What kind of Degree do I need for Public Health Nursing?

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hello,

I have been browsing through threads and came across some that were helpful but I needed more clarity on my question. I have a BS in Public Health and I am interested in becoming a Public health Nurse. I have been going back and forth with where I should be and where I should go and I am now at a Community College taking science courses. I am feeling that I need to get my Bachelor's in nursing instead of an Associate's. So my question is, to become a public health nurse should I get my BSN and then my MPH?

I hope someone can help me so I can get on with my degrees. I'm so frustrated.:(

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Specializes in ER; CCT.
hello,

I have been browsing through threads and came across some that were helpful but I needed more clarity on my question. I have a BS in Public Health and I am interested in becoming a Public health Nurse. I have been going back and forth with where I should be and where I should go and I am now at a Community College taking science courses. I am feeling that I need to get my Bachelor's in nursing instead of an Associate's. So my question is, to become a public health nurse should I get my BSN and then my MPH?

I hope someone can help me so I can get on with my degrees. I'm so frustrated.:(

Hi and welcome to allnurses,

There is much debate related to this topic. The general consensus is that at a minimum, a BSN is required for entry level and a Masters in Nursing with an emphasis on public health is preferred. In a two year ADN program, the emphasis is on technical proficiency with a fundamental understanding of nursing process. Although systems integration in AA programs discuss the public and community in the context of a client, there is minimal coursework.

In a BSN program, there is more education provided with working with communities as the client with integration of nursing theory and process driving, informing and directing care. At the masters level, you discover additional models of care and theory to help guide care of the community as a client.

I really didn't think the distinsion between the various levels were too important until I started working as a public health nurse.

Also, check with your local state boards of nursing and public health for certification requirments. In California, as an example, you can not hold yourself out as a public health nurse unless you are certified by the BON which requires a minimum of a BSN or BA/BS in a related field with additional coursework on top of the RN.

Hope this has helped.

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:redbeathe :redbeatheOh thanks. You are the first person that gave me straight forward answers. Oh Bless you. :redbeathe:redbeathe

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Definitely the BSN, at a minimum.

And Tammy, thanks for that answer. Really helkpful.

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In my state, public health nurses are required to have a BSN and a state PHN certificate (included in some/most/all? BSN programs). We had a rotation with these nurses as students in my BSN program. They picked up cases and made visits in the community. It was one of my favorite rotations! Too short!

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Specializes in ER.

A BSN is required to work at the Public Health Dept where I live.

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I graduated with a BSN and we were able to apply for a public health certificate.

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Hi,to become a Public Health Nurse you should have a BSN and pass the Nurse Licensure Exam and at least a you have two years related work experience to qualify .

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My BSN program granted a public health nurse certificate. Not all BSN programs in my state do.

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Specializes in TB nursing/ research.

I actually entered public health with an ADN degree - This was the only job offer I got, after applying to many hospitals. I am very happy with my job and actually really enjoy being a PHN.

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i got a bsn in nursing, worked the floor for almost a year and then became a phn. i think it really varies from state to state. if you want to be in a managerial position it is best to have the bsn and/or msn (ph) or mph.

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Hi MagsRN2008,

I am trying to get into Public Health as a new grad, and I was wondering how you went about it. I am currently looking in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks in advance!

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