[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses work in many [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-specialty-career-choices-for-nursing/”]specialty areas[/hen-ui-link], including public health. But what is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/public-health-nurse/”]public health nurse (PHN)[/hen-ui-link]?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs improve health and well-being by focusing on disease prevention, health education, and public safety. Many work with under-resourced social groups and communities, advocating for measures and policies that improve quality of life.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is public health nursing a good fit for you? Our guide covers how to become a public health nurse, including job requirements, career paths, and salary data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]4 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Optional Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]CPH[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Public Health Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] who specialize in public health. Also known as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/top-community-health-nursing-jobs/”]community health nurses[/hen-ui-link], PHNs identify and address health problems among diverse communities and populations. Many PHNs specialize in a particular facet of health, such as infectious disease control, access to healthcare, or behavioral health. Behavioral health includes mental health care or, specifically, opioid crisis response.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The responsibilities of a PHN include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Delivering nursing care in health clinics, such as administering immunizations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating communities on preventative care and wellness[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Designing and delivering health promotion programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creating training programs for other public health professionals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Improving health status through targeted interventions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Preparing for emergencies or public health crises[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs also advocate for policies that address social issues, such as the population’s overall health or access to care.[/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 Nursing 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″]Steps to Becoming a Public Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a PHN starts with earning a nursing degree. PHNs typically need a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] for entry-level roles. Here are the steps that PHNs take to work in this nursing specialty:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most careers in public health nursing require a four-year BSN. Students with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge program[/hen-ui-link], and those with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can apply for an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In every state, RNs must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-link] to qualify for a license. After passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses apply for their RN license from their state board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Public Health Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can gain experience in public health or community health nursing at nonprofit organizations, hospitals, or health systems. PHNs benefit from working with specific populations, such as under-resourced communities, or in a particular specialty, such as behavioral or youth health. Other ways to gain public health experience include working for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.fqhc.org/what-is-an-fqhc” target=”_blank”]federally qualified health centers[/hen-ui-link] or in rural communities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming Certified[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning specialty certification validates RNs’ knowledge and experience. The only accrediting body that certifies RNs for PHN status is the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbphe.org/” target=”_blank”]National Board of Public Health Examiners[/hen-ui-link] (NBPHE), which awards the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbphe.org/certified-in-public-health/” target=”_blank”]Certified in Public Health (CPH)[/hen-ui-link] credential.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public Health Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is the fastest educational pathway to becoming an RN, but many employers require a BSN. PHNs who want to advance their education can consider a graduate degree to specialize in advanced practice nursing, administration, or nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]ADN degree[/hen-ui-link] takes two years to complete and typically requires a high school diploma or GED certificate for admission. Tuition is usually lower than a BSN and is the shortest and fastest path to licensure.[/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]High school diploma or GED certificate is required; some programs require a 2.0 or higher GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]Emphasis on practical nursing skills, with coursework in physiology, health assessment, and medical-surgical nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]Practical nursing skills, including patient care, conducting tests, collecting patient data, and patient safety[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A four-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] covers more of the theory of healthcare and nursing than an ADN. Coursework in community nursing and nursing leadership can be valuable for public health RNs. However, it is typically more expensive per credit hour and takes longer to complete.[/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]Requirements vary by school but typically include a 3.0 GPA and a high school diploma or GED certificate. More competitive schools may require a 3.25 or higher GPA and/or successful science and math coursework.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum: [/hen-ui-text]Practical nursing skills, patient communication and education, an understanding of how the healthcare system works, and disease prevention[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete: [/hen-ui-text]Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned: [/hen-ui-text]Patient care and safety, infection control, communication and education, and basic health research.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Further Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs who want to advance their education can earn a graduate degree with a focus on public health. These programs, which take 1-4 years, prepare PHNs for greater responsibilities and a higher earning potential.[/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”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]Specializing in public health, nurse education, or nursing administration can prepare RNs for leadership roles in public health organizations. MSN programs also prepare [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/public-health/masters/”]MPH Degree[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/public-health/masters/”]master of public health (MPH)[/hen-ui-link] prepares nurses for management or other advanced positions in public health. The curriculum includes advanced public health, public policy, epidemiology, and social determinants of health classes. PHNs can also consider a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mph-programs/”]dual degree MSN-MPH[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]DNP Degree[/hen-ui-link]: [/hen-ui-text]The[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”] doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree[/hen-ui-link] with a concentration in public health prepares APRNs for important roles in public health, including leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public Health Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs, including those who specialize in public health, must hold a license from their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Nursing schools typically help students navigate this process, including applying for a license, submitting NCLEX-RN scores, and meeting any state-specific requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs may choose to pursue the certified public health (CPH) credential from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nbphe.org/certified-in-public-health/cph-eligibility-requirements/” target=”_blank”]NBPHE[/hen-ui-link]. This credential recognizes nurses with expertise in public health. To become a CPH nurse, candidates must have either a BSN or MSN and five years of experience in public health (or a graduate degree and three years of experience).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although not required, certification demonstrates your knowledge of and commitment to public health, and many employers strongly prefer or require it.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public Health Nurse Job and Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working as a PHN offers many options and opportunities. PHNs earn an average salary of $75,290, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]February 2025 Payscale data[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PHNs can work in different specialties within the public health sector, including with specific communities or populations. They also work with international public health groups.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work settings for PHNs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Government departments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools and universities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nonprofit organizations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Occupational health programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health consulting groups[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Public Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is public health nurse a good career?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nursing can be a fulfilling career, especially for nurses interested in non-bedside nursing positions. Public health nurses focus on health and disease prevention through community education and advocacy.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long do you have to go to school to be a public health nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nurses typically need a bachelor of science in nursing, which takes full-time students four years to complete. RNs with an associate degree can enroll in a 1-2 year RN-to-BSN program to become a public health nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What exactly does a public health nurse do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nurses develop health education programs, provide care at health clinics, and advocate for policies that address health risks. They may administer immunizations, lead educational programs, and work to improve access to healthcare for marginalized communities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Where do public health nurses make the most money?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public health nurses report the highest salaries in Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and Alaska, according to ZipRecruiter data. These states all report average salaries of more than $84,000 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]