NP vs MPH vs NP/MPH

[Teamnurse]

Hello everyone,

I am just about to finish my RN-BSN degree and now I am considering my next educational move. I keep going back and forth between getting my FNP or MPH. I have been a nurse for 3 years. My first year I worked in as an RN at a detox clinic and the past 2 years in med/surg oncology. I love what I do but I have always had a passion for serving the under served. In my ADN program I did a clinical rotation with a NP that work on a mobile clinic that serves the homeless population. During that rotation, I remember thinking this is exactly what I want to do. Recently I have been very drawn to global/international health issues which, has me leaning towards MPH. I will be doing volunteer work locally and internationally over the next year, which is always been a dream of mine but I'm also hoping the exposure will tip me in one direction. My personal FNP suggested applying to a dual FNP/MPH program. I was wondering of any one has words of wisdom, can share their experience or recommendations.

[zenman]

I'd go with what your friend says. That would be a good combo especially if you want to work globally.

[PG2018]

I would suspect you could still volunteer globally even without a MPH. I love education, mostly independent reading, but I would only pursue something like a MPH if I knew it would result in a fatter check, lol.

[resilientnurse]

You need a MPH to be a competitive international candidate. No ifs, ands, and buts about that. However, if you are a FNP and want to work in a US Embassy health clinic abroad you don't need it at all. If you want to work doing short- term emergency medical relief work in conflict or disaster areas, you don't need one either. The MPH is for those interested in long-term international development career work, whether abroad or US-based. Good luck to you!

[ericseitz]

I am right there with you. I'm finishing up my BSN at u of wash right now and am planning on applying for their fnp-dnp program this next year. I also want to get ah mph, but I already do have a bs in public health. Also looking to work with the homeless, which I've been involved with foe many years.

You could always go back for an mph, but I know johns Hopkins has an fnp/mph degree. My good friend just moved from Seattle to Baltimore to attend.

[AWanderingMinstral]

I have been a RN for nearly 8 years. Because of my interest in public health, I earned the MPH (infectious diseases and micro). In the short-term, as a RN, it has been reasonably useless. Health departments will hire you as a RN without a BSN. In the long-term, having the MPH, EVEN if it's just a piece of paper, will help you (you'll need it to advance beyond an entry-level-ish position in public health). I am applying to NP programs for next fall to increase my TANGIBLE skill set. IF you DO pursue the MPH, consider concentrating in biostats or epidemiology. You will gain a TANGIBLE skill set that will complement your clinical skills. I am a former Peace Corps volunteer. Another critical skill is at least an intermediate facility in a foreign language (that goes for more and more communities in the US too). Good luck!