The MSN in Informatics will be a critical role in the future of healthcare organizations. The MSN Informatics track will help the student to interpret, analyze, and use electronic health record technology to promote quality/safe patient care. Every healthcare system is looking to be more efficient and effective in caring for patients and this degree will empower the graduates to take leadership roles toward this movement. The curriculum will include the following: Nursing Informatics, Management of Data and Information, Healthcare Project Management Skills, and Systems Analysis and Design. This program is being offered fully online as a distance learning program. The career advancements that exist in this field are endless, they include responsibilities centered around automated patient and clinical data entry, operations, data analysis, patient-family access, and most importantly clinical decision-making tools for practitioners, such as nurses and physicians. The ability to provide timely, accurate, patient-centered care that improves outcomes is very much supported by nursing informatics departments. Many of the work hours of nurses are spent on documentation, which is important, but the ability to improve and stream-line workflows enhances job satisfaction for nurses and other healthcare employees. This also falls under the hand of the nursing informatics specialist. The literature clearly outlines the benefits of MSN informatics tracks in reducing medical errors, lowering costs, improving nurse/physician productivity, and care coordination and transitions. Nursing Informatics will play a vital role in the future of healthcare. We must be ready!

AdmissionRequirements

Applicants for the Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education program are referred to the Admission Requirements section for general criteria and guidelines for admission to the University.

Specific criteria required by the Wehrheim School of Nursing include:

1. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited (ACEN, CNEA or CCNE) school of nursing.
2. Undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. When GPA is below this, probational acceptance may be considered if the candidate demonstrates graduate study potential by other means.
3. Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate statistics course (equivalent to MATH 130 Elements of Statistics 1), physical assessment course, and a research course in nursing.
4. Computer literacy and access to a computer and internet service.
5. Three current academic and/or professional references.
6. Licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania or in the state where clinical practice or internship is to be arranged.
7. Successful completion of a personal interview with the Nursing Admissions Committee.
8. Current résumé and statement of intent.
9. Verified academic transcripts.