Public health nurses play a crucial role in improving community health by combining nursing expertise with social and public health sciences, according to the American Nurses Association (ANA). They provide care for individuals and populations, addressing health concerns through preventive measures and education.
Graduates of the online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program from the University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) are prepared for careers in public health nursing. They are equipped to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals focused on community well-being.
What Is a Public Health Nurse?
Public health nurses specialize in promoting health, preventing disease and advocating for policies that support healthier communities. While nurses in other fields focus on specific patients, public health nurses care for whole populations, although they can also provide direct healthcare services.
They work in local health departments, schools and community clinics, where they assess community health needs and implement interventions, according to Indeed. The ANA defines public health nursing as “the practice of promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences.”
What Do Public Health Professionals Do?
Public health professionals, including nurses, engage in various activities aimed at improving population health. According to Indeed, their responsibilities often include conducting community health assessments, developing educational programs and coordinating with other healthcare providers to address health disparities. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) states that they also work closely with policymakers to advocate for healthcare initiatives that benefit underserved communities.
Public health nurses possess a wide range of clinical and interpersonal skills that enable them to provide effective healthcare services in diverse settings. Their work is instrumental in addressing pressing health challenges such as infectious disease outbreaks, chronic illness management and health education efforts.
Public Health Nurse Salary in South Carolina
Compensation for public health nurses varies based on education, experience and geographic location. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual salary for a public health nurse in South Carolina is $72,786 as of May 2025.
This salary reflects the state’s investment in public health infrastructure and its efforts to attract skilled nursing professionals. Public health nurses with more experience and those in senior positions, who are among the top 10% of earners, receive an average annual salary of $103,003 in South Carolina. This earning potential means that nurses interested in public health roles in South Carolina can expect opportunities to earn six-figure salaries over the course of their careers.
Building a Public Health Career in South Carolina
South Carolina provides a dynamic environment for public health professionals, with numerous opportunities to contribute to community health initiatives. The state’s DPH emphasizes the importance of collaboration in improving public health outcomes. Highlighting the state’s commitment to public health, Dr. Edward Simmer, interim director of the South Carolina DPH, writes that he is “convinced that working together with community groups, faith-based organizations, health care providers, nonprofits, and other state agencies across our state, we can move the needle toward ensuring that every South Carolinian has access to the care, resources, and information they need.”
For graduates of USC Aiken’s online RN to BSN program, this commitment to public health presents an opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts community health. The program equips nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead community health initiatives, advocate for policy changes and address health disparities effectively.
The Future of Public Health in South Carolina
Public health professionals in South Carolina are focused on preventive care, health education and expanding access to healthcare services. The state’s DPH continues to invest in initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health, reducing chronic disease prevalence and addressing healthcare shortages in rural areas. Public health nurses play a significant role in these initiatives by serving as frontline providers, educators and advocates for community well-being. Their work ensures that individuals and families receive the necessary support to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
A career as a public health nurse in South Carolina offers both professional fulfillment and the chance to make a meaningful impact on population health. With competitive salaries and an expanding focus on public health initiatives, the state provides a promising environment for aspiring public health professionals. Graduates of USC Aiken’s RN to BSN online program are equipped to contribute to these efforts, leveraging their education and expertise to promote health and well-being across communities.
Learn more about USC Aiken’s online RN to BSN program.
