About Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing Certificate at CSUSB
What It Is & Why It’s Beneficial
A post-baccalaureate certificate program requiring a completed bachelor’s degree, CSUSB’s Advanced Community / Public Health Nursing Certificate prepares registered nurses to expand their impact beyond clinical settings and lead population-focused health initiatives across diverse communities. Rooted in evidence-based practice and community engagement, the program equips nurses with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to assess community health needs, promote wellness, reduce disparities, and support vulnerable populations.
Through coursework in epidemiology, health promotion, policy, leadership, and culturally responsive care, students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate community-based health programs. The certificate also emphasizes trauma-informed practice, health equity, and interprofessional collaboration—ensuring nurses are ready to promote health at the system and population level.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers a flexible pathway for career advancement in public health agencies, schools, community organizations, and health departments.
Why This Certificate Is Beneficial
✔ Builds expertise in population-level health
Nurses learn how to assess community needs, evaluate health trends, and implement prevention-based strategies that improve outcomes across entire populations.
✔ Supports advancement into public health and leadership roles
The certificate strengthens qualifications for positions in county health departments, school health programs, community clinics, nonprofits, and state or federal public health agencies.
✔ Enhances culturally engaged, community-centered practice
Students gain the tools to work effectively with diverse populations and to support health equity through culturally informed care.
✔ Aligns with workforce demand
Public health nursing is a rapidly growing field, with increasing need for professionals trained in epidemiology, disease prevention, community health programming, and health policy.
✔ Complements nursing degrees and professional experience
Registered nurses can broaden their career options with a specialized, high-impact credential that builds on their clinical background.
Careers in Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing Certificate
Graduates of the Advanced Community / Public Health Nursing Certificate program are prepared for a wide range of impactful roles, including:
Public Health & Community Health Roles
- Public Health Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- Population Health Nurse
- Health Promotion Specialist
- Disease Prevention Coordinator
- Immunization Program Nurse
Leadership & Program Development
- Public Health Program Coordinator
- Nursing Program Manager
- Clinical Nurse Leader (community-focused)
- Health Services Administrator (with experience)
- Community Wellness Program Director
School & Youth Health Services
- School Nurse (with additional credentialing)
- Youth Health Outreach Nurse
- Health Education Specialist
Government, Nonprofit & Advocacy Roles
- County or State Public Health Nurse
- Community Clinic Nurse Educator
- Nonprofit Community Health Advocate
- Health Policy Support Specialist
The certificate also strengthens preparation for advanced study in nursing leadership, public health, community health education, or epidemiology.
Sample Courses
Population Health Assessment
Examines strategies and processes for assessing the health of communities, including environmental health and access to health care.
Program Planning and Evaluation
Program planning, implementation and evaluation to improve health and meet health care needs of populations. Includes fiscal management and identifying grant sources.
Health Policy Leadership
Social, ethical, political, economic, and ideological forces that shape health policy and law. Informed participation in interdisciplinary policy-making processes; impact of health policy on professional practice. Emphasis on leadership skills to champion solutions for health.
Similar to Advanced Community/Public Health Nursing Certificate
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.