The world we live in is complex, constantly changing, and filled with challenges that threaten our entire population’s health. With that, there is a need for trained professionals to fully understand the intricacies of our communities and to implement strategies to improve healthcare. The more knowledge these professionals have about the blueprints of our communities, the challenges our communities face, the resources available to our communities, and
the opportunities out there to promote an overall healthy life for our communities, the better off we will all be as individuals. That’s where an MSN in population health comes in.

An MSN in population health is an excellent way for Registered Nurses to gear up and expand and refine their knowledge set, to continue making a positive difference in lives. It allows them to expand the scope of their work, and help treat patients (and populations) both near and far and in need. Not to mention, earning your MSN in population health is easier than ever. Here are the ins and outs of a population health focused MSN degree:

Curriculum and Courses

An MSN in Population Health curriculum is designed to expand your nursing knowledge. If you are considering pursuing an MSN degree, you already have the foundational knowledge and experience with patient care. An MSN takes those skills to the next level and prepares you for leadership positions in the healthcare field. Specifically, Goodwin’s population health focused MSN degree includes impactful courses such as:

• Policy, Politics, and Organization of Healthcare
• Theoretical Foundations for Population Health
• Healthcare Quality: Communication and Informatics
• Clinical Applications in Population Health

As well as a variety of Advanced Practice Nursing courses. All of these topics are extremely valuable for nurses who desire to make a greater impact in their communities. In addition to studying these topics, students will learn how to apply these important skills to macro and micro real life issues and community health problems that our population faces to improve the overall quality of life for citizens.

Career Outcomes

What career outcomes can one expect with an MSN in Population Health degree? Graduates of the MSN degree program qualify for many advanced positions and additional responsibilities in the field of nursing, as well as public health nursing. The program gives graduates the tools they need to become Nurse Managers, Nurse Administrators, Directors and Educators in the field. This is just the beginning — you may also pursue a career in nursing or health advocacy, or research and analysis. The options for those with a population health focused MSN are endless.

As you may already know, MSN degree holders have a professional edge, as they are dedicated to continuous learning in an ever-evolving healthcare field. This allows you to evolve from an RN to a true leader in the healthcare field. You may then find yourself on assignments such as:

• Working with local authorities to better serve underprivileged communities
• Educating the public about healthcare prevention and care
• Designing and implementing disease prevention and immunization campaigns
• Creating systems that maximize patient benefits and access to healthcare
• Uncovering underlying risk factors in specific communities… and making plans to address them!

MSN in Population Health Requirements

What is required before earning an MSN in population health? While all colleges and degree programs may have slightly different requirements, almost all MSN programs require that you have an active Registered Nursing license and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).

In addition, there are school-specific requirements. Goodwin College’s MSN in Population Health program, for example, typically requires students to have graduated their BSN program with a 3.0 GPA. That said, Goodwin understands that there are sometimes exceptions to those rules and offers conditional acceptance to those who may not have the degree or GPA necessary but who have relevant work or life experience. Applicants are also required to submit proof of immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, and Varicella) as well as a formal personal statement.

Benefits of an MSN in Population Health Degree

Why earn this degree, over another specialized MSN degree, like those focused on being a nurse practitioner or anesthetist? Simply put, you want to make a larger impact. Many MSN degrees focus on practical nursing care and advancing your skills to work with patients in clinical settings. While a general MSN degree can also provide those opportunities, an MSN in population health is really tailored to help you expand your impact in the field.

An MSN in population health degree provides a well-rounded higher educational experience, covering a mix of important nursing and public health topics. With this degree, you will qualify for leadership roles and have a respected voice among your peers — a voice that speaks for entire communities. You will have the opportunity to facilitate change in clinical departments, in organizations, and in demographics. You will work closely with public health professionals to reform current policies and systems. You will have the opportunity to make a difference.

An MSN in Population Health is an intelligent next step for those wishing to advance their RN careers. Goodwin College’s MSN program is designed with the working and busy nurse in mind. We know nurses are busy, and we know you can’t put your career on hold to earn a master’s degree. That is why we give students flexibility to move at their own pace, through online course offerings. If you are interested in earning your MSN in Population Health online at Goodwin College, contact us today. Call 800-889-3282 or visit us online.