4 Best Dual FNP/MPH Programs For 2024

Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Have you wondered what it would be like to have an advanced role in the healthcare industry? Do you have a love for nursing and a passion for promoting health and wellness? If so, you may find that an FNP/MPH dual program offers an excellent opportunity to pursue that dream. Dual FNP/MPH programs prepare students to take on roles in public health, providing education and healthcare services to individuals and communities. As you continue reading, you will find information about the four best dual FNP/MPH programs for 2024, including examples of the costs, curriculum, and possible job opportunities after graduation.

What Exactly Is the Goal of a Dual FNP/MPH Program?

FNP/MPH dual programs are one of many dual degree programs designed to help students achieve two degrees concurrently. The FNP portion of the program focuses on knowledge and skills necessary for graduates to be active in health promotion and disease prevention, caring for clients across the lifespan with diverse medical histories and conditions. The MPH portion is dedicated to instruction that prepares students to integrate and apply knowledge associated with public health issues by effective delivery of essential public health-related services. These dual degree programs provide classroom instruction and hands-on clinicals to help students succeed in the role of Family Nurse Practitioners with a Master of Public Health degree.

7 Big Advantages of Dual FNP/MPH Programs

If you are considering a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in public health, you may be wondering if there are benefits to FNP/MPH dual programs. There are several things to think about before beginning an academic program or career plan. Look at these seven advantages of the programs featured in this article.

1. You will be prepared to take on a leadership role in the care and education of people of all ages.

Dual FNP/MPH programs offer access to education and clinical experiences to equip you with skills to help promote health and wellness and improve healthcare outcomes for individuals and families.

2. You will learn from some of the most experienced people in the field of family practice nursing and public health.

When you pursue a dual degree with Family Nurse Practitioner and Master of Public Health concentrations, you will learn from leaders in both specialties. These instructors will help guide you through the programs and whose experience will help you learn to be effective in your new role.

3. Personal growth and development:

The decision to go back to school and expand your professional reach means more than professional growth and development. You will grow personally, as well, as you learn to be engaged in new roles and work with people from many backgrounds in various settings.

4. There are many career opportunities for graduates.

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, you will have a chance to work with clients of all ages from conception to older adults. A Master of Public Health gives you access to job prospects where you can influence individual clients and communities of people.

5. Long-term job security:

Graduates of FNP/MPH dual programs contribute to healthcare by monitoring critical health status indicators such as infant mortality rates, infectious disease occurrence, and environmental factors contributing to illness or disease. Choosing to pursue this dual degree will position you to identify issues that threaten public health and develop interventions to promote wellness. As long as people live, there will be a need for healthcare professionals who can fulfill these responsibilities.

6. You will be able to impact the health and wellness of many people.

One of the great things about earning a dual degree like the FNP/MPH is that you can combine the expert skills of two specialties and use your knowledge and experience to significantly influence healthcare for individuals and populations overall.

7. Give yourself a raise!

After completing a Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health dual program, the average annual income is $120,020. With continued experience and depending on the position you obtain, earning potential increases.

How Long Are FNP/MPH Dual Programs?

Dual FNP/MPH programs average two to four years in length. When transcripts are reviewed, some students may be eligible to receive credit for previous coursework, reducing the amount of time it takes to graduate. On the other hand, studying part-time could lengthen the time needed to complete the programs.

• Students can complete the dual program at

Emory University

in as few as two calendar years. The first year of enrollment is spent at Rollins with an academic focus on the MPH specialty. The second-year is spent at the School of Nursing with MSN coursework and clinicals.

•

Yale University’s

accredited FNP/MPH dual program requires three years of full-time enrollment. Although the program is designed to be completed in the three-year time frame, students are allowed additional time if needed.

• The online dual FNP/MPH program at the

University of Alabama at Birmingham

can be completed in two to three years of full-time study.

• Students at the

University of Pennsylvania

can graduate in three years.

How Much Do FNP/MPH Dual Programs Cost?

An investment in a quality education is an investment that can last a lifetime. FNP/MPH dual programs can cost from $25,000 to over $150,000. Careful planning, including applying for financial assistance if needed, can help you prepare for the financial investment so you can make the most of your experience. The following are examples of the cost of this article’s featured programs.

•

Emory University

, home to one of our featured best FNP/MPH dual programs, calculates tuition at a per semester credit rate of $1,963. Students complete a minimum of thirty-two semester hours in MPH coursework and thirty-six in MSH coursework for a total of at least sixty-eight semester hours. The estimated cost of tuition for the program is $133,484.

• Tuition at

Yale University

is approximately $49,719 per academic year. The Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health dual program can be completed in three years of full-time study. Students who graduate in a minimum of three years pay an average of $149,157 for the dual degree.

• The

University of Alabama at Birmingham

charges tuition based on the student's residency status. Students who live in Alabama pay $572 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $1,363. The program requires students to complete at least forty-five credit hours, making the tuition range from $25,740 to $61,335.

• The cost of attendance at the

University of Pennsylvania

is $6,510 per course unit. This per-unit cost includes technology and general fees, which total $554 for each unit. Students in the dual degree program must complete sixteen-course units and pay an average of $104,160.

What Is the Curriculum Like for This Dual Degree Program?

Curriculum plans for accredited dual FNP/MPH programs are determined and approved by the school offering the program. Although there may be some variation in the classes and clinical hours required, or the format by which the content is presented, most FNP/MPH programs cover the same content.

Classes you can expect include the following.

◦ Environmental and Occupational Health
◦ Theory and Practice Across the Lifespan
◦ Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
◦ Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
◦ Epidemiology
◦ Biostatistics
◦ Principles of Health Policy

Below are examples of the curriculum at the featured dual programs shared in this article.

•

Emory University

combines resources from the Rollins School of Public Health and Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing with some of the world’s top public health organizations to offer its dual FNP/MPH program. The FNP portion of the program includes forty-nine credit hours of coursework and six hundred sixty clinical practice hours.

◦ Perspectives in Environmental Health
◦ Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
◦ Critical Issues in Global Health
◦ Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
◦ Management of Acute and Chronic Illness I and II
◦ Innovative Leadership in Healthcare Delivery

•

Yale University’s

accredited FNP/MPH dual program uses an integrated education plan that combines nursing and public health, complementing both programs and ensuring each programs' integrity. After completing the dual FNP/MPH program at Yale University, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health.

Students are advised that study in one of the following departments is appropriate for the MSN/MPH degree: Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy, or Chronic Disease Epidemiology. The FNP portion of the program includes a minimum of fifty-seven credit hours and seven hundred twenty clinical hours dedicated to the FNP curriculum, and fifteen credit hours devoted to public health. Students must complete coursework, an internship/public health practice experience, MSN clinicals, and a thesis/capstone course.

Sample Curriculum:

◦ Biostatistics in Public Health
◦ Major Health Threats: Determinants and Solutions
◦ Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Pharmacology
◦ Mental Health Management for Advanced Practice Nurses
◦ Advanced Primary Care of the Older Adult

• The

University of Alabama at Birmingham

offers another of the best dual FNP/MPH programs online featured in this article. The dual degree includes eighty-three credit hours. The dual degree program consists of forty-five credit hours, six of which are shared between the MSN and MPH study plans. The study plan includes MPH and MSN Core classes, MSN and MPH track requirements, electives, and an internship.

Sample Curriculum:

◦ Community Assessments in Public health
◦ Needs Assessment and Program Planning
◦ Healthcare Systems for Advanced Nursing Practice
◦ Translating Evidence into Practice
◦ Leadership for Evidence-Based Public Health

• At the

University of Pennsylvania

, students can earn an MSN/MPH with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration by completing sixteen-course units. Students must meet core requirements of the MSN In Health Leadership Program and the Master of Public Health.

Sample Curriculum:

◦ Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision-Making
◦ Family and Organizational Systems Across the Lifespan
◦ Advanced Concepts in Primary Care
◦ Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
◦ Public Health Law and Ethics

Admission Requirements

Admission to the best dual FNP/MPH programs is usually quite competitive. Colleges and universities that offer these dual graduate programs look for candidates with strong academic and leadership potential. Schools typically work with state and/or federal agencies to determine minimum admission standards to qualify candidates. While admission criteria may differ somewhat from school to school, the minimum requirements remain the same to align with accrediting agencies. Applicants to these featured programs should expect the following admission requirements.

◦ Have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse
◦ Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school
◦ Pass a background check and drug screen
◦ Provide current proof of immunizations
◦ Submit official transcripts from any college/university ever attended
◦ Provide letters of professional recommendation (two or three are usually required)

Below are examples of the admission requirements at our featured programs.

• At

Emory University

, admission faculty choose applicants who are qualified academically and have the greatest potential for success in the program. All undergraduate coursework is evaluated, and applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred.

◦ A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing program
◦ Have an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in Georgia or a multi-state license
◦ Completion of a Statistic course worth at least three semester hours
◦ Completion of an Undergraduate Health Assessment course worth at least three semester hours

• Prospective students for the

Yale University

dual Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health program must apply to both the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Nursing. Admission decisions are made independently by each school. A few criteria from each of the schools are as follows.

◦ Official transcripts from all schools attended
◦ Three letters of recommendation
◦ Statement of Purpose and Objectives
◦ Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• The

University of Alabama at Birmingham

combines advanced clinical skills with excellence in program planning and evaluation to offer dual FNP/MPH programs online. The program is offered through the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health. Applicants accepted into the program are prepared to participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies related to family practice and public health nursing.

◦ Resume and/or curriculum vitae
◦ Official transcripts from all colleges ever attended
◦ Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references
◦ Standardized test scores: GRE scores are waived for the 2022 cycle only. However, the university encourages applicants with less than five years of full-time professional public health/healthcare experience with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 to take the exam and submit scores.

• The

University of Pennsylvania

begins application reviews in early November of each year for the following Spring semester. Admission faculty assess applications by considering transcripts, previous coursework, references, and previous public health and/or nursing experiences.

◦ Submit a Personal Statement that demonstrates an understanding of public health and the reason why the applicant is interested in the field
◦ Possess a BSN from an accredited college or university
◦ Proof of current immunization must be submitted and maintained throughout enrollment
◦ CRP certification
◦ Pass drug screen and background checks

FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST DUAL FNP/MPH PROGRAMS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) IN THE NATION FOR 2024

(These FNP/MPH Dual Degree Programs are ideal for individuals who wish to graduate with skills & knowledge in both Family Nursing Practice and Public Health.)

1. Emory University - Atlanta, GA (Campus)

Programs Offered:

MSN/MPH

2. Yale University - West Haven, CT (Campus)

Programs Offered:

MSN/MPH

3. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, AL (Online)

Programs Offered:

MPH/MSN

4. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, PA (Campus)

Programs Offered:

MSN/MPH


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

Career Opportunities Post-Completion of This Dual Degree Program

Graduates of FNP/MPH dual degree programs work in various settings to promote the health and wellness of communities and individuals across the lifespan. Many people who hold this dual degree work in rural or underserved communities. However, other career opportunities, including positions in academia and research, may be of interest to degree holders. Here are a few examples of possible jobs and the responsibilities they include.

• Public Health Educator or Specialist:

A person in this position focuses on providing healthcare education programs for communities and individuals to help promote healthy lifestyles; may work independently or under the direction of a public health director.

• Public Health Nurse:

Provides patient care by performing health assessments and educating individuals and communities about diverse healthcare topics. Most public health nurses work for county or city health services organizations, federally funded health organizations, and private community health organizations.

• Community Health Director:

Directs health-focused operations focused on key issues including obesity, water quality, disease outbreak, smoking, immunizations, and disaster relief; leads in the development of community programs and community improvement initiatives

Average FNP/MPH Salary

After completing a Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health dual degree program, the average annual income is a little over $120,000, approximately $57.70 hourly or $10,000 monthly.

Job Outlook for Graduates of This Dual Degree Program

The United States spends nearly eighty-five percent of its healthcare budget on chronic health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that most chronic illnesses are preventable with physical activity, healthy diets, and regular healthcare screenings. Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health professionals play an integral role in educating individuals and the public on measures to not only treat but prevent healthcare problems from developing. With an increased interest in health and wellness and efforts to promote overall well-being, the role of graduates who complete dual FNP/MPH programs is essential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a fourteen percent projected growth in jobs for this role through 2028. Although the BLS does not give specific data for the FNP role independently, it reports anticipated growth of nurse practitioner jobs by forty-five percent through 2029. This combined data is a strong indication that the job outlook for individuals who hold this dual degree is positive.

The Bottom Line

If you have considered a career as a family nurse practitioner specializing in public health, this could be the perfect time to pursue your goal. With an anticipated increase in the need for healthcare providers and public health specialists, the best dual FNP/MPH programs for 2024 are an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to fill this vital role.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

Are there any organizations or resources that are especially helpful for dual FNP/MPH students?

There are several support resources and organizations that FNP/MPH dual students may be interested in. A few examples include the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Alliance of Nurses for Health Environments, American Public Health Association, Association of Public Health Nurses, American College of Epidemiology, and Association of Community Health Nurse Educators.

Are there any disadvantages to an FNP/MPH dual program?

Weighing the pros and cons of any college program is essential if you want to make an informed decision. You may have a different opinion than someone else about what is considered an advantage or disadvantage to a dual Family Nurse Practitioner/Master of Public Health program. Perhaps the most mentioned disadvantage is that the course load is quite dense. Keep in mind, this is a dual graduate degree and requires a great deal of dedication if you want to be successful.