Nursing Informatics Degrees: Course Curriculum for Nursing Informatics Degree Programs

Published Aug 30, 2009

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Nurses with an interest in information technology and a desire to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care can consider a degree in Nursing Informatics. Nursing Informatics is a specialty in nursing dedicated to the collection, management and communication of data relevant to nursing practice. Graduates can go on to careers as Nursing Informatics specialists at hospitals or other health care systems.

Course Curriculum for a Master's Degree in Nursing Informatics

A master's degree in Nursing Informatics is designed for previous graduates of an associate's or bachelor's degree nursing program. Students learn about the application of computers, databases and other information technology in the field of nursing and healthcare. Those who earn a Nursing Informatics master's degree qualify for jobs as systems analysts, Nursing Informatics specialists and systems administrators. According to a 2007 University of Maryland survey, Nursing Informatics graduates newly hired as systems analysts in hospitals earned starting salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000.

  • Advanced Nursing Theory: This class examines the history of nursing theory and philosophy. It describes how current theory integrates into nursing practice.
  • Concepts of Nursing Informatics: Students are introduced to the fundamental ideas of Nursing Informatics. They learn about the technical and human elements that factor into the implementation of clinical information systems.
  • Project Management: This course teaches methods for leading technology projects, including effective planning and scheduling, management of resources and cost/benefit analysis.
  • Research in Nursing: Research methodology is covered in this course, as well as the use of published clinical research and statistics.
  • Healthcare Information Systems: Students learn about the types of technology used in medical practice, including operating systems, network security measures and nursing workstations.
  • Systems Analysis and Design: The 'life cycle' of information systems is studied in this class, starting with planning and design and carrying through to implementation and evaluation.

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