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Transforming Community Health
Make an Impact
Learn to improve the health of diverse, often underserved populations in community settings through one of three distinct public health programs at Johns Hopkins. The MSN Public Health Nursing Track opens doors to leadership positions in health education, program development, consultation, and administration.
Expect Innovation
Those who earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in Public Health Nursing work toward primary prevention, illness prevention, and health promotion. They design, deliver, and evaluate nursing services to diverse communities using knowledge from nursing, public health, and health policy; specialize in community health nursing, often providing orientation, staff development, consultation, and leadership to nurse generalists; and practice in a variety of settings, including local and state health departments, federal and state agencies, schools, and non-governmental agencies.
Certification
The MSN Public Health Nursing Track prepares students with entry level clinical knowledge and skills in this specialty after initial RN licensure and graduate education. A new assessment methodology to achieve ANCC board certification in advanced public health nursing is in place. Although no exam is required, certification through portfolio is required. Information about the portfolio requirements is available here.
Learn More from our Faculty and Students
Additional Information
View a recording of the MSN Public Health Nursing virtual information session.
Priority Application Deadline
Not accepting applications for the 2018/2019 Academic Year. Check out our joint degree MSN Public Health Nursing/MPH.
MSN/MPH Public Health Nursing
This joint degree option is offered in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

89% NCLEX Pass Rate
Curriculum
Public Health Nursing
-
Full Curriculum (36 credits, 504 Clinical Hours)
Nursing Core Courses
- Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Basis for Nursing (3)
- The Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
- Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
Cognates (Required)
- Environmental Health (3/5 units) *
- Principles of Epidemiology (3/5 units) *
or Epidemiologic Inference in Public Health (3/5 units) *
Major
- Program Development and Evaluation in Health Care (2)
- Public Health Nursing Theory and Practice (3)
- Public Health Nursing Theory & Practice Practicum (3, 168 cl)
- Population-Based Public Health Nursing Interventions Practicum (3, 168 cl)
- Public Health Nursing: Leadership and Management (3)
- Public Health Nursing: Leadership, Management, and Evaluation Practicum (3, 168 cl)
- Elective (1)
Public Health Nursing Track with Pathway to Nurse Midwifery
(Not accepting applications for 2017-2018 Academic Year.)
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Full Curriculum (48 credits, 540 Clinical Hours)
Nursing Core Courses
- Philosophical, Theoretical, and Ethical Basis for Nursing (3)
- The Research Process and Its Application to Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing (3)
- Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Practice (3)
Cognates (Required)
- Environmental Health (3/5 units) *
- Principles of Epidemiology (3/5 units) *
or Epidemiologic Inference in Public Health (3/5 units) * - Physiological/Pathophysiological Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice (3)
- Clinical Pharmacology (3)
- Health Assessment and Measurement: Adult/Gero Variation (1)
- Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement (2, 36 cl)
- Advanced Practice in Women's Primary, Gynecologic, and Antenatal Care (4)
Major
- Program Development and Evaluation in Health Care (2)
- Public Health Nursing Theory and Practice (3)
- Public Health Nursing Theory & Practice Practicum (3, 168 cl)
- Population-Based Public Health Nursing Interventions Practicum (3, 168 cls)
- Public Health Nursing: Leadership and Management (3)
- Public Health Nursing: Leadership, Management, and Evaluation Practicum (3, 168 cl)
- Elective (1)
* Courses taken at Bloomberg School of Public Health
Course Schedules and Descriptions Academic Catalog
Funding Opportunities
Scholarships & Grants
Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit.
To be given consideration for a Merit Scholarship Award, you must be accepted for admission by March 1.
Loans
Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing Education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs.
Employment
Many students locate part-time employment to help pay education expenses. Numerous positions are available on campus and within various community-based organizations. These jobs provide students with opportunities to gain practical work experience. Most positions are funded through the Federal Work-Study Program.