Route to getting an MPH

[nurseshanti]

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Hi! I just found this site and I'm really excited about this forum in particular.

I am just finishing up my BScN but my main career goal is to work in public health, especially in international health. I have a fair bit of varied international experience in Southeast Asia, India and West Africa. I'm thinking quite seriously about getting my MPH after getting some experience as an RN and I'm wondering whether it's possible to even take that route to get an MPH.... or do you need to be an MD? I'm really really passionate about public health and I hope that I don't need to be a doctor to pursue that dream!

Thanks!

 

[Heal&Teach]

Hi nurseshanti!!!!!

Welcome to SDN!

No, you do not have to have an MD, or any other terminal degree to get the MPH degree. There are some schools of public health that do require their students to have terminal degrees or some work experience, but the majority of them do not require this. The fact that you have some international experience will be very helpful in your application process, and nursing would be quite beneficial, as you will be an asset to others when you share your personal experiences. There are probably as many people who go into public health right out of undergrad as there are people who have worked for several years before returning to school. Having said this, I'd encourage you to get a couple of years of nursing experience and when you're ready to return to school, find a good public health program compatible with your goals. You'll be an awesome public health nurse! 🙂

Best,
H&T

 

[apgmph]

Just repeating what Heal&Teach said. Most programs don't require a MD (to be honest I don't know of any that do). There were 3 nurses in the MPH program I went to. And definitely your international experience will help not only in the admission process, but after when you are working. Good luck with it.

 

[Heal&Teach]

Most programs don't require a MD (to be honest I don't know of any that do).

The main one I think of is Harvard. Other schools like Columbia and Johns Hopkins prefer work experience (not just a terminal degree), but do accept some students right out of undergrad.

 

[Adcadet]

did to what Heal & Teach said. I got to work with some nurses (and docs) in my program, and both brought different persepctives. I think the nursing philosophy/mindset/culture brings with it some very important ideas that PH has, is, and will use.