Nursing Informatics Specialists are in High Demand
Earn your MS in Health Care Informatics from USD’s nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science. Study 100% online or take evening on-campus classes designed for working nurses.
The growing importance of nurses with informatics experience
Harness the power of data to transform patient outcomes and transition from the bedside to clinical leadership. As health systems move toward an AI-driven future, the demand for informatics specialists is projected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations, with the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) estimating that 70,000 new roles will be needed in the coming years.
Experienced nurses are ideally suited for these roles, possessing a unique range of knowledge across both patient care and clinical documentation systems. The University of San Diego’s HIMSS-approved MS in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI) equips you with a specialized toolkit—integrating AI, data security, and leadership—to ensure you graduate at the forefront of the industry.
Offered through the nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing, our dynamic curriculum draws on experts from business, engineering, and computer science. Whether you choose our 100% online format or evening on-campus classes, you will gain the technical skills needed to succeed and prepare for professional certification.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Priority Application Deadline
July 6
Program Length
20 months
Total Units
36
Unit Cost
$995 – $1,820
Why Health Informatics?
Nursing informatics sits at the dynamic intersection of computer science, healthcare delivery, and human systems integration. It is the ideal career pivot for those who want to solve complex healthcare problems:
- Direct Impact on Care: Improve patient outcomes by reducing medical errors and standardizing care decisions.
- Operational Enhancements: Harness data to reduce costs and improve the accuracy of clinical documentation.
Nurses who work in health informatics are often focused on:
- Systems & Data Management: Managing health-related databases with a focus on data security and interoperability.
- Workflow Optimization: Developing clinical workflow efficiencies and improving administrative processes.
- Staff Empowerment: Training clinical staff in new technologies and optimizing electronic medical record systems.
- Advanced Research: Conducting research into improving the health of entire populations through data-driven insights.
USD’s MS in Health Care Informatics is designed to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders and informaticists to improve patient outcomes with a dynamic curriculum that draws on experts from business, engineering, computer science and healthcare.
According to a 2022 HIMSS Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, 60% of nurse informaticists have a salary of over $100,000, and 76% are highly satisfied with their choice of career.
Curriculum and Specialty Tracks
Students in the MS-HCI program will be prepared to address contemporary issues in health informatics, such as population health analytics, data security, clinical documentation, and workflow optimization.
Every student will complete 30 units, which includes 8 foundational courses and 2 specialization courses.
- Online students will complete two courses per term, taking one 7-week asynchronous course at a time.
- Campus students will complete three 14-week courses per semester during the evening.
Specializations
Health Care Informatics
This track offers broad exposure to technical, analytical, and innovative skills for those who want to be proficient in many health care applications without being siloed to a single area.
It is ideal for students who are new to informatics as well as for clinicians and administrators who want to transition into high-level roles.
Data Analytics & AI
This track is designed for students who are passionate about the intersection of programming, predictive modeling, and clinical automation.
It is ideal for those who want to move beyond basic analytics and gain more experience in healthcare and scripting tools to solve real-world clinical challenges, such as predicting hospital readmissions.
At a Glance
Prepare for your career in Health Care Informatics or Healthcare Data Analytics & AI with our HIMSS-approved program. Earn your degree at our San Diego campus or 100% online.
Priority Deadline
Applying to our master’s program by the priority deadline offers you significant advantages:
- Early Consideration: Be among the first to have your application reviewed and receive your admission decision sooner, giving you more time to prepare for your next academic journey.
- Increased Admission Chances: Secure your spot in the program while more seats are available, enhancing your chances of acceptance.
- Stress-Free Planning: Eliminate the last-minute rush by submitting your application early, allowing you to focus on the next steps.
- Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your dedication and preparedness by applying early, making a strong impression on our admissions committee.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward your future today by submitting your application by the priority deadline!
Developed by Industry Professionals. Highly Rated by Students.
Here at the University of San Diego, I had the opportunity to grown not only as a student but as a Professional. I chose the University of San Diego because it’s an amazing institution with so much to offer its students. The faculty is always looking up for us and helping us in any aspect. I felt encouraged and motivated by their faculty.
Here at the University of San Diego, I had the opportunity to grown not only as a student but as a Professional. I chose the University of San Diego because it’s an amazing institution with so much to offer its students. The faculty is always looking up for us and…
I chose this program because of the timeline of completing along with being associated with HIMSS. I also was drawn to the program as it is 100% online which allowed me to navigate my work-school-life balance. The faculty for all my classes were excellent and engaged spectacularly with not just me but all my colleagues online. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to solidify their career in healthcare IT and to become more versed in applying the skills they have already to enhance healthcare staff skills, organizational health technology, and become a more valuable asset for their teams.
I chose this program because of the timeline of completing along with being associated with HIMSS. I also was drawn to the program as it is 100% online which allowed me to navigate my work-school-life balance. The faculty for all my classes were excellent and engaged spectacularly with not just…
Throughout my 10 plus years in the military. I have learned that having pride in what you do, and commitment to the people you work with are what make great memories and a forever sense of family connection. Not only does the University of San Diego epitomize these values, but the academic team represents them in everything they do. During my time in the program, I experienced staff who placed their students first and apply real world practices for the best learning environment. The staff does whatever it takes to align their vision with the student’s visions and goals on a continuous basis.
Throughout my 10 plus years in the military. I have learned that having pride in what you do, and commitment to the people you work with are what make great memories and a forever sense of family connection. Not only does the University of San Diego epitomize these values, but…
The Master of Science in Health Care Informatics improved my skills and knowledge toward a successful profession. I will continue building up my knowledge and apply what I learned to my future. USD gave me that chance of making a difference in the community. I recommend the MSHCI program at the University of San Diego as it will lead you to accomplish your goals.
The Master of Science in Health Care Informatics improved my skills and knowledge toward a successful profession. I will continue building up my knowledge and apply what I learned to my future. USD gave me that chance of making a difference in the community. I recommend the MSHCI program at…
Why Choose University of San Diego?
Top-ranked, accredited university
Along with attending an established, prestigious university, you’ll enjoy a practical, relevant curriculum geared toward career advancement.
Campus & Online Options
Going back to school while working full-time can be challenging. We give you options for full and part-time evening classes on campus, or flexible, 100% online classes.
No GMAT/GRE Required
Unlike many graduate programs, we don’t require students to take the GMAT or GRE in order to be admitted—so you have one less thing to worry about.