To obtain the BSN or not to obtain, that is the question

[reflective11]

I could really use some advice from my fellow nurses. I have been debating for many many months on this topic: do I go for my BSN or should I pursue my BS in Public Health in the hopes of landing a position in epidemiology. I currently have my ADN and I do not like floor nursing. As silly as it sounds I entertain the BSN as a point of validation - but my heart isn't in nursing. My ideal job would be to work for the CDC and my interest lies in epidemiology, hence the idea of going for my BS in Public Health.

So I guess I am looking for opinions on which path I would be the most wise to pursue?! I don't want to be in student loan debt up to my eye balls but that I guess is a necessary evil. Pursuing my BSN would take less time and $ but that just doesn't seem to be the right reasons to go for something where my heart doesn't lie 100%. Thanks in advance for the replies :)

[UVA Grad Nursing]

If your interest is in public health nursing, why not look at your local public health department. I know many nurses in public health departments and clinics with only Associate degrees.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

Keylime - did you get BSN immediately or did you start with an ADN and work your way up?

I'm actually going about this backwards. I have the MPH. Working on the BSN now (no ADN). My comment has come from what I've been advised and seen in practice with my MPH. I can't say I've seen any Job requests for BSPH. Plus, the BSPH is not nearly in depth enough to give you the real skills you need to succeed in PH. For my mph program the BSPH students simply completed the 6 core PH courses so that they could jump right into the MPH program. Biostats, intro epi, intro pub health, enviro health and health education

[reflective11]

Thank you for your reply and information!

[Billytate78]

Correction on number of courses for BSPH. I have 64 credits hours in Health under with my BSPH. Given I did a take preprofessional track.