Public health officials do their best to prevent widespread disaster or disease by informing citizens of rising cases, but this is not their only role.
According to the American Public Health Association (APHA), “Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. (Public health workers) also promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.”
These professionals also work to ensure healthcare facilities apply the rules and regulations established by their organizations. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve and promote the health of everyone in the area. The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Public and Population Health program from Worcester State University provides the necessary training and creates opportunities for a successful career in public health nursing.
Difference Between MSN and MPH Degrees
Many MSN and Master of Public Health (MPH) students study the same topics but have unique specializations.
This post from Get Blogo states that “in nursing, (MSN students) are also focusing on the public health components. Meanwhile, in the MPH degree, they may focus on the role of nurses too.”
MSN graduates can work in positions such as:
- Nurse practitioner of family and pediatrics
- Nursing informing specialist
- Gerontological and psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Clinical nurse researcher
- Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) specialist
- Nurse ethicist
- Nurse educator
In contrast, MPH graduates can work in positions like:
- Epidemiologist
- Healthcare administrator
- Health informatics specialist
- Public health project manager
- Public healthcare educator
- Public healthcare consultant
Nurses typically spend more time with patients and their families because they work in healthcare facilities daily. Public health officials work in different organizations that typically interact with the community through announcements, advertisements, or public health community events.
Career Opportunities With an MSN Public and Population Health
An MSN Public and Population Health degree is different than a standard MSN degree because it defines the public health field more than most nursing practices. As a result, these nurses have unique career opportunities distinct from the usual practitioner roles in healthcare settings.
These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
1. Education – Manager of School Health Services
Nurses pursuing an educational track can find a career in school health services. A manager of school health services makes announcements concerning students’ health. These individuals make an average of $98,767 annually as of December 2021.
2. Healthcare – Director of Clinical Services
The Director of Clinical Services oversees a healthcare organization. These professionals ensure the facility runs smoothly, manage staff, and regulate health safety. Individuals in this role earn an average of $87,526 annually as of December 2021.
3. Government – Public Health Service Nurse
Public health service nurses specialize in one field to serve the community better. They evaluate and analyze data to develop a specific plan for improving public health. These individuals make an average of $78,961 annually as of December 2021.
4. Nonprofit – Mental Health Project Manager
Mental health project managers work in a mental health facility to ensure programs are operating without disruption and that all patients receive proper care. These individuals earn an average of $72,949 annually as of August 2021.
Transform Your Life With an MSN Public and Population Health Degree
One way to transform your life and career field as a nurse is to further your education and earn your MSN degree. Students in the online MSN Public and Population Health program at Worcester State University will improve community-wide health initiatives by sharing unique nursing expertise and perspective.
Students explore the most relevant issues in today’s large-scale health industry and can specialize in global and cross-cultural health or health systems transformation. With the program’s accelerated design, students will cultivate this multidisciplinary care approach in as few as 18 months.
This program helps students advance into community roles that even an MPH cannot, such as expanded nursing positions, unique teaching opportunities, and global clinical healthcare service. It also prepares them for further post-graduate or doctoral study. For example, the Public and Population Health Nursing Theory and Practice course covers the history of public health to promote compassionate healthcare practices. In the Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice in Public and Population Health course, students focus on nursing theory’s role in both research and practice.
Each future public and population health nurse will be able to specialize their practice by enrolling in graduate education programs such as a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or APRN/NP.
Learn more about Worcester State University’s online MSN Public and Population Health program.
