What Can You Do With a Public Health MSN Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What jobs can I get with an MSN in public health degree?

Graduates of public health nursing degree programs can pursue various rewarding careers that combine clinical expertise with population health initiatives:

• Public Health Nurse: Public health nurses work within communities to promote health education, prevent disease, and improve access to healthcare services. They work on population-level wellness rather than individual care alone.
• Postsecondary Nursing Instructor: Postsecondary nursing instructors educate future nurses in colleges or universities. Instructors with a specialization in public health may help develop curricula and teach public health principles, clinical practices, and community health strategies.
• Charge Nurse: Charge nurses oversee nursing units in hospitals or clinics. They manage staff schedules and coordinate patient care. They also ensure compliance with safety and health protocols.
• Nurse Care Coordinator: Nurse care coordinators manage patient care plans and coordinate services among healthcare providers. They also advocate for patient needs to improve outcomes and efficiency.
• Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners provide advanced clinical care as well as diagnose and treat illnesses. They may also integrate public-health principles in primary-care settings to improve population health.

Professionals seeking to expand their expertise and leadership opportunities can consider an accelerated MSN degree in public health nursing.

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of nursing roles in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How much can I earn with an MSN in public health degree?

In August 2025, public health nurses employed in the US had an average annual salary of $86,734, based on 674 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor (2025). In May 2024, registered nurses (RNs) in general across the country had a median annual wage of $93,600, which is much higher than the $49,500 median annual wage of all US occupations in the same period (US BLS, 2025).

These figures highlight the competitive earning potential in public health careers compared to the national average. Notably, the highest 10% of RNs in the US in terms of wages earned over $135,320 in the same period, while the lowest 10% earned below $66,030. Moreover, the following are the highest-paying industries that employed RNs across the country (US BLS, 2025):

• Government: $106,480
• Hospitals (State, Local, & Private): $97,260
• Ambulatory Healthcare Services: $83,780
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: $81,820
• Educational Services (State, Local, & Private): $74,360

How can a public health nursing degree help increase my income potential?

As mentioned in the previous section, the $93,600 median annual wage of RNs in the US is much higher than the $49,500 median annual wage of all occupations across the country. Meanwhile, the highest 10% of RNs in terms of wages earned more than $135,320 in the same period (US BLS, 2025).

Years of professional experience and advanced education and training can determine income potential. In 2022, 25- to 34-year-old Americans who worked full time and had earned master’s or more advanced degrees had median wages ($80,200) that were 20% higher than those with only bachelor’s degrees ($66,600) (US Census Bureau, 2023). For those exploring flexible educational paths, a social sciences degree online can be a way to pursue advanced credentials while maintaining a professional career. Considering this, the highest-paid RNs in the US may have graduate degrees and several years of work experience.

Where can I work with an MSN in public health degree?

Public health nurses can explore career opportunities across various settings. Each of the following play an important role in promoting population health:

• Government Agencies: Public health nurses work for local, state, or federal health departments. They focus on disease prevention, outbreak response, and health policy implementation.
• Community Health Centers: These nurses provide direct care, health education, and preventive services to underserved populations. They improve access to essential healthcare.
• Schools: In educational settings, public health nurses promote student wellness through health screenings, immunization programs, and chronic-condition management. For nurses interested in broader planning and policy roles, pursuing an online urban planning degree can complement their healthcare expertise.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Public health nurses collaborate on public health campaigns, community outreach, and health education initiatives to address social determinants of health.
• Correctional Facilities: Nurses in correctional facilities manage inmate health, deliver preventive care, and reduce the spread of communicable diseases within correctional populations.

The chart below provides a visualization of the US industries that employed the largest shares of registered nurses in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What skills learned in public health nursing degree programs are essential for career advancement?

MSN in public health degree programs equip graduates with critical skills that support career growth and leadership roles in the field:

• Public Health Nursing Leadership: Students may be prepared for supervisory or administrative roles. They learn to lead teams and manage resources. They may also learn about policymaking that promotes population health.
• Population-based Public Health Nursing Interventions: This subject area may teach nurses how to design and implement evidence-based interventions that address health disparities and improve community wellness.
• Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation: Students gain expertise in developing public health programs and executing them effectively. They also study how to evaluate outcomes to ensure measurable impact and sustainability.

Nurses interested in complementing their public health expertise with a social sciences perspective can explore online anthropology degree fast track programs for accelerated academic advancement.

What certifications can I pursue with an MSN in Public Health degree?

An MSN in public health degree can prepare you for specialized certifications that enhance credibility and improve career opportunities in leadership, education, and advanced public health practice.

• BRN’s Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certification: The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) offers several certifications, including the PHN credential, which does not need to be renewed and is valid as long as the RN license is still active.
• ANCC’s Advanced Public Health Nursing Certification (PHNA-BC): The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the PHNA-BC credential. Credentialing fees may range from $250 to $350, depending on membership. Applicants may be required to undergo professional development programs.
• NBPHE’s Certification in Public Health (CPH): The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the CPH credential. Students or alumni of a CEPH-accredited school or program, public health faculty, and public health work experience can apply. The NBPHE is currently in the process of developing a public health nursing certification program.

What is the job outlook for public health nursing professionals?

From 2023 to 2033, employment for registered nurses (RNs) in the US is expected to increase by 6%, which is faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations across the country. The figure is equivalent to an average of around 194,500 job openings annually over the decade. Notably, 3,300,100 RNs were employed in the US in 2023. By 2033, 3,497,300 RNs have been forecasted to be working across the country (US BLS, 2025).

Data on the outlook for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), show that as of December 31, 2024, only 47.23% of the need for primary care providers (PCPs) in the US has been met. Aside from NPs, PCPs include primary-care physicians and physician assistants. The US needs approximately 13,273 PCPs to be able to remove the primary care health professional shortage area (HPSA) designation.

What continuing education options are best for public health nurses?

Public health nurses can pursue various continuing education options to enhance their knowledge, maintain licensure, and advance their careers:

• Graduate Certificates in Public Health: These short programs focus on specialized areas, such as epidemiology, environmental health, and public health methods. This enables nurses to deepen expertise without committing to a full degree.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs: A DNP equips nurses with advanced clinical and leadership skills. The degree prepares them for roles in healthcare administration, policy development, and high-level practice.
• Online Professional Development Courses: Many universities and organizations offer flexible courses on key topics, such as infectious disease control, health promotion, and emergency preparedness, to help nurses stay current with evolving public health trends.

Additionally, nurses interested in maternal and reproductive health may consider an accelerated nurse midwifery MSN degree online, which provides advanced knowledge and clinical skills for specialized midwifery roles.

What are the alternative career paths available to graduates of MSN in public health degree programs?

Nurses with an MSN in public health degree are equipped with transferrable skills that open doors to alternative career paths:

• Health Education Specialist: Health education specialists design, implement, and evaluate health education programs. They teach individuals and communities how to adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent disease.
• Social Worker: Social workers advocate for individuals and families, helping them access resources and navigate healthcare systems. Public health nurses who want to transition into social work will need additional education, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
• Community Health Worker: Community health workers act as a bridge between healthcare providers and the community. They provide education, outreach, and basic support services to promote health equity and improve outcomes.

For nurses exploring behavioral health roles, fast track MSN in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner online programs offer an efficient path to advanced practice in mental health care.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2024 median annual wages of alternative career paths available to graduates of MSN in public health degree programs, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of an MSN in public health degree?

Registered nurses (RNs) aiming to explore advanced roles outside public health nursing can consider the following alternative degree options:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care: For nurses considering the highest level of clinical preparation, exploring what can you do with a DNP in adult-gerontology primary care highlights advanced clinical, leadership, and educational opportunities that extend far beyond traditional RN roles.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): This degree prepares nurses to provide primary care to patients of all ages. FNPs may find work opportunities in clinics, hospitals, and private practices.
• Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA): MHA degrees are designed for nurses interested in leadership and management. The degree focuses on healthcare policy, operations, and organizational strategy.
• Master of Science in Nursing Education: A master’s degree in nursing education may be suitable for nurses who are passionate about teaching. The program trains them to educate future nurses in academic or clinical settings. Nursing educators help address the growing demand for nursing faculty.

For professionals exploring similar advanced-practice options, the shortest gerontology primary care NP online programs provide an alternative path for nurses seeking specialized expertise in caring for aging populations.

Here’s What Professionals with an MSN in Public Health Degree Say about Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know about Getting an MSN in Public Health Nursing

Which is a better field to venture into: public health or nursing?

Neither field is inherently better. Public health focuses on population-wide health initiatives, while nursing emphasizes direct patient care. The best choice depends on your career goals and interests.

What is the highest salary for a public health nurse?

The highest salary for a public health nurse employed in the US is approximately $102,018 annually (Glassdoor, 2025). Often, this can be attributed to various factors such as one's education, years of experience, location, and place of work. 

What is the highest-paid job in public health?

The highest-paid job in public health is usually the job of a public health physician or medical director. In May 2024, physicians and surgeons employed in the US had a median annual wage that was equal to or greater than $239,200 (US BLS, 2025).

Which public health degree is best?

The best public health degree depends on your professional interests and career goals. However, a Master of Public Health (MPH) may be the most versatile. It offers specializations in epidemiology, health policy, and global health for broad career opportunities.