses who are passionate about information systems and data management would be smart to tap into this specialty.

Can an Informaticist Work from Home?

Health information and record management systems are constantly being developed. This makes it important or even mandatory that clinics, doctor offices, hospitals, and medical schools onboard an informaticist who can ensure the smooth operation of such systems. This professional also keeps the operational, administrative, and clinical departments in sync.

The workplace is also undergoing dynamic changes, and it is not uncommon to come across nursing informatics jobs work-from-home job opportunities. This position involves the use of sophisticated software along with analytics applications. These are quite resource-intensive. Therefore, employers hiring remote informaticists require them to have a computer that is capable of running this software and related applications consistently. In most cases, the employer will dictate the required processer, disk storage space, and the amount of installed memory.

Normally, these professionals work for about 40 hours per week. In some instances, working overtime could be required. Evening and night-shift working conditions are also available, especially if the professional works in a hospital setting.

The best thing that any potential health informatics student can do is research existing and future job opportunities before picking a specialty. Since healthcare informatics is a multidisciplinary as well as one of the most stable fields in the US, it is a perfect option for people who are on the lookout for in-demand occupations.

Related Rankings:

• 15 Best Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• 25 Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• 10 Fastest Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• Top 10 Best Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics

The post 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics appeared first on The Best Health Degrees.

Key Takeaways:

• Two of the fastest online master’s programs are at the  University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University.
• Demand is high for professionals in health informatics due to the shift from paper to electronic records.
• Accelerated online programs offer a fast track to master’s degrees in health informatics and often accept work experience for credit.
• These programs are designed for working adults, focusing on speed and incorporating relevant work experience into the curriculum.

In the past, patients’ records were once put away in paper documents. Today, with new laws and regulations making electronic data storage compulsory, there is a high demand for health informaticists who are trained in the field of obtaining, maintaining, and securing of digital records. Working nurses and healthcare managers – as well as adults who want a career change into something lucrative and in-demand – can look to accelerated online master’s programs to get them the credentials they need quickly. 

More and more colleges are designing options for students to receive their informatics masters degree sooner. One route students have is to enroll in an accelerated master’s in health informatics degree program. An accelerated schedule consists of fewer courses in an abbreviated timeframe. Many colleges are now offering credit for work experience too. If the institution recognizes a student’s proficiency in an area due to outside experience, degree credits may be granted. Besides work experience, colleges also award credits for time spent abroad or military tours of duty.

Our Method: Ranking the Fastest Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics

Best Health Degrees editors know that working adults have their own special set of needs, but one of the most important is time. That’s why the Fastest Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics ranking focuses on speed. But speed isn’t everything, so editors ranked programs based on five factors: Cost, Graduation Rate, Job Placement, Salary Potential, and Student Satisfaction, based on data from IPEDS, Niche, and College Scorecard. 

1. University of Washington

At the top of the list of the 10 best online health informatics masters programs is the University of Washington’s MS in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies, offered by the Professional & Continuing Education Department. This degree is offered in a flexible online format and can be completed part-time in 2-6 years or in as little as 15 months full-time. The program is intended to teach healthcare professionals how to understand, evaluate, implement, and manage data information systems.

The Department of Professional & Continuing Education at the University of Washington makes education accessible for everyone. The school breaks down barriers to help students confront and overcome their educational challenges. The University of Washington’s online program are designed to fit into your life so you can continue to work, pursue your degree, and still find time to eat and sleep.

Favorite Fact: The instructors at the University of Washington’s Department of Professional & Continuing Education are working professionals by day and college professors at night, so they know exactly what you’ll be facing at work in the real world.

Degree: Master of Science Degree in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies – 15 months

Learn more at Washington’s program site!

2. Johns Hopkins University

The Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences Informatics available through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Division of Health Sciences Informatics is next on the list of the 10 best online health informatics masters programs. This program is ideal for students who want to master the application of information technology to data in a healthcare setting. Graduates of the program will be prepared for leadership positions in the healthcare informatics field.

The Division of Health Sciences Informatics focuses on providing the highest quality education and research in order to contribute as much as possible to the knowledge body in the areas of public health and healthcare informatics. Johns Hopkins’s experience in clinical care, research, and public health are known and respected all over the world.

Favorite Fact: This is an online program that can be completed in 15-36 months.

Degree: MS Applied Health Sciences Informatics – 15 months

Learn more at Johns Hopkins’ program site!

3. Medical University of South Carolina

The Master of Science in Health Informatics from the Medical University of South Carolina prepares students to be able to implement and use healthcare information technology such as data management systems and electronic health records. Graduates will have the ability to quickly analyze and act on patient data. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed online in as little as 15 months.

The College of Health Professions at the Medical University of South Carolina is a leader in intellectual discovery, education, and research. The school is a proponent of diversity and is constantly making changes to improve the programs and services it offers to its students and to the community. The College of Health Professions takes advantage of the latest technological advances to give its students the most up-to-date information and experiences.

Favorite Fact: Students attend 2-3 online courses and one on-campus session each semester.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics – 15 months

Learn more at MUSC’s program site!

4. UMass Lowell

The MS in Health Informatics & Management at UMass Lowell can be completed online in one year. This degree offers access to a profitable, in-demand field where graduates can earn more than $90,000 per year. The UMass Lowell informatics program teaches students how to capture patient data and use it to provide better healthcare for their patients.

The Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences at UMass Lowell has a reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and community service. The school provides students with unique community service opportunities that allow them to gain experience while making the world a better place. In addition to learning informatics, students will learn leadership skills and will learn to work effectively as part of a team.

Favorite Fact: Students can choose a concentration in either Health Management or Health Informatics.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics – 1 year

Learn more at UMass Lowell’s program site!

5. Regis University

The MS in Health Informatics from Regis University’s College of Computer & Information Sciences allows students to combine their healthcare experience with knowledge of electronic health records, diagnostic technologies, provider order entry systems and other healthcare IT systems. Graduates will be able to understand how to manage information in order to help their employers lower costs, reduce the number of medical errors, and provide better quality patient care.

The College of Computer and Information Sciences at Regis University produces graduates who possess the technical computer skills they need to succeed. Graduates are skilled at critical thinking and analytical problem-solving and are prepared to take on leadership roles in the area of health informatics. They are prepared to embrace the changes they will encounter as technology continues to improve throughout their professional careers, and they understand the impact that their work has on real people and real lives.

Favorite Fact: This is an accelerated program that can be completed online within 24 months.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics Online Accelerated

Learn more at Regis’ program site!

6. Boston University (Metro College)

The MS in Computer Information Systems from Boston University Metropolitan College is available with a concentration in health informatics. This program provides a solid understanding of computer networks, data communication, and biomedical databases, including security and privacy concerns in each area. Students are exposed to the latest medical technologies as well as the record systems most commonly used by hospitals and other healthcare organizations. In addition, students have the opportunity to learn project management techniques and tools.

Metropolitan College offers an engaging community, the freedom of a flexible schedules, and rigorous interactive learning. The school’s innovative spirit captures the imagination, resulting in an exhilarating exchange of ideas. Students connect with other from all over the world and gain new perspectives that help them find new solutions to the challenges they face. The college offers many options to make education accessible to everyone, including evening classes and flexible online and blended programs.

Favorite Fact: This program can be completed either online or on campus in as little as 18 months.

Degree: MS in Computer Information Systems – Health Informatics – 18 months

Learn more at BU’s program site!

7. Stony Brook University

The MS in Applied Health Informatics offered by the Stony Brook University School of Health Technology and Management was developed with input from hiring managers, regional CIOs, and national experts. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in the workforce. There is a 480-hour practicum that is completed at a local vendor, healthcare center, or other community healthcare organization.

At the School of Health Technology and Management at Stony Brook University, “health” and “care” have equal importance. Health is the goal; care is the standard that guides the delivery of health services. The school’s programs are interdisciplinary, providing students with opportunities to learn how to apply their skills across various fields.

Favorite Fact: This is an on-campus program that lasts 15 months. Students complete one regular year (fall and spring semesters) plus four summer sessions.

Degree: MS in Applied Health Informatics – 15 month

Learn more at Stony Brook’s program site!

8. Roberts Wesleyan College

The MS in Healthcare Informatics Administration from Roberts Wesleyan College School of Business combines the typical health informatics degree with the leadership and business skills of a health administration degree. This program seeks to eliminate any gap in communication between administrative, clinical, and IT health professionals. Students are not required to have a technical background before starting the program. Some of the subjects covered include electronic medical records, healthcare reform, electronic transmission of medical records, and privacy laws.

Roberts Wesleyan College is a Christian College that is dedicated to spiritual growth and service. Students can wrestle with difficult questions in a safe environment. Roberts Wesleyan is a small school with a student faculty ratio of just 11 students per faculty member. Whether you’re attending for 16 months, two years, or four years, Roberts Wesleyan wants you to feel like part of the family.

Favorite Fact: This program is 100% online and takes about 18 months to complete.

Degree: MS in Healthcare Informatics Administration – 18 months

Learn more at RWC’s program site!

9. Franklin University

The MS in Health Informatics from Franklin University teaches students how to use their talents and skills in data analysis to influence decision-making, create more efficient workflows, and improve patient outcomes. The demand for skilled health informatics technicians is high, and a master’s degree in health informatics will help you develop the math and computer science skills you’ll need to succeed in this highly sought-after and well-paid career field.

More than 100 years ago, Franklin University got its start as a place where adult students can finish their degrees quickly. As the times have changed, so has the technology, but the core focus of the school—to provide a quality education to adult learners—has remained the same. Franklin is committed to making education available to anyone who has the desire to learn.

Favorite Fact: At Franklin, you can earn your MS in Health Informatics online in just 12 months.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics – 12 months

Learn more at Franklin’s program site!

10. Western Governors University

The MS in Nursing—Nursing Informatics degree from Western Governors University is a BSN-to-MSN program that combines data management, nursing science, and analytical and communication skills to provide the skills needed to be successful as a nurse informatics specialist. The nursing informatics program teaches students how to gather, analyze, and use healthcare information to improve workflow and outcomes and reduce expenses.

Western Governors University’s programs are self-paced. Students are expected to complete at least twelve competency units (equal to about four courses per semester) per semester but are encouraged to work faster if they can. Tuition is priced by the semester, not by the credit, so students who work more quickly can complete their degrees faster and pay less. 97% of WGU graduates would recommend the school to their friends.

Favorite Fact: 93% of WGU’s nursing informatics graduates complete the program within 15 months.

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics – 15 months

Learn more at WGU’s program site!

How Do Colleges Speed Up an Informatics Master’s Degree?

The accelerated master’s in health informatics degree track may hold classes year-round to speed up the process. An accelerated nursing informatics program is likely to follow an online-only format. With this type of class format, students will speed up their degree completion timeframe because they can finish coursework at times that work best for them.

Competency-based degree programs are another growing trend among colleges. With this type of format, students are able to take examinations to demonstrate their proficiencies in certain subjects. The benefits of these programs include faster degree conferment and less student debt.

Before applying to an accelerated nursing informatics program, a student should speak to an admissions counselor. The counselor can advise the applicant on any transfer credits that could be applied toward degree requirements.

What Kinds of Jobs are in Nursing Informatics?

Nursing informatics jobs are available in both the private and public sector. Nursing informatics focuses on using data to improve patient care. Nurses look at common data trends to find ways to best use technology within a medical setting. For nursing informatics jobs entry level, the position is still unlikely to be the nurse’s first job. Most nursing informatics jobs require that the applicant have past experience as a RN. Alternatively, the nursing informatics jobs entry level may permit nurses who have earned their RN credentials simultaneously with their informatics degrees. Nurses in the field will usually have job titles such as nursing informatics specialist, clinical analyst, or clinical informatics coordinator. Senior-level nursing informatics jobs include system administrator, nursing informatics educator, and nursing informatics consultant.

Entry-level positions in nursing informatics are heavily focused on electronic records. Federal regulations mandate how patient records are managed. All providers are required to maintain electronic records in order to receive Medicare payments. The specialist will need to implement these record systems and ensure they help the medical provider stay in compliance.

Additional duties in the field may include analyzing current software and systems within a facility for efficiency. Nurses must confirm that any technology offered to nurses help make their jobs easier. Nurse programmers will actually design software solutions to meet the needs of clinicians.

What Kinds of Jobs are in Health Informatics?

Healthcare informatics jobs are similar to nursing informatics positions. The key difference is health informatics focuses on assisting medical facilities. A healthcare informatics job description will usually ask for the applicant to be experienced in helping facilities abide by federal mandates. Entry-level jobs in healthcare informatics may feature the nurse working as a project specialist. For this position, the nurse will consult and manage projects featuring technological advancements for the organization.

As the specialist gains experience, he or she may advance and be in charge of more complex informatics projects. Advanced healthcare informatics jobs include chief medical information officer and health informatics director. These positions require an advanced knowledge of healthcare systems. The executive will be expected to oversee all healthcare systems within a single organization. He or she may also be responsible for training all staff on newly implemented systems. Another job responsibility could be collecting data to find ways to improve the facility’s IT infrastructure. A healthcare informatics job description may even ask for the applicant to know how to design custom software solutions for organizations.  

Can I Get a Job in Nursing Informatics with Just a Certification?

Instead of master-level degrees, some nurses look at nursing informatics certification programs to advance their careers. Although certifications are helpful for job applicants, the specialist may want to consider attending a master’s degree program first. In fact, nursing informatics certification programs often require the nurse to have post-bachelor degree credits in the field. As an example, the ANCC’s Nursing Informatics Certification mandates a minimum of 30 continuing education credits in the field of nursing informatics. Furthermore, the applicant must have a minimum of 2 years experience as a registered nurse and a minimum of 1,000 hours of nursing informatics practice.

To get certified, the applicant must pass the nursing informatics proficiency examination. Certifications are usually valid for five years with continuing credits required for renewal. For nurses who decide to attend nursing informatics certification programs in lieu of graduate schools, they should review each program option. To get preference when applying for jobs, the certification should be well respected in the field with rigorous requirements.    

Related Rankings:

• 15 Best Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• 25 Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics
• Top 10 Best Colleges for a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Informatics

The post 10 Fastest Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics appeared first on The Best Health Degrees.