I have a MPH. Should I pursue a BSN?

Nurses Career Support

Published

Happy New Year all! I am seeking advice about pursing a nursing degree. I just graduated with a Masters in Public Health degree and I work doing research. I think I would really like nursing, however, because I find working at a desk boring and clinical work sounds such more rewarding. However, my fiance and I will struggle financially if I go back to school (again), so I need to make sure it's the right decision.

Is having a BSN/MPH valuable? I think it would be worth it, but I would like advice from those already in nursing :)

I would have to complete all prerequisites and then apply to a nursing program. I fear completing all the pre-reqs and not getting in. I have very strong grades from my first bachelor's degree and my master's degree -but I know it's highly competitive.

The schools I am looking at are University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University, and Florida State University. My undergrad is from FGCU and my grad is from FSU. USF's nursing program for the 2nd degree sequence seems very competitive.

I would appreciate any advice!! Thank you all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you should go for it!!! I am a nursing student pursing my ASN. It will be well worth it in the end. You and your husband can make it if you guys work together and support each other. Just have the Faith

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I don't believe that there is a specific "Public Health" nursing specialty. Nursing practice specialties are defined by the needs of the patients & nursing interventions that are common to that population. So - nurses who work in public health clinics are considered 'ambulatory health' specialists.... does that make sense? Basic nursing is designed to produce 'generalists' - formal education in a specialty is only available at the graduate level.

If you would need to start over with pre-requisites for your BSN, obtaining a nursing degree would probably not be a wise financial investment for you. Jobs for new grads are scarce, so there may be a significant time lag between graduation and actual employment. Your first job might be in a nursing home or somewhere far removed from the specialty area in which you want to practice. If you add in the stress of additional student loans - YIKES! Just not worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Long term care.

Hi I am in the same position as you. I graduated with my MPH degree in May 2011 and I am entering nursing school for the ADN degree next month. I have not been able to find a job with just my MPH, which is why I decided to go back to school. I had to complete pre reqs too, some of which are not even necessary for the school I will be attending, but each school is different. I chose to go the ADN route because I just want to be done quicker. There are accelerated BSN and MSN programs for people who already have degrees. But they would be more expensive than going to a community college and it takes a little longer. But if you really want to go into nursing I say go for it. Depending on your situation with financial aid and student loans you may want to look into cheaper schools. I don't think going to get the RN would be a waste of time because I have seen plenty of MPH geared jobs that require a RN license, which is why I decided to go back to school. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment