Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Overview
- What You Will Do: Perform diagnostics, write prescriptions, perform patient exams, order patient lab tests, insert long-acting reversible contraception, advocate for preventative care, provide reproductive and sexual health, teach patients
- Where Will You Work: private practices, hospitals, reproductive health clinics, universities, community health clinics, prisons
- Employment Projections: From 2016 to 2026 the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) profession is anticipated to increase by 31 percent.
- How Much Will I Earn: WHNPs in general make between $85,000 and $110,000.
- Number of Programs: 48 universities have WHNP programs in the U.S.
- How Long Does It Take to Become an WHNP: With a BSN becoming a WHNP will take around 2 to 3 years. An RN-BSN program or RN to MSN program will take around 2 to 3 years.
- Requirements to Become One: You need a bachelor’s degree, an RN license, a master’s in nursing, certification as a Nurse Practitioner, and a license in your state of practice.
What are the Best Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Programs in Each State?
Jump to a Best Ranked Nursing Program
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock
- California State University-Long Beach
- Georgetown University
- Emory University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Indianapolis
- University of Louisville-Louisville
- Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- Boston College
- University of Minnesota
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Rutgers University SON Newark
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Duke University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Drexel University
- Texas Woman's University
- University of Utah College of Nursing
- Virginia Commonwealth University
#1 in Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Administration Bldg Suite 1070, Birmingham, AL - 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Maria Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN
Title: Professor and Associate Dean
University Information
Total Faculty: 2544
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,568
Book and Supplies: $1,200
Percent Received Aid: 96%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,344
Percent Admitted: 81%
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 26%
Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in Arizona
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- 411 N Central Avenue - Ste 520, Phoenix, AZ - 85004
- 8552785080
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty:
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in Arkansas
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock
- 4301 W Markham, Little Rock, AR - 72205-7199
- (501) 296-1275
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Patricia Cowan, PhD, RNI FAAN
Title: Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator
University Information
- Total Faculty: 518
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,204,374
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in California
California State University-Long Beach
- 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA - 90840-0115
- (562) 985-4111
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Michael L. Williams, PhD, RN, CCRN, CNE
Title: Director and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1088
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,846
- Book and Supplies: $1,070
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,722
- Percent Admitted: 42%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
#1 in District of Columbia
Georgetown University
- 37th and O St NW, Washington, DC - 20057-0001
- (202) 687-0100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Roberta Waite, EdD, PMHCNS, ANER FAAN
Title: Nursing Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1639
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 54%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $44,328
- Percent Admitted: 17%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
#1 in Georgia
Emory University
Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing
- 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA - 30322
- (404) 727-6123
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Linda A. McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4012
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 58%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $41,159
- Percent Admitted: 19%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
#1 in Illinois
University of Illinois at Chicago
- 601 S Morgan, Chicago, IL - 60607
- (312) 996-7000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Eileen Collins, PhD, RN, FAAN, ATSF
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2502
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,126
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $12,093
- Percent Admitted: 73%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
#1 in Indiana
University of Indianapolis
- 1400 E Hanna Ave, Indianapolis, IN - 46227-3697
- (317) 788-3368
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Cynthia Bowers, DNP, RN, CNE
Title: Interim Associate Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 302
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,140
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,367
- Percent Admitted: 84%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
#1 in Kentucky
University of Louisville-Louisville
- 2301 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY - 40292-0001
- (502) 852-5555
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Shari Kretzschmer, MBA, MSN, RNI NEA-BC
Title: Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1752
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $12,370
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,625
- Percent Admitted: 65%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#1 in Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
- (318) 357-6011
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Anna Morris, DNP, RN, CNE
Title: Senior Director & Chief Nurse Administrator
University Information
- Total Faculty: 320
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,672
- Book and Supplies: $1,300
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $7,774
- Percent Admitted: 95%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
#1 in Massachusetts
Boston College
William R Connell School of Nursing
- 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA - 02467
- (617) 552-8000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Ph.D., Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Katherine Gregory, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1109
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 56%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $43,028
- Percent Admitted: 26%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
#1 in Minnesota
University of Minnesota
- 100 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN - 55455-0213
- (612) 625-5000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5385
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,254
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,528
- Percent Admitted: 70%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
#1 in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Nursing and Health Studies
- 5000 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO - 64110
- (816) 235-1000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Melissa Joy Roberts, JD, RNI APRN-BC, FNP
Title: Interim Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 601
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $10,599
- Book and Supplies: $770
- Percent Received Aid: 92%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,046
- Percent Admitted: 63%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
#1 in Nebraska
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- 42nd & Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
- (402) 559-4000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, RN, FACDONA
Title: Dean and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1415
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,863,604
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#1 in New Jersey
Rutgers University SON Newark
- 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, NJ - 07102
- (973) 353-1766
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Linda Flynn, PhD, RNI FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 653
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,208
- Book and Supplies: $1,350
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,022
- Percent Admitted: 74%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 13%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
#1 in New York
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Post-Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program
- 70 Washington Sq South, New York, NY - 10012-1091
- (212) 998-1212
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Nursing Informatics, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Debra A. Albert, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Title: Chief Nursing Officer
University Information
- Total Faculty: 6927
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $718
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 65%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $26,276
- Percent Admitted: 21%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
#1 in North Carolina
Duke University
- 103 Allen Bldg, Durham, NC - 27708
- (919) 684-8111
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Yolanda Neal, DNR RN, NEA-BC
Title: President, Watts College of Nursing
University Information
- Total Faculty: 5495
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,434
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 63%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $48,351
- Percent Admitted: 8%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
#1 in Ohio
Case Western Reserve University
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
- 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH - 44106
- (216) 368-2000
- Programs: Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
Nurse Admin:
Carol M. Musil, PhD, RN, FAAN
Title: Dean
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1713
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 90%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $31,992
- Percent Admitted: 30%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
#1 in Pennsylvania
Drexel University
College of Nursing and Health Professions
- 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA - 19104
- (215) 895-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Ph.D., Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Kymberlee Montgomery, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, FAAN
Title: Chair
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1294
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,700
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $25,373
- Percent Admitted: 77%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
#1 in Texas
Texas Woman's University
- 304 Administration Dr, Denton, TX - 76204
- (940) 898-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
Nurse Admin:
Paula Clutter, PhD, RN, CNL, CNE, CENP, CMSRN
Title: Interim Dean and Professor of Nursing
University Information
- Total Faculty: 452
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,394
- Book and Supplies: $1,050
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,897
- Percent Admitted: 94%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
#1 in Utah
University of Utah College of Nursing
- 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
- (801) 581-7200
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP
Nurse Admin:
Marla J. De Jong, PhD, RN7 CCNS, FAAN
Title: Dean, Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair, and Professor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 4193
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,893
- Book and Supplies: $1,036
- Percent Received Aid: 87%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,345
- Percent Admitted: 79%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
#1 in Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
- 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA - 23284-2512
- (804) 828-0100
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
Nurse Admin:
Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Title: Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, Patient Care Services
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2496
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,319
- Book and Supplies: $1,240
- Percent Received Aid: 83%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,276
- Percent Admitted: 91%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
See our Ranking Methodology
Eight Steps to Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Earn Your RN – Complete an RN program at a university accredited through the CCNE or ACEN. This is important if you want to be fully accepted into your MSN program. See our BSN guide for more information.
- Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Studying effectively and taking NCLEX practice tests will help you pass the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try. Check out our NCLEX-RN study guide.
- Earn Your MSN – You will have courses in reproductive and sexual health, women’s health nursing theory, research, health assessment, disease management, preventative care and more.
- Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – You need to complete at least 600 supervised clinical hours during your master’s program.
- Become Board Certified – Get certified as a WHNP through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
- Obtain Licensure – Get a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) license in the state you want to work in.
- Obtain a DEA Number – Obtain DEA registration to prescribe medication.
- Maintain Active Certification and Licensure –CE requirements vary from 10 to 50 hours depending on your assessment test results. You must keep active BLS and DEA licenses. Your RN license must stay active in your state.
What is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner?
WHNPs are a type of Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) that provide comprehensive direct patient care to women throughout their lifespan. Although specialized in women’s health, WHNPs also provide sexual and reproductive health care to men. Your daily activities include conducting patient interviews and examinations, diagnosing, prescribing medication, referring patients, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, and providing patient education. As a WHNP you can care for people with chronic and acute conditions, care for adolescents, pregnant women, and the older adult population. WHNPs can work in primary care clinics, or specialty clinics such as breast and gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, fertility clinics, and more.
How Do I Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner?
You need a bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s in nursing to be a WHNP. There are many ways you can achieve this. Pathways to becoming an NP exist for people with or without RN licensure.
- BSN to MSN: With a BSN you can complete a 2-year master’s in nursing program.
- Bachelors to MSN: Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing programs exist for people who have a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing. You will have to complete a certain number of pre-requisite courses in the hard sciences, anatomy and physiology, and psychology in order to enter one of these programs. Direct Entry Master’s programs take 2 to 3 years to complete.
- BSN to DNP: For a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) you will have about 4 years of schooling. A DNP is a doctorate degree that will prepare you for applying evidence based research into clinical practice.
- MSN to DNP: MSN to DNP programs enable you to get your doctorate in 2 to 3 years.
Certification and Licensure: Becoming certified ensures that you meet the qualifications to care for patients within the women’s health population. The NCC offers the exam that you will take to obtain certification. After you obtain national certification you will take an assessment on the NCC website that will tell how many CEs you must complete before the end of the 3-year maintenance cycle. Required CEs will vary between 10 and 50 hours. Once you are certified you can apply for state licensure. A CNP license is needed to legally practice in a given state. To become licensed you will need to submit transcripts from your WHNP program, proof of RN licensure, proof of NCC certification, and pay a fee.
Where Do WHNPs Typically Work?
There are multiple practice settings where you can work as a WHNP. You can work in community health clinics, university health clinics, correctional facilities, private practices, obstetric and gynecology clinics, fertility clinics, urogynecology, breast and gynecologic oncology clinics and more.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners Salary Expectations?
Your salary will be influenced by the state, city and practice setting where you work, as well as your experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners earn a median of $104,610 per year. According to various sources WHNPs can make between $85,500 and $110,000. If you work in an urban area you will likely make more than if you work in a rural area. Likewise, a community health setting will pay less than a private practice, but may offer additional benefits. By working with medically underserved populations you can be eligible for loan forgiveness. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program is one way that you can get loan forgiveness. If you have a Perkins loan you can also be eligible for Perkins Loan Forgiveness. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is another service you may qualify for if you work in an underserved area. With more experience your salary can increase.
Online WHNP Programs
Online programs have made becoming a WHNP a reality for many busy people. Coursework can be completed online with minimal to no time required on campus. Clinical hours can be arranged close to where you live an in a schedule that is convenient for you.
What is a Typical WHNP Curriculum?
There are certain course that are standard among every WHNP program, but the names of the courses may vary a bit by university. Like what is offered Boston College’s WHNP program course will include:
- Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
- Conceptual Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Women’s Health Advanced Practice Nursing
- Family Theory
The Role of the WHNP in the Primary Care Provider Shortage
The Affordable Care Act has shifted healthcare focus in the U.S. to preventative and primary care. As the baby boomer population ages the need for primary care providers is increasing. There is an expected sharp increase in demand for primary care providers between 2013 and 2025. A cost-effective way to meet this need is employing WHNPs to provide primary care and focus on sexual and reproductive health.
Number of WHNP Programs in the United States
There are 48 WHNP programs in the U.S. with 2 of them being online through Old Dominion University in Virginia, and Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Resources
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties
List of Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs
| University | Offered as | City/State |
|---|---|---|
| California State University-Fullerton | Campus, Online | Fullerton, CA |
| University of Minnesota | Campus, Hybrid | Minneapolis, MN |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Richmond, VA |
| California State University-Long Beach | Campus | Long Beach, CA |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
| Rutgers University-Camden | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Camden, NJ |
| San Diego State University | Campus | San Diego, CA |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
| Rutgers University SON Newark | Campus, Hybrid | Newark, NJ |
| Georgetown University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Washington, DC |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
| Duke University | Campus, Hybrid | Durham, NC |
| Emory University | Campus, Hybrid | Atlanta, GA |
| NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
| East Carolina University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Greenville, NC |
| Georgia College and State University | Hybrid, Online | , GA |
| Stony Brook University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Stony Brook, NY |
| Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
| Georgia State University | Campus, Hybrid | Atlanta, GA |
| Downstate Health Sciences University | Campus, Hybrid | Brooklyn, NY |
| Valdosta State University | Campus, Hybrid | Valdosta, GA |
| Case Western Reserve University | Campus, Hybrid | Cleveland, OH |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Cincinnati, OH |
| Loyola University – Chicago | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
| Kent State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kent, OH |
| Purdue University-Fort Wayne | Campus, Online | Fort Wayne, IN |
| The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus) | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, OH |
| University of Indianapolis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
| Drexel University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Louisville-Louisville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Louisville, KY |
| Duquesne University | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Birmingham, AL |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Natchitoches, LA |
| Texas Woman’s University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Denton, TX |
| University of South Alabama | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
| Boston College | Campus | Chestnut Hill, MA |
| University of Utah College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock | Campus, Hybrid | Little Rock, AR |
| Regis College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Weston, MA |
| Old Dominion University | Campus, Online | Norfolk, VA |
Denisco, S. M., Barker, A. M., (2016). Advanced practice nursing: Essential knowledge for the profession. Burlington, MA: Jones and Barlett Learning.
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Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.
