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Meet Maryesther Sanchez: Public Health Nurse and Walden Graduate
Passionate about public health, this Walden alumna wants to use her MSN in Nursing Education degree to help others.
Master of Science in Nursing Degree Online
Master of Science in Nursing – Public Health Nursing
Request InformationImpact communities as a public health leader, educator, and advocate with our MSN public health specialization.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule August 29, 2022
Accreditations
CCNE Accredited
No. 1 in Master of Science in Nursing graduates in the U.S.¹
As a nurse, you see the disparities in healthcare firsthand—and you’re ready to challenge the status quo. With an MSN public health specialization from Walden, you can take the lead in promoting health awareness and equitable access in your community. Gain the interdisciplinary perspective and skills to help empower entire populations to live healthier lives.
An MSN specialization in Public Health Nursing can prepare you to shift from direct patient care to managing community health initiatives, particularly for the underserved. Get the tools you need to make a tangible impact, from developing population-based nursing interventions to preparing for and responding to disasters.
Why Choose Walden?
Unlock your inner leader
Develop the skills needed to provide effective public health leadership at community, state, national, and global levels.
keep communities safe
Explore and discuss global health problems, including infectious diseases and the effects of disasters on human health.
DISCOVER IMMERSIVE LEARNING
Interactive learning technologies, assessments, and case studies prepare you for real scenarios you’ll face in the field.
IMPACT LIVES AND COMMUNITIES
Apply your new knowledge in a practicum project that addresses a real public health issue.
CONNECT WITH OUR ALUMNI
Find inspiration, ideas, and camaraderie within our community of 36,500 College of Nursing graduates.
Practicum Advantage
Get the support you need for a successful experience at all stages of your nursing practicum.
PROGRAM SAVINGS
Receive up to a $3,000 Walden Care & Compassion Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on August 29, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started Now-
Choose the BSN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) and have already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 53 quarter credits
- Core courses (23 cr.)
- Specialization courses (30 cr.)
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits Core Courses
NURS 6002/6003 Transition to Graduate Study for NursingIn this course students are introduced to Walden University and online learning. Students explore strategies for the successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN Practicum are introduced.
3 cr. PUBH 6127 Public Health Policy, Politics and ProgressIn this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy analysis.
Prerequisites
MSN Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6051 Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through TechnologyNursing informatics is essential to the provision of effective and efficient care. This course examines nursing informatics as a nursing competency and a nursing specialty. Students examine the role of the nurse informaticist in current practices related to the collection, access, and use of health information and knowledge, as well as the implementation of clinical systems. Through this course, students gain an understanding of how informatics is used to improve advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across organizations, public health, and consumer health settings.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) NURS 6052 Essentials of Evidence-Based PracticeNurses base practice on sound and tested evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. This course provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it interacts and aligns with research and quality improvement. Students will examine how to use databases to discover evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methodologies to critically appraise literature. They will also examine opportunities to strengthen their synthesis and integration skills to determine whether a change in practice is needed, based on a body of evidence. Through exploration of implementation, evaluation, and dissemination strategies, students will explore the intricacies of leading and mentoring change within an organization to enhance nursing practice.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) NURS 6053 Interprofessional Organizational and Systems LeadershipStudents in this course will develop leadership skills to transform nursing and adapt organizations in response to the turbulent healthcare environment. They will develop and apply theory-based leadership competencies to create the organizational cultures needed to achieve quality patient outcomes. Students will also explore evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments that empower nurses and build collaborative interprofessional teams.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) Specialization Courses
PUBH 6034 Environmental Health: Local to GlobalThis course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues.
Prerequisites
MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6700 Epidemiology and Population HealthStudents in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methodology in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. Students examine important study designs and discuss the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each. They explore and discuss select global problems, such as infectious diseases, bioterrorism attacks, and effects of disasters and emergencies, and they apply epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to study factors related to aggregate, population, and individual health. Additionally, students work toward gaining cultural sensitivity and an interprofessional approach to caring for diverse populations at risk to ensure access to care.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
(5 cr.) PUBH 6475 Program Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationThe focus of this course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Strategic approaches to planning, implementation, and evaluation with particular attention to study design and sampling are addressed. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the assignment of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources.
Prerequisites
MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6710 Public Health Nursing Theory and PracticePublic health nursing is shaped by social, behavioral, cultural, and demographic factors that impact health care at multiple levels. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the history of public health and public health nursing, public health law and ethics, system infrastructure, and issues related to health equity and health disparities. Students will analyze theories and research that will assist them to understand the social determinants of health and develop models to assess and deliver health care to populations to promote a culture of health.
Prerequisites
- All core courses
(5 cr.) NURS 6720 Population-Based Public Health Nursing InterventionsIn this course students will continue to develop specialized knowledge and skills in advanced public health nursing (PHN) and the delivery of population health care within the context of inter-professional practice. Students will gain a greater understanding of the use of data in planning interventions, evidence-based public health, and the role of advocacy for policy and social change. The focus of the course will be on the assessment and development of culturally-competent interventions targeted at community and population levels through a practicum experience.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6710
- PUBH 6034
- NURS 8310
(5 cr.: 2 cr. didactic, 3 cr. practicum) NURS 6730 Public Health Nursing LeadershipThe development of leadership strategies that supports the public health care system delivery of population health is imperative to quality outcomes. This course addresses the application of principles of leadership and management in a public health setting. And the skills needed for nurses to provide effective leadership across agency partnerships at the community, state, national, and international levels. A special focus will be placed on developing collaborative partnerships, systems thinking, evidence-based decision-making, organizational problem-solving, public health finance, professional accreditation, emergency preparedness, and global health competencies. Students will complete a practicum with a public health-related agency focused on program evaluation and the use of management and leadership skills.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6720
- PUBH 6475
(5 cr.: 3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practicum) VIEW ALL COURSES - 53 quarter credits
-
Choose the RN to MSN track if you are a registered nurse (RN) entering the MSN program with a hospital diploma or an associate degree in nursing.
Curriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 79 quarter credits
- Foundations courses (29 cr.)
- Core courses (20 cr.)
- Specialization courses (30 cr.)
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
Course Code Title Credits Foundation Courses
NURS 3101 Issues and Trends in NursingIn this course, students are provided with an overview of the evolution of nursing as a profession and introduced to their new role as scholar-practitioners. They examine changes in the U.S. healthcare delivery system, the importance of information technology, and measures that promote quality, safety, and better health outcomes in patient care. Students consider major issues and trends in contemporary nursing and healthcare practice, including the influence of socioeconomic, ethical, legal, and political variables and professional values. Through weekly discussions and assignments, students explore and share personal experiences in the context of contemporary nursing issues, such as the nursing shortage, workforce challenges, healthcare financing, professional organizations, and diversity. They are challenged to examine and propose solutions to these nursing issues in addition to those in their workplace. Students reflect on Walden's mission of social change and its impact on their future nursing practice as a scholar-practitioner. Because this is the first nursing course within the RN/BSN program, students learn to use Walden University's resources to enhance writing skills. Students are also introduced to the tools essential to success at Walden.
(6 cr.) NURS 3151 Foundations of Nursing ResearchNurses must understand research in order to effectively participate in the provision of evidence-based nursing care. Students in this course learn the foundational elements of the research process, refine information-literacy skills, and develop an understanding of ethical research. Students investigate each step of the research process and complete a critical examination of quantitative and qualitative research relevant to their nursing practice. Students are given the tools to analyze nurse-sensitive indicators and clinical practice guidelines.
(5 cr.) NURS 4211 Role of the Nurse Leader in Population HealthStudents in this course focus on application of theories and concepts from nursing and public health sciences in assessing health status; preventing and controlling disease; and promoting a healthier population by working with families, aggregates, communities, and healthcare systems. Students apply systems thinking by using epidemiological and community assessment techniques to examine populations at risk, health promotion, and levels of prevention with special emphasis on ethnically diverse and vulnerable populations. Major local, state, and national health issues are considered, including communicable disease, chronic illness, environmental and occupational health, bioterrorism, emergency and disaster preparedness, and response. Practice experiences provide learning experiences in population-based health promotion by collaborating with interdisciplinary public health partners in a local community. (1 credit of practicum equates to 72 clock hours of student practice experience hours.)
(5 cr.) NURS 4006 Topics in Clinical NursingNurses play a critical role in the care of patients with major acute and chronic health problems. They are accountable for clinical outcomes and for promoting quality and safety in patient care through the use of information technology. Students in this course will examine their role in the evaluation of nurse-sensitive indicators, standards, and core measures to develop an evidence-based practice approach to care. Students explore the relationship of genetics and genomics to health and illness as well as infection-control issues. The nurse's role in palliative and end-of-life care and complementary and alternative therapies is also explored. Students apply course concepts and demonstrate an understanding of nursing interventions and agency policy to improve nursing practice.
(5 cr.) NURS 4221 Leadership Competencies in Nursing and HealthcareContemporary nurses who wish to influence the current healthcare system must equip themselves with the knowledge and competencies to lead in times of pressure, constant change, and innovation. Quality Improvement science provides a rich set of tools and techniques and has been adopted by most nursing leaders. Nurses are expected to lead with quality improvement knowledge and competencies. Students in this course work toward gaining these skills by focusing on real practice problems and developing evidence-based solutions. They also learn skills and techniques in team building; strengthening interpersonal, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration; promoting meaningful use of data to gauge improvements and problem solving; translating day to day practice problems to long term strategy for organizational growth; and identify strategies to manage organizational change. Students apply course concepts through case studies. Through this practice experience, students gain professional knowledge from nursing leaders in practice the application of quality improvement science. (1 credit of practicum equates to 72 clock hours of student practice experience hours.)
Prerequisites
- NURS 3151
- NURS 4211
- NURS 4006
(5 cr.) NURS 6002/6003 Transition to Graduate Study for NursingIn this course students are introduced to Walden University and online learning. Students explore strategies for the successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization. Additionally, information and requirements for the MSN Practicum are introduced.
3 cr. Core Courses
PUBH 6127 Public Health Policy, Politics and ProgressIn this course, students examine the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through health policy and law. Consideration is given to contemporary policy, law and regulatory issues arising in public health practice, as well as to the economics and financing of public health programs. The advocacy, political, and creative process in the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy are examined and discussed. Students also learn how to structure and write a health policy analysis.
Prerequisites
MSN Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6051 Transforming Nursing and Healthcare Through TechnologyNursing informatics is essential to the provision of effective and efficient care. This course examines nursing informatics as a nursing competency and a nursing specialty. Students examine the role of the nurse informaticist in current practices related to the collection, access, and use of health information and knowledge, as well as the implementation of clinical systems. Through this course, students gain an understanding of how informatics is used to improve advanced nursing practice and healthcare outcomes across organizations, public health, and consumer health settings.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) NURS 6052 Essentials of Evidence-Based PracticeNurses base practice on sound and tested evidence to ensure the safety, high quality, and cost-effectiveness of patient care. This course provides students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of evidence-based practice (EBP) and how it interacts and aligns with research and quality improvement. Students will examine how to use databases to discover evidence and how to apply their knowledge of research methodologies to critically appraise literature. They will also examine opportunities to strengthen their synthesis and integration skills to determine whether a change in practice is needed, based on a body of evidence. Through exploration of implementation, evaluation, and dissemination strategies, students will explore the intricacies of leading and mentoring change within an organization to enhance nursing practice.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) NURS 6053 Interprofessional Organizational and Systems LeadershipStudents in this course will develop leadership skills to transform nursing and adapt organizations in response to the turbulent healthcare environment. They will develop and apply theory-based leadership competencies to create the organizational cultures needed to achieve quality patient outcomes. Students will also explore evidence-based strategies to create healthy work environments that empower nurses and build collaborative interprofessional teams.
Prerequisites
MSN Nurse Practitioner Specializations
- NURS 6002N or NURS 6003N
MSN Other Specializations
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
(5 cr.) Specialization Courses
PUBH 6034 Environmental Health: Local to GlobalThis course provides a comprehensive overview of environmental factors that affect the health and safety of 21st century communities. Students examine associations and interrelationships between chemical, physical, and biological hazards in the environment and their impact on human health. Concepts cover food, water, air, waste, radiation, noise, pests, population growth, and climate change. Students analyze and discuss current local and global problems and solutions and consider new ways to address environmental issues.
Prerequisites
MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6700 Epidemiology and Population HealthStudents in this course are provided with an overview of epidemiologic methodology in the study of the distribution and etiology of disease and health-related conditions in human populations. Students examine important study designs and discuss the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each. They explore and discuss select global problems, such as infectious diseases, bioterrorism attacks, and effects of disasters and emergencies, and they apply epidemiologic and biostatistical methods to study factors related to aggregate, population, and individual health. Additionally, students work toward gaining cultural sensitivity and an interprofessional approach to caring for diverse populations at risk to ensure access to care.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
(5 cr.) PUBH 6475 Program Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationThe focus of this course is on the competencies required of the public health professional in planning for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of community health promotion and disease prevention initiatives. Attention is given to needs assessment, logic models, and collaboration with stakeholders. Strategic approaches to planning, implementation, and evaluation with particular attention to study design and sampling are addressed. Health behavior theories are considered in the development of health promotion programs, the assignment of evaluation findings, and prioritization of community concerns and resources.
Prerequisites
MSN: Public Health Nursing Specialization
- NURS 6002 or NURS 6003
- PUBH 6127
- NURS 6051
- NURS 6052
- NURS 6053
All Other Programs
- PUBH 6005
(5 cr.) NURS 6710 Public Health Nursing Theory and PracticePublic health nursing is shaped by social, behavioral, cultural, and demographic factors that impact health care at multiple levels. In this course, students will develop an understanding of the history of public health and public health nursing, public health law and ethics, system infrastructure, and issues related to health equity and health disparities. Students will analyze theories and research that will assist them to understand the social determinants of health and develop models to assess and deliver health care to populations to promote a culture of health.
Prerequisites
- All core courses
(5 cr.) NURS 6720 Population-Based Public Health Nursing InterventionsIn this course students will continue to develop specialized knowledge and skills in advanced public health nursing (PHN) and the delivery of population health care within the context of inter-professional practice. Students will gain a greater understanding of the use of data in planning interventions, evidence-based public health, and the role of advocacy for policy and social change. The focus of the course will be on the assessment and development of culturally-competent interventions targeted at community and population levels through a practicum experience.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6710
- PUBH 6034
- NURS 8310
(5 cr.: 2 cr. didactic, 3 cr. practicum) NURS 6730 Public Health Nursing LeadershipThe development of leadership strategies that supports the public health care system delivery of population health is imperative to quality outcomes. This course addresses the application of principles of leadership and management in a public health setting. And the skills needed for nurses to provide effective leadership across agency partnerships at the community, state, national, and international levels. A special focus will be placed on developing collaborative partnerships, systems thinking, evidence-based decision-making, organizational problem-solving, public health finance, professional accreditation, emergency preparedness, and global health competencies. Students will complete a practicum with a public health-related agency focused on program evaluation and the use of management and leadership skills.
Prerequisites
- NURS 6720
- PUBH 6475
(5 cr.: 3 cr. didactic, 2 cr. practicum) VIEW ALL COURSES - 79 quarter credits
-
If you are a registered nurse (RN) and have earned your bachelor's in nursing degree, you can use these tracks to get started on your doctoral nursing degree.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations (RN-MSN): Registered nurses who hold a hospital diploma, associate degree in nursing, or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).
Program Admission Considerations (BSN-MSN): A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts.
More information for international applicants.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost AMOUNT Tuition 53 quarter credit hours $457 per quarter hour $24,221 Technology Fee Per quarter $165 $990
$25,211‡*
‡*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 25 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Students may also incur additional costs related to practicum, including but not limited to costs of travel to their practicum site, practicum onboarding fees, per quarter practicum fees, and liability insurance costs.
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Curriculum Component Requirements Cost AMOUNT Tuition 26 RN Foundational quarter credit hours $401 per quarter hour $10,426 53 MSN quarter credit hours $457 per quarter hour $24,221 Technology Fee Per quarter $165 $1,320
$35,967‡*
The tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,500 to $2,000.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn morePROGRAM SAVINGS
Receive up to a $3,000 Walden Care & Compassion Grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on August 29, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAdvance Community Health and Safety
In our MSN specialization in Public Health Nursing, you’ll prepare to make the transition from one-on-one patient care to caring for whole populations. Explore the pressing issues facing public health today, including chronic disease, health inequities, and community-wide health concerns. Learn to identify high-risk sub-groups and create culturally sensitive, population-based nursing interventions that touch countless lives.
Career Impact
You’re a dedicated nurse—and a social justice warrior. An MSN in public health online can prepare you to work as a nurse leader and health advocate for underserved populations. Can open the door to new opportunities. Become a catalyst for improved health equity and health outcomes in your community.
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high rates of chronic disease, and an emphasis on preventive care, communities need knowledgeable public health nurses. Nurses who complete a public health nursing MSN program will be equipped to pursue roles in a variety of settings, including:2
- City, county, and state health departments
- Federal health agencies
- U.S. military and Department of Veterans Affairs
- Community service agencies
- Municipal health departments and agencies
- Community outreach services within hospitals, clinics, and other health service providers
- Nonprofit organizations with health or community service
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
MSN Career Outlook
Learn more about top industry sectors, most in-demand job skills and top job titles for MSN grads.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this MSN in Public Health Nursing online program, you will:
- Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
- Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
- Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
- Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
- Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
- Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.
Meet Your Academic Team
-
Vincent Hall
Program DirectorAs a program director for the Master of Science in Nursing program, Dr. Hall supervises MSN core courses as well as the Nursing Education, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, and Public Health Nursing specializations. Dr. Hall serves on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials Task Force and on the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Accreditation Review Committee. He has been an RN for more than 40 years and a nurse educator for more than 30 years.
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Janet Gerken
Academic CoordinatorDr. Janet Gerken has been a nurse since 1996 and a nurse educator since 2014. She obtained her Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Development in 2014 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2017. She has extensive background in public health program development, implementation, evaluation, and organizational administration. Dr. Gerken is a member of the American Public Health Association, North Dakota Public Health Association, and the American Nurses Association.
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Robin Squellati
Core FacultyDr. Squellati has been at Walden since 2014. During her 28 years in the U.S. Air Force, she served as director of nursing, medical operations commander, deputy director of Congressional and Public Affairs for the Air Force Surgeon General, and commander of a hospital in a deployed location.
Testimonials
Walden University will give me the opportunity to climb in my institution, to be a successful leader, and to accept new challenges when my studies are finished.
Esteban Ramirez-Orta Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate
At Walden, I enjoyed the ease of access of online learning. I worked on my degree anywhere, anytime without compromising my career.
Armiel Suriaga Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student
Walden University is committed to its students’ success while ensuring quality education to give graduates the ability to change the world.
Jaimee Kastler MSN Graduate / PhD in Nursing Graduate
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MSN Course Insight: Attributes of Leadership in Public Health Nursing
FAQ About Walden’s Online MSN - Public Health Nursing
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The MSN with a specialization in Public Health Nursing is a program that develops nurses who can meet the need for solutions at the community and systems level, develop and advocate for public health programs that improve population outcomes, and assess the efficacy of these programs. Nurses in public health careers require a unique combination of clinical knowledge and strong community relationships to create the programs and policies needed to address health concerns in vulnerable populations.
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Walden’s MSN Public Health Nursing specialization can help position you to work as a nurse leader within your community. An MSN in with a specialization in Public Health Nursing will provide you with the skills necessary to evaluate the needs of diverse populations and design/lead programs that provide education on preventative medicine, hygiene, and care to diverse communities. Public health nurses work with individuals and families in a range of settings including health departments, schools, homes, community health centers, clinics, correctional facilities, work sites, and mobile health services.
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Public health nurses do not work in typical healthcare environments for nurses. Instead, they often work for county or city health departments, identifying and addressing healthcare needs within the community. They also work at private and public health agencies, federal health-related organizations, and mobile units that provide healthcare services. Public health nurses are prepared to take leading roles in improving health outcomes for entire populations, particularly those in underserved communities.
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Yes, Walden’s MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In fact, three of Walden’s nursing degree programs are CCNE accredited: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
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Walden’s online classrooms feature state-of-the-art learning technologies, media, and support materials. Through interactive simulations, engaging case studies, and access to a robust online library, you will be highly prepared for a career as a public health nurse. In addition, Walden offers a support staff dedicated to your success, including student success advisors, graduation counselors, and practicum coordinators.
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Walden’s fully online MSN Public Health Nursing specialization was developed by experts in the nursing field. Our teaching faculty are active practitioners, and many hold doctoral degrees. The program covers realistic and relevant scenarios to help you develop the skills needed to be successful in your career as a public health nurse.
Questions about our Master of Science in Nursing?
Talk to your personal Enrollment Specialist for more information today.
- Please use our if you live outside of the U.S.
