MPH before ABSN?

[zoidberg, BSN, RN]

Im am finishing up my bs in biology, and was planning on doing a ABSN program, but am thinking about doing a peace corps masters international program (1 year of MPH courses, 2 years abroad working on global health, then return and do a masters paper) then going on after that to the ABSN program. Any reasons i should do the nursing first? I think the MPH and peace corps time will allow me to help people who need it and learn a lot at the same time. the MPH (all programs im looking at have a health education, population health, minority health or similar concentrations) will give me a lot of knowledge to work with in nursing school. For some background on me, i want to be a public health nurse then go on and get my family np degree and practice primary care and focus on prevention. any feedback is appreciated, thanks!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Moved to the post-graduate forum (vs. the GN forum) to encourage responses.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

You can do it either way. ABSN programs are competitive but having the experience offered by the MPH program could help make you an attractive candidate for the ABSN. You mentioned wanting to be a public health nurse after your ABSN. You may find that positions in public health are not typically open to new BSN grads so you may have to start out at the bedside first which could potentially prolong the time frame to your ultimate goal of FNP. You could either scrap the idea of working as a public health nurse and go directly to FNP from a job in bedside nursing or even consider a direct entry FNP especially if you already have the MPH background.

[awildsoul]

Hi Benm93,

I am in a similar position right now—trying to decide what to do first, ABSN, peace corps or master's in public health. If you see this, would you mind replying or pming with what you decided, where you're at right now, and any advice? I would pm you but I have not posted enough times to send you a message (which is so annoying!).

Thank you so much,

Julia