Top Master’s In Community Health Nursing Programs
Credit: SDI Productions | E+ | Getty ImagesCommunity health nurses help improve the health of individuals and the public. If you’re interested in an in-demand career helping vulnerable patients, this guide to the best online community health nursing programs can get you started.
Learn More About the Best Online Community Health Nursing Programs and Schools
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
One of the best online community health nursing programs, the University of Florida - Gainesville's master of public health (MPH) program is offered entirely online. Students complete assignments with weekly deadlines, and exams are proctored online.
Learners choose one of two focuses: public health practice and social and behavioral sciences. The program comprises 48 credit hours. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and have a 2.0 GPA in all classes.
- Program(s): MPH
- Campus: Gainesville, FL
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $550 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA; students planning to take the public health concentration must have significant work experience in a health-related field.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- In-State$4,477
- Out-of-state$25,694
- In-State$10,770
- Out-of-state$27,335
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate31%
- Students Enrolled53,372
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
National University offers an online MPH program with three possible concentrations: health promotion, community mental health, and healthcare administration. Rather than traditional terms or semesters, the program consists of four-week classes that allows students to concentrate on just one course at a time. The program ends with an internship and a capstone project, under a faculty advisor’s guidance. Students can apply year-round.
- Program(s): MPH
- Campus: La Jolla, CA
- Type: Private
- Accreditation(s): Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Tuition: $442 per unit (individual courses vary in the number of applicable units)
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree with a 2.85 GPA or higher; undergraduate statistics class
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.9%
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- In-State$15,480
- Out-of-state$15,480
- Retention Rate45%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled18,070
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best community health nursing programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list was created prior to 2025.
How Do Online Community Health Nursing Programs Work?
Graduate-level community health nursing programs prepare students to practice nursing, improve public health, and address social determinants of health.
On-campus and online community health nursing programs cover advanced topics, including competent care, environmental health, and working with vulnerable populations. They also include master of science in nursing (MSN) courses, such as advanced physiology, assessment, and evidence-based practice.
Most programs take two years to complete, but check with your program to learn more.
Applying to an Online Community Health Nursing Program
Online community health nursing program admission requirements are similar to other MSN programs, although they do not lead to an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license. There also isn’t a board certification for new applicants. (Previously certified community health nurses can renew their certification.)
- Admission Materials: Prospective students need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), a current and unencumbered nursing license, at least two references, a completed application, and an essay or personal statement.
- GPA Requirement: Learners should have a 3.0 GPA for admission, but programs may admit students with lower GPAs if they have other strong performance indicators, such as work experience.
- Other Requirements: If you have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), some schools offer nursing bridge programs to reach the MSN. Most programs require or prefer experience working with low-income or other underserved communities.
Why Is Online Community Health Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Accredited nursing programs undergo an independent review to assess whether they meet academic and industry standards. Third-party agencies evaluate the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and teaching methods. They also review staffing and staffing ratios, student outcomes, and program infrastructure (for example, the library’s access to current materials).
The two main accrediting agencies for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Accreditation determines whether program graduates have the skills and knowledge to safely practice nursing. Nursing schools, state boards of nursing, and employers require applicants to have a degree from an accredited program.
This guide only lists accredited programs because accreditation is crucial to your ability to practice and achieve career success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Community Health Nursing Programs
These nurses provide health education and resources to the communities they serve. They also assist with community health programs by administering vaccinations, collecting and recording vital signs, and conducting health screenings.
Explore Other Public and Community Health Nursing Resources
What Can You Do With a Public Health Degree?
What is public health and how can I enter this field? Learn about public health degrees and the personal and professional rewards of public health careers here.
The Best Online MPH Programs
A master of public health can lead to impactful career opportunities in the healthcare field. Read about the best online MPH programs in this guide.
APRN vs NP: What’s the Difference?
APRNs and NPs are in demand and enjoy a high earning potential. Understand the similarities and differences to choose the right career for you.