NP or MPH?

[queenjean]

Hope that's okay, I've cross-posted this.

I graduate with my RN soon, and I have a previous BA in another field.

I have worked as an LPN for almost 10 years in an office, then M/B, and now on an acute medical floor. Prior to being an LPN I worked for a couple of years as an aide and unit secretary on this same floor. I've been thinking about where I view myself in 10 years, and I see myself in some sort of low-managerial position--public health clinic or school clinic, for example, or DON at a larger doctor's office, that sort of thing. I have no desire to take on the world, but don't want to be a floor nurse FOREVER, if no other reason that I don't think it will be physically possible!

I just always assumed I would go into a NP program; but recently a friend applied at a Masters of Public Heath program. She was not accepted, in part because she did not have much health care experience. Her application process has gotten me thinking, though. It seems like a good track for where I would like to see myself. But in some ways, it limits me a bit, too, if only in that NPs have a lot more lateral job possibilities.

Anyone here explored the MPH option?

Any thoughts?

Thanks, J

[ArizonaCNA]

Could you help me? I don't know the lingo yet. I haven't even started school yet lol. Is it something I will learn in school? Can you help me so I don't feel like an idiot when I don't know what all the abbreviations stand for? Thanks. :)

[HealthyRN]

I have explored a lot of options outside of nursing, including the MPH degree. The MPH is a degree that can lead to a lot of different options. In some universities, you can obtain a more general MPH and some offer specific tracks, for example, epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, etc.

You stated that you see yourself in health management or adminstration in the future. You may want to consider the master's of health administration (MHA) versus the MPH. Although some people who pursue an MPH do go into administration, the MHA can offer some significant advantages if you want to focus on administration only. Also, if you see yourself in nursing management, you may want to consider an MSN in nursing management or a general MSN. Although some NPs do pursue management opportunities, the NP usually has a more clinical focus. From the career goals that you mentioned, I'm not sure that being an NP would fit well into those goals. Just some thoughts! Good luck in your decision.