The Nursing Informatics specialty prepares nurses at the master’s level as an advanced practice nurse to participate in the analysis, design, and implementation of information and communication systems, effectiveness and informatics research, and the education of nursing informatics and information technology. Nursing Informatics is a combination of computer science, cognitive science, information science, and nursing science. The focus of nursing informatics practice is the organization, analysis, and dissemination of information, rather than the computer itself.

The Nursing Informatics specialty requires 40 total credit hours, 36 didactic and 4 clinical, with 210 total hours of direct patient care. The core content examines the theory of nursing science, research and statistical knowledge and skills, as well as advanced nursing practice professional role development, management and leadership. Support courses provide the basis for the integration of theories related to the field of informatics for the practice of nursing informatics. Courses include systems analysis, project management, financial reporting and analysis, database modeling, and organizational behavior. The advanced nursing clinical courses include both didactic and clinical learning opportunities. Didactic content is based on a synthesis of theoretical concepts for nursing informatics practice, and builds on the knowledge and skills obtained in the core and support courses. Full-time study, as defined by the University is 9 credit hours per semester and is available for the Nursing Informatics specialty track spring admission. Part-time programs of study are also available for students entering in either the fall or spring semesters in the academic year.

 

Further Specialization

Elective courses are available for knowledge-base enhancement.

 

Orientation 

Students are required to visit the UAB School of Nursing campus in Birmingham, Ala., for orientation.

 

Certification and Licensure

Most states do not require special licensure or qualifications to practice Nursing Informatics. However, each state differs in many requirements for practice. It is the graduate’s responsibility to check with the Board of Nursing in the state in which practice is desired to see if specific requirements apply.

Doctoral Education

A Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) from UAB prepares graduates for entry into doctoral studies in nursing, in either the School’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, a practice-focused terminal degree to prepare graduates to practice at the highest level in specialty practice or to assume leadership positions in health care or nursing education; or the School’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program, which prepares nurses as scholars, leaders, and researchers who will make a substantive contribution to the body of knowledge for the discipline of nursing and thereby improve health outcomes for those who receive nursing care.

For more information:

Marisa Wilson, DNSc, MHSc, CPHIMS, RN-BC
Specialty Track Coordinator
205.996.7624 |  mwilsoa@uab.edu

 

The Master's Degree Program in Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).