Rutgers launches graduate degree in public health for clinicians

The Rutgers School of Public Health has launched a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree for clinicians. The degree program will begin accepting students for the spring 2020 semester.

The purpose of the new MPH for clinicians is to prepare those working in healthcare with the information and skills required to critically approach and explore issues with a broadened public health perspective.

While the traditional MPH is 45-credits, the new option for clinicians will be just 42 credits – the minimum allowed by the Council on Education for Public Health, the accrediting body of schools and programs of public health. Prospective students can apply here and will be contacted regarding how their clinical experience will be applied.

Clinicians will be exempt three credits of elective coursework, accounting for their knowledge in the biomedical basis of disease.

“Clinicians like doctors, nurses, dieticians, social workers, and many others, have a broad range of knowledge and experience in their fields,” said Laura Liang, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. “Now, more than ever, clinicians need to employ a public health perspective in their practice as major health systems shift to a community-based model of healthcare.”

Clinicians eligible for the 42-credit degree option would include those who have completed an accredited undergraduate program in the US or its equivalent and are currently licensed and working as a healthcare provider in a US state or territory. Types of healthcare providers who should consider the program include: doctor of medicine or osteopathy, podiatrist, dentist, physician assistant, chiropractor, clinical psychologist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, pharmacist, registered dietician, or a clinical social worker.  

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to individuals who are already committed to improving the health of individuals,” said Perry N. Halkitis, Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health.  “We are certain that the skills they will gain will complement their existing expertise, leading to healthier communities both in New Jersey and beyond.”

To learn more about this new degree, visit: https://sph.rutgers.edu/academics/mph-phc.html.

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The Rutgers School of Public Health is New Jersey’s only accredited school of public health that seeks to improve health and prevent disease in diverse populations in New Jersey and around the world through educating students to become well-qualified and effective public health leaders, researchers, and practitioners; conducting research to advance public health science and policies; and providing service programs that promote population and individual health. Visit us at https://sph.rutgers.edu and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to learn how we’re “keeping the ‘public’ in public health.”

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