Nursing Informatics (MSN)

Academics & Admissions

Female nurse wearing glasses and wearing a white coat and scrubs holding a tablet while writing into an orange book. There is a stethoscope on the table.

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026

Program Overview

Why Choose the Nursing Informatics Program at Rutgers?

Flexible and innovative learning environment.
The Nursing Informatics program is online with asynchronous coursework, allowing students to balance learning with professional responsibilities. In-person practicum experiences provide hands-on application in real-world healthcare settings.

Technology, quality, and patient safety–focused.
Students develop expertise in leveraging information structures, processes, and innovative technology to support clinical decision-making, improve outcomes, and strengthen quality and patient safety across healthcare systems [1].

Interprofessional and systems-oriented practice.
Throughout the program, students engage in informatics projects that support nurses, patients, and interprofessional healthcare teams, preparing them to lead technology-enabled change across diverse roles and settings.

Preparation for advanced informatics careers.
Graduates are prepared for leadership and technical roles in nursing informatics and are eligible to sit for national board certification exams upon completion of the program [1].
American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). American Nurses Publishing.

Quick Facts

Program Details 
  • 12 virtual courses (37 credits) + 500 in-person practicum hours
  • 2-year or 3-year part-time study plans

Deadline to Apply
March 1 & July 1 for Fall Admission

Jump to:
Tuition
  • Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,125 per credit * 

*Estimated in-state cost as of spring 2026—please be aware that costs may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, visit our tuition website.


Priority list on calendar

Priority Deadline:
March 1

Fall leaves on calendar

Final Deadline:
July 1

Priority Application Deadline: March 1 – Apply by this date for priority consideration.

Final Application Deadline: July 1 – Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until this date. 


Curriculum

Our 37-credit program prepares nurses to effectively manage and communicate data that affects patient care and outcomes, as well as other nursing research. Specialty courses are completed entirely online, while required in-person practicum hours are facilitated with our clinical partners.

A total of 500 practicum hours must also be completed in person with an approved preceptor in NJ.

Student testimonial

Our professors have an incredible repertoire of informatics experience. I value that they are so knowledgeable in the field and that they can give us tips and advice for future success. 

Winchell Delfin, Alumna

Admissions

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program.
• GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Current unencumbered RN license. A NJ or Compact State RN license will be required after acceptance to the program and within the first semester of study. Students are required to maintain current licensure throughout the program.
• Personal and Goal statements ‐ Applicants are expected to submit a concise essay (no more than 2 pages) addressing the following:
How have your personal qualities and experiences influenced your career choice and how will they contribute to attaining this degree?
Discuss your reasons for choosing this specialty in relation to your career goals. How will this degree impact your care of the population you expect to serve after graduation?
• Two letters of reference that attest to the applicant’s academic ability, professional competency, and personal character. The letters should be provided by a former faculty or a professional colleague and at least one letter should be from an individual in a supervisory role.
• Resume/CV
• Official transcript(s) of all prior college work
• Fully submitted online application including paid application fee
• If necessary, an interview may be offered to qualified applicants.
• Newly admitted students must submit updated official transcripts/documents verifying completion of all “in progress” degrees, coursework, or licensure before starting the program. Failure to comply will result in admission being rescinded.

*Please note that GRE testing is not required.
• Applicants can view their most current admissions status through the online application system.
• The online application contains an admissions checklist which must be completed in order to be considered for admission to the program.
• Applicants are required to submit admission documents through the online application system (the applicant checklist).
• Applicants are required to submit official transcripts for all previous college work.
• Electronic transcripts (recommended) can be sent to transcripts_nursing@gradadm.rutgers.edu
• Paper transcripts can be sent to Office of Admissions & Recruitment – School of Nursing, 65 Bergen St. (Room 601), Newark, NJ 07107

For Rutgers Graduates Only: The School of Nursing Admissions Office will automatically obtain your Rutgers academic transcript after you submit your online application. You do not need to provide it yourself. However, you must still submit transcripts from any non-Rutgers schools you attended.

Once the admissions process begins, applicants with fully completed applications (all supporting documentation received) generally receive their admissions decision within 2-3 weeks.

International Applicants

The School of Nursing’s Division of Advanced Nursing Practice welcomes applications from international students. We encourage you to explore the resources available through Rutgers Global – International Students and ScholarsPlease note: Our programs do not qualify for F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship. Applicants should ensure that they hold or are eligible for another visa type before applying. View info for international applicants.

Licensure Disclosure for Nursing Informatics

View Professional Licensure Disclosures for Nursing Informatics program.

Licensure & Clinical Compliance for Nursing Programs

At Rutgers School of Nursing, we are dedicated to preparing ethical and skilled nursing professionals. To be licensed in most states, a criminal history background check is a prerequisite for licensure as a registered professional nurse (RN) per the state’s Board of Nursing. Since eligibility criteria may vary, applicants should check with the Board of Nursing of the state in which they plan to apply for licensure to determine the eligibility criteria. 

See our Nursing Licensure Requirements page for more information.

All nursing students in clinical courses are required to complete a criminal history background check. Depending on your program, clinical sites may require additional screening, such as drug testing and/or fingerprinting, to ensure compliance with their policies and standards. Please review Clinical Clearance Requirements for individual Rutgers nursing programs. These practices reflect the nursing profession’s commitment to trust, accountability, and community safety. If you have questions or need support, our team is here to help guide you on your journey.

Accessibility Accommodations

Many students have questions about disclosing their disability needs when they apply to Rutgers Health programs. The short answer is you don’t have to disclose if you’re not comfortable sharing that information with us at the application stage. Some examples of accommodations needed may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, interviewing accommodations, or accommodations during visitation. If you need accessibility accommodations during the application or interview process for admissions at Rutgers Health, you can explore your options by contacting the Rutgers Health Office of Disability Services or by calling 973-640-0058.  
 
Rutgers Health doesn’t discriminate against students with disabilities, and students are not required or expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are needed during the application process. You can rest assured that we are committed to creating an equal-access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers. 

Suzan Ahmad

Meet the Specialty Director

Dr. Ahmad is a nurse, health informatics expert, and nurse leader. During her informatics career, she managed many successful Electronic Health Records implementations around the world.

Information Sessions

Student testimonial

For me, this has just been a perfect fit. I have an extensive career as a bedside nurse. So when I come to put it with technology, for me, it is just like the glue that is putting it all together.

Ann Forbes, Alumna

I chose the Rutgers Nursing Informatics program because I wanted to make a greater impact on patient care. As a charge nurse, I saw how the right technology can empower nurses—and how the wrong systems can hinder their work. This program has enabled me to acquire the skills necessary to redesign workflows, optimize electronic health records, and lead projects that have significantly enhanced safety, accuracy, and efficiency.
   
One of my recent projects streamlined medication documentation, reducing errors and saving nurses valuable time. Experiences like this have demonstrated how nursing informatics can transform care on every level. Rutgers has given me the confidence to be a strong advocate for smarter, more compassionate healthcare.
   
If you want to improve patient care through innovation, this program is the place to start.

Loretta Orelien, RN, BSN
Nursing Informatics Student