Nursing Informatics Specialists are in High Demand
nursing Informatics Specialists are in High Demand
The recent explosion in the field of healthcare informatics has created career advancement opportunities for experienced nurses that did not exist as recently as a decade ago. Specialized training in informatics can position you for clinical leadership roles as well as positions outside of direct patient care.
The Master of Science in Health Care Informatics program offered by the University of San Diego’s nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing provides all the technical and programmatic skills you need to succeed, in a flexible format that allows you to take classes on campus in the evenings, or 100% online. Both formats provide an experienced cross-disciplinary faculty, exceptional student support and a curriculum that will prepare you for professional certification.
According to a 2020 HIMSS Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, 49% of nurse informaticists have a salary of over $100,000, and 77% are highly satisfied with their choice of career.
The Growing Importance of Nurses With Advanced Education in Informatics
The American Medical Informatics Association has estimated that up to 70,000 health informatics specialists will be needed across the healthcare field over the coming years. And experienced nurses who hold a Master’s degree in Health Care Informatics are ideally suited to fill these roles because of their range of knowledge across both patient care and health information/clinical documentation systems.
Nurses who work in health informatics are often focused on:
- Research into improving the health of populations
- Management of health-related databases, data security and interoperability
- Improving healthcare business and administrative processes
- Developing clinical workflow efficiencies
- Training clinical staff in new technologies
- Serving as a communication liaison between clinical and IT staff
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.
why Study Health Informatics?
Nursing informatics is poised at the dynamic intersection of computer science, health care delivery, human systems integration, knowledge management and the health industry. If you want to make an impact solving healthcare problems and even evolving healthcare itself—a career pivot into informatics might be ideal for you. Here are just some of the ways nurses are using health informatics to improve patient care:
- Improving documentation
- Reducing medical errors
- Standardizing patient care decisions
- Reducing costs
- Optimizing workflows and systems
- Educating clinical staff
What Will You Learn?
Students in USD’s MS in Health Care Informatics program have the option to choose specialized coursework in Healthcare Data Analytics or on the core Health Informatics curriculum. Sample course offerings include:
- Advanced Health Care Information Management
- Systems Analysis and Design for Health Care Informatics
- Healthcare Leadership, Values and Social Justice
- Clinical Documentation: Electronic Medical Record Systems
- Health Care Analytics
- Population Health Analytics
What our students say
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.
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.
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.
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.
At a Glance
Prepare for your career in Health Care Informatics or Healthcare Data Analytics with our HIMSS-approved program. Earn your degree at our San Diego campus or completely online.
*Exciting new changes are coming to the MS-HCI program in Fall 2024. We will be unveiling an updated curriculum that reflects the latest developments in the field. The unit load and course descriptions on this website are expected to change.
Why Choose University of San Diego?
Top-ranked, accredited university
Aside from attending an established, prestigious university with a long history and a great reputation, you’ll enjoy a practical, relevant curriculum geared toward career advancement.
Enjoy a flexible schedule
No time to attend class full-time? We get it. That’s why our flexible schedules are ideal for working professionals with a lot on their plate.
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.
