Master of public health
To work in the public health setting, the standard is a master's level degree, which is the Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH).
A master's degree will be a minimum, for anyone pursuing careers based strongly on research. After earning a Public Health degree, you’ll be equipped to work in government, community-based, data management and private sector public health roles and can continue on to graduate studies.
A bachelor’s degree in public health prepares you for a entry level data management opportunity. Ena-L, RN, M.Ed
You can work in a County or State Health Department as an RN with any degree (depending on where you live), but if you want to get into research or a specialty, you may need at least a Master's Degree. The first step would be to figure out at what you want to do in Public Health then look at what qualifications you'd need to reach your goal. Good luck!
There is no certification currently for public health, but if you want, you can go for Masters in Public Health. Not needed, but it might open more opportunities for you
It is essential to have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing if you are thinking about specializing in public health. In a BSN program you will study the origins of public health, principles of public health, and perhaps actually go to public health settings to observe or receive experience outside of a hospital. If you are a visiting nurse, you will have to adapt to the home setting and continuously problem solve how some usual hospital procedures are to be done in the home.
A good mentor, who will guide you and help you adapt to different situations, will be a valuable resource.
In public health settings the nurse is not in control of every situation as in the hospital. Responsibility for continuation of care falls on the patient and his/her support system. That is sometimes the hardest lesson for any nurse to be comfortable with.
