A career in nursing informatics can be a rewarding one. Several graduate programs offer this specialization. But how do you know which program is right for you?
Job Growth
Nurses who earn their MSN in nursing informatics have a unique opportunity to use their skills in a way that addresses broader healthcare challenges like access, cost, and care for diverse populations. The CCNE-accredited MSN informatics program at WGU will teach you how to use current technologies and information management systems to address these complex issues. Depending on their degree specialization, nurse informatics students can work in positions such as clinical applications specialist, director of nursing IT, data analytics manager, and more. According to a survey by HIMSS, nursing informatics professionals make about $100,000 a year on average in the United States.
While many employers will hire tech-savvy BSN-prepared nurses into nursing informatics roles, a master’s degree is required to advance in the field.
Career Flexibility
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs offer you the flexibility to manage your career and school commitments simultaneously. The knowledge you gain in an RN to MSN informatics program can help you improve communication among healthcare team members and patients, which reduces the chance of medical errors that may harm patients. This also lowers healthcare costs, which is a win for everyone involved. In addition, most RN to MSN informatics roles allow you to create your hours since they work on projects rather than shifts. This flexibility allows you to focus on what matters most in your life. And the best part is that you can work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Higher Salary
In addition to having more career flexibility, an MSN in nursing informatics can help you earn a higher salary. The average salary for nurse informaticists in the United States is $100,000, according to a 2020 survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Those with a DNP degree also have an even greater potential for higher salaries, with HIMSS research showing that 60% of nurse informaticists who hold a DNP earn more than $100,000 annually.
Higher Job Satisfaction
Nursing informatics is a unique career path that allows nurses to meld their love of nursing science and technology. Nursing informatics nurses can transform healthcare with their knowledge of the latest technologies. Those with an MSN in nursing informatics can be leaders in healthcare innovation and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. They can apply systems-thinking strategies and master transforming data into wisdom for healthcare organizations to serve diverse populations.
The specialized knowledge offered by an MSN in nursing informatics prepares graduates for careers as nurse leaders, healthcare information managers, and IT specialists. Nurses may also choose to continue their education and earn a doctorate in nursing.
Earning a master’s degree in nursing is an excellent way to boost your salary, increase job satisfaction, and advance in your field.