PHN registration in Minnesota

[goldenina]

I'm looking into RN-BSN programs in Minnesota, and some of them do not offer a public health course. The MN board of nursing requires a public health component for PHN registration. It looks like this isn't true in all states. Does anyone know how important it is to be registered as a PHN? Can you get a job in public health as an RN-BSN without the PHN registration? Thank you for your help!

[terfernay]

Hi! I'm a PHN in MN. My understanding is most public health nursing jobs require you to either have your PHN certification or be willing to get it. The nice thing about attending a BSN program that offers public health courses is that you can apply for the certification as soon as you pass your NCLEX. If you attend a program that does not offer public health courses then I think you would have to complete courses in public health in order to qualify to get your PHN certification. None of this matters if you never have any intention in working in public health however! That being said you never know where your career may bring you and it's nice to know that it's an option to work in public health if you're already certified.

[guest464345]

It totally depends on jurisdiction. In MN you need the certification to be a PHN; in other states there's a certification but with totally different requirements; in still other places there's no such thing as a PHN certification. So, base your decisions on where you think you'll end up working.