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.