15 Best Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs – 2024
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Are you an ADN-educated registered nurse with a love for information technology? Does the idea of using technological advances to improve healthcare services and promote positive patient outcomes interest you? Have you considered getting a master's degree but want to find a job utilizing your interest in internet technology? If so, you may be the perfect candidate for RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
Perhaps you heard of nursing informatics and thought, "What are the best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs?" In this article, I will share information about nursing informatics and tell you about the 15 best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs for 2024. As you continue reading, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these programs, what it takes to get admitted to a top program, and insight into the kind of work you can do with this career.
What Exactly is the Goal of an Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Program?
The
American Nurses Association describes nursing informatics as a "specialty that integrates nursing science with multiple information and analytical sciences to identify, define, manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice." Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs aim to provide registered nurses with training to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Nursing Informatics. Those in this program usually are looking to advance their careers with more job opportunities and a higher degree of education. Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics programs allow students the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in nursing informatics with the flexibility of working on their degree remotely.
Is an Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Program Hard to Complete?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs require self-motivation and dedication to studying. In these programs, you will study in-depth content covering various advanced nursing and informatics topics. Although the curriculum is rigorous, if you manage time wisely, study hard, and remain focused, you can overcome the challenges and successfully complete an RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Program
The best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs will train you with the skills and abilities necessary to be an expert utilizing computer and healthcare technology. The following are five of the most important skills and abilities you will learn in an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
1. The Ability to Use Objective Data to Educate Healthcare Staff:
The most effective way for nursing informaticists to improve patient outcomes is by providing training to healthcare professionals. Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs will prepare you to use data to recognize health-related issues and find ways to resolve them. You can then impart your knowledge and experiences to educate other healthcare workers. You may work with onboarding new staff, provide in-house continuing education, or offer external education.
2. The Ability to Use Your Knowledge and Experiences to Reduce the Risk of Medical Errors:
One of the leading causes of medical errors is the lack of rapid, correct communication among healthcare team members. The knowledge you gain in online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs to use and educate others on the use of electronic health records improves communication time and reduces the risk of documentation errors. In turn, the risk of medical errors is reduced. Not only does reducing medical errors protect patients from harm and prevent disciplinary action against healthcare professionals, but it also leads to reduced healthcare costs, which is a win for everyone.
3. The Ability to Improve Clinical Protocols, Policies, and Procedures:
The data used in nursing informatics is used to measure the success of healthcare protocols, policies, and procedures. As a student in an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program, you will learn to analyze data and measure how well healthcare organizations perform. Using nursing informatics, you can help determine what areas, if any, need improvement and help create and implement policies to enforce those improvements, resulting in improved patient and organizational outcomes.
4. The Ability to Create and Maintain Electronic Medical Records/Electronic Health Records:
In the healthcare world, health data systems and electronic medical record systems are essential to providing comprehensive patient care. The ability to use these systems is valuable and can provide you with a boost to your CV. In an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to create and maintain electronic health records. These skills provide nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals and authorized agents with valuable insight to effectively collaborate and provide quality patient care while maintaining strict HIPAA compliance.
5. The Ability to Align Clinical Workflow and Patient Care with Best Nursing Practices:
Nursing informatics focuses on promoting and achieving positive patient outcomes by applying best nursing practices to maximize healthcare delivery. In online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs, you will learn to use your knowledge of clinical workflow reviews, process design, and the most current trends in diagnostics and treatment combined with analysis and evidence-based findings to determine which actions in nursing lead to high-quality, patient-centered care.
4 Main Advantages of Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs not only gives you the skills and abilities to be an excellent nurse informatics professional but also provide many opportunities that you may take advantage of. The following are four main advantages you will benefit from attending an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
1. The job outlook for nursing informatics specialists is excellent!:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing informatics jobs will increase by nearly 47% between 2021 and 2031. This rate of increase is much faster than all other occupations listed by the BLS. Because we live in a world driven by technology and make strides in technological advances daily, it is safe to assume the job outlook will continue to be positive for many years to come.
2. You can work in a variety of settings:
Graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs work in diverse settings, including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and large medical corporations. You can also use your education to work in IT consulting firms, federal agencies, public health organizations, insurance companies, biotech firms, and universities.
3. You will have a degree in a specialty associated with high job satisfaction rates:
According to a
Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society survey, three in four nurse informaticists reported being highly satisfied with their career choice. If you find yourself burned out and unfulfilled with your current job, earning your degree through an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program could help you find the sense of achievement and contentment you deserve.
4. You can earn a good income:
With a degree from an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program, you will have good earning potential. PayScale reports the average income for graduates of these programs is $101,495 annually. Keep in mind that is the average income. With experience, and depending on your work setting, your income could be significantly higher.
2 Main Disadvantages of Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs
Although RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs come with many advantages, there are two main disadvantages you should consider when considering an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
1. Nursing informatics involves less direct patient care than a traditional nursing role:
Although nurse informaticists work to improve patient outcomes, the role involves using technology and health sciences to educate healthcare providers. If you prefer bedside nursing, you may prefer a master’s degree with a different specialty.
2. Nursing informatics involves a high level of responsibility:
Graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs work in jobs involving complex data analysis and technology systems. The responsibility associated with the job requires strong leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities and can sometimes be stressful.
Who Accredits RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs?
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the two agencies that accredit online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
When Do RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs Start?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs have various start dates depending on the school and available faculty. Some schools offer one or two start dates each year. Other schools offer rolling admission and several start dates year-round. Examples of start dates for some of the programs featured in this article include the following.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at the
University of Pittsburgh starts yearly in the fall and spring semesters.
• University of Maryland’s RN to MSN nursing informatics online program starts once per year in the spring.
• At
NSU Florida, prospective students may apply for fall or winter admission to the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
• The
Duke University School of Nursing offers an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program with a spring start date.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at
Jacksonville University is offered with a flexible 8-week course format allowing you to start the program year-round.
How Many Credits are There in RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs?
The best RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs require a varying range of credits to earn your degree. Programs may require anywhere from 24 to 71 credit hours to graduate. The following is a list of examples of the credits needed at some of the nation's best RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at
NSU Florida features a 36-credit hour curriculum.
• The RN to MSN nursing informatics program at the
University of South Alabama is a 51-credit hour program. The curriculum includes RN to MSN, MSN, and Nursing Informatics Specialty courses.
• At the
University of Maryland, students in the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program complete between 69 and 71 credits.
• The
Grand Canyon University online RN to MSN bridge program with a nursing informatics focus includes a minimum of 24 credits, depending on the number of transferrable credits candidates have. Students may transfer up to 90 credits.
• At the
University of Phoenix, the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program requires students to complete 34 credits.
How Long are RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs typically take two to three years to complete, depending on the number of transfer credits you have and whether you enroll part-time or full-time. The following are examples of how long it takes to complete a few of the programs featured in this article.
• You can complete the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at the
University of Phoenix in as little as 16 months.
• At
Grand Canyon University, you can earn your RN to MSN nursing informatics degree in as little as one year.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at
Jacksonville University can be completed in 18 months if you enroll full-time. Part-time students typically take 24 to 36 months to graduate.
• At the
University of Maryland School of Nursing, you can complete the RN to MSN online nursing informatics program in two years. Part-time students usually take three years to complete the program.
• At
West Coast University, you can complete the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program in as few as 24 months.
How Much Do RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs Cost?
RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs costs can depend on many factors, including your state of resident status and even if you are in the military. Each program will have its own unique way of calculating the total cost of the program. Here are five examples from programs across the United States that represent how much online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs will cost.
• At
West Coast University, the cost of the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program varies depending on whether you have qualifying military affiliations. Non-military students pay $34,535 to $34,622.50. Students who qualify for military rates pay approximately $30,000.
• The
University of Phoenix offers a fixed tuition cost of $540 per credit. As 34 total credits are required for their online RN to MSN nursing informatics program, it is estimated that the total cost for the program will be $18,360.
• At
Grand Canyon University, tuition costs $340 per credit for the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program. The program features a 24-credit curriculum, costing approximately $8,160.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program costs $719 per semester credit hour at NSU Florida. The program requires 36 credits, which brings the cost to $25,884.
• At the
University of South Alabama, tuition is based on your residency status. In-state students pay $408 per credit hour, and out-of-state students pay $816. The program features a 51-credit hour curriculum. Therefore, the cost for state residents is $20,808 and for non-residents is $41,616.
What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs have varying admission criteria. Most schools require applicants to have an undergraduate grade point average between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. The following are five examples of the GPA requirements for some of the online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs featured in this article.
• At
South University, candidates seeking admission to the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program must have a college GPA of at least 2.5.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at
the University of South Alabama requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all undergraduate work.
• At
Duke University School of Nursing, a holistic approach is used to evaluate applicants. Although other factors are considered, preferential consideration is given to candidates who have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Queens University requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 for admission to its online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
• At the
University of Maryland School of Nursing, an undergraduate cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 is required for admissions. Additionally, your undergraduate science GPA must be at least 2.75 to be accepted into the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program.
What are the Admission Requirements For Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs?
RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs may have some different admission criteria. However, the general requirements are similar among schools. The following are examples of the admission requirements at five of the schools offering our featured programs.
• At the
University of Maryland School of Nursing, candidates for admission to the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program must complete an online application, submit a typed resume or curriculum vitae, copies of all post-secondary transcripts, and a copy of a current, unrestricted United States RN license. Applicants must complete a minimum of two science prerequisites and at least one class in human growth and development, nutrition, or statistics. S
• The
University of South Alabama requires applicants to have a current registered nurse licensure with no restrictions, and a minimum college GPA of 2.75. Applicants must submit a NursingCAS application and a professional resume highlighting all clinical experiences.
• Admission to the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at
Jacksonville University requires candidates to fill out a Jacksonville University application and possess an active, unencumbered RN license. You must provide transcripts from any college or university where nursing coursework or degrees were completed or earned. Applicants whose undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or lower must complete a Statement of Intent and provide three letters of recommendation.
• For admission into
South University’s RN to MSN nursing informatics online program, you must have an associate degree in nursing earned at an accredited institution or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution, a cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a valid, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. You must submit official transcripts from any post-secondary school you attended, a professional resume, and two letters of professional recommendation.
• Admission criteria for the
Queens University of Charlotte online RN to MSN nursing informatics program include the following. Applicants must complete an online application, have a minimum associate degree in nursing, and have at least a 2.4 college GPA. You must provide copies of official transcripts from any college or university you have attended and a copy of your current, unrestricted RN license.
What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs?
Most online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs have a variety of courses across different subjects that will give you a robust nursing informatics education. Different programs will have courses that fit into their program goals and outcomes. Below are some courses offered at five different online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
• At
Ferris State University, the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program includes classes such as you will take general education coursework as well as RN to MSN course bridgework. As a part of the RN to MSN course bridgework, you will take courses in Professional Nursing Skill Development, Transition into Professional Nursing, Population-Based Health Promotion, Statistics in Health Care, Communication Competence, and Scientific Understanding.
• Students in the
Jacksonville University online RN to MSN nursing informatics program complete classes, including Evidence-Based Nursing, Assessment and Pathophysiology, Nursing Leadership & Health Care Policy, Nursing Theory and Research, Organization, Delivery & Policy in Healthcare, and Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles.
• If you choose to pursue the RN to MSN online nursing informatics program at
South University, you will take courses including Health Policy, Health Promotion in Advanced Nursing Practice, Anatomy and Physiology, Issues & Trends in Nursing Informatics, Human Growth & Development, and Advanced Pharmacology.
• The
Queens University online RN to MSN nursing informatics curriculum includes classes such as Nursing: A Practice Discipline, Population Health Nursing, Health Policy, Informatics in Health Care, Integrative Clinical Concepts, Clinical Information Systems, and Healthcare Data Implementation, Management, & Evaluation.
• At
NSU University, you will take courses including Advanced Pathophysiology, Survey of Biomedical Informatics, Information Systems Project Management in Health Care, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Database Systems in Health Care, Advanced Health Assessment, and Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice.
What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs include a clinical or practical training component. Each school determines the practical training requirements for its program. The following are a few examples from some of this article’s featured programs.
• At
NSU Florida University, students in the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program complete 150 practicum hours. This practicum experience occurs during the last semester of the program and is accomplished through the Nursing Informatics Capstone course.
• At
Queens University, students enrolled in the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program complete a 16-week Nursing Informatics Residency, earning 225 clinical hours. Additionally, the program requires the completion of a Nursing Informatics Capstone designed to promote a spirit of inquiry and demonstrate evidence of acquired knowledge.
• The RN to MSN online nursing informatics program at
Northeastern State University includes a seven-week 200-hour field experience practicum. You will work with an approved nursing informatics preceptor during the field practicum.
• At the
University of Pittsburgh, students complete two Nursing Informatics Practicum courses. The practicum experiences allow students to synthesize previous knowledge of nursing informatics and implement nursing theory. When you pursue the online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at the University of Pittsburgh, your practical training experiences will prepare you with critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and comprehension methods and skills necessary to begin your role as a nurse informaticist.
• The online RN to MSN nursing informatics program at the
University of Maryland includes 135 practicum hours. The university offers clinical placement assistance to ensure your practical training experiences prepare you for practice after graduation.
What are the Best Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 15 Best Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
Where Do Graduates of Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs Mostly Work?
Graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs work in diverse settings. The following are three of the top places you may find graduates of these programs working.
1. Hospitals:
As a nursing informatics professional, hospitals and healthcare settings are one of the places where you may work. In a hospital, you may be responsible for maintaining and updating electronic medical records systems or implementing new technology into the hospital setting. Other responsibilities include assessing data quality and improving workflow within the hospital setting.
2. Remote Jobs:
Some nursing informatics professionals work in remote positions from home. They monitor the use of electronic health records, analyze data used by their employers or contracted corporations, compile data and create action plans to improve the use of technology to improve patient and organizational outcomes.
3. IT Department:
Due to the technological and computer skills gained in online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs, many degree holders work in IT departments of large medical corporations. If you desire a change in your job setting away from the clinical nature of hospitals, an RN to MSN nursing informatics degree may help you.
3 Best Jobs For Graduates of Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs
One of the advantages of RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs is the flexibility it gives you in choosing your job and career. Here are three of the best jobs you can get when you graduate from an online RN to an MSN nursing informatics program.
1. Clinical Informatics Specialist:
As a clinical informatics specialist, you will manage electronic health records and analyze information systems to help improve communication within the healthcare team and between patients and providers. This role involves creating and implementing new methods of storing, transmitting, and integrating data across departments and healthcare facilities.
2. Nursing Informatics Analyst:
The nursing informatics analyst oversees the collection and transmission of clinical data and patient information and analyzes that data for use by nursing departments. Some job responsibilities include entering patient information systems using appropriate software and applications. Many nursing informatics analysts develop training plans for nursing staff.
3. Health Informatics Specialist:
Health information specialists develop and implement information systems medical facilities use to provide patient care. The systems designed by these specialists allow healthcare professionals to access and store vital patient records. Health informatics specialists work to find effective ways of providing patient care using information systems for top performance.
What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?
New graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs earn an average of $32.85 hourly, $1,314 weekly, or $5,690 monthly. This pay is equal to $68,330 annually.
Hourly | $32.85 |
Weekly | $1,314 |
Monthly | $5,690 |
Annual | $68,330 |
(Source: Payscale.com) |
What Average Salary Can Graduates of RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs Expect?
The average annual income for graduates of RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs is $101,495. This pay is equivalent to $48.80 per hour, $1,952 per week, or $8,460 per month.
Hourly | $48.80 |
Weekly | $1,952 |
Monthly | $8,460 |
Annual | $101,495 |
(Source: Payscale.com) |
10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs
The job outlook for graduates of RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs is quite promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates will see an increase in jobs by more than 45.68% between 2021 and 2031.
2021-31 |
+45.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Is the Cost of an Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?
Online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs cost an average of $30,000 to $50,000. The average income of MSN Nurse Informaticists is $101,495, more than twice the high average cost of the programs. Comparing the cost to potential income, the cost of an online RN to MSN nursing informatics program is worth the return on investment. Additionally, with continued experience, and depending on your job title and work setting, your income potential could be significantly higher than the average, making it even more worth the ROI.
Bonus! 5 Expert Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted Into the Best Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs
Wherever you are on your journey to finding the best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs, you can still take steps to help improve your chances of getting admitted. The following are five expert tips to help you get into some of the best programs.
1. Attend information sessions.
Attending information sessions shows your interest in the program and gives you a chance to meet admissions counselors and program faculty. Meeting advisors and faculty gives you a chance to make a first impression. Be sure to ask for business cards, program pamphlets, and any other information they offer, as this shows your genuine interest and could improve your chances of getting into one of the best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
2. Take some computer classes.
If you have an interest in nursing informatics, chances are you have at least a general knowledge of computers and programs. However, there is always something new to learn. You could improve your chances of admission to an RN to MSN online nursing informatics program by putting forth the effort to take some classes in computer science. A few examples include database programming and management, physics, biostatistics, and mathematics.
3. Write a good essay.
Most graduate programs require prospective students to write an admissions essay or letter of intent. The essay is used to gauge your understanding of what the program requires, why you want to become a nurse informaticist, and how the school can help you achieve that goal. Admissions committees also use the essay to evaluate your written communication skills. Make your statement personal and relatable to the admission faculty. Be sure to check for any spelling or grammar errors before submitting any written documents.
4. Talk to program faculty to find out what makes one a good candidate for the program.
One of the best ways to increase your chance of getting into online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs is to talk directly to faculty and staff. If you know what the program looks for in candidates, you can work to make sure you meet the criteria.
5. Earn IT Certification.
Obtaining
IT certification demonstrates your desire to learn and stay current with the latest technological advances. An IT certification is an excellent way to highlight any computer skills and knowledge you have and improve your chance of getting into one of the top online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs.
My Final Thoughts
You may have found this article in your search to learn about nursing informatics programs and wondered, "What are the best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs?” Perhaps you knew this was your career path but did not know how to begin. With the information in this article about the 15 best online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs for 2024, you can choose from top programs to earn your degree and begin a career as a nursing informaticist. With an excellent job outlook, good earning potential, and diverse job roles and settings, there is no limit to what you can achieve with this degree!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1. What Is The Best Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Program In The Nation?
The best online RN to MSN nursing informatics program in the nation is offered at Duke University.
Duke University - Durham, NC |
2. Are Campus Visits Required For Online RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Programs?
Most online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs do not require you to attend campus. However, some practical training at off-campus locations is typically required.
3. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs?
The minimum GPA to get into RN to MSN nursing informatics online programs varies depending on the program, but most require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
4. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs?
The typical cost-per-credit for RN to MSN nursing informatics programs also varies and may be based on whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition or receive military discounts. Many programs have a per-credit cost between $300 and $1,100.
5. Can I Work Part-Time And Complete This Program?
Yes, it is possible to work part-time and complete the program.
6. Can I Work Full-Time And Complete This Program?
Since the program's online format allows for flexible studying, it may be possible, with good time management skills, to work a full-time job while also completing your online RN to MSN nursing informatics degree.
7. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make?
A new graduate of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs makes an average of $68,330 annually.
8. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour?
On average, graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs make $48.80 per hour.
9. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month?
Per month, graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs will make an average of $8,460.
10. On An Average, How Much Can Graduates Of RN to MSN Nursing Informatics Online Programs Make Per Year?
Graduates of online RN to MSN nursing informatics programs make an average of $101,485 yearly.
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).