PHN Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certification is a professional credential for registered nurses (RNs) in California who want to work in government agencies, support underserved groups, and provide community-based care in schools and nonprofit organizations. If your goal is to work in public health, you’ll need this certification — it qualifies you to take your nursing practice into the heart of the community.
Want to become a PHN-certified professional? This guide will cover everything you need to know — from eligibility and application steps to frequently asked questions about the process.
What Is PHN Certification?
PHN is a professional credential awarded to RNs in California who meet specific education and experience requirements set by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Once certified, nurses are eligible to work in a range of public health roles.
So, what kind of roles require a PHN certification? California law defines public health nursing as an essential service for the health, safety, and sanitation of communities across the state. These services include, but aren’t limited to, the following functions:
- Promoting maternal, child, and adolescent health
- Preventing abuse and neglect of children, elders, and vulnerable adults
- Leading outreach efforts, coordinating care, and assessing the health of families and communities
It’s important to note: Only RNs with a valid PHN certificate can legally call themselves a public health nurse in California.
Steps to Get PHN-Certified
Wondering how to get certified? Let’s break down the journey to becoming a certified public health expert in California.
1. Meet PHN Certification Requirements
To qualify for the PHN credential, you must have an active California RN license. If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply for a California license through endorsement.
There are three ways to qualify for the PHN credential, based on whether you earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an entry-level Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and if your nursing program was accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
| Method A | Method B | Method C |
|---|---|---|
| This pathway is for graduates of a BSN or entry-level MSN program that’s accredited by NLN or CCNE.
The program must include specialized coursework and at least 90 hours of supervised clinical experience in a public health setting |
This pathway is for graduates of a BSN or entry-level MSN program that’s not accredited by NLN or CCNE.
The program must include specialized coursework and at least 90 hours of supervised clinical experience in a public health setting. |
This pathway is for graduates with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who’ve completed a specialized public health nursing program tied to an NLN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school.
The program must include at least 90 hours of supervised public health clinicals. Work experience alone doesn’t count. |
2. Complete the PHN Certification Application
Once you’ve determined your pathway, the next step is to fill out and submit the PHN application. Along with the application, you’ll need to:
- Pay the required application fee.
- Submit a transcript-request form to have your official transcripts sent directly from your school to the California BRN.
- Provide evidence of completing the required 7-hour child abuse and neglect course, as mandated by California law.
- Include a description of the educational program you attended, unless you completed your BSN or MSN in California.
You’ll also need to provide a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID Number. If you’ve had any disciplinary actions on a nursing or healthcare-related license, you must report it with a written explanation and supporting documents. Any new disciplinary actions must also be reported to the Board while your application is being processed.
3. Receive Your Credential
Once all materials are submitted, the BRN will review your application. If everything is in order, the Board will issue your PHN certificate, officially recognizing you as a public health nurse — ready to take on roles that support the health and well-being of communities.
This certification doesn’t need to be renewed. As long as your California RN license remains active, your certification will too.
PHN Certification Cost
The application fee for the PHN credential is $300. If you’re also applying for temporary certification, there’s an additional $150 fee.
Temporary certification is especially helpful for out-of-state nurses who are applying for licensure by endorsement in California. Since the process of obtaining a California RN license can take time, some nurses choose to apply for temporary licensure and certification, which allows them to begin working while waiting for their official licensure and certification to be processed.
PHN Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get PHN certification?
On average, it takes four weeks for the California BRN to review and approve a PHN application. However, timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.
Is there an exam to get a PHN credential?
No, there is no exam required to obtain the PHN credential in California. Instead, the certification is awarded by the California Board of Registered Nursing upon meeting specific eligibility requirements.
How much do public health nurses earn in California?
The average annual salary for a public health nurse in California is around $80,000. However, that number can vary depending on your education, years of experience, and work setting.
Location is another major factor in determining your salary. Larger cities typically offer higher pay, so for the best-paying roles, consider exploring opportunities in California’s most populous cities:
Where can PHN-certified nurses work?
PHN-certified nurses can work in a variety of settings that focus on improving community health. They can find employment in major government organizations like the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), as well as in hospital-based community outreach initiatives, educational institutions, correctional facilities, and maternal and child health programs.
Related Certifications
Ready to take your career further? Here are some additional certifications to explore:
- Certified in Public Health (CPH)
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Certified Case Manager (CCM)
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)
- Nursing Professional Development (NPD)
Want to Elevate Your Nursing Career?
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