Non-Clinical Specialty

Nursing Informatics

Fall 2025 Applications are now open. Apply now for priority review.

Nurse informaticists join patient care with technology. They investigate and solve technology-related or data issues, ensuring smooth workflow for their colleagues. Nurse informaticists develop solutions to help groups of patients or organizations. Vanderbilt NI students learn to identify, collect, process and manage data and information to support nursing practice, administration, education and research. 

 

Nursing photo
Section Contents

Specialty Highlights 

Complete in 6 Part-time Semesters

Part-time format allows nurses to continue to work full time.

Online Learning Format

Classes use leading edge online and distance technology, with coursework and scholarly interaction occurring virtually.

Individually Tailored Practicums

Students work closely with preceptors to use evidence and data to address real-world challenges.

The foundation I gained within the Informatics program has allowed me to take the lead in many projects to drive decisions and make major impacts in the lives of our veterans.

Ella Von Canon, MSN’22
Nurse Consultant
VISN 6: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Durham, North Carolina

Prestigious Program with Exceptional Outcomes

  • Faculty recognized as experts in nursing informatics and technology
  • Consistently ranked as one of the top nursing informatics programs
  • Demand for nurse informaticists is expected to grow 10-28% by the next decade
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio means personalized support from faculty and staff

Curriculum & Objectives

NI faculty use various technology-based learning activities throughout the semester, including online conferencing, video-streamed lectures and online exams. The curriculum includes theories and fundamentals of informatics practice as well as courses in leadership, quality improvement and design thinking. The program equips nurses to create systems that work; develop synergy between people, processes and technology; make data actionable; transform care and improve health for populations and patient groups.

The Nursing Informatics curriculum incorporates the 2021 AACN Essentials, assuring students receive a comprehensive and up-to-date education that meets the highest standards in nursing education and assures they are well-prepared for practice.

Explore the MSN part-time and sample Post-Master's Certificate curriculums.

Practicum Experience

Practicums occur at a site arranged and negotiated between the student, agency and Vanderbilt faculty. Many students develop practicums that can later be implemented by their place of employment.

Time Commitment

Like all Vanderbilt programs, this specialty is best suited for motivated, self-directed learners who can master large amounts of complex material in a short time. Because it is offered as a part-time program, the majority of NI students maintain full-time employment. The length of the program is 6 semesters (24 months).

Outcomes

Nursing Informatics graduates are equipped to work in health care systems, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry. Graduation from the Nursing Informatics program prepares you to sit for the ANCC Nursing Informatics certification exam.

Guided by nationally recognized experts, our Nursing Informatics program develops the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to excel as a nurse leader in the digital age, empowering you to impact health care through transformative technology.

Patricia Sengstack, DNP, RN-BC, FAAN, FACMI
Professor, Nursing Informatics Specialty
Professor

Take the Next Step

The Nursing Informatics specialty is available as part of the Master of Science in Nursing and Post-Master's Certificate programs. Request information about the program or contact your admissions counselor.

For more information from the specialty director, view this webinar.