Public Health Nursing certification?

Published

is anyone familiar with the public health nursing certificate? what kind of job opportunities are available to someone with a public health nursing certificate versus a public health nurse practitioner? thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I should probably let my wife answer this, because she has one. It has opened allot of doors for her. Got her off floor nursing and into occupational health. She has worked for a couple large corporations since doing wellness programs and alike. She got a pretty good jump in pay as well. Being who she is she is now bored with that and going on for her DNP, but I would kill for her job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

A PHN Certificate can be received by a BSN nurse that has taken the exam to become certified in public health. I have a BSN and graduated from a school accredited in education of community and public health therefore I have my PHN License. A public health nurse practitioner is one with a masters degree or higher.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
I should probably let my wife answer this, because she has one. It has opened allot of doors for her. Got her off floor nursing and into occupational health. She has worked for a couple large corporations since doing wellness programs and alike. She got a pretty good jump in pay as well. Being who she is she is now bored with that and going on for her DNP, but I would kill for her job.

How did you wife study for the exam? Did she have to have a certain # of hours? I love L&D but would really like to get into public health and a 9-5 job when I start having kids and they start school. I have my BSN and PHN. Also, is there a difference between a certificate in public health and being certified in public health? Seems like a dumb question but from my understanding a certificate in public health is for an ASN that wants to get addition education and a certificate so they can apply for their PHN license; but a Public Health Nursing Certification is an additional exam a PHN takes to show she is specialized in a nursing field, such as a CCRN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Med/Surg, NICU,.

Good question, I want to get into Public Health too and am finishing my BSN now. I don't know if I should go on for my DNP or MPH or get a certificate. I don't think you can do anything with the certificate because your not qualified to sit for the test... is that right? It's also hard since the movement is to do DNP now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

She got a regents certificate. She did have bachelors prior to it (she originally graduated nursing school with a BSN). She got it online no clinical required. I will email her this post and see if I can get her to respond with better answers than me. She later went on to get her masters in nursing but it was not connected to her public health certificate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Med/Surg, NICU,.

Thanks for the response. I am also becoming a lactation consultant and not sure if going back for an mph or above is worth it now or if a certificate will give me a good start at gaining more knowledge and experience. Also I wonder if I will always have to say I'm certified in PH since you don't get credentials behind your name. Can't wait to hear from the Mrs. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the input everybody! I'm applying to a master's entry program, so after completion I would have a MSN. The program also qualifies graduates to apply for the Public Health Nursing Certificate. Afterwards, I could go onto become a Public Health Nurse Practitioner or get a MPH or just stick with the certificate. But what I'm confused about is how each path translates into the job market.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks for the input everybody! I'm applying to a master's entry program, so after completion I would have a MSN. The program also qualifies graduates to apply for the Public Health Nursing Certificate. Afterwards, I could go onto become a Public Health Nurse Practitioner or get a MPH or just stick with the certificate.

You mentioned the "Public Health Nursing Certificate." Are you referring to the Advanced Public Health Nursing (APHN-BC) certification from ANCC?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got an RN license with an ADN 15 years ago. I had been an LVN for 17 before that. Are there any programs for RN's without a BSN, to get their PHN certificate? I have no interest or time to get the BSN. Thanks for your input. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
is anyone familiar with the public health nursing certificate? what kind of job opportunities are available to someone with a public health nursing certificate versus a public health nurse practitioner? thanks!
i also have the similar question regarding in community health. i am nursing student and this is my final semester for my adn program. i also don't like to work in the hospital or bed side care. i want to work as a community health nurse. after i get my rn, can i work as a community health nurse? or do i need hospital experience?
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

In California you have to have a BSN and also apply for a PHN cert from the board of Reg Nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion