Top 10 Online Nursing Informatics Programs for 2025

7 Min Read Published September 26, 2025
Top 10 Online Nursing Informatics Programs for 2025
Top 10 Online Nursing Informatics Programs for 2025

Becoming a nurse informaticist is a great way to bridge the gap between information technology and patient care. Online programs educate nurse informaticists to design, implement, and manage technology in the healthcare sector. 

Read on to see a list of the top online nursing informatics programs!

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

Nurse.org's Top 10 Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.

It’s important to note that while these programs offer online coursework, they all require in-person clinicals with an approved preceptor at an approved site.

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

School Tuition Program Length Accreditation
Duke University $85,550 2-3 years (38 credit hours) CCNE
University of Maryland Resident: $33,336

Non-Resident: $59,148

2 years (36 credit hours) CCNE
Vanderbilt University $74,052 24 months (36 credit hours) CCNE
Thomas Edison State University $20,850 2 years (30 credit hours) CCNE
University of South Carolina Resident: $32,271

Non-Resident: $57,390

4-7 semesters (36 credit hours) CCNE
Millersville University $23,421 14-24 months (37 credit hours) CCNE
University of Mary $19,890 2 years (39 credit hours) CCNE
University of Alabama at Birmingham $27,474 2 years (38 credit hours) CCNE
Jacksonville University $22,500 18 months (30 credit hours) CCNE
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Resident: $36,477.36

Non-Resident: $51,057.36

2 years (36 credit hours) CCNE
Total Est. Tuition
$85,550
Program Length
2-3 years (38 credit hours)
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Among the top nursing informatics online programs, Duke's MSN requires students to complete 224 clinical hours in a customized practicum. They may complete these requirements locally with an approved preceptor.

While the university offers didactic courses online, students must also visit the campus twice throughout the program. During these visits, they complete on-campus intensives with their cohort.

  • Application Deadline(s): May 1st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (877) 415-3853
    • Email Address: SONAdmissions@dm.duke.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, DNP, Certificate

 

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

Total Est. Tuition
  • Resident: $33,336
  • Non-Resident: $59,148
Program Length
2 (36 credit hours)
Accreditation

CCNE

Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Ranked among the top MSN programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, Maryland offers one of the best online nursing informatics programs at a fraction of the cost of others. The university focuses on a competency-based education (CBE) model. This method takes a student-centered approach, providing students with opportunities to demonstrate the skills they learn in the classroom.

  • Application Deadline(s): January 1st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (410) 706-0501
    • Email Address: admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$74,052
Program Length

24 months (36 credit hours)

Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Vanderbilt offers one of the best nursing informatics programs online, and part-time students can complete it in as few as six semesters. This program is excellent for students who need to work while attending graduate school. While the university offers entirely online didactic courses, students also attend practicums individually tailored to their specific interests.

  • Application Deadline(s): October 15th
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (615) 322-3800
    • Email Address: VUSN-Admissions@vanderbilt.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate
Total Est. Tuition
$20,850
Program Length
2 years (30 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

TESU's online nursing informatics program offers a mentored learning experience. Throughout the program, students complete a minimum of 100 hours in each practicum. They can also transfer up to 12 graduate credits towards the degree, potentially decreasing their total program length.

  • Application Deadline(s): Rolling
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (609) 633-6460
    • Email Address: nursing@tesu.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate
Total Est. Tuition

Resident: $32,271
Non-Resident: $57,390

Program Length
4-7 semesters (36 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid
The four main highlights of USC's online nursing informatics program are data-driven care, quality focus, skill specialization, and career enhancement. Students learn how to integrate computer science and informatics science principles to improve patient care.
  • Application Deadline(s)
    • Spring: October 1st 
    • Summer: February 28th
    • Fall: June 30th 
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (803) 777-9080
    • Email Address: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate
Total Est. Tuition
$23,421
Program Length
14-24 months (37 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Millersville offers all the didactic courses in the nursing informatics MSN program online. The university offers personalized attention and dedicated nursing faculty to guide students through the program. This guidance includes finding practicum sites to meet graduation requirements.

  • Application Deadline(s): October 10th
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (855) 741-3189
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$19,890
Program Length
2 years (39 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

The University of Mary offers an online nursing informatics program that students can complete in just two years. The program comprises 39 online credit hours and 385 in-person clinical hours. The University caters to military personnel to ensure everyone qualifies for military benefits and scholarships.

  • Application Deadline(s): Rolling
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (701) 355-8030
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$27,474
Program Length
2 years (38 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Students enrolled in Alabama's online nursing informatics program can graduate in as little as six semesters or two years. The program includes 38 credit hours, 32 of which are didactic coursework and 6 of which are clinical practical.

The university regularly holds virtual open houses and encourages students to register and learn more about the program. The open houses cover admission requirements, eligibility, and other pertinent information.

  • Application Deadline(s): December 31st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (205) 975-7529
    • Email Address: cbender@uab.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN
Total Est. Tuition
$22,500
Program Length
18 months (30 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Jacksonville University offers an online full-time and part-time MSN and certificate program. Students attend classes online via synchronous and asynchronous learning with 7-week flexible course formats. Students work with an academic advisor who assists with individualizing their program progression. 

  • Application Deadline(s): Rolling
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (904) 256-7000
    • Email Address: graduateadmissions@ju.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate 
Total Est. Tuition
  • Resident: $36,477.36
  • Non-Resident: $51,057.36
Program Length
2 years (36 credit hours)
Accreditation
CCNE
Online Options Available?
Hybrid

Texas Tech offers both an MSN and a post-master’s certificate for those who hold a Master of Science in Nursing in another specialty. Graduates are eligible to sit for two nursing informatics certification exams – the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Board Certification (NI-BC) and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.

  • Application Deadline(s): 
    • Fall: February 15th
    • Spring: August 31st
  • Contact Info:
    • Phone Number: (806) 743-1000
    • Email Address: applynursing@ttuhsc.edu
  • Degrees Offered: MSN, Certificate

What to Expect in an Online Nursing Informatics Program

Online nursing informatics programs combine online didactic coursework and in-person clinical experiences with an approved preceptor.

The only real prerequisite for online nursing informatics programs is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program. Some programs will require bedside experience, so it is important to read over all of the admission requirements and speak to an admission counselor if you have any questions.

Admission requirements for an online MSN in nursing informatics will vary depending on the specific program. General requirements include:

  • BSN from an accredited nursing program
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 cumulative scale
  • GRE, if applicable
  • All official transcripts
  • Letter(s) of recommendation 
  • Personal statement
  • CV/Resume
  • Interview, if applicable
  • Related clinical experience 

Students can expect to take the following courses or similar ones throughout an online nursing informatics program. Courses include,

  • Nursing Informatics Fundamentals 
  • Health Promotion and Population Health
  • Essentials in Healthcare Informatics
  • Health Systems and Health Policy
  • Leadership and Quality Improvement
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Data Mining to Advance Healthcare
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Systems Leadership
  • AI and Nursing Profession
  • Budgeting and Financial Management
  • Nursing Ethics
  • Project Management
  • Nursing Research
  • Nursing Informatics Practicum
  • Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care

 


MSN vs DNP Nursing Informatics Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees in nursing informatics are terminal degrees. A DNP is ideal for those interested in working in administrative, academic, or research roles.

The biggest difference between MSN and DNP degrees is program length and cost. DNP online nursing informatics programs take significantly longer and cost more as a result of the increased credit hours. Additionally, because the DNP is a terminal doctorate, students must complete a dissertation to graduate.


Additional Resources

Popular Online Nursing Informatics Programs

Sponsored
Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University

For more than 15 years, American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University has been educating registered nurses and healthcare professionals like you online. We offer a number of advanced online nursing degrees designed to give you the advanced education needed to achieve your personal and professional goals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Natiowide except AZ, CA, DC, LA, NY, OR, TN, WA, PR

FAQs

Informatics
Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Education:
MSN Nursing Education - Loyola University New Orleans
BSN - Villanova University
BA- University  of Mary Washington

Expertise:
Pediatric Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Nursing Education, Women’s Health, Intensive Care, Nurse Journalism, Cardiac Nursing 

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