Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Public Health Nursing Emphasis
journey today.
Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Public Health Nursing can prepare you to be actively involved in the coordination, planning, development, implementation and evaluation of health programs and services. It is designed for nurses interested in disease prevention and community and population health.
Public health nursing is a nursing specialty that focuses on population health in an effort to prevent disease and disability and promote wellness. As an aspiring public health nurse, you will have the opportunity to define, assess and help create solutions to current public health concerns. You will also have the opportunity to evaluate emerging treatments and policies that can help change the public health landscape and reduce the prevalence of disease, injuries and other medical conditions.
You can explore public health nursing competencies from virtually anywhere with convenient online classes from GCU. Our interactive e-learning platform enables you to access course material digitally and enjoy academically stimulating discussions with your peers and instructors while you continue to meet your current commitments. You can benefit from the same quality of instruction online as you would in a classroom on campus.1
This Degree Is Offered Online
In this master’s in nursing program, you will examine content and knowledge from both nursing and public health fields. You will explore public health policies, theories, principles and their applications to practical situations. As part of the program, you will complete an evidence-based practice project tailored to your specific area of interest. This program also culminates with a practicum experience, in which you will apply public health nursing concepts and skills in a public health setting.
As a graduate of the master’s in nursing: public health nursing emphasis, you can provide population-based care that is respectful of human dignity and patient autonomy in accordance with Christian principles. You can recognize the unique role patients’ spirituality and your own spirituality plays in healthcare decision-making processes and management of care. You will be taught to advocate for ethical healthcare policies and promote public health and wellness in efforts to reduce health disparities, as well as improve the quality of life for diverse communities and populations.
Competencies for this program include:
Other MSN Emphases
Here are other available MSN emphasis programs you can choose from to tailor your degree to your career goals:
Public health nursing courses can prepare you to pursue a broad range of careers in this subfield.
Graduates may go on to explore positions in areas such as:2
Public health
Clinical research
Epidemiology
Health services
Clinical trials
Medical writing
As you consider your choice of schools and programs for your master’s in nursing, it’s important to ensure that the school you choose is institutionally accredited. Accreditation is a reflection of the quality of the school. GCU is an institutionally accredited university that pursues academic excellence.
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, the master’s degree programs in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Grand Canyon University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
For more information on the accreditation of nursing programs and other university approvals, please visit our University Accreditation and Regulations page.
MSN: Public Health Nursing Emphasis FAQs
Before heading back to school, take the time to carefully consider your career path choices so that you can make an informed decision for your future. Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about public health nursing and earning your MSN.
Public health nurses and community health nurses are both professionals who work to improve the health of communities, with a focus on health education. However, there are some differences. Public health nurses focus on the goal of preventing illnesses across a population, as well as promoting wellness and healthy practices. They work as advocates for populations. In contrast, community health nurses track and review health-related resources that communities have access to, and they work more directly with the public. They function as advocates for individuals within the community.3
Public health nurses work with individuals and families that make up communities and the systems that affect those communities. They work in a variety of settings including health departments, schools, homes, community health centers, clinics, correctional facilities and worksites.4
A public health nurse’s primary focus is to work toward disease and injury prevention, as well as the promotion of health and safety for a population. Working from health departments, clinics and other agencies, public health nurses serve as advocates for entire communities. They design and implement health education campaigns to raise awareness about a particular issue that is affecting the population.5
A public health nurse can have a significant impact on an entire population of people. Through their work, members of a community can be empowered to improve their health by reducing the risk of diseases and injuries, and learning how to make healthier lifestyle choices. Public health nursing is also crucial for increasing access to care and connecting communities to the health services they need.6
As you get ready to begin your master’s in nursing, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, make any necessary adjustments to your schedule to accommodate your courses, particularly if you’re planning on taking evening classes on campus. It’s also a good idea to set aside time in your schedule for studying and completing assignments.
Prepare to make a positive impact on the health of whole communities as a public health nurse. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s MSN: public health nursing emphasis program. Learn more by filling out the form on this page.
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Clinical, practicum and immersion hours completed locally.
- Indeed. (2023, March 16). Jobs You Can Pursue With a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Indeed. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
- Indeed. (2022, June 24). Public Health Nursing Vs. Community Health Nursing. Indeed. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
- Association of Public Health Nurses. (n.d.). What Is a PHN? Association of Public Health Nurses. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
- CDC NERD Academy. (n.d.). Public Health Nurse. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.
- White, A. (2022, Nov. 21). Public Health Nursing and Its importance. Nursing CE Central. Retrieved Sept. 22, 2023.