Herzing Launches Online MSN in Nursing Informatics
Herzing University
What is Herzing University's new MSN in Nursing Informatics?
Herzing University now offers an online MSN in Nursing Informatics for registered nurses who want to move from direct patient care into the systems, data and technology behind it. Two pathways let RNs enter with either an associate or a bachelor's degree, and both build skills in data governance, information systems, interoperability and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including AI, in patient care.
Quick Facts
| Field | Detail |
| Program name | MSN in Nursing Informatics |
| Credential | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
| Format | Online; includes clinical practicum hours |
| Location | Online |
| Time to complete | BSN to MSN: 16 months Accelerated RN to MSN: 20 months |
| Total credits | 36-52 |
| Start date | Launched September 16, 2026 Next class starts January 11, 2026 |
| Pathways | BSN to MSN (135 practicum hours); Accelerated RN to MSN for ASN/ADN-prepared RNs (180 practicum hours); dual credit toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Accreditation | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Best for | RNs ready to move into clinical informatics, health IT and data-focused leadership roles |
Who this program is for
- BSN-prepared RNs who want a specialty master's degree in nursing informatics
- Associate-degree RNs who want to earn an MSN without first completing a separate BSN
- Nurses who evaluate, optimize or lead clinical technology in their organizations
- BSN holders who may want to continue into the BSN to DNP in Nursing Informatics-this unique program offers dual enrollment
What you'll learn and what you can do
The curriculum covers clinical information systems, data governance, interoperability, privacy and security, workflow optimization, technology implementation and the responsible use of AI. Practicum courses apply these skills in real healthcare institutions, with 135 hours in the BSN to MSN pathway and 180 hours in the Accelerated RN to MSN pathway.
Graduates of the Accelerated RN to MSN pathway do not receive a BSN. Graduation does not by itself qualify students for the ANCC Informatics Nursing Certification (NI-BC), which has separate eligibility requirements, including post-graduation informatics practice hours.
Common job titles for graduates:
- Clinical Informatics Analyst
- Nursing Informatics Manager
- Healthcare IT Project Manager
- Clinical Solutions Manager
- Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
Frequently asked questions
How long does the MSN in Nursing Informatics take?
The BSN to MSN pathway takes 16 months. The Accelerated RN to MSN pathway takes 20 months.
Is the program online, hybrid or in person?
Coursework is delivered online with multiple start dates. Practicum hours are completed in real healthcare settings, and Herzing's admissions team can explain how placement works.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must be RNs holding an associate degree (Accelerated RN to MSN) or a bachelor's degree (BSN to MSN). Prior IT or informatics experience is not required. [Confirm full requirements, including license and GPA, on the individual pathway pages.]
Is the program accredited?
Yes. The master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and Herzing is approved to offer the program online through association with the Madison campus. Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates are prepared for roles that manage and optimize clinical information systems, analyze healthcare data, lead technology projects and apply data governance and AI oversight standards to protect patient safety and privacy.
The bottom line
Herzing's MSN in Nursing Informatics is the right fit for RNs who want to lead the technology and data decisions that shape nursing care, with entry points for both associate- and bachelor's-prepared nurses.
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