Good morning, Leanne and all!
I was an advisor to the development of the Chamberlain program and I can speak to the quality, though their program is newer. Chamberlain's approach was to gather the best input possible from the practice domain (people like me) and from informatics academic experts. Their program is based on critical informatics competencies. The curriculum and course content were informed by informatics experts that are also leading revision of master's informatics program certification standards.
In addition to ensuring that their program reflects best informatics practices and the most important 'on-the-ground' competencies, Chamberlain takes responsibility to help students with practicum placement.
I have been very disappointed to observe that many (if not most) of the online programs do not help students with practicum placement. I have seen students struggle for a year or more to find a practicum site that is usually NOT the experience they wanted. In addition, students who have approached me from certain online programs tend to be extremely ill-prepared. My health system will only contract with a college/university offering online if we know the program actually prepares students for practice-the list is very short, unfortunately, so I am happy to see that you are asking for information! My health system is not the only one that has become selective-frankly, many health systems will not consider contracts with certain online colleges/universities. Make sure your program will help with practicum placement!!
Chamberlain has a nursing informatics expert on faculty-many online programs do not, and their faculty are sometimes poorly prepared to teach informatics content. Ask if someone on faculty that has practiced as an informatics nurse.
In my opinion, Chamberlain's program delivers. Don't rule out some of the other university online programs-some look too expensive, but offer enough financial aid to be competitive. I have precepted students from University of CO and Duke and those students have been well-prepared. Make sure you get are getting value for your money! ;-)) I can absolutely recommend the Chamberlain program, and Capella may be excellent, too-I am just not familiar with it. Good luck, Leanne!! Tess
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Original Message------
Reminder that Leanne has a question. Can anyone help her out?
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Betty Blahna BSN RN M-PM
Nursing Informatics Officer
Duarte CA
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