DNP/MPH or epi program?

Specialties Public/Community

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Hello, everyone! I'm looking to furthering my education, and I'd really like to become a clinical/field epidemiologist. I don't know people in this field, so I'm hoping some of you might have better insight than I do. I'm looking into several programs. One is a masters in epidemiology; another is combining DNP and MPH. From what I can gather from job searches, the educational requirements for this field can vary-- one asks for MD degree, another asks for MPH, and another just wants experience. I don't know what would best prepare me for the career. I like the DNP/MPH program because I'm not giving up nursing, and a lot of the positions I've seen require medical experience. I've also heard that to apply to CDC programs, which I'd be interested in, doctorate-student applicants are favored. However, I'm an adult and married and would like to start a family soon, so the two year degree of epidemiology obviously appeals to me. Also, with that program, I feel I'd get more strictly epi classes and not have so much health systems classes, etc. and such that I'm not so interested in. Any thoughts? (Sorry about the post-- it wasn't letting me add paragraphs. )

MandaRN94

185 Posts

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

I ended up in a MSN program that has a specialty option in public health. I think the DNP/MPH route would be great. I looked into the U of Minnesota DNP program that has a specialty online public health track and epi classes. Good luck!

Specializes in Ortho/Uro/Peds/Research/PH/Insur/Travel.

I earned the MPH, but I considered dual MSN/MPH programs. Okay, I'm saying it: I get the impression that the DNP is considered a joke outside of nursing circles. If the purpose is to make you a master clinician, you can accomplish that by working in a specialty for, say, five years and earning the appropriate certification. Considering that you'd like to have a family, I would recommend that you apply to DrPH programs in epidemiology. You already possess a nursing skill set. You'll become an expert in applied epidemiology AND still be qualified to be a principal investigator. I guess I think the DrPH will dramatically diversify your resume. Good luck!

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