
Online Nursing Informatics
Request Information
Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics

Admission Requirements
Procedure for Admission to Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The criteria to determine admission to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program include:
- Completion of the application for admission
- A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) from an ACEN, CCNE or CNEA accredited program.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Provisional Admissions: South University College of Nursing and Public Health fosters diversity through a holistic provisional admission status for students with a GPA less than 3.0.
- Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 -2.99 must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.74 will be considered for provisional admission with submission of a current resume and a letter explaining challenges faced in previous academic experiences.
- Students will have an assessment and an individualized plan for optimizing success that includes completion of a mandatory orientation prior to first day of quarter.
Students must receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses for the first quarter to be fully admitted into the MSN program.
Students who do not receive a final course grade of B or better in all nursing courses will have the provisional admission rescinded. There is no appeal for rescinding provisional status.
- Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5*/10 weeks after the initial start date. *Effective March 22, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Montgomery campus or High Point Off Campus Instructional Site will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective April 1, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Richmond and West Palm Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective May 31, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Tampa and Orlando campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective July 12, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Austin and Columbia campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation. *Effective August 16, 2022 - Students beginning classes at the Savannah and Virginia Beach campuses will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.
A valid and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments and clinical rotations, for entry and maintenance of admission to the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet their state/territory requirement for nursing licensure).
Course Requirements
Offered at Online Programs.
Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.
The 21st century nurse informaticist will transform care of patients and communities by optimizing information management and communication. These activities include the design and use of informatics solutions and technology to support all areas of nursing practice, including the direct provision of care, establishing effective administrative systems, designing useful decision support systems, managing and delivering educational experiences, enhancing lifelong learning, and supporting nursing research. The Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics at South University is designed to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop and implement information management systems in a variety of settings including home health and hospice agencies, nursing homes, public and community health agencies, physician offices, ambulatory care centers, medical device vendors, large and small software companies, web content providers, disease management companies, and government agencies. Students will complete 240 practicum hours during progression through the program.
Program curriculum for the MSN with a specialization in Nursing Informatics includes key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Masters Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011), the Alliance for Nursing Informatics (2010), and the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice (2008). Students completing this program will be eligible to sit for the AACC certification examination.
Specialization Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Formulate principles and concepts of project management for the implementation of information systems in the provision of patient-centered care for various healthcare settings.
- Extract data from clinical data sets to provide evidenced-based support for identification of potential problems and trends.
- Evaluate documentation within healthcare informatin systems to provide insight for quality improvement and strategic planning.
*
*
*Students enrolled in Nurse Administrator and Nursing Informatics specializationswishing to further develop their advanced practice skills should take NSG5003 Advanced Pathophysiology, NSG6001 Advanced Nursing Practice I, and NSG6005 Advanced Pharmacology. Students wishing to further develop their information technology skills may take MIS5020 Information Systems Fundamentals , MIS5030 Emerging Technologies , MIS6000 Principles of System Development and/or PMC6601 Foundations of Project Management, in place of NSG5003, NSG6001, and/or NSG6005. In all cases students should work closely with their Academic Advisors or Academic Counselors to select appropriate coursework that meets their career needs and course prerequisites.
Outcomes
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program (MSN) is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of registered nurses. It is also designed for those nurses who want to pursue advanced positions in today's challenging healthcare environment. The program, based on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Essentials, blends nursing theory with advanced practice concepts that prepare students to work within a healthcare organization or educational setting.
All applicants to the MSN program must hold a valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete a criminal background check and a drug screening. Clinical affiliation agencies may require additional personal testing.
The program consists of five core courses and courses in an area of specialization in education, administration, informatics, and various nurse practitioner programs. Program includes practica and experiences in areas of specialization.
Courses may be waived if the individual's master's transcript indicates that s/he has successfully completed the required course or its equivalent. Waivers and exceptions will be determined on the written request of individual students through a transcript analysis as determined by the Program Director, Chair, or College Dean.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will::
- Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines for application in advanced nursing roles.
- Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
- Model a professional leadership role to formulate comprehensive plans of action for ongoing contributions to healthcare systems improvement.
- Formulate a plan for ongoing contributions to improvement of healthcare delivery and development of health policy in a cost-effective manner.
- Demonstrate ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with delivery of quality care associated with a speciality area of advanced nursing practice.
Online Classroom
Haven’t experienced online learning before or wondering what it’s like to earn your degree online at South University? While the mode of learning is different from the traditional classroom experience with added convenience and flexibility, we hold the same high standards of academic excellence in the online classroom.
South University’s online programs combine a curriculum designed for student outcomes and a classroom designed for flexibility and engagement. Our online classroom learning platform, Brightspace, provides you with a host of features to enhance your learning experience, including:
- Advanced media content
- Personalized navigation
- Simplified online learning atmosphere
- Access to digital books
- Emailing and instant messaging options
We provide more than just an online classroom, bringing a range of campus experiences and services online. In addition, the online classroom is accessible on the go via mobile devices and with tools like the Pulse App. Pulse helps you stay connected and on track with your course by providing a number of features such as course calendars, readings and assignments, feedback and grades, and announcements.
Read more about online requirements here.
Comments and Concerns
All Fields Are Required
The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.
Success! Your request was submitted. We’ll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs here
What's New
Latest News and Blogs

Oct 22, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Master of Science in Nursing
See what motivated April McCluster, APRN, FNP-C, to pursue her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing degrees at South University – and how doing so has helped her grow her career.

Aug 20, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Doctor of Nurse Practice
South University alumna Nancy Hurlock is Owner and CEO of a successful home health care agency. Find out how South University helped prepare her to achieve this impressive feat!

Aug 11, 2021
9 Fast Facts about the FAFSA
Did you know that over $120 billion in student financial aid is awarded annually? Learn more about federal financial aid and the FAFSA with these 9 fast facts.

Jul 16, 2021
Alumni Achievement Award- Emily Davis (DNP, RN, CNE)
“South University changed the trajectory of my future,” says 2018 graduate Dr. Emily Davis (DNP, RN, CNE).

Jun 30, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Find out how Dr. Sharon Blue achieved her potential and committed herself to a lifetime of caring for others through South University’s Nursing Programs.

Jun 16, 2021
Join South University in Celebrating the Class of 2021
This Saturday, June 19, at 12:00 PM ET, South University celebrates the Class of 2021 and Class of 2020 with a live virtual graduation event! Join us as we celebrate this milestone in our graduates’ lives.
Fill out the form and a representative will contact you today to better understand your academic goals plus answer any questions you may have.
Campuses offer flexible learning formats including:
on-campus, virtual instructions and online courses.
Success! Your request was submitted. We'll be in touch soon!
In the meantime, you can view some of our FAQs
If you want to talk to an admissions representative ASAP, please contact us at 1-888-444-3404
Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers
We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our graduates have to say.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).