Many public universities, including the University of Nevada, offer master’s-level public health programs with specialty tracks. The School of Community Health Sciences has satellite campuses in Reno and Las Vegas. Students select a concentration from four specialties, including biostatistics and epidemiology. Nevada spends nearly $46 million funding health resources and services administration programs, and data from Trust for America’s Health reveals Nevada state officials invested more than $12 million in public health funding last year. The state contributes more than $2 million to fund Nevada health professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in demand for epidemiologists nationwide from 2016 through 2026 and a 17% increase for health educators in Nevada.
The BLS projects a 9% increase in demand for epidemiologists nationwide from 2016 through 2026 and a 17% increase for health educators in Nevada.
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Public Health Initiatives in Nevada
The Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) works with national and local agencies to create public health initiatives. The Public Health Preparedness Program was established under guidelines from the CDC to help public health officials contain health threats. The DPBH funds the southern Nevada health district, Nevada community health services, and other districts. They provide essential services like public health laboratory testing, public health surveillance, and epidemiology investigation.
The Healthy People Nevada Initiative is an extension of a national program geared towards improving public health. Data from the initiative revealed that heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death for Nevada residents. The DPBH commissioned the Comprehensive Cancer control program to reduce the risk of cancer, detect and diagnose cancer in its earlier stages, develop better cancer treatments, and help survivors. The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program (HDSPC) works with the government and healthcare facilities to prevent, detect, and treat heart disease in Nevadans.
Public Health Internships & Fellowships in Nevada
An internship is an exchange of services between a student and an organization. Internships can be paid or unpaid and and students earn university credit. Interns are usually undergraduate students seeking basic experience in their chosen field. Fellowships are reserved for graduate or post-graduate students, and most are paid a stipend for their services. Fellowship students use their positions to gain advanced experience and build a network of professional contacts. This list features the top internships and fellowships for master of public health online Nevada students:
American Lung Association (ALA)
The ALA created the Lung Health Program internship for local graduate students. Interns coordinate Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition meetings and help plan the Lung Force Expo.
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Immunize Nevada
This program works to improve Nevada’s immunization rate. The MPH intern is responsible for conducting research for their parent knowledge initiative, a study about the attitude parents have toward infant immunizations.
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Nevada Cancer Coalition
The Nevada Cancer Coalition works with local organizations and agencies to spread cancer awareness and education in the state. The strategic communications internship is open to local graduate students. Applicants must contact the coalition’s communications director.
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NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
The National Science Foundation offers fellowships to students pursuing STEM degrees. The fellowship program is national and applications are sent to the Fellowship Operations Center. The Center offers three years of funding to fellows.
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Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
The National Institutes of Health created this fellowship to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the health sciences. Applications are open to graduate and doctoral students from underrepresented groups.
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Public Health Careers in Nevada
The salary for a Nevada public health will depend on their specific job, experience, credentials, and location. Epidemiologists and health educators in the state earn relatively high salaries, earning more than the national average for the position.
Each region has different public health needs and staffs its agency accordingly. Certain positions, such as disease investigation specialists, are grant funded by the government. Public health positions require a college degree and experience working in epidemiology or with communicable diseases.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 480 | $33.13 | $68,925 |
| United States | 63,260 | $32.60 | $67,810 |
Source: BLS
Public Health Employers in Nevada
Many public health officials decide to work for government agencies. Hospitals and clinics, such as the award-winning Sunrise Health system, hire many MPH Nevada graduates. Larger employers like the Valley Health System — the state’s largest healthcare employer — and Southern Hills Hospital provide many employment opportunities for recent graduates. Below, we’ve listed the top employers in the field in Nevada.
| Employers | Number of Employees |
|---|---|
| Valley Health System | 4,500 |
| Sunrise Health System | 4,100 |
| University Medical Center | 3,500 |
Public Health Research Centers in Nevada
Research centers are commissioned by the government or local universities to study diseases and outbreaks in the community. Researchers conduct academic research and surveys into the health patterns of Nevadans. Most online mph programs in Nevada require students to visit a research center. The following list provides information about Nevada’s public health research centers:
- Nevada Public Health Training Center: This is an extension of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas system. The public health training center provides educational resources to local public health officials. At this facility, officials improve their skills by participating in interactive and online training sessions.
- Center for Health Disparities: The Center is part of UNLV’s School of Public Health. It performs extensive research through academic channels and community surveys. The data collected contributes to shaping public health policy and creating health programs in Nevada.
- Nevada Institute for Children’s Research and Policy: This nonprofit organization helps Nevada’s children lead healthier and more productive lives. The institute leads research initiatives to identify health issues in Nevada’s children and develop programs to help children.
Public Health Professional Organizations in Nevada
Joining a professional organization is key to networking and potentially securing a stable public health job after graduation. Professional associations cater to public health students and current professionals by providing valuable resources like job boards, mentors, and educational materials. In addition to national organizations, there are associations exclusive to Nevada. Local members coordinate special programs in the community to spread health awareness and influence public policy.
- Nevada Public Health Association: The NPHA has two chapters — one each in the northern and southern regions of the state. Members of the southern chapter meet quarterly to discuss recent public health findings and initiatives. The northern chapter holds community events and a lecture series.
- Nevada Environmental Health Association: Association members elect the executive council which plans local conferences and coordinates the annual trip to the National Environmental Health Association Educational Conference. Members get exclusive access to local training seminars and environmental news.
- UNLV Public Health Student Association: The association works closely with students at UNLV to evaluate undergraduate and graduate public health programs at the school. Members work to implement program changes and build a supportive network for students.
Public Health Certifications and Licenses in Nevada
State law requires all health facilities, owners, and operators to be licensed.
Nevada students interested in public health certification should apply to certification programs provided by state universities, such as UNLV. University-level certification programs operate similarly to degree programs. Programs take one or two semesters to complete, and students can enroll in certification programs while pursuing online mph programs in Nevada. UNLV offers certificates in infection prevention and public health. Certified public health professionals are more likely to be hired by government agencies and be promoted to supervisory roles in their departments.
The Bureau of Healthcare Quality and Compliance handles Nevada state licensure and certification. State law requires all health facilities, owners, and operators to be licensed. Medical laboratory personnel apply for state licensure to work at these facilities. Community Behavioral health clinics also go through a certification process. Nevada has an online health licensing system (CLICS) to help laboratory owners and personnel apply for licensure.
Accreditation for Online Public Health Master’s Programs in Nevada
Accreditation is a voluntary but necessary step toward validity for online mph programs in Nevada. The two main forms of accreditation are regional and national. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee all accrediting agencies. Regional accreditation is the more popular designation, though many institutions are nationally accredited. In the United States, six regional agencies preside over specific areas of the country. The Northwest Accreditation Commission (NAC) supervises Nevada colleges and universities. Online students should seek NAC-accredited public health programs. Regional accreditation is considered highly prestigious due to its academically rigorous guidelines. Credits from these schools can be transferred to other regionally accrediting schools within Nevada and in other states. National accrediting bodies evaluate technical and vocational schools. These programs are monitored every three to five years for standard compliance to guidelines. There is not a uniform system for national accreditation, so guidelines vary by agency.
Directory of Online Master’s in Public Health Programs in Nevada
University of Nevada – Reno
UNR is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to research. The school was rated a Tier 1 Research University by U.S. News and World Report, and ranks as one of the top 150 schools in the nation for research and development. UNR grants more than $150 million for research grants and contracts.
Of the top public health programs in Nevada, UNR’s online MPH is continually informed by industry insights and the latest public health education research. Influenced by the university’s core values, the program emphasizes inclusiveness, integrity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain the skills necessary to pursue careers as health educators, public health analysts, and epidemiologists. Graduates can find work in managed care organizations, healthcare facilities, nonprofits, and government institutions.
The 45-credit curriculum features core courses, concentration classes, a capstone experience, and fieldwork. Core topics include biostatistics, health policy, and health and the environment. Students also acquire knowledge of the social influences on health, including behavioral determinants. Advanced concentration courses explore health informatics and program planning and evaluation. Students examine public health law, finance, and organizational behavior. The program emphasizes training in research methodology. Students learn how to facilitate epidemiological surveillance.
This online MPH program features multiple start dates throughout the year and no residency requirements. Students can graduate in just two years. To be eligible for this program, prospective students must have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience and a GPA of 3.0 in the final 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. Students who do not meet the admissions criteria may be considered for the program if they supply strong GRE, MCAT, or GMAT scores. Along with a resume and official transcripts, applicants submit a 500-word essay detailing their career goals and personal interest in the program.
Scholarships for Public Health Master’s Degrees in Nevada
Mary Guinan and Shawn Gerstenberger Public Health Scholarship
Open to graduate UNLV students majoring in Environmental health or biostatistics and epidemiology. Students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Requirements include written submission of a research project proposal.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: April 7
Eligibility Requirements: Must be currently enrolled at UNLV-School of Community Health Sciences in good academic standing.
Stacy Darling Scholarship
The School of Community Health Sciences faculty selects a winner majoring in an environmental or public health concentration. Scholarship winners can reapply each year. Awards are conferred at the CHS Honors ceremony.
Amount Offered: Varies
Scholarship Deadline: April 7
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and must be currently enrolled at UNLV. They must also submit a research project.
The Public and Community Health Benefit Scholarship
Open to UNLV students exhibiting an exemplary commitment to improving public health in Nevada through research, volunteering, or an internship. CHS faculty members select the scholarship recipient.
Amount Offered: Covers the remaining balance of the student’s tuition
Scholarship Deadline: April 7
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants list their public health activities in the community, provide their resume, names of their mentor/supervisor, and cumulative GPA.
Jack and Jane Becker Medical School Scholarship
The scholarship honors the late Dr. and Mrs. Becker, prominent members of Washoe county’s medical community. It is for UNR students in their fourth year of medical studies.
Amount Offered: $1,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 1
Eligibility Requirements: Students must submit proof of Nevada residency and enrollment at UNR. Requirements also include an essay, transcript, and tax returns.
Phil and Jennifer Satre Medical Education Scholarship
Students pursuing a medical degree as juniors to post-graduates. The couple issue awards ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for learners majoring in a medical science field.
Amount Offered: Up to $5,000
Scholarship Deadline: April 1
Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in a medical program in Nevada. Students must be at least a junior in school in good academic standing.
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Nevada Women’s Fund Scholarship
Open to women pursuing a degree at a North Nevada-accredited institution. The NWF Committee reviews applications and selects the recipients. Various awards amounts are conferred.
Amount Offered: $500-5,000
Scholarship Deadline: February 28
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be enrolled in at least six to eight credits per term or semester. They must also attend a North Nevada institution and maintain a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA.
SCHS Graduate Supplemental Scholarship
Graduate students attending the University of Nevada-Reno apply for the supplemental scholarship. This is a general scholarship provided by UNR after students complete the FAFSA. Scholarship requirements follow general scholarship guidelines.
Amount Offered: Up to thousands of dollars
Scholarship Deadline: February 18
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a graduate or Ph.D. student enrolled in the school of Community Health Sciences.
HOSA Schloarship
HOSA-Future Health Professionals partnered with STEM Premier to offer various scholarships to students pursuing a degree in the health sciences. Applicants must create a profile on STEM premier to access the HOSA scholarship.
Amount Offered: $2,000
Scholarship Deadline: March 15
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a student currently in school for health sciences and a member of HOSA with an active STEM Premier profile.
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MGMA Western Section Scholarship
ACME scholarship fund is intended for students residing in the western portion of the US (including Nevada). Students must be pursuing a medical degree, preferably in management. Public health students are encouraged to apply.
Amount Offered: $1,000-5,000
Scholarship Deadline: June 1
Eligibility Requirements: Must be currently enrolled in college. Second- and third-year grad students are eligible.
Consumer Health Digest Scholarship
Applicants submit a health essay, infographic, or video related to specific topics featured on the Consumer Health Digest Website. Topics include health, health news, and conditions. Four winners will be selected.
Amount Offered: $250
Scholarship Deadline: December 31
Eligibility Requirements: Must be a graduate or undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited university.
