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RN-to-MSN Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing
Get ready to explore how technology and healthcare intersect with an online MSN in Nursing Informatics. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and best practices to assess healthcare facility and patient needs, promote streamlined technology solutions, interpret patient data and more – all with an emphasis on improving patient care.
If you’re an RN with an associate degree, this online RN-to-MSN program can help streamline your path to a master’s degree. This specialization is CCNE accredited* and available in both FlexPath and GuidedPath learning formats. Note: Capella does not award the BSN degree as part of this program nor upon completion.
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Classes start August 5
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- CCNE accredited
- 3 Bridge courses
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Practicum courses
- 66 Total credits (12 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore nursing informatics courses
- This degree requires a total of 33 program points in FlexPath or 66 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete three bridge courses, seven core courses, four specialization courses and two practicum courses
Show all descriptions
NURS5007
Leadership for Nursing Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine and apply theoretical concepts and leadership competencies for nursing practice. Learners evaluate evidence-based best practices and behaviors that support effective nursing leadership in health care settings, and analyze strategies for coordination, delegation, and goal setting and performance improvement. Learners also assess concepts and principles of health care policy, legal and regulatory issues, and quality control in health care and the nursing profession. For MSN learners only.
4 quarter credits
NURS6400
Nursing Informatics Fundamentals
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze the roles, theories, ethical implications, and standards of nursing informatics practice. Learners identify the rules, regulations, and current trends that govern professionals in the field. In addition, learners examine the evolution and perspectives of nursing informatics, evaluate the effectiveness of information and communication modalities to support the delivery of healthcare, and integrate the knowledge and skills needed to lead and support improvements in healthcare. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: NURS6020 or NURS6021; NURS6026.
4 quarter credits
NURS6422
Clinical Information Systems and Application to Nursing Practice Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze the various aspects of information and communication technologies to deliver quality healthcare. Learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, design, implement, and disseminate information and communication technology modalities within nursing practice. Learners also apply evidence-based informatics strategies to effect improved clinical outcomes. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in NURS6400.
4 quarter credits
NURS6424
Data Mining to Advance Healthcare
4 quarter credits
Learners analyze and validate data as key drivers in nursing informatics. Throughout the course, learners develop databases to enhance decision-making capabilities to improve clinical outcomes in multiple healthcare environments. In addition, learners explore the implications of data use related to responsibility and accountability and present the findings to various stakeholders. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in NURS6422.
4 quarter credits
NURS6080
MSN Practicum: Professionalism in Person-Centered Care and the Workplace Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners develop critical thinking skills, advanced knowledge, and preparation for master's-level nursing practice in a designated specialization. Learners create and implement a personalized practicum experience under the supervision of a preceptor at the practicum site of choice and record practicum experiences in a clinical log. During this practicum, learners begin the process of synthesizing professional and academic growth and practice while applying the content learned in the specialization courses to the practicum. Additionally, learners document progress, provide evidence of accomplishments, and track hours. Learners are required to completed 100 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent registration in NURS6116 or NURS6226 or NURS6426 or NURS6626.
4 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you'll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
In this specialization, students examine contemporary models, theories, research and best practices for providing nursing care across the human lifespan using healthcare technologies. Students will learn how health information systems influence strategic planning, decision-making and clinical project management. The specialization curriculum emphasizes best practices in health informatics essentials, including patient safety, electronic medical records, workflow, meaningful use, change management and the health information system life cycle. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Use information and communication technology to gather data, create information and knowledge and support nursing practice
- Use information and communication technologies and informatics processes to deliver safe nursing care to diverse populations
- Use information and communication technologies in the delivery of care in accordance with standards and policies
- Manage the nursing informatics life cycle
- Use information and communication technology to support documentation of care and patient and team communications
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional and consistent with the expectations of a nursing informatics professional
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the RN-to-MSN cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session*
$17,100
ACCELERATED PACE
$25,650
TYPICAL PACE
$37,050
SLOWER PACE
$2,850 per 12-week billing session, $125 resource kit fee, 33 total program points, 6 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$29,700
NO TRANSFER CREDITS
$450 per credit, $138 resource kit fee, 66 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. These estimates do not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format are based on “accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students), “typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students), and “slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students) and assumes average number of transfer credits. Tuition estimates shown for programs in the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“One of the best things about FlexPath is that it doesn’t feel like I missed out on life, or that I was pushing off my work.”
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future – there are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What are the MSN admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Informatics must provide the following information for admission:
- A minimum of 135 completed undergraduate quarter credits or 90 completed undergraduate semester credits
- Your official undergraduate transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application (no application fee required)
- A background check
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater). Those students will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an RN to MSN Nursing Informatics degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MSN in Nursing Informatics.
Job titles to explore
- Clinical informaticist
- Clinical informatics analyst
- Clinical informatics manager
- Clinical informatics specialist
- Director of clinical informatics
- Informatics analyst
- Informatics nurse
- Nurse informaticist
- Nursing informatics analyst
- Nursing informatics specialist
Employment settings to explore
- Administration of public health programs
- Administration of Veterans Affairs
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Computer systems design services
- Direct health and medical insurance carriers
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Insurance agencies and brokerages
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Software publishers
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.