What to expect by obtaining my MSN\MPH?

[NICU-RN]

I am an RN,BSN seriously considering getting an MSN\MPH in another year or so. I would like to know what types of courses are involved with obtaining the degree? What projects you had to perform? How long it took to get your degree? Where and what you did for clinicals?? Did you write many papers? Did you consider the courses difficult? How things have changed since you obtained your MSN\MPH job\income wise? Any other important information would be great! Thanks.

[AWanderingMinstral]

borntowearscrubsRN, I finished the MPH in May 2011 at the University of Pittsburgh. I concentrated in infectious diseases and microbiology. I would highly recommend that you take an introductory course in epidemiology. If you like it, I would pursue a concentration in that area. With your experience in the OR and a MPH in "epi," you could easily be an infection control practitioner. My plan is to take the certification exam in infection control (CIC) in the next three months and follow that path. It pays well, you get away from the bedside, and it's M-F. Feel free to PM with other questions! Good luck!

[flipflopsRN]

THanks wanderingmistrel, might take you up on thhat. Wasy our MPH online? UFs program is for public health practice...no specialization for online. But its such a good school. The others I could specialize.

[AWanderingMinstral]

No, my MPH program was classroom-based. I prefer the face-to-face interaction. If you go the Council on Education for Public Health's (CEPH) website, you can search for online programs. Of all the concentrations, it seems that biostatistics or epidemiology have the best job prospects. Good luck!