BSc Public Health Nursing

Public health nursing focuses on keeping entire communities healthy rather than treating illness in individual patients. At Methodist University, this degree is offered through the Faculty of Science, and entry is less competitive than similar programmes at some other institutions. This page explains what the field involves, how hard it is to get a place, and what you can do after graduation.

What public health nursing actually is

Programmes of this kind usually cover health promotion, disease prevention, family and community health, and how to assess the needs of a population. You learn to plan and run health education campaigns, carry out screenings and immunisations, and support patients who manage chronic conditions outside a hospital setting.

How hard it is to get a place

Getting a place at Methodist University is less competitive than at some other universities. For comparison, the University of Health and Allied Sciences is highly competitive, while Catholic University, KAAF University College, and the Public Nursing Training Colleges are also less competitive. That does not mean entry is automatic — you still need to meet the programme's own requirements — but it means your grades do not need to be as high as they would for the most competitive nursing programmes. If you meet the minimum entry criteria, you have a reasonable chance of being offered admission.

Where a public health nursing degree can take you

Graduates of public health nursing typically work in community clinics, district health offices, and hospitals. Common job titles include public health nurse, community health officer, and health educator. The degree also provides a useful foundation for further study in nursing, public health, or health management, and for work with NGOs and international health organisations.