Frequently Asked Questions

What are the degree options for nursing informatics?
You can earn a DNP or a PhD with an emphasis in nursing informatics. The BSN-to-DNP degree program includes all the DNP courses plus specialty nursing informatics courses. For applicants with master’s degree in nursing, you must submit a certificate from the graduate school to demonstrate achievement of the content on your official university transcript. The PhD program students take the same nursing informatics courses in addition to the PhD coursework.

What are the admission requirements for the DNP specialty in nursing informatics?
Admission requirements for the BSN-to-DNP program include:

• A current nursing license
• Prior education: BSN or equivalent nursing degree
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores (GRE must have been taken within the last five years)
• English Language Proficiency: If your native language is not English, you are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and provide a minimum score of 586 (or 240 on computer-based TOEFL). (See www.nursing.umn.edu/PhD/Admissions/TOEFL/home.html for more information.)
• Three essays (specific essay requirements found in online application)
• Curriculum vitae or Resume
• Three Admission Reference Forms (found in online application) with corresponding letters of reference
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions where you earned college credit
• Personal interview (by invitation only)
• Clinical Experience: None required, but one year experience in nursing or healthcare is helpful

Do I have to take the GRE to apply to the DNP specialty in nursing informatics?
For the BSN-to-DNP program, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required. However, applicants who have successfully completed a previous master's degree may be eligible to waive this requirement.

Are there any courses I can take ahead of time?
Yes, you may register for select graduate-level courses prior to admission; the courses can be taken as a non-degree student. For example, Interprofessional Health Informatics (NURS 5115) is a required course for the DNP program, this would be a good first course. Further more information visit: www.nursing.umn.edu/DNP/TakingCourseBeforeAdmission.

What is the application deadline?
The priority deadline is November 1, but applications will be considered on a space available basis through March 1.

What kind of jobs do nurses with a specialty in informatics obtain?
The DNP nursing informatics specialty prepares nurses for a variety of positions in practice, industry, and academia. Example of positions include: workflow analyst, project manager for information systems, chief nursing information officer, director of nursing informatics, chief information officer, business application analyst, clinical systems analyst, informatics nurse educator, or information technology training director. With the great emphasis on implementing and maintaining interoperable electronic health records, new roles are emerging constantly.

Are there jobs available in rural areas?
With new incentives for all health care providers to have interoperable electronic health records by 2015 and to increase the effectiveness of these systems, there are roles in rural health areas. Positions will be needed in clinics, hospitals, public health, community-based practice, and long-term care.