OVERVIEW
What is a Public Health Nurse (PHN)?
Ěý
Public health nursing is a specialty within nursing that focuses on improving the health of entire populations rather than caring for one patient at a time. According to the , those working in public health promote and protect the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences. This population-based approach combines clinical expertise with education, disease prevention, and advocacy to improve community well-being.
Unlike a hospital-based registered nurse, who primarily treats patients after an illness or injury occurs, a public health nurse (PHN) focuses on preventing health problems before they happen. Public health nurses work to reduce health risks, improve access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, and address social and environmental factors that affect health across entire communities.
While the terms public health nursing and community health nursing are often used interchangeably, they are closely related rather than identical. Community health nursing generally refers to nursing care provided within a specific community, while public health nursing emphasizes broader population health initiatives, policy, education, and prevention efforts. Many public health nurses practice community health nursing as part of their work.
Although PHNs typically don’t provide bedside care as their primary responsibility, they first become licensed registered nurses by completing nursing school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or another nursing degree, and passing the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Public Health Nurse Do?
By working with entire communities, public health nurses educate people about health issues, improve community health and safety, and increase access to care. Rather than focusing only on treating illness, PHNs identify community needs and develop programs that improve long-term health outcomes through disease prevention, education, and outreach.
PHNs may also provide direct services—including preventive care, health screenings, immunizations, and health education—to individuals and families who may have limited access to healthcare services.
- Design and implement community health education campaigns.Ěý
- Facilitate disease prevention through immunizations, screenings, and preventive programs.Ěý
- Provide direct healthcare services and education to vulnerable and underserved populations.Ěý
- Identify health risk factors unique to specific communities.Ěý
- Analyze community health data to identify trends, disparities, and emerging health concerns.Ěý
- Coordinate community vaccination efforts and assist with responses to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.Ěý
- Connect underserved populations with local resources, support programs, and preventive services.Ěý
- Inform the public about locally available health programs and services.Ěý
- Partner with schools, nonprofit organizations, and health departments to improve public health initiatives.Ěý
- Advocate with local, state, and federal agencies to improve access to health services.ĚýĚý
Because public health nursing emphasizes prevention, PHNs often spend as much time educating communities as they do providing direct care. Their work can reduce the spread of infectious disease, improve chronic disease management, enhance mental health, and help communities prepare for public health emergencies.
Where Do Public Health Nurses Work?
Local and State Health Departments
Many PHNs work for local or state health departments, where they develop prevention programs, monitor community health trends, coordinate vaccination efforts, investigate disease outbreaks, and educate residents about public health concerns.
Schools and Universities
School-based public health nurses promote student wellness through health education, communicable disease prevention, vaccination initiatives, and collaboration with teachers, parents, and community organizations.
Nonprofit Organizations
Many nonprofit organizations hire PHNs to support underserved populations through outreach programs, maternal and child health initiatives, nutrition education, disaster preparedness, and health equity efforts.
Areas of Focus for Public Health Nursing
One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a public health nurse is the opportunity to develop expertise in a particular area of practice. These focus areas are different from employment settings—they represent the types of public health nursing work you may choose to specialize in throughout your nursing career.
Community HealthĚý
In community health, nurses focus on improving the physical and mental health of people living within a particular geographic area. PHNs promote healthy lifestyles, prevent illness and injury, reduce health disparities, and support healthier environments through education and community partnerships.Ěý
Education
Education is one of the defining responsibilities of public health nursing. Drawing on their clinical expertise as registered nurses, PHNs help individuals and communities understand how to protect their health. They may deliver presentations covering various healthcare topics in schools, senior centers, community organizations, or health fairs.Ěý
Environmental HealthĚý
Environmental health examines how physical surroundings affect human health. Air quality, water quality, housing conditions, workplace safety, and environmental hazards can all influence disease risk and community wellness. As environmental factors linked to climate change continue to affect public health, public health nurses play an increasingly important role.Ěý
EpidemiologyĚý
Epidemiology is the study of how diseases spread through populations. Nurses working in this area analyze health data, identify populations at higher risk, monitor disease outbreaks, evaluate public health programs, and recommend interventions that improve community health outcomes. Although epidemiology specialists may spend less time providing direct patient care, their research and analysis help guide public health decisions at every level.Ěý
Global Health
Global health nurses work to improve health outcomes in low-resource, underserved, or conflict-affected regions around the world. Their responsibilities may include expanding access to primary care, supporting maternal and child health services, responding to infectious disease outbreaks, and providing health education where medical resources are limited.ĚýĚý
Health Policy
Some public health nurses use their clinical experience to influence health policy. They may work with legislators, government agencies, professional organizations, or public health leaders to develop policies that improve access to care and strengthen public health systems. By combining clinical expertise with policy knowledge, PHNs help shape decisions that affect entire populations rather than individual patients.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Public Health Nurse?
The first required step in your educational journey to becoming a PHN is to become licensed as an RN. You are required to pass a national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN before you can practice as a nurse.Ěý
Certain public health nursing jobs, particularly in supervisory roles, require a graduate degree as well. So you may also want to consider enrolling in a master’s program in nursing to give yourself a competitive edge.
While pursuing your degree, look for opportunities to work in or seek additional training in public health, public policy, health administration, and other related subjects. Volunteering with a home health provider or hospice is another way to gain valuable work experience.
Public Health Nurse Certification
There is no single national certification required to become a public health nurse. Requirements vary by state, and California is one of the few states requiring a public health nurse certificate. Optional credentials, such as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification, can strengthen your qualifications, particularly for nurse educator roles.
Best Degrees for aĚýPublic Health Nurse
Health & Nursing
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations:ĚýDue to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents ofĚýArkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition:Ěý$8,755 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time:ĚýThis program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- 91łÔąĎÍř offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting ourĚýBachelor's in Health and Human ServicesĚýinstead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Community Health
- Women's and Children's Nursing
- Pathology
- Physiology
- Research
Health & Nursing
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time:ĚýThe program is designed to be completed in 1 year.
- Tuition:Ěý$5,325 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Healthcare Policy and Economics
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human ServicesĚýinstead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.
- Time: 62% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 37 months.
- Tuition:Ěý$5,325 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $5,035 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSN and MSN in an accelerated program.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree 91łÔąĎÍř offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.
- Time:Ěý61% of grads finish within 23 months
- Tuition: $5,035Ěýper 6-month term
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program
This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree 91łÔąĎÍř offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.
- Time:ĚýStudents typically finish this program inĚý12 months.
- Tuition:Ěý$5,035 per 6-month term.ĚýThe cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Strategic Planning
- Resource Management
- Business Case Analysis
- Evaluating Healthcare Improvements
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations:ĚýDue to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at 91łÔąĎÍř is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.
- Time:ĚýIt takes 2.5 years to complete the coursework and clinical components of this degree program.
- Tuition and fees: $6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced PathophysiologyĚý
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See moreĚýstate-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. MoreĚý.
Health & Nursing
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations:ĚýDue to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at 91łÔąĎÍř is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, North Dakota, and Washington.
- Time:ĚýThis program can be finished within 1.5 years, depending on transfer credit and how quickly you move through core coursework. Please note the clinical components of this program are set.Ěý
- Tuition and fees:Ěý$6,955 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Advanced PathophysiologyĚý
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Behavioral health
- Advanced Pharmacology
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See moreĚýstate-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. MoreĚý.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Public Health Nurse Need?
During your studies, keep in mind the broad range of skills and qualities required to become a successful PHN, including:
- Excellent communication, analytical, negotiating, and problem-solving skills.
- Good interpersonal skills so that you can develop and sustain relationships.
- Strong project management experience.
- The ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands.
- Enthusiasm and a genuine interest in public health.
To succeed as a PHN, you must be able to work well with large groups, listen attentively, and be sensitive to cultural differences. PHNs also have to come up with creative workarounds when resources are scarce while at the same time ensuring they focus their efforts where they will be the most beneficial.Ěý
If this career aligns with your interests, 91łÔąĎÍř’s online nursing degrees can provide the skills, knowledge, and training you’ll need to succeed in a public healthcare role that promises to be gratifying.
How Much Does aĚýPublic Health Nurse Make?
$88,000
According to , the estimated median total pay for a public health nurse in the U.S. is $88,000.ĚýĚýPublic health nurse salaries are often between $76,000 and $103,000, depending on factors like experience and location.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
5%
While not always specified separately, public health nurses fall under the broader category of registered nurses. These roles are projected to grow .Ěý
FAQs About Public Health Nursing
Most employers prefer public health nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), become licensed as a registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN, and obtain state licensure. Some leadership positions prefer candidates with a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or a Master of Public Health.
The timeline depends on your nursing education path. Many students complete a BSN in about four years before passing the NCLEX and gaining RN licensure. Some registered nurses enter the public health field after gaining clinical experience, while others begin working in community settings shortly after graduation.
There is no single national health nursing certification required to work as a public health nurse. Some states require a specific credential or certificate to use the title “public health nurse,” while others do not. Optional certifications—such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential from the National Board of Public Health Examiners—can strengthen your qualifications but generally are not required for employment.
Yes. Many nurse practitioners choose careers in public health by taking roles that provide primary care, preventive services, health education, and chronic disease management for underserved populations. Depending on the role, a nurse practitioner may also lead community health programs, develop public health initiatives, or work alongside public health nurses to improve population health outcomes.
Our Online University Degree Programs Start on the First of Every Month, All Year Long
No need to wait for spring or fall semester. It’s back-to-school time at 91łÔąĎÍř year-round. 91łÔąĎÍř’s online nursing degree programs start every month, giving you the flexibility to begin working toward your goals when the time is right for you. Get started by talking to an Enrollment Counselor today!
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