Any BSNs who went for an MPH?

[321kza]

I'm a Canadian RN BSN who is looking into an MPH (by distance education). I have heard that an MSN would be more useful but I am so so so interested in epidemiology that when comparing the courses between the two I cringe just looking at the MSN program. I think a joint MSN/MPH would be ideal but there aren't any in Canada (and I'd like to pay domestic tuition so I'm not considering US schools).

Are there any RNs out there who went and got their MPH and are happy they did? Did it open up more doors for you? I don't need it for a public health nursing job since a BSN is enough, but I'd love to be eligible for more jobs and more responsibility in the community health/epidemiology/social policy realm.

Thanks!

[LydiaNN]

I got my MPH in 2007. If you're interested in epidemiology, I believe the MPH is more useful for your career than the MSN. Although my specialty is not epidemiology, none of my colleagues who specialize in it even have nursing degrees, so I don't believe not having a license would be a barrier. Editing to add that I am in the US, so this whole post is probably not helpful at all! Sorry!

[saheckler, PhD, RN]

An MPH in epidemiology is very different than an MPH in health behavior, health promotion, or health education. My understanding is an MPH in epidemiology is much more marketable and much more in demand as well as better paying. It might be worth it to talk with advisors or program directors for MPH and MSN programs and see what they have to say. Even better if you can get an appointment with a local one. Good luck!