The Public Health Nursing specialty, designed for both novice and experienced nurses, supports the transition to leadership positions in public/community health or population-focused health care. Its emphasis is on a systems approach to integrating both social determinants of health and evidenced-based practice in health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management for targeted populations, aiding in the development of leadership and advanced public health skills in community-based assessment, program planning, interventions and outcomes.

Advanced skills include leading and influencing local, state and regional public health agencies through advocacy, social justice, policy development and analysis, development of community partnerships and grant development. Also significant to this role is the attainment of leadership skills to support local to national public health/population-based practice.

Graduates will find employment in state and federal agencies, academic health centers, school health, global health and as leaders in community-based, non-profit and advocacy agencies. All required courses are offered online.

Stackable Program: To encourage career and academic progression, students who have completed the Population Health Nursing Certificate have special Graduate Studies approval to apply the five certificate courses (NRSG 808, 809, 811, 826, and 880) to the master's program degree requirements.

Summary of Course Requirements

Common Core

Leadership Core

Public Health Nursing Specialty Core