Certified Public Health Nurse And Certification Process
A Certified Public Health Nurse is a registered nurse who has received additional education in public health. They are experts in the field of public health and they are knowledgeable about how to apply the nursing process to prevent, detect, manage, and control communicable diseases.
The CPHN is a registered nurse who has successfully completed an accredited course of study at an approved school of nursing. The CPHN provides care for individuals or communities experiencing acute or chronic health problems or those who have been exposed to hazardous substances. A Certified Public Health Nurse is also responsible for educating the public on prevention of illness and injury.
The Certified Public Health Nurse (CPHN) is the most advanced level of public health nursing.
The CPHN assumes responsibility for the assessment and management of a broad range of health problems, including infectious diseases, environmental hazards, injuries, chronic diseases, mental health and substance abuse.
SEE: How Many Years of School To Be A Nurse Practitioner
Public Health Nurse Certification
This certification is the only one for nurses interested in becoming certified in public health. This certification is NOT just for nurses. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific criteria:
- At least a bachelor’s degree, in any concentration, and at least five subsequent years of public health work experience OR
- A relevant graduate degree and at least three subsequent years of public health work experience OR
- A certificate from a public health school or program that is accredited by or in CEPH candidate status and at least three subsequent years of public health work experience
SEE: Accelerated Graduate Nursing Programs & Tuition
Other important certification-related information includes:
- Fee – $385
- Return Fee – $150
- Offered all year
- computer based tests
- Active members of the US Armed Forces can use Military Tuition Assistance Program benefits to pay the CPH exam fee.
- 200 questions
- 4 hours to complete the exam
- All exam questions are multiple choice and single best answer.
- Some questions are: matching items; part of a series of questions related to a common vignette; and have associated images or graphics
Recertification includes:
- At least 50 hours of recertification every two years
- $95 fee
The Advanced Public Health Nursing Certification is no longer available for recertification, but is open for renewal for individuals who have already been certified. Renewal information includes:
- 75 hours of continuing education hours
- Five semester credits or 6 quarter credits of academic courses in your certification specialty
- One or more presentations totaling five hours in your certification specialty
- $350 renewal fee
- Certified Public Health Nurse And Certification Process