[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse informaticists blend nursing knowledge and data science to optimize workflows, enhance patient safety, and guide decision-making.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing informatics usually requires a BSN and often an MSN in informatics. NI-BC certification can enhance professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Department of Labor projects that nursing informatics positions could increase by 11% between 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare facilities increasingly rely on data to operate efficiently and improve patient outcomes. Drawing on their clinical expertise and tech skills, nurse informaticists help healthcare providers meet ever-expanding technological needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I think one of the areas that’s emerging for everyone is a better understanding of data and analytics and the ability to translate that information and insight into action, and workflow is probably one of the most critical skills that informaticists can bring to the table today,” said Brian Norris, MBA, RN, a nurse informaticist by training and senior vice president and managing director at MedeAnalytics, a healthcare data analytics firm.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing informatics degree prepares nurses to track and analyze tremendous amounts of patient data, guiding clinical and administrative decision-making.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”[A good candidate is] anyone who has a willingness to develop a strong foundation in data science and statistical principles,” said Sarah Gunderson, MSHI, RN, NI-BC, a senior consultant of clinical consulting at Segal, a national consulting firm. “That’s essential, regardless of your ultimate goal and role. Without that foundation, it’s easy to miss the ‘why’ behind your system design and report insights.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn about nursing informatics jobs, salary data, and career advancement opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect from a Career in Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/”]Nursing informatics careers[/hen-ui-link] offer above-average salaries and high demand. They also offer greater flexibility, with many roles offering remote work opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Improve Patient Outcomes[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse informaticists strengthen communication between providers and patients by facilitating the flow of data within systems. As a result, they help healthcare facilities maintain patient safety, leading to improved patient outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Join a Rapidly Growing Field[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The growth of data analytics and artificial intelligence in healthcare continue to drive employment opportunities in nursing informatics. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Health%20Informatics%20Specialists&onetcode=15121101&location=United%20States” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Labor[/hen-ui-link] projects that health informatics jobs will increase by 11% between 2023-2033.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Work from Home[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nearly 80% of all nurse informaticists reported working remotely at least once a week, according to the 2022 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/resources/himss-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey#:~:text=Over%20two%2Dthirds%20(68%25),EMRAM%20Stage%206%2F7%20Hospital.” target=”_blank”]Nurse Informatics Workforce Survey[/hen-ui-link] conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn Above-Average Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/what-can-you-really-do-with-a-nursing-informatics-degree/” target=”_blank”]Nursing informatics salaries[/hen-ui-link] are higher than those of an RN. The HIMSS survey reports that, in 2022, 60% of all nurse informaticists earned base [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/sites/hde/files/media/file/2023/04/05/2022-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey.pdf” target=”_blank”]salaries of over $100,000[/hen-ui-link]. The median [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-salaries-by-state/”]RN salary[/hen-ui-link] reached $93,600 in May 2024, according to BLS data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Types of Degrees in Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses follow multiple educational pathways to prepare for a career in nursing informatics. The minimum requirement is an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] and RN licensure. However, only 10% of nurse informaticists hold an ADN as their highest degree, according to the HIMSS survey. Most positions require at least a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Some programs involve more hands-on data science work while others focus on other areas like electronic health record (EHR) considerations,” Gunderson said. “I chose a non-nursing master’s program because of its strong multidisciplinary approach and its focus on business intelligence. There were many nurses in my program, and I obtained my board certification in nursing to help tie together the focuses. Make sure the program you choose prioritizes the areas in which you’d like to specialize.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] with a focus on informatics or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/masters-health-informatics-programs/”]master’s in health informatics[/hen-ui-link] offers several advantages for a prospective nursing informaticist. According to the HIMSS survey, 40% of nurse informaticists hold a BSN, while 63% have a master’s degree. Although less than 10% of nurse informaticists hold a doctoral degree, this number is on the rise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional certifications also help nursing informatics specialists demonstrate their expertise and increase their earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN in Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-health-informatics-programs/”]master’s degree in nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link] develops healthcare information management and data analytics skills. Nursing students learn how to design nursing databases, improve nursing workflow, and use healthcare informatics tools. Programs incorporate clinical hours to develop hands-on skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSN in nursing informatics usually takes two years to complete. Though admission requirements for nursing informatics master’s programs vary, most schools admit students with a BSN and an RN license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s in nursing informatics can boost your earning potential. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/sites/hde/files/media/file/2023/04/05/2022-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey.pdf” target=”_blank”]HIMSS survey[/hen-ui-link] reports 65% of all master’s degree-holders earn more than $100,000 a year, with 40% earning more than $125,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]DNP in Nursing Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]DNP in nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link] prepares graduates for faculty positions in informatics and senior administrative positions in healthcare and related organizations. Coursework emphasizes statistics, data analytics, healthcare applications for technology, systems management, and leadership skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP[/hen-ui-link] programs typically take 3-4 years to complete, while MSN-to-DNP degrees usually take two years or fewer to finish.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a DNP in nursing informatics expands your career options and can significantly increase your salary. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/sites/hde/files/media/file/2023/04/05/2022-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey.pdf” target=”_blank”]HIMSS survey[/hen-ui-link], nearly 80% of nurse informaticists with DNPs or the equivalent make over $100,000 a year, while 40% earn $151,000 or higher.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Informatics Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional certification demonstrates knowledge of nursing informatics. The most popular certification in nursing informatics is the nursing informatics-board certified credential, offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet practice-hour requirements. Board certification requires passing scores on a competency-based exam. The credential remains valid for five years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Norris, it can be valuable to seek out diverse certifications that can help you further tailor your career path.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”We’re seeing more and more informaticists moving into other roles beyond nursing informatics, such as CIO roles or leadership roles in population health,” Norris said. “You’re seeing other certifications that aren’t specific to informatics, but sort of blend well in an informatics skill set, such as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/certifications/” target=”_blank”]HIMSS digital certifications[/hen-ui-link] and some of the other things we see online.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse informaticists can also pursue certifications that do not require an RN license. Common options include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/certifications/cphims/” target=”_blank”]Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems[/hen-ui-link]: Offered by HIMSS, this credential recognizes experienced health information specialists.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://amia.org/careers-certifications/amia-health-informatics-certification-ahic” target=”_blank”]AMIA Health Informatics Certification[/hen-ui-link]: Candidates must hold a degree in health informatics or a related field, plus meet qualifying health informatics experience guidelines.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp” target=”_blank”]Project Management Professional[/hen-ui-link]: The Project Management Institute offers a credential for candidates with at least 3-5 years of experience in project management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Informatics Jobs and Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The growing healthcare technology field continues to expand career opportunities in nursing informatics. While most nurse informaticists work in hospitals or healthcare systems, a growing number work in clinics, long-term care facilities, research organizations, and educational institutions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No matter your pathway, Norris advises finding mentors in the informatics field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”There’s a lot of us that have been in this field for quite some time that are very excited to just talk to new nurses and help pay it forward, if you will,” Norris said. “Having good mentors, having good people in my corner helped me. I think a lot of us are willing to pay it forward.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing informatics is a specialized field with opportunities for career advancement. Common job titles include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Analyst[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical analysts work in hospitals and healthcare systems, optimizing workflow and overseeing compliance with laws and regulations. They capture, process, protect, and store information in clinical databases, ensuring all data is documented and reported. They also train healthcare providers on the software use and may manage, install, and upgrade patient-oriented computer equipment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Typical Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s in nursing informatics, information science, or a related field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Base Salary (September 2025):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Analyst/Salary” target=”_blank”]$79,000[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Informatics Specialists[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals manage data and clinical information systems to improve the accuracy of patient data and boost care efficiency. They help design technological applications and systems that inform and support decision-making by patients and providers. Nursing informaticists also make upgrades and provide training to clinical staff on system use.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Typical Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] BSN and RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Base Salary (September 2025):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nursing_Informatics_Specialist/Salary” target=”_blank”]$91,282[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Director of Clinical Informatics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical informatics directors and managers oversee healthcare systems and clinical data for healthcare facilities. They also design and maintain IT systems to improve the collection and management of data. They must keep up to date with the latest technological tools and software, customize software applications to fit their employers’ needs, and recommend upgrades.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Typical Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] Bachelor’s or master’s in nursing, health informatics, or a related field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Base Salary (September 2025):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Clinical_Informatics_Manager/Salary” target=”_blank”]$105,973[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Chief Nursing Informatics Officer[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNIOs are senior executives who create and direct strategies for the use of technology, data, and information systems in medical organizations. They use IT and data to support quality management and clinical resource management in collaboration with other team members. They also oversee technological training for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Typical Education Required:[/hen-ui-text] MSN or DNP, RN license, certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Base Salary (September 2025):[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$149,791[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQ: Nursing Informatics Jobs and Degrees[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does an informatics nurse do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An informatics nurse manages clinical data to help healthcare organizations streamline workflow and improve patient outcomes. They use technology to store and analyze patient data for clinical and administrative applications. Most nurses who specialize in informatics hold a master’s degree or higher.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is an example of nursing informatics?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The transition to electronic health records to improve access to patient information is an example of nursing informatics. Nursing informatics also plays an important role in administrative decisions about allocating resources and patient care procedures.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest salary for nursing informatics?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chief nursing informatics officers report the highest salaries for nursing informatics, with an average pay of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$149,791[/hen-ui-link] according to September 2025 Payscale data. Nursing informatics managers and directors also report high salaries. Based on a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/resources/himss-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey#:~:text=Over%20two%2Dthirds%20(68%25),EMRAM%20Stage%206%2F7%20Hospital.” target=”_blank”]2022 HIMSS survey[/hen-ui-link], 60% of nurse informaticists earned base salaries of over $100,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do nursing informatics professionals work from home?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, many nursing informatics professionals work from home. A [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.himss.org/resources/himss-nursing-informatics-workforce-survey#:~:text=Over%20two%2Dthirds%20(68%25),EMRAM%20Stage%206%2F7%20Hospital.” target=”_blank”]2022 HIMSS survey[/hen-ui-link] found that close to 80% of nurse informaticists worked remotely at least once per week. Bedside nurses interested in greater flexibility can consider a nursing informatics degree to move into these roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]