[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MPH, MSN, or DNP in public health nursing can lead to leadership roles, higher pay, and a broader variety of job options.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Only accredited programs qualify students for licensure, certification, and financial aid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most programs require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and supporting materials such as references and essays.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re looking to advance your career in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-public-health-nursing-programs/”]public health nursing[/hen-ui-link], particularly in a community or government setting, consider earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/public-health/masters/”]master of public health (MPH)[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link], or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree in public health nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the minimum degree requirement to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/how-to-become/”]become a public health nurse[/hen-ui-link] is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link], earning an MPH enables you to specialize in public health and pursue more advanced roles .[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When comparing an MSN with a concentration in public health vs. an MPH, it’s important to note that while these programs may overlap, they are not identical. A public health MSN better suits applicants who wish to remain in the nursing field, while an MPH may be a better option for those wanting to bring their nursing expertise to related fields like epidemiology or environmental health. Some students may be interested in earning both degrees through an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mph-programs/”]MSN-MPH dual degree program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the best MPH programs for you in this ranking and career guide. Find out what to look for, how to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]pay for your degree[/hen-ui-link], and potential career paths.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Public Health Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Public Health Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This ranking was created prior to 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Online Public Health Nursing Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many online programs offer 100% online coursework or asynchronous learning, which allows you to complete coursework on your own time while still meeting deadlines. Other programs are hybrid programs and require you to take courses [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/in-person-vs-online-nursing-programs/”]in person and online[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If an online program is accredited, it must meet the same standards as an in-person program, including the number of clinical hours. Online public health nursing programs require that students get hands-on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical experience[/hen-ui-link] by participating in clinical practices within their local community. MPH programs require field experience, but unlike an MSN in public health programs, this requirement doesn’t emphasize direct patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online programs usually provide students with access to online libraries, discussion boards, and digital resources to facilitate engaging learning experiences. In addition, students receive online support from faculty and academic advisors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Public Health Nursing Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the right online public health nursing program is a big decision. Typical steps include narrowing your search to just a few options, ensuring you meet the admission requirements, and submitting your application and all other required admission materials.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Applicants typically need a BSN from an accredited program to apply for public health MSN programs. If you are applying for an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-msn/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] or an accelerated or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry MSN[/hen-ui-link] program, you will not be required to have a BSN. Most programs require a year or more of nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]You will likely need at least two professional references, transcripts from an undergraduate program, an active, unencumbered [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]registered nurse license[/hen-ui-link], a personal essay, a resume, and an application. Some programs also require background checks or certain immunizations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]

GPA Requirement: A GPA of 3.0 or higher is usually required. If your GPA is below the required threshold, speak to an advisor to discuss other potential options.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why is Public Health Nursing Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]Nursing program accreditation[/hen-ui-link] demonstrates that the program meets quality standards. The accreditation process for graduate nursing programs involves a third-party review of its curriculum, courses, and instructors to ensure the program meets the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation” target=”_blank”]Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) [/hen-ui-link]standards of safe nursing practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several reasons accreditation is essential, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses must attend accredited programs to be eligible to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link], become licensed, and obtain nursing certifications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates from non-accredited BSN programs may not be eligible for graduate school.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit transfers from an unaccredited school are generally not accepted.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal aid and other lenders will only approve [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial assistance[/hen-ui-link] for accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers require that nurses complete accredited programs to ensure they have learned safe nursing practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Public Health Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a public health nursing degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A public health nursing degree focuses on public health nursing and is typically offered at the graduate level. An MSN focusing on public health is an example of a public health nursing degree. While an MPH is a popular option for nurses interested in public health, it’s not a public health nursing degree. People from various related backgrounds can earn an MPH.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What jobs can a public health nurse do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nursing careers vary and include roles as school nurses, public health educators, occupational health nurses, researchers, and epidemiologists.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is public health nursing a good career?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nursing can be ideal for nurses interested in managing and educating populations instead of focusing on individuals or providing direct patient care. Whether the specific roles and salaries are a good fit depends on your unique goals and interests.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between an RN and a public health nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs provide care to individuals and families in various healthcare settings. A public health nurse typically works in community-based settings, addressing the broad health needs of entire groups or populations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]