5 Best DNP Public Health Nursing Programs – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Are you a registered nurse interested in a career in public health? Have you considered earning a doctorate in nursing but need help determining where to begin? If so, a DNP public health nursing program could be an excellent option for you! Maybe you have considered earning a doctoral nursing degree and specializing in public health but wonder, “What are the best DNP public health nursing programs?”
In this article, I will answer that question by providing information about the 5 best DNP public health nursing programs for 2025. As you continue reading, you will learn about program policies for admission, curriculum plans, and required practical training. I will also share information with you about how to improve your chances of getting into a top program and the types of jobs and income you can expect after graduating.
What Exactly is the Goal of a DNP Public Health Nursing Program?
The goal of the best DNP public health nursing programs is to prepare students with the highest clinical nursing degree specializing in public health services. The programs aim to provide students with the theoretical instruction and clinical training experiences needed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform individual and community assessments and to create, implement and evaluate plans to combat public health crises, lead positive community initiatives, and make strategic decisions to improve overall population health.
Is a DNP Public Health Nursing Program Hard to Complete?
DNP public health nursing programs can be challenging to complete. These programs feature rigorous curriculum plans that consist of advanced nursing and public health-focused content and clinical training requirements. However, despite the difficulty of the programs, with persistence and dedication to your studies, you can succeed and earn your degree!
7 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in a DNP Public Health Nursing Program
The best DNP public health nursing programs prepare students with a broad range of skills and abilities. The skills you develop will be instrumental in promoting public health and welfare. The following are seven of the most important skills and abilities you will gain in these specialized programs.
1. You will learn to use statistical evidence to form conclusions about public health issues:
Healthcare statistics are essential in understanding risk factors related to public health issues. You will learn to use statistics to monitor and track disease patterns, assess healthcare safety and quality, and determine healthcare policies' impact.
2. You will develop an understanding of how to promote and help implement new public health policies:
One of the most important skills and abilities you will attain in DNP public health nursing programs is the understanding of how health policies and initiatives shape and impact public health. You will use your knowledge of statistics and evidence-based practices to lobby for changes in healthcare that affect public health on local, national, and global levels.
3. You will learn to implement evidence-based public health nursing skills:
Evidence-based public health nursing is the process of creating, implementing, and evaluating policies or programs and determining their impact on the health of a population. When you pursue your doctorate in public health nursing, you will achieve a greater understanding of evidence-based practice and how its practice in public health can help influence positive outcomes for public health.
4. You will learn to use your knowledge of epidemiology to identify at-risk individuals and populations:
DNP public health nursing programs will teach the importance of the
role of epidemiology in public health. You will learn to monitor disease progression in specific populations and identify areas of need.
5. You will learn to conduct community health assessments:
As a public health nurse, you will conduct community health assessments that provide comprehensive information about specific communities' health status, issues, and needs. In public health DNP programs, you will learn what data is essential in community health assessments and discover ways of analyzing and presenting your findings. Your assessments can help justify where and how resources should be used to meet community needs and can be instrumental in developing improvement plans focused on community health.
6. You will develop the skills essential for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery:
Resilient communities are more likely to overcome adverse events, and your role as a public health nurse and your unique skillset will help further community resilience. DNP public health nursing programs will prepare you to prepare communities for disasters and respond when they occur by promoting the use of available resources designed to help respond to, withstand, and recover from disaster events. Your knowledge of diverse determinants of health and epidemiology, coupled with your community assessment skills, will be instrumental in identifying
disaster preparedness plans, responses, and recovery efforts.
7. You will learn to implement the principles of public health negotiation:
Several factors related to public health and healthcare services delivery contribute are associated with conflicts or other situations requiring negotiation or mediation. Whether there are differences among local and state governments who have an interest in community health issues or between clinicians whose opinions vary about the appropriateness of care, without a voice of reason, issues worsen. When you pursue your degree through public health DNP programs, you will learn to integrate a framework of communication that leads to productive negotiations designed to promote public health and welfare.
5 Main Advantages of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs
In addition to all the skills you will gain, DNP public health nursing programs offer some unique advantages. You will see that many of these advantages relate to your education itself and your career beyond. The following list includes five main advantages of earning your degree through one of these programs.
1. You will be instrumental in improving community health:
DNP public health nursing programs will prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to positively impact community health. You will share your knowledge to educate individuals and populations about current or possible health issues and can help implement measures to improve community safety and health.
2. You can help improve access to essential healthcare services for underserved populations:
A major healthcare concern worldwide is the prevalence of illness and disease among
underserved populations. With a DNP in population health, you can use your credentials, knowledge, and skills to promote better access to essential healthcare services in areas where there is great need.
3. You will be qualified to teach nursing and public health programs, impacting future generations of public health nurses:
One of the great things about earning a DNP with a population health focus is that you can teach at colleges and universities. By pursuing a career in academia focused on population health nursing, you can prepare future generations of nurses with the same interests. If having a long-term impact on public health nursing interests you, earning a degree through DNP public health nursing programs is to your advantage.
4. An increased demand for public health nursing professionals means long-term job security:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be a nearly 46% increase in jobs for professionals in the category of public health nursing over the next decade. This increase in jobs means you are more likely to find a job with long-term stability in a field you love.
5. You can travel the world!:
Many public health nurses pursue opportunities outside the U.S. If you are interested in providing care to people in underserved countries or desire to travel and conduct research worldwide, earning your degree from DNP public health nursing programs can make that possible.
3 Main Disadvantages of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs
Before you pursue your degree through DNP public health nursing programs, it is wise to weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine if this is the path you wish to pursue. The following are three main disadvantages to consider.
1. Public health nursing can be stressful:
No matter how passionate you are about public health, the job can sometimes be stressful. You will be faced with situations where you are expected to find solutions that seem impossible. Despite your best efforts, you can feel overwhelmed. Although DNP public health nursing programs teach you critical thinking and other relevant skills, they cannot guarantee you will not feel stressed at times.
Even when you identify the source of a public health issue or believe you know which measures to implement to address problems, it can be challenging. Public health initiatives are often implemented under strict fiscal constraints. As such, it can be frustrating when you feel you have found a solution only to find your hands tied and have to delay action because budgetary constraints prevent action.
3. Some jobs are considered hazardous:
The goal of public health nurses is to improve the health of individuals, communities, and populations. However, to do so sometimes means exposing yourself to potential hazards. You may be exposed to hazardous materials, infections, and diseases. You could work in areas where disasters have occurred and may not only be subjected to hazardous materials or illnesses but could also be subjected to physical risks associated with the disaster.
Who Accredits DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
As you search for the best DNP public health nursing programs, one of the most important factors to consider is accreditation. When you pursue your degree through an accredited program, you can feel confident that you are learning information that aligns with the highest nursing and public health standards. The primary accrediting agencies for these programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
When Do DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Start?
The start dates for DNP public health nursing programs are determined by the school offering the program. Some schools have multiple start dates throughout the year. Others may offer only one or two options for when to begin their programs. As you search for the program you want to pursue, be sure to verify the deadlines for applying and try to apply early.
• At
Rush University, the DNP public health nursing program will begin several times a year, with
start times in the fall and spring semesters. Deadlines for applying are usually set to around four to five months before the program starts.
• At the
University of Cincinnati, you can begin your studies in
spring, summer, or fall.
• The
University of Colorado also offers
three start dates each year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
• The DNP public health nursing program at
Louisiana State University has two start dates annually in the
summer and fall.
• The DNP public health nursing program begins twice yearly in the
spring and summer semesters at the
KU Medical Center.
How Many Credits are There in DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
The curriculum for DNP public health nursing programs varies regarding the number of required credits. Students enrolled in post-baccalaureate programs complete more credits than post-master's students. Among the programs featured in this article, the credit requirement ranges from 47 to 84 credits. The following are a few examples.
• At
Rush University, the DNP public health nursing program requires students to complete 47 to 62 credits. If you have an MSN degree and do not have a current APRN license, the program is
47 credits. The BSN to DNP pathway is a
62-credit program.
• If you pursue your degree at the
University of Cincinnati, you will complete
78-84 credit hours.
• At the
University of Colorado, the DNP public health nursing program requires
61 credit hours to complete. However, this can change depending on your past education and current pathway. Some will be required to take additional credits based on their history.
• At
Louisiana State University, you will complete
84 credit hours to earn the post-baccalaureate Public/Community Health Nursing degree.
• KU Medical Center’s DNP public health nursing program requires a total of
75 credit hours for graduation from this program.
How Long are DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
On average, it takes three years to complete most DNP public health nursing programs. However, the time it takes you may vary based on whether you enroll part-time or full-time and whether you have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree upon entry. The following list shows the length of the programs featured in this article.
• The DNP public health nursing program at
Rush University is designed to be completed in
2 ½ years if you enroll full-time or 3 ½ years if you pursue the degree part-time. If you need longer to complete your degree, you may take up to five years to graduate.
• At the
University of Cincinnati, you can choose
part-time or full-time study. Part-time students complete the program in four years (12 semesters), and full-time students graduate in three years (9 semesters), including summer sessions.
• The
University of Colorado also offers part-time and full-time options for students pursuing the DNP public health nursing degree. Part-time students complete the program in
five years, including three summer semesters. Full-time students take a heavier courseload and typically graduate in
three years, including two summer semesters.
• At
Louisiana State University, you can earn the DNP public health nursing degree in
three years. The program is designed for year-round, full-time study and includes three summer semesters.
• KU Medical Center’s program is designed for part-time study and is typically completed in
four and a half years. At KU, you will attend school during each spring, summer, and fall semester during the first four years and have one final summer semester in the fifth year.
How Much Do DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Cost?
A major factor many prospective students have when choosing a college program is cost. When researching programs, pay close attention to whether the school charges a flat rate for the program or if you must pay a per-credit rate. Some schools charge different amounts for out-of-state students versus those in the state.
Also, the price you pay could vary if you receive scholarships, grants, or other financial assistance. The cost of the best DNP public health nursing programs featured in this article range between $31,000 and $114,000. The following is a breakdown of the tuition cost for these programs.
• Tuition for the DNP public health nursing program at
Rush University costs $1,286 per credit hour. The program features a 47- to 62-credit curriculum, which means tuition costs an average between
$60,442 and $ $79,732.
• At the
University of Cincinnati, tuition cost is determined by your state residency and whether you enroll part-time or full-time. Ohio residents enrolled part-time pay $746 per credit hour, and full-time students pay $7,451 per semester. Non-resident students pay $761 per credit if enrolled part-time and $7,601 per semester when studying full-time. The program is designed to be completed in nine semesters of full-time study or twelve semesters of part-time study, which makes tuition cost between
$59,608 and $91,212, depending on your enrollment status and where you live.
• The
University of Colorado charges a per-semester-hour tuition rate.
Public Health tuition costs $833 per semester hour for resident students and $1,352 for non-residents.
DNP tuition costs $740 per credit for in-state students and $1,200 for out-of-state students. Tuition is initially charged at the Public Health tuition rate, which is higher than the tuition rate for nursing courses. However, you will receive a credit on your tuition bill for nursing courses. The DNP public health nursing program is a 43-credit program. Tuition totals range between $31,820 and $58,136, depending on the number of public health and nursing courses you need and whether you live in Colorado or out-of-state.
• Tuition at
Louisiana State University for the DNP public health nursing program costs $21,907 per year for state residents and $38,262 per year for non-residents. Based on a three-year study plan, tuition totals
between $65,721 and $114,789, based on where you live. Additionally, the school lists other expenses, such as books, drug testing, APHA student membership, supplies, and fees totaling approximately
$6,332.52.
• At
KU Medical Center, in-state tuition costs $421.15 plus course fees of $144.10 per credit hour. Online students pay $421.50 per credit hour plus 244.10 (course and e-learning fees). Out-of-state students pay $989.60 for tuition plus $144.10 in course fees per credit. The program consists of a 75-credit hour curriculum. Therefore, tuition and course and e-learning fees range between
$42,393.75 and $82,777.50. This price does not include campus fees, books, and other required supplies.
What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
DNP public health nursing programs consider your previous grade point average when determining if you are a good candidate for admission. The average GPA needed for admission is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, applicants with an academic GPA of 3.5 typically have better chances of being admitted.
For example, Rush University, the University of Colorado, and Louisiana State University accept students with a 3.0 college GPA. The University of Cincinnati requires applicants to have a minimum 3.25 GPA, while KU Medical Center prefers candidates with at least a 3.5.
What are the Admission Requirements For DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
In addition to the minimum grade point average requirement, you must meet additional criteria to be admitted to DNP public health nursing programs. The following are the admission criteria for the nation’s top programs.
• The
Rush University DNP public health nursing program
admission requirements include having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, an active, unencumbered RN license, and a scholastic GPA of at least 3.0. To apply, you must provide official transcripts, an admissions essay, a resume or curriculum vitae, and three letters of professional recommendation.
• At the
University of Cincinnati, you must apply and submit all supplemental materials through
NursingCAS. You must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended, contact information for at least three professional or academic references, a professional resume, a personal statement, and English proficiency scores (if English is not your first language.) Additionally, you must have a minimum bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.25 undergraduate college GPA, and a current, unrestricted RN license with no history of disciplinary action.
• The
University of Colorado DNP public health nursing program is designed for registered nurses seeking a Doctor of Nursing Practice who already have a degree in public health. The program requires candidates to meet the following
admission requirements. You must be a graduate of a Master of Public Health or Community Health in Nursing degree program and have a current, unrestricted RN license. You must provide official college transcripts reflecting a nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher, a curriculum vitae or resume, an admissions essay, and three letters of recommendation.
• To apply to the DNP public health program at
Louisiana State University, you must fill out an
online application and submit supplemental documents through NursingCAS. You must provide official transcripts from a regionally accredited college where you earned a BSN and have a minimum undergraduate nursing GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Additionally, you need an active, unencumbered RN license and one year of clinical nursing experience. You must provide an admission essay, a copy of your BLS certification, and three letters of recommendation and participate in an admission interview.
• KU Medical Center’s admission criteria for the DNP public health nursing program include the following. You must have a BSN earned at an accredited nursing school, a current license to practice as a registered nurse, and one year of clinical nursing experience. The university accepts applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 but prefers candidates with a scholastic college grade point average of 3.5 or higher. You must complete a graduate-level statistics course with a minimum grade of "B," provide official transcripts for all college-level coursework, a written statement of goals and interests, and provide three references from advanced practice registered nurses, nursing faculty, or physicians.
What Kind of Courses Will You Take in DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
DNP public health nursing programs offer several classes covering advanced nursing and public health content. Some classes are stand-alone, while others are considered clinical courses and have a corresponding clinical practicum. The following are examples of some of the classes offered in public health DNP programs.
• The
curriculum for the DNP public health nursing program at
Rush University includes classes such as Applied Epidemiology Biostatistics in Nursing, Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments, Healthcare Economics Policy and Finance, Principles of Case Management for Advanced Nursing Practice, Advanced Nursing Role in Public Health Systems, and Population Intervention Planning, Implementation and Evaluation.
• At the
University of Cincinnati, you will take
classes, including Principles of Public Health Negotiation & Mediation, Environmental Public Health, Global Health, Principles of Public Health Ethics Equity & Advocacy, Leveraging Analytics & Business Intelligence Tools for Healthcare, Quality Improvement & Patient Safety, Epidemiological Method in Healthcare.
• The
University of Colorado’s DNP public health nursing program features
classes, including Applied Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Applied Evidence-Based Practice, Foundations of Health Care Informatics, Social and Behavioral Factors in Health, Methods in Research and Evaluation, Health Care Policy, and Multiple Chronic Conditions Elective.
• At
Louisiana State University, the
curriculum for the Doctor of Nursing Practice public health nursing program includes classes such as Organization and Systems Leadership, Public Health/Community Health Nursing Theoretical Perspectives & Standards, Biostatistical Methods, Disaster Management for Public Health/Community Health Nursing, Information Systems, Measurement, Analysis, & Outcomes, and Health and Wellbeing: Health Promotion Disease Prevention and Managing Chronic Disease.
• The
plan of study for the
KU Medical Center public health nursing DNP program consists of classes, including Principles of Clinical Epidemiology, Advanced Concepts in Public Health Nursing, Health Promotion & Complementary Therapeutics, Global Perspectives & Diversity in Healthcare, Interpreting Research for Applied Science, and Evaluation and Analysis of Healthcare Effectiveness.
What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
All nursing programs have a clinical component. DNP public health nursing programs typically offer clinical practicum with a public health focus to meet the DNP requirement for clinical hours and provide public health experience. As outlined in the
Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, DNP students must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. You will likely earn clinical hour credits through hands-on practicum as well as through your DNP Scholarly Project.
• At
Rush University, you will complete
1,176 practical training hours. These hours are earned through your DNP Project, a DNP Specialty Practicum, and DNP Immersion Residency. Practicum and residency experiences are arranged by you and an assigned faculty member, with particular consideration for your preference for clinical sites and preceptors.
• The
practical training for the DNP public health nursing program at the
University of Cincinnati is completed through three practicum experiences. The practicum requirements involve a focus on population healthcare service delivery, integrating theory and evidence-based leadership models, and evaluation of the effectiveness of public health programs and interventions. Upon completion of all practical training requirements, you will have completed at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
• The
University of Colorado requires students to complete a DNP Capstone series of courses to
achieve practical training hours. You will participate in hands-on practical training in public and community health settings. All students must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of practical training, as established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing DNP Essentials. Colorado residents complete most practical training in local, state, and community agencies, including the Department of public health. Out-of-state students must collaborate with course instructors and program advisors to identify and arrange practicum experiences at approved sites with qualified preceptors.
• At
Louisiana State University, you will complete
1,020 clinical hours. Clinicals begin in the second year and include four clinical practicum experiences with corresponding clinical courses. Your practical training will cover Theoretical Perspectives and Standards, Program Development, Family Assessment & Intervention, Program Implementation, and Public Health Law & Policy. The university offers clinical placement assistance to help you identify and arrange appropriate public health clinical sites and locate approved preceptors.
• The DNP public health nursing program at
KU Medical Center features clinical practicum experiences beginning in the second year of the program. In this program, you will complete a
minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. You will complete clinical courses with corresponding clinical practicum experience. Clinical hours will include a focus on doctoral leadership in nursing, global perspectives and diversity in healthcare, business strategies, and your DNP Scholarly Project.
What are the Best DNP Public Health Nursing Programs in the Nation?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 5 Best Online and Campus-Based DNP Public Health Nursing Programs in the nation for the year 2025.)
VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY
3 Major Challenges DNP Public Health Nursing Students and Graduates Face and How to Overcome
Like all graduate programs, DNP public health nursing programs come with challenges. Whether you are juggling work and school, managing finances and family, or finding yourself struggling to keep up in a class, some challenges can feel overwhelming. Although you may feel frustrated at times, knowing what to expect and planning ways to manage challenges can help improve your chances of success.
CHALLENGE #1: DNP public health nursing programs can be expensive.
About the Challenge:
DNP public health nursing programs can cost as much as $114,000. Let’s face it; most people cannot afford to pay that much money for a degree without some type of assistance. The stress associated with trying to pay for your degree, coupled with long hours of study and clinical requirements, can be challenging.
How to Overcome:
The best thing you can do to overcome the financial burden of the program is to plan early for how you will pay for your degree. Many schools offer scholarship and grant opportunities. Additionally, private organizations and employers often offer resources that you can consider. Federal student loans or private loans are also an option. After completing a few degrees, I can tell you from experience it is always best to find resources for "free money," such as
scholarships, grants, or employer-sponsored tuition programs, instead of worrying about how you will pay back big loans after graduation.
CHALLENGE #2: Admission to DNP programs is very competitive.
About the Challenge:
One of the biggest challenges of DNP public health nursing programs is actually getting into the program. Many schools limit the number of students admitted for each new class. If you do not know what to expect in the admission process or do not follow through correctly, the admission process can feel challenging.
How to Overcome:
To overcome the challenges of getting into a top program, the first step is to verify admission criteria and ensure you meet the minimum standards. Once you confirm you have met the minimum admission requirements, see if there are ways you can exceed them. For example, if a school accepts applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, consider taking some classes to help improve your GPA and shoot for a 3.5 or higher.
Turning in an incomplete application is one way to have your application rejected. Verify all necessary supplemental forms or materials and gather them. Make extra copies of all your documents and follow up on your application within two to three weeks after applying.
CHALLENGE #3: The curriculum in DNP public health nursing programs is intense.
About the Challenge:
Naturally, DNP programs have rigorous curriculum plans. When you add the depth of public health coursework and clinical practicums to the mix, the programs can be quite intense. It can be challenging to earn good grades while keeping up with the pace of the programs.
How to Overcome:
The key to overcoming the challenge of an intense curriculum is to create a schedule for studying and school-related responsibilities and pace yourself. You may find it is necessary to scale back on social events or unnecessary engagements, at least for a time. At the same time, it is important to create a healthy work/school/life balance, so you do not get burned out. Make sure you eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of rest, sleep, and exercise.
Where Do Graduates of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Mostly Work?
Graduates of DNP public health nursing programs work in several settings. Whether you work in academia, research, community health centers, or for the government, the options are endless. The following are three of the main places program graduates find work.
1. Government:
Public health nurses often work for local, state, and federal government agencies. In this setting, you may plan initiatives related to public health issues or work with a team to identify at-risk populations and implement measures to reduce their risk.
2. Hospitals and Clinics:
When you earn your DNP in public health, you could work in a hospital or community health clinic. Public health nurses who work in these settings often help coordinate with local governments to develop policies and plan measures to optimize health standards for local communities.
3. Colleges or Universities:
Some graduates of DNP public health programs work as faculty members in nursing and public health programs. Others work in university settings conducting research and evaluating the findings of public health studies.
5 Best Jobs For Graduates of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs
Graduates of DNP public health nursing programs can choose from several excellent job opportunities. The following are five of the best jobs program graduates may have.
1. Health Policy Nurse:
Health policy nurses review healthcare policies, regulations, and laws and make recommendations to improve or revise them to promote improved public health. In this job, you will use your nursing expertise and knowledge of public health to make recommendations for streamlining healthcare services and improving patient outcomes.
2. Military Health Nurse:
The military employs public health nurses for various jobs. In this job, you may help establish plans designed to maintain health among military members in a particular jurisdiction. You may also work with other government agencies to prepare for anticipated disasters or respond when there is a public health emergency.
3. Public Health Nurse Educator:
In this role, you will be a source of reliable information designed to educate individuals, communities, and populations about health promotion and disease prevention. You may create educational programs and present information at schools, health fairs, or community events, such as safety practices, nutrition programs, and how to care for ill or disabled family members.
4. Industrial Public Health Nurse:
The role of an industrial public health nurse is to promote and maintain the health of employees in their organizations. In this role, you will identify potential hazards in the workplace and recommend measures to reduce or prevent exposure to public health hazards. Your job may involve providing education related to safety, disaster preparedness, and health programs. You may also help monitor the workforce, ensuring employees are healthy and abiding by best practices to mitigate injury and disease.
5. Public Health Research Nurse:
As a graduate of a DNP public health program, you will be qualified to work as a public health research nurse. You will analyze data to determine the potential for health risks, monitor disease outbreaks, and work to find new ways of improving public health. and discover new ways to improve public health.
What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?
New graduates of DNP public health nursing programs earn an average of $69,140 per year. This pay is equal to $33.24 per hour, $1,330 weekly, or $5,760 per month.
Hourly | $33.24 |
Weekly | $1,330 |
Monthly | $5,760 |
Annual | $69,140 |
What Average Salary Can Graduates of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Expect?
On average, graduates of DNP public health nursing programs earn an annual salary of $102,700. This pay breaks down to $49.38 per hour, $1,975 per week, and $8,560 per month.
Hourly | $49.38 |
Weekly | $1,975 |
Monthly | $8,560 |
Annual | $102,700 |
10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs
The ten-year job outlook for graduates of DNP public health nursing programs is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs in this industry will increase by 45.68% between 2021 and 2031, which is much faster than all other jobs.
2021-31 |
+45.68% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
3 Main Reasons Behind the Demand For Graduates of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs
Graduates of DNP public health nursing programs have excellent potential for job opportunities. There are several reasons behind the demand for nurses in this specialty. The following are the three main reasons.
1. Increased Awareness of the Importance of Disease Prevention:
As society becomes more aware of the importance of better health practices in promoting good health and preventing disease, the demand for qualified nurses who can educate the public increases. DNP public health nursing programs provide the theoretical and practical training needed to prepare public health nurses capable of educating the public and being an agent for change and promotion of wellness among communities and populations.
2. The COVID-19 pandemic:
The third highly pathogenic coronavirus,
COVID-19, led the World Health Organization to declare a global pandemic in March of 2020. The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest public health crisis experienced worldwide in over a century. As such, the need for qualified public health professionals is greater than ever.
3. Nationwide Nursing Shortage:
The nation continues to experience a shortage of nurses, which means healthcare staffing shortages are unimproved. When there is a lack of nurses to provide care, poor patient outcomes are often the result. Some of the effects include increased risk to patient safety, increased hospital-acquired infections, and more deaths. These issues are another reason behind the demand for public health nurses who can assess the situations and suggest plans to resolve these issues and improve patient, organizational, and public health outcomes.
Is the Cost of a DNP Public Health Nursing Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?
If you are considering earning a DNP with a public health focus, it is natural to wonder if it is a wise investment. To determine if your money will be well-spent, the best thing to do is compare the cost of your degree to your potential income.
DNP public health nursing programs can cost as little as $30,000 to more than $114,000. The beginning salary for program graduates is approximately $69,140, and with experience, the average annual income is $102,700. Depending on the cost of the program you choose, you could see a positive return on your investment as early as your first or second year after graduating. Even if you choose a more expensive program, with work experience, you could see an increase in salary and still see a positive return.
Bonus! 5 Most Important Things the Best DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Look For When Accepting Applicants
Admission to DNP public health nursing programs can be competitive. Program faculty and admission teams look for particular characteristics in applicants. To improve your chances of admission, consider these five important things the best programs look for in candidates.
1. Clinical Experience.
Most DNP public health nursing programs require candidates to have at least one year of work experience as a registered nurse. Jobs in public health settings or research can also make your application more appealing.
2. Demonstrated Interest in Public Health.
Because admission is so competitive, admission faculty look for applicants with a demonstrated interest in public health. Even if you have not worked in public health, volunteer experience in a public health setting or on a public health research project could give your application the boost it needs.
3. Excellent Academic History.
While your grade point average may not be “everything,” it does say a lot about your potential for success. Remember, DNP public health nursing programs are the highest nursing degree you can get, coupled with a specialty in a field that is ever-changing. Admission teams want to know if you can make the cut when it comes to hard work in the program, and your academic record will reflect if you can or cannot.
4. The Ability to Show Strong Quantitative Skills.
Public health programs look for candidates with strong quantitative skills. You can demonstrate your strengths by taking and scoring well on the GRE, MCAT, or GMAT. Even if your school of interest does not require these tests for admission, consider taking the exams to improve your chances of having an attractive application.
5. Applicants who demonstrate a specific interest in their specific program.
Chances are, you will be asked to participate in an admissions interview when applying to DNP public health nursing programs. A common question faculty often asks is, “Why did you choose our school?” Think carefully about what interests you about the school and why you believe it is the best place to earn your degree.
My Final Thoughts
If you are a registered nurse interested in earning a doctorate in nursing specializing in public health, you may have found this article wondering, “What are the best DNP public health nursing programs?” Throughout this article, we discussed the 5 best DNP public health nursing programs for 2025, sharing information about what you will study, what admissions teams look for in candidates, and the roles you can have after graduating. If you feel a career as a DNP-prepared public health nurse is something you want to pursue, I encourage you to start applying today and begin your journey! There is no time like the present to achieve your dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1. What Is The Best DNP Public Health Nursing Program In The Nation?
Rush University offers the best DNP public health nursing program in the United States.
RUSH University - Chicago, IL |
2. Is It Easy To Get Admission Into DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
Admission to DNP public health nursing programs is competitive. However, by achieving good grades, gaining professional experience, and being persistent, you can improve your chances of being admitted.
3. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
Most DNP public health nursing programs require candidates to have a minimum college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4. Do I Need Any Work Experience To Get Into DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
Most DNP public health nursing programs require applicants to have a year of work experience.
5. What Is The Typical Cost-Per-Credit For DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
The per-credit cost for DNP public health nursing programs ranges from $500 per credit hour to $1200 per credit hour.
6. What Are The 3 Hardest Classes In DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
Students in DNP public health nursing programs have varying opinions about which classes are hardest. Most students say Applied Epidemiology Biostats Nursing, Research for Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments are the most challenging.
7. How Much Do New Graduates Of This Program Make Per Year?
New graduates of DNP public health nursing programs earn an average of $69,140 per year.
8. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Make Per Hour With Experience?
Graduates of DNP public health nursing programs earn approximately $49.38 per hour.
9. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of This Program Per Month With Experience?
On average, graduates of DNP public health nursing programs make $8,560 per month.
10. On Average, How Much Can Graduates Of DNP Public Health Nursing Programs Make Per Year With Experience?
Graduates of DNP public health nursing programs earn an average annual income of $102,700.
11. What Are The 3 Best Alternative Degree Options For DNP Public Health Nursing Programs?
Three alternative degree options for DNP public health nursing programs include Master of Public Health, Environmental Health, and
Master of Healthcare Administration.
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).