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Discussion

Decisions, decisions!

Howdy, allnurses! I am trying to make some decisions regarding the next chapter in my life and I could use some input. :)

I graduated with a diploma RN (I am completing my BSN in May 2009 and I already have a bachelor's in a different field) in June 2007 and spent about eight months working on a medical-surgical unit. This and previous experiences made me realize that I wanted to work in public health. Therefore, I recently switched to a grant-funded public health-related pediatrics position. While it's light(er) on pure nursing responsibilities, it is giving me an opportunity to manage two individuals.

I am considering applying for several different opportunities in the next nine months or so, including:

- Working for the Indian Health Service

- A stint with Doctors Without Borders (having been a Peace Corps volunteer)

- US Public Health Service

- A master's in either public health and/or nursing

Does anyone have any thoughts on MPH versus MSN? Since there are some combined programs, it seems to make sense to get both degrees. I started the MPH this term, but I cannot rationalize taking two years to earn the degree when I can earn two master's in the same time (or three years). Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Have you considered a joint MSN/MPH program? Most programs have at least 12 credits of overlap between the degrees.

If you want to do advanced practice of any sort, then a MSN seems to be the way to go. However, considering the fact that there are so few nurses with MPH's I imagine that it would make you quite marketable.

Good luck whatever you decide to do..

I think a MSN would be more valuable to you. Being an APN opens MANY doors...then you could slowly work on you MPH (or even get your future employer to pay for it!).

  • Expert

A LOT of schools offer a joint MSN/MPH program that doesn't take a whole lot longer than a straight MSN.

A lot of cool public health jobs that focus on international projects in my area require MPH degrees. However, there is a lot of competition & more graduates than jobs here. I don't think a MSN is that valuable without a clinical focus, and NP licensure is mostly unrecognized internationally.

I also want to do public health, but feel that the lack of an MPH may be a barrier -- I can already do international health w/ just an RN licensure, but the NP won't mean anything overseas.

Anyway, it seems to me that the MPH should be your primary focus, with an MSN as a secondary goal if it's easy to tack on.

Also wanted to add that you will have an advantage over other MPH's, in that you are already a nurse/clinician. Many do not have a clinical background.

I think the answer to your question depends on your desired career. Do you want to work in a clinical setting? Or do you want to work in policy, research, program planning, consulting, etc? If it's more of the latter, and less of the former, I don't think the MSN will be of much help.

There are a handful of programs that allow you to finish an MPH in 1 year if you have a RN or MD. Berkeley is one of them.

I recently finished the MPH program at Berkeley, and I would be happy to answer questions about public health opportunities and education. Just send me a note.

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