WGU Launches Master's in Nursing Informatics

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University (WGU) is now accepting applications for a new online master's degree program aimed at preparing nurses to better analyze and interpret data in healthcare. Designed in collaboration with industry experts, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Informatics program provides the advanced training graduates need for a rewarding career as specialists in the field of nursing informatics.

Offered through WGU's College of Health Professions, the MSN – Nursing Informatics program trains graduates to prepare, gather, document, and analyze data that will serve as a foundation for data-driven decisions. Developed to support students in applying their understanding of nursing informatics to real-world situations, the MSN – Nursing Informatics program will help students rely on the use of information and communication technologies for delivering and coordinating care across multiple settings.

Students can start their MSN – Nursing Informatics program as early as February 1, 2017, and have the option of going through one of two academic tracks. The first track is for registered nurses (RNs) with an associate's degree or diploma in nursing and a current RN license who wish to move into nursing informatics. This RN to MSN option will build on the foundation of previous nursing education at the associate or diploma levels.

The second option, BSN to MSN, is available for RNs with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a current RN license who wish to move into nursing administration. The BSN portion of the degree focuses on contemporary nursing practice and the development of skills and competencies using technology-based learning. The master of science portion of the degree prepares graduates for the field of nursing informatics.

"In today's healthcare industry, there is an increased need for nurses who understand clinical practice and how to integrate that knowledge into information systems to support the delivery of safe, efficient, and quality healthcare," said Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, WGU's National Director of Nursing. "This new program will enable students to apply systems-thinking strategies to bring clinical practice and wisdom together with relevant information management technologies to improve care delivery."

The MSN – Nursing Informatics program, like all WGU programs, is online and competency-based, which allows working professionals to apply what they already know to move more quickly through their coursework. Competency-based learning allows students to study and learn on their own schedules, completing courses as soon as they demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter. When paired with WGU's affordable tuition of about $6,500 per year, this flexibility provides students with the opportunity to earn a recognized, accredited degree on a busy schedule and tight budget.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit Western Governors University now serves more than 76,000 students nationwide and has more than 72,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. The university's 2015 Annual Report is now available online.

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