WGU Texas Launches Master's in Nursing Informatics

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WGU Texas 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 Texas' 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.

"Nursing informatics is a relatively new field that is evolving and expanding rapidly," said Veronica Vargas Stidvent, Chancellor of WGU Texas. "Universal adoption of electronic medical records means continued growth and need for specialists in this field. This program is designed to help students develop the skills and expertise to become a powerful resource for assessing and improving the quality of healthcare delivery and outcomes."

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.

The MSN – Nursing Informatics program, like all WGU Texas 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 Texas' 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 Texas
WGU Texas is an online, nonprofit, competency-based university established to expand Texans' access to higher education throughout the state. Formed through a partnership between the state of Texas and nationally-recognized Western Governors University, WGU Texas is open to all qualified Texas residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the high-demand career fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).*

Learn more at texas.wgu.edu or call 1-877-214-7011.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington, DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

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SOURCE WGU Texas

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