Nursing Specialization in Nursing Informatics

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.

All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure).  An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.  Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.

The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.

Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
3. Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
4. Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
5. Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a specialty area of advanced nursing practice.

Master of Science in Nursing (Specialization in Nursing Informatics)

Offered at Online Programs.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The 21st century nurse informaticist will transform care of patients and communities by optimizing information management and communication. These activities include the design and use of informatics solutions and technology to support all areas of nursing practice, including the direct provision of care, establishing effective administrative systems, designing useful decision support systems, managing and delivering educational experiences, enhancing lifelong learning, and supporting nursing research. The Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics at South University is designed to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop and implement information management systems in a variety of settings including home health and hospice agencies, nursing homes, public and community health agencies, physician offices, ambulatory care centers, medical device vendors, large and small software companies, web content providers, disease management companies, and government agencies. Students will complete 240 practicum hours during progression through the program.

Program curriculum for the MSN with a specialization in Nursing Informatics includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011), the Alliance for Nursing Informatics (2010), and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice (2008). Students completing this program will be eligible to sit for the AACC certification examination.

Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will: 

1. Formulate principles and concepts of project management for the implementation of information systems in the provision of patient-centered care for various healthcare settings.
2. Extract data from clinical data sets to provide evidenced-based support for identification of potential problems and trends.
3. Evaluate documentation within healthcare information systems to provide insight for quality improvement and strategic planning.