Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Women's Health Nurse
Practitioner (WHNP) Degree
Promote women's health and advance in your nursing career by
earning your Master of Science in Nursing degree with a
specialization as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.
National workforce data indicates that many current women's
health nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. At Carlow
University, we are responding to this critical need by offering the
only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. As such, this
MSN program, offered through our acclaimed College of Health and
Wellness, is leading the way for many regional providers of women's
health care, providing a means to employ qualified, compassionate,
and dedicated women's health nurse practitioners specifically
trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care.
If you are passionate about women's health issues across the
lifespan, from puberty, through the child-bearing years, to
post-menopause, and as elders, this Master of Science in Nursing
program is right for you.
Have questions? Our admissions team can help. Request more
information today.
WHNP Program Highlights:
- Flexible, hybrid format: Mix of in-person and online
classes
- Part-time and full-time scheduling options
- Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg, and
Cranberry
- Can be completed in a little more than two years (if enrolled
full time)
- Easy to apply - no GRE or GMAT required
Graduates of this WHNP program are eligible to sit for board
certification as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner through the NCC (National Certification
Corporation). The program is approved by the
Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. All members of the WHNP
faculty maintain clinical practices and national certification.
Program Requirements
In this program, you will complete a total of 49 credits,
including 4 credits in each of the areas of Pathophysiology,
Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostics. You
will also complete a total of 600 clinical hours, which will take
place in a wide variety of urban and rural health care agencies
providing specialty care for women.
Eager to take the next step? Review our nursing application
requirements, or apply
now if you're ready. (It's free.)
To combat a nationwide shortage of nurse educators, Carlow University has received a grant for $150,000 from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide student loan forgiveness for graduate nursing students who become nurse educators after graduation. Click here for more information.
WHNP Program Information
The total number of credits in the WHNP program is 49 and includes 4 credits each of Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostics. Clinical hours in the WHNP program total 600, and will take place in a wide variety of urban and rural health care agencies providing specialty care for women. Graduates will find employment in a wide variety of health care settings such as health care systems, physician’s offices, health maintenance organizations, women’s health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural medically underserved communities.
Notable Courses
NU752 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health
The focus of this course is the management of acute and chronic
health problems in women's and reproductive health. It will
incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical
care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be
placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically
underserved populations.
NU756 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health Theory
II
This course continues to provide the framework for clinical
practice in well-woman gynecologic care and care of the pregnant
woman. Topics include common variations experienced by the woman
with a healthy pregnancy, psychosocial factors influencing
adaptation to pregnancy, and cultural factors impacting
childbearing. The clinical setting provides students information
about assessment skills specific to care of pregnant women, and
skills for gynecological assessment.
NU757 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health Theory
III
This third women's health course focuses on complex issues in
gynecologic care of women. The student will synthesize and
integrate research, theories, concepts, and advanced skills into a
framework for advanced nursing practice in women's health care.
Analysis is used to evaluate contemporary trends and issues, as
well as policy that have an impact on the delivery of health care
to women.
This is just a small
sample of the variety of classes you'll be
taking. For more details about these classes, and more, please
visit the Course Catalog section
of our website or request more
information to hear from an Admissions
Counselor. You may alsoview an outline of WHNP
courses offered by semester in the Plans of Study (PDF)
document.