DNP APHN Program - Really worth it?

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Hey Everyone -

I am interested in talking to anyone who has a MSN or DNP in APHN.

I am about to apply for the BSN to DNP APHN program at Rush University but I have several concern.

1. what jobs will this make me eligible for and is there a good job market?

2. how can I get my education paid for? I know that NPs usually can get funding but I haven't found anything for APHN. I do not want to acquire a ton of debt on top of my BSN debt.

Please let me know if you have any advice/ideas or if this degree will be a mistake.

I am definitely interested just want to make sure I am making the right decision.

Thanks!

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Was looking to apply to the same program. Hopefully someone will answer!

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

It depends what you want to do. If you want to work as a NP then I recommend FNP as there are more job opportunities with this specialty. If you want to work specifically as PHN then a MPH or MSN with focus in public health (what I did) is what I recommend.

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Thanks for the infomation. What kind of work do you do with the PHN degree?

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

There a lot of different opportunities for PHN -I personally have done home visits for high risk maternal/child pts and worked in a family planning clinic/ STD clinic. I currently am a PHN manager at the clinic. If you look under your county website under public health there are also lists of PHN jobs available, CDC website, etc..

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Thanks for your response. I think I'm going to have to relocate from Texas as there are next to no opportunities for PHN. Looks like I may have to go back home (California) or to the East Coast.

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

Look into the University of Minnesota they have a BSN -DNP program online that has a public health nursing track. I was looking into this program also but the post MSN track. I believe U Mass has a DNP -PHN leadership track also. Good luck!

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Thanks MandaRN94 for all your information - very helpful :)

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Hi,

A few years late.... Did you end up attending Rush U. If so, how is the program. I just applied to the DNP APHN program

Thanks

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Did you start the program? I am also interested in this concentration as well..

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Specializes in Psychiatry.
Did you start the program? I am also interested in this concentration as well..

HI. I did get into Rush University DNP APHN program after working 2 years in Public Health. At the same time I got a job in the ER (3 months in). Rush U allowed me to defer for one year. So I'm seeing where the wind takes me :)

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