Educations requirements to be PHN

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Specializes in Telemetry, PCU, Private Duty, Hospice.

Hello PHN's!

I currently have my associate degree in nursing and I'm wondering if I would be able to get into public health nursing with a BS in Public Health instead of a BS in nursing?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you!

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Hello PHN's!

I currently have my associate degree in nursing and I'm wondering if I would be able to get into public health nursing with a BS in Public Health instead of a BS in nursing?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you!

Depends on the state/area. Where I live you need to have your BSN to be a PHN.

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

In CA you have to have a BSN and a PHN cert from the BON.

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Specializes in Telemetry, PCU, Private Duty, Hospice.

Thank you both for the info!!

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Specializes in ER.

In my area they hire even LPNs for certain roles. I believe the immunization nurse is an LPN in my local clinic. So it really does vary by area.

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I am wondering the same thing. I already have a bachelors in public health and am graduating in may with my associate degree in nursing. I would love to get a phn job when i graduate but wondering if I need a BSN first.

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Most positions I seen require a BSN or equal amounts of work history to substitute.

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I started out part-time with my ADN but when a FT position became available, my supervisor hired me with the condition that I complete my BSN within 5 years. Had I not already been working there PT she would not have even considered me.

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Try checking your State Dept. of Health and see what the typical requirement. I've mostly seen a BSN required for PHN jobs.

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I am a PHN with only an ADN. I was required to take the state mandated PHN course within 1 year. I am currently applying for my RN to BSN as well!

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I am a LPN and I'm working on my BSPH through Kent State. I have seen both LPN an RN positions in Virginia but there are more RN positions available of course. I'm planning to finish my RN after I'm done with my public health degree. I just needed to have some time to work and take a break from nursing school before I'm ready to go back.

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