As a nursing informatics student, you’ll integrate computer science and informatics science principles with nursing practice to gain an understanding of system design life cycles, data management, and health care technology. You will learn to analyze data to improve health outcomes, incorporate data in practice design, support interprofessional teams and manage projects.
Online course delivery — paired with a practicum that can be completed in your workplace — offers you flexible yet comprehensive training that prepares you to gain national certification in Nursing Informatics through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). Graduates will have career opportunities such as clinical analyst, informatics nurse specialist, director of clinical informatics, clinical informatics coordinator, clinical transformation specialist, clinical informatics educator, and chief nursing informatics officer.
New RN-MSN entry
Applications opened November 1, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission into our new RN to MSN Nursing Informatics pathway. The college accepts all associate's RN degrees (ADN, AAS, ASN, AAN, AN). A current unrestricted RN license is required for admission consideration. Students will complete four university bridge courses before entering their MSN program of study.
The MSN in Nursing Informatics requires 33 credit hours and can be completed in four semesters (full-time program) or seven semesters (part-time). All didactic coursework is online, distance format.
Full-time Program of Study
1st semester
- Nurs 734 - Conceptual Basis of Health Systems A
- Nurs 775 - Foundations in Nursing Informatics A
- ITEC 764 - Project Management for Health Information Systems B
- Nurs 717 - Applications of Basic Statistics for Nursing & Nursing Services Management B
2nd semester
- Nurs 790 - Research Methods for Nursing A
- ITEC 770 - Health Database Systems A
- Nurs 738 - Financing Health Care B
- Nurs 791 - Seminar in Clinical Research B
3rd semester
- Nurs 700 - Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations for Nursing A
- Nurs 720 - Clinical Application of Population Analysis A
4th semester
- Nurs 777 - Nursing Informatics Practicum*
Part-time Program of Study
1st semester
- Nurs 775 - Foundations in Nursing Informatics A
- Nurs 717 - Applications of Basic Statistics for Nursing & Nursing Services Management B
2nd semester
- Nurs 790 - Research Methods for Nursing A
- Nurs 738 - Financing Health Care B
3rd semester
- Nurs 700 - Theoretical & Conceptual Foundations for Nursing A
4th semester
- Nurs 734 - Conceptual Basis of Health Systems A
- ITEC 764 - Project Management for Health Information Systems B
5th semester
- ITEC 770 - Health Database Systems A
- Nurs 791 - Seminar in Clinical Research B
6th semester
- Nurs 720 - Clinical Application of Population Analysis A
7th semester
- Nurs 777 - Nursing Informatics Practicum*
Aindicates A term, B indicates B term. If not noted, full semester course.
*Course requires clinical hours (225 total clinical hours)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nationally accredited program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from previous undergraduate and graduate course work
- Three professional references - The professional recommendation form should come from individuals with a master’s or higher in a healthcare field who can evaluate your potential for success in a graduate program. (Letters of recommendation cannot be used in lieu of our recommendation form.) Recommendations from family members are not appropriate.
- A personal goal statement that reflects MSN program outcomes
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Current unencumbered RN licensure in the state of residence
- GRE not required
The MSN Nursing Informatics program only accepts students for fall entry. Applications are accepted November 1 – June 30. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
Effective Fall 2024 term: New graduate applications will be submitted to the College of Nursing. All application materials (except official transcripts) will be submitted via the College of Nursing's graduate application portal.
Official transcripts must be sent to The Graduate School. Review the degree requirements before you apply.
MSN program costs depend on several factors. For estimated costs, view:
Graduate Programs Cost Estimates 2023-2024The Office of Financial Aid provides the full breakdown of the estimated cost to attend. For additional tuition and fee information, visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees website.
Financial aid is available. To determine your eligibility, complete the FAFSA form on the university’s Financial Aid website. The College of Nursing also offers general scholarships. In addition, other scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available through The Graduate School and the university’s Financial Aid and Scholarships office.
View our video Information Session with graduate program faculty and staff.
Contact Us
Phone: 803-777-9080
Email: NURSGRAD@mailbox.sc.edu
Address:
Williams-Brice Building, Room 208
1601 Greene St.
Columbia, SC 29208
Meet the Program Director