Non-nursing degree for Masters?

[smilealot]

I am close to finishing my BSN and have been looking into a MSN program the only problem is I cant seem to find one that I really want! I would like something that has to do with global health or international helath care. I keep coming back to a Masters in Public Health with a focus in either epidemiology or international health care. I was wondering if any one has chosen to do a non-nursing MS degree in something else and how has that worked out for you. Or if anyone has any other suggestions!

[himilayaneyes]

Public health is still a domain of nursing..just look at our community health nurses and infection control nurses (epidemiology). Good luck. Healthcare is still healthcare.

[Moogie]

While public health is indeed a domain of nursing, one does not need to be a nurse to get an MPH degree. That could open some doors yet close others, depending on what one wants to do in terms of employment post-master's.

To the OP, have you considered a combination MSN/MPH degree? Emory, Johns Hopkins, and several state universities offer this option. I would hazard a guess that these programs are a bit harder to find than degrees that offer only a MSN or MPH, but the combination degree might be an excellent option for you.

[lucylu 777]

I hold a masters degree of science with emphases in marine biology (from graduate school in Europe). Had my degree evaluated by ECE and had done nothing at all with my degree. I did not want to teach and it did not matter in my previous job. Long story short, fifteen years later it came in handy when I decided to go in to physician assistant program, it fulfills all of the requirements as far as prerequisites go. My advise - be careful what you choose so you don't waste your time and money - it does matter what studies you pick and how they will complement your carer choice. Good luck.

[coast2coast]

My MSN program is full of students who have MPH's. My impression is that most of them never used the degree.

What are your career goals? If you want to do international nursing ... you don't need an MPH for that. You need a job with the red cross or something equivalent to medicines sans frontieres/doctors without borders.

[ok2bme]

You are not alone. I am getting a masters degree in social work. Yes, I know the money is not great, and the job security is not great..if I can find a job. The reason I am pursuing the degree is because every class in the cirriculum looks so interesting and applicable to life. Beware-one thing I was not prepared for getting a non-nursing masters is the backlash from some other nurses (not all or most).

[citylights89, BSN, RN]

I also want to get a MPH/MS Health Informatics when I graduate with my BSN, which is a ways off in 2012. I do know that that the University of Texas offers those degrees in a dual degree program as well as the dual MSN/MPH. I've become interested with the domain of public health and would hope to do something with the CDC (lofty goal) or some other kind of public health position in the community. Where can I find more information about this infection control nurse? I've also heard about nurse epidemiologists. Does anyone have much info on their demand?

[smilealot]

Goldengirl that is part of the reason why I was asking is because when I have mentioned it to some nurses that I work with they seem appalled that I wanted to get a degree outside of nursing. I feel that I could add more to my nursing career with information gained from a public health program.

[smilealot]

Thanks everyone! I just find the degree interesting and the classes sound fun. I like the focus on international health and I enjoy statistics. Ultimately I would like to be a NP or PA and work internationally but I wouldn't go into that program for about another year to two so I was looking for something that i could do in the mean time that would still benefit me and that I found interesting.