Post-Master's Certificate in Public & Population Health Nursing

Post-Master’s Certificate in Public & Population Health Nursing

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Help keep communities healthy

With public health concerns on the rise, more nurses are needed to engage in community-based intervention and lead the way to a healthier society. In the Post-Master’s Certificate – Public and Population Health Nursing program at Worcester State University, remain on the cutting edge of knowledge and interventions regarding community and global health care trends, issues, and challenges. This short certificate program is designed to be completed in just a few months, so you can meet this demand as quickly as possible.

As part of the curriculum, you will explore the most relevant issues in today’s large-scale health industry and gain the opportunity to specialize your studies in global and cross-cultural health or health systems transformation. Throughout every course, you will learn from experienced faculty who are experts in their field. In fact, the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing at Worcester State is one of seven U.S. nursing schools recognized for innovative population health curricula and best practices by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the organizations’ Academic Partnerships to Improve Health (APIH) initiative.

This 11-credit academic program prepares you for evidence-based nursing practice with a growing focus on multidisciplinary care and the nurse’s role as leader and manager of the client’s health care. As an MS-level nurse with experience in nursing care, intervention, and advocacy, you will build on your knowledge of larger aggregate populations that you may encounter in your current and future nursing roles.

The innovative Post-Master’s Certificate – Public & Population Health Nursing credential leads you to advanced community roles that even an MPH cannot, such as expanded nursing positions, unique teaching opportunities, and global clinical health care service and prepares you for doctoral study.

In this program, you will:

  • Learn to use evidence-informed decision-making models and analytic skills to nimbly respond to pressing societal needs
  • Become equipped with leading-edge, interdisciplinary research to lead sustainable change in community and population health practice
  • Develop skills to serve vulnerable populations and communities through intensive practicum internship
  • Build a professional network from a wide range of disciplines
Check out the different nursing courses waiting for you at Worcester State!
NU 952: Public and Population Health Nursing Theory and Practice
Public and population health nursing is shaped by social, behavioral, cultural, and demographic factors that impact healthcare at multiple levels. In this course, students develop an understanding of the history of public health and public health nursing, public health law and ethics, system infrastructure, and health equity and health disparities. Students analyze theories and research that will assist them in understanding the social determinants of health. Students develop models to assess and deliver healthcare to promote a culture of health in identified populations.
3 credits
NU 963: Population-Based Public Health Nursing Interventions
In this course, students continue to develop specialized knowledge and skills in advanced public health nursing (PHN) and the delivery of population healthcare within the context of inter-professional practice. Students gain a greater understanding of public health and population health informatics, environmental health issues, evidence-based public health, and the role of advocacy for policy and social change. The focus of the course is on the assessment and development of culturally sensitive interventions targeted at community and population levels through a practicum experience.
4 credits
NU 964: Applied Project in Public and Population Health
As a culminating experience, MS students are provided the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to synthesize and integrate advanced knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program and to apply theory and principles in a public health project focused on social change. For this project, students write a grant proposal for a public health initiative or create a community health program plan. The project must address the needs of a specific population in the student’s field site community. Students are also required to describe how the ANCC Advanced Public Health Nursing Scope and Standards were demonstrated while carrying out the project.
4 credits

Admissions requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, students interested in this program may contact the Graduate School at 508-929-8127.

The following items are required to apply to this program:

  • Graduate application, including career essay, and fee
  • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Copy of current, unencumbered license to practice nursing

Required Courses

  • NU 952 Public and Population Health Nursing Theory and Practice  (3 credits)
  • NU 963 Population-Based Public Health Nursing Interventions (4 credits)
  • NU 964 Applied Project in Public and Population Health (4 credits)

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