MSN in Nursing Leadership
Informatics Specialty Track
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Harness data and technology to drive change in healthcare
The Informatics specialty track prepares you to lead in the evolving world of healthcare data, systems, and technology. Designed for working nurses, this track equips you with the tools to improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and influence care delivery on a broader scale — all while you maintain your current role.
In this track, you will:
- Learn how to analyze and apply healthcare data to improve quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Develop skills to implement and manage clinical information systems and guide organizational change.
- Gain the expertise to collaborate with IT and clinical teams, influencing strategic decisions and innovation.
- Prepare for roles such as Nurse Informaticist, Clinical Systems Analyst, Director of Clinical Informatics, or Healthcare Data Coordinator.
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
28
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
Graduates of the Informatics Specialty Track are equipped with specialized skills that allow them to lead the integration of technology and clinical practice to improve patient care and influence healthcare policy and system reform through data-driven decision-making. 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
Offered through USD’s nationally ranked Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, a CCNE-accredited institution, this program ensures your skills are both trusted and in demand.
Curriculum Highlights for Informatics Track Students
The informatics specialty track builds on the core MSN-NL core curriculum with targeted coursework in:
- Managing clinical documentation systems to develop rules and alerts that improve safety and efficiency while navigating security standards
- Integrate clinical and population-level data to inform healthcare questions and generate decision-support tools
- Build and manage healthcare databases using SQL while applying change management and systems engineering to improve data use
- Apply your skills by implementing and evaluating informatics solutions during the clinical practicum
Online Program Structure
All courses are instructor-led and delivered asynchronously, allowing you to complete your degree while continuing to work full-time. The Informatics track consists of 9 additional units over two terms beyond the core MSN-NL curriculum, helping you build new skills without disrupting your current career.
- 16 courses for a total of 45 units over 7 terms
- 8 core courses
- 3 specialty track courses
- 5 clinical practicums (500 hours)
- Online students take one 7-week class at a time. Courses are taken year-round in the spring, summer, and fall terms. Clinical practicums start in the second term and take place over a full 14-week term.
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
Your practicum experience is designed to help you apply informatics skills in real-world healthcare environments, and USD partners with you to arrange clinical placements that align with your interests — from hospital data operations to system-wide technology projects.
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.
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 (28 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.
Is this a full-time or part-time program?
Depending on the total units in each term you will be considered “part-time” (4.5-8.99 units) or “full-time” (9+ units) at the University of San Diego; these statuses may impact your financial aid or military/veteran benefits. Contact the Torero Hub team or Military and Veterans Program at [email protected] for details.
- Students in the Informatics for Duty under Instruction track are expected to have all 5 terms at full-time status (9-10 units).
- Students in the Nursing Leadership curriculum are expected to have 4 terms at part-time status (6-8 units) and 1 term at full-time status (9 units).
- Students in the Nursing Educator or Informatics track are expected to have 5 terms at part-time status (6-8 units) and 1 term at full-time status (9 units).
Is there any required time that I need to log in to my online course?
No, online degree programs are 100% online and asynchronous, so you will never be required to log in on a specific date or time.
There may be supplemental synchronous opportunities such as Office Hours with your instructor, virtual workshops or on campus events that you may participate in.