Master of Science in Nursing
Public Health Nursing
Experience the difference...as you prepare to make one.
The University of Florida MSN in Public Health Nursing (PHN) is the first of its kind in Florida. This 46-credit hour program can be taken mostly online and offers full- and part-time options. The program prepares graduates for leadership positions in a variety of population-focused health care settings.
- Public health nurses (PHNs) assess the health status of entire community populations and develop programs and policies to positively impact the community’s health. By developing enhanced disease surveillance, creating health promotion campaigns and influencing public policy, PHNs are able to influence many health factors such as the control of infectious diseases, asthma management, injury prevention, breastfeeding rates, preterm deliveries, and low birth weight rates.
Graduates are eligible for certification as Clinical Nurse Specialist in Public/Community Health Nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). They are prepared to serve in a variety of advanced public health nursing positions including:
- nursing consultant with a state department of health
- faculty at colleges of nursing and public health
- director of a county public health department
- chief executive officer of a non-profit health organization
- public health nurse with an international health organization
- director of infection control in a large regional hospital
- health promotion specialist for a senior citizen agency
- health services planner for a managed care organization
- supervisor of clinical services for a community clinic
- environmental health specialist
- occupational health program director
- school nurse/director of student health services for a school district or university
- commissioned officer with the U.S. Public Health Service
- community health nurse with the Indian Health Service
Program Description
The multidisciplinary course work focuses on PHN leadership competencies and interventions for promoting the health of populations. Program planning, surveillance and assessment, epidemiology, and environmental health are taught in conjunction with the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions. Opportunities to combine this MSN degree with a Master of Public Health degree or graduate certificate are under consideration.
This program includes two clinical courses and a practicum. Students may enroll in full-time (12 hours) or part-time (6 hours) study. See the sample full-time and part-time curriculum plans. Clinical experiences provide students with opportunities to work with nursing leaders in a variety of population-focused settings in the student’s local area. State, national and international experiences are also available.
Teaching Delivery Methods
Our MSN in Public Health Nursing courses have the same rigor of a traditional program, but are offered primarily online with interactive Web-based seminars that help students further their education with minimal commuting to the Gainesville campus. Students periodically come to campus for orientation to the program and seminars in selected courses. They may also meet at professional conferences (e.g., Florida Association of Public Health Nurses and Florida Public Health Association) to interact with classmates, faculty and other health care professionals.
Courses employ a variety of new technologies including video streaming, video conferencing, and web communication options, which allow students to talk with their classmates via the Internet. Computing, library and other student support services are available to help online learners develop their computer skills and succeed.
Application Process
Applicants should refer to the Master of Science in Nursing page for admission criteria and application process information.
The deadline for all MSN clinical tracks is March 15 (see Note* below).
*Note: The March 15 deadline for the MSN program indicates the earliest date when the College will begin accepting students. After March 15, applications to the MSN program will be accepted until May 31st and students will be accepted on a space available basis.
Sample full time and part-time curriculum plans.
Contact information:
All general MSN program inquiries should be directed to:
Coordinator of Graduate Student Affairs
Cecile Kiley
UF College of Nursing
PO Box 100197
Gainesville , FL 32610-0197
(352) 273-6331
Ckiley@ufl.edu
For specific information regarding the Public Health Nursing MSN track, contact:
Dr. Nancy Tigar
Clinical Coordinator
NLTigar@ufl.edu
(352) 273-6402
or
Dr. Barbara Battin Little
Clinical Assistant Professor
BBLittle@ufl.edu
(941) 961-7042