MSN in Nursing Leadership
Informatics Specialty Track
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Informatics Specialty Track
This track focuses on leveraging data and technology to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Students will develop expertise in technology integration, data management, and leadership, equipping them to drive innovation in healthcare informatics.
This track is for students who:
- Are drawn to the analytical and data-driven side of healthcare
- Want to combine their clinical and industry expertise with the latest advancements in data and technology
- Are interested in improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes through technology
- Want to lead or support the integration of EHR and health IT systems
- Want to play a key role in shaping the future of digital health and health informatics
27
Average number of months it takes to graduate from the program
15–20
Average number of hours of coursework to expect each week
Certifications and career paths:
What you’ll be prepared to pursue
The MSN-NL curriculum is designed to prepare students for certification exams related to their chosen track. While certifications are not required to complete the MSN-NL program, they are highly recommended — or even essential — for advancing in specialized or leadership roles, particularly in nursing education and professional development.
Common certifications you will be eligible to pursue include:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC™) — ANA
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) — HIMSS
- Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) — HIMSS
With this track, you’ll be prepared for roles such as:
- Nursing informatics specialist
- Clinical informatics manager or director
- Health information manager
- EHR implementation specialist
- Chief nursing informatics officer
Curriculum Highlights for Students
In the informatics track
- 12 total courses from the nursing leadership curriculum: 8 core and 4 practicums
- 4 additional courses for this track: 3 specialty core and 1 practicum
- 45 total units
- Course load and schedule:
- Online students take one 7-week class at a time. Courses are taken year-round in the spring, summer, and fall terms. Practicums take place over a full 14-week term.
- All courses are instructor-led and asynchronous, enabling you to work on your assignments on your own schedule. If you are balancing coursework with a full-time job or other time commitments, asynchronous learning offers you a great deal of flexibility. Course materials are readily available, so you can complete assignments at your convenience.
The completion of an introductory statistics course is required. If this is not completed before starting the program, it must be finished by the end of the first term. (Note: This course is not part of the program curriculum for graduation.)
Online Program Orientation
Before starting your first term, you’ll be required to complete the program orientation course. This self-paced course typically takes about 8–10 hours to finish, depending on your familiarity with online learning platforms. While you can complete it at your own pace, it is mandatory, so please plan your schedule accordingly.
Core Courses – Taken By All Students
The curriculum includes the following courses:
Note: A few course unit values may vary slightly for students pursuing a specialty track in Nursing Education or Informatics. The total number of units for students choosing a specialty track will be 45 units.
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Explore the foundations of advanced nursing practice, including the integration of nursing knowledge, person-centered care, and population h… |
3 |
|
Explore leadership skills, interprofessional collaboration, and the role of nurse leaders in population health.… |
3 |
|
Study disease processes, patient assessments, and treatment plans using an evidence-based approach.… |
4 |
|
Learn how nursing knowledge is developed and has influenced the practice of nursing and clinical decision-making.… |
3 |
|
Gain hands-on experience in advanced patient assessment, care management, and ethical leadership.… |
2 |
|
Explore healthcare technologies, data security, and communication strategies to improve patient care.… |
3 |
|
Study disease prevention, public health policies, and strategies for improving community health.… |
3 |
|
Analyze health data and develop public health interventions with interdisciplinary teams.… |
2 |
|
Learn to identify and improve quality and safety in healthcare systems.… |
3 |
|
Apply quality improvement methods to enhance patient safety and care.… |
2 |
|
Understand healthcare systems, policy, and strategic planning to optimize system effectiveness.… |
3 |
|
Apply healthcare systems, policy, and strategic planning to optimize system effectiveness.… |
3 |
Informatics Specialty Track Courses
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Examine the intricate hardware and software requirements essential for Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and trace the historical trajectory… |
3 |
|
Acquire advanced database skills such as database design, data structuring, modeling and the development of database management systems.… |
3 |
|
Learn to use data analytics in addressing specific clinical queries, crafting clinical decision support rules, and employing precision medic… |
3 |
|
Integrate clinical knowledge with informatics to enhance patient care and clinical workflows… |
2 |
Technology Requirement
All students in the MSN-NL program are required to have unrestricted access to a Windows- or Mac-based computer by the start of their first term.
Clinical Practicums
Clinical practicums begin in the second term and span 14 weeks each. Students in a specialty track complete five clinical practicums throughout the program, totaling 500 clinical hours.
Guided by experienced preceptors, students set SMART goals aligned with both program outcomes and personal goals. The final clinical practicum serves as a capstone experience, integrating all competency-based learning and experiences from the program.
Students receive support in securing placements that align with their career path. If you have a preferred site or preceptor—or wish to complete your practicum at your current workplace—our team will help coordinate a fit that meets program requirements.
Degree Plan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year and begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall. Students typically take two courses per 14-week term, focusing on one 7-week course at a time. Practicums span the full 14 weeks of the term. This program is designed to be completed, on average, in seven terms (27 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term can be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much time will I need to dedicate to this program?
While the exact amount varies by student, you should plan to spend an average of 15–20 hours per week on coursework.
What courses will I take that are unique to the informatics track?
In addition to the core MSN in Nursing Leadership courses, you’ll take specialized courses such as Clinical Documentation: Electronic Medical Record Systems Management, Database Design and Knowledge Management, and HealthCare Analytics.
What careers can I pursue with an informatics track?
An informatics track can prepare you for a variety of roles such as nursing informatics specialist, clinical informatics coordinator, health information systems manager and clinical analyst. You’ll be equipped to bridge the gap between clinical care and technology, helping to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare operations.
Do I need prior experience in technology or data analysis to succeed in this program?
No prior experience is required. This program is designed to build your skills in nursing leadership and informatics from the ground up, with support from expert faculty members along the way. A basic comfort with technology is helpful, but you’ll learn everything you need to succeed in this program.
Will I be required to complete a clinical practicum or hands-on experience in education?
Yes, a clinical practicum is required — but it’s flexible and designed with your goals in mind. We’ll partner with you to create an experience that offers hands-on training in nursing education while strengthening your leadership abilities. Whether you’re aiming to advance in your current role or pivot into a new area, your practicum will be customized to reflect your interests and support your professional growth.
How is this track keeping up with emerging trends and innovations in healthcare technology?
Our informatics track is continually updated to reflect the latest trends, tools and best practices in healthcare technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience in informatics and health IT and stay actively engaged with industry advancements. With their guidance, you’ll graduate ready to lead and innovate in a technology-driven healthcare environment.