Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Programs Online: Top Schools
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Nursing Nursing Ed.Ready to expand your skill set and level up your nursing career? Learn what it takes to become a nurse practitioner focusing on women’s health. Explore the top online graduate programs, learn about cost and accreditation, and start your journey toward an advanced career as a women’s health NP today.
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FAQs About Women’s Health NP Programs
All online women’s health nurse practitioner programs are not created equally, making it important for you to ask the right questions. Your choice should consider your academic, financial, and career needs. The following sections take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions, along with the answers you need to succeed.
What are the different types of WHNP programs?
As you begin your WHNP research, you will soon notice that several different program structures and degree levels exist. Understanding the differences among each of these will help you make an informed decision about which one best supports your intended next steps.
MSN Program
- Best supports registered nurses who already possess a BSN and want to earn graduate-level credentials
- Can be found both online and in-person, but in-person training at healthcare sites is required
- Typically requires two years of study
- Makes it easy for working nurses to fit in schoolwork without sacrificing income
RN to MSN Program
- For RNs who have either a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing
- Can be found online and on campus, but hands-on training must be completed in-person
- Takes 30-36 months to complete
- Coursework may be accelerated as students bypass a bachelor’s degree
DNP Program
- For registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who already possess an MSN
- Can be completed traditionally on-campus or through distance learning, but clinical hours are required at a healthcare site
- Takes between one to two years to complete
- Prepares graduates for clinical, leadership, and academic roles at the highest levels of the profession
RN to DNP Program
- Supports both associate and bachelor’s degree holders
- Can be completed online, but clinical hours must be completed in person
- Takes four or five years to complete for those with an associate degree, while BSN holders usually can shave a year off this timeline
- Bypasses a BSN and an MSN degree, though curriculum generally covers these degree components
What do you learn in a WHNP program?
In terms of course content and learning outcomes, remember that every WHNP program will look a little different. That being said, many should have overlapping courses and topics that are common across the board.
Examples may include advanced women’s health practicum, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, and advanced reproductive dynamics.
Below we look at some of the learning outcomes you should expect when enrolling in these programs.
- Learning Outcome #1:
An advanced understanding of how your work fits within the field of obstetrics, gynecology, and the larger world of women’s health. - Learning Outcome #2:
The ability to conduct physical examinations and medical interviews of female-identifying individuals and an awareness of the ethical, regulatory, and diversity requirements needed in this field. - Learning Outcome #3:
A comprehensive education in the various diseases, ailments, and illnesses specific to women’s health and an understanding of how to treat them with professionalism and sensitivity. - Learning Outcome #4:
The ability to support women and their health throughout the lifespan and a commitment to staying attuned to new studies and best practices. - Learning Outcome #5:
An understanding of how issues of child abuse and domestic violence can affect female patients, how to identify warning signs, and what the role of a women’s health professional is in these situations.
Common Courses
- Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nurses
Typically taken in the first year, this course introduces students to the roles that drugs and medicine play in the treatment of women. Students develop an understanding of pharmacodynamic principles alongside an awareness of legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations when prescribing medications. - Episodic Illness in Women
Typically paired with a practicum component, this course examines different types of health pattern variations and episodic illnesses affecting women across the lifespan. Students learn how to provide sensitive care for gynecological issues and the specialized knowledge needed to treat them. - Advanced Women’s Health Practicum
This required class introduces students to the professional and leadership skills needed to lead clinical areas of women’s health from antepartum to postpartum areas of care. Students consider the importance of health interventions, care for at-risk clients, and how to best assess individual needs of patients. - Advanced Reproductive Dynamics
Designed for nurse practitioners who plan to work in obstetrics, this course helps them develop an understanding of the female reproductive system from puberty through menopause, with emphasis on supporting women in making educated and informed decisions about their reproductive health. - Advanced Women’s Physiology and Pathophysiology
Building on earlier studies in human anatomy and physiology, this course looks at how diseases affect women throughout their lives and how to effectively treat them. Students learn how common illnesses can manifest differently in women versus men and how to determine the appropriate therapy or treatment based on individual pathologies.
Can you earn a WHNP degree completely online?
While the class requirements of a WHNP program can be done via distance learning, your clinical hours must be done in person.
Some departments of nursing may also require students to participate in several campus-based residencies or learning intensives (labs), so be sure to ask about specifics when speaking to an admissions counselor or program administrator.
How long does it take to complete a WHNP degree online?
Several different factors will affect the duration of your degree program. For example, if you already have a bachelor’s of science in nursing, you will likely graduate more quickly than if you have an associate degree or nursing diploma. It also matters whether you enroll in a master’s or doctoral level program, as the latter requires more credits and clinical hours.
Whether you enroll on a full-time or part-time basis also affects your timelines, with part-time study potentially adding an extra 6-18 months to your time of enrollment. That being said, some departments of nursing offer accelerated WHNP programs that allow motivated learners to graduate more quickly.
How much does an online WHNP degree cost?
The costs associated with a WHNP degree vary based on components such as:
- Whether you attend a public or private school
- If you pay resident or non-resident fees
- How much funding you can secure
- Whether you study on a full-time or part-time basis
- Whether you pursue an MSN or DNP
Check out three popular WHNP programs highlighted below to get a better sense of curricular requirements and average per-credit costs.
MSN Women’s Health/Gender
Related Nurse Practitioner
Total Credits: 55 quarter credits
$1,140/credit
How do I get into an online WHNP program?
Specific admission requirements vary by individual degree, but you will typically see some common themes as you review more and more program options. Some of these include:
- Nursing diploma, associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school/program
- Minimum GPA
- Prerequisite coursework (e.g., statistics, anatomy, and physiology, etc.)
- An active and unencumbered RN license in your current state of practice
- Resume (some programs may also mandate a certain amount of work experience)
- Personal statement/essay
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Paying for Your Online WHNP Program
Whether you find an amazing state-level grant, a generous professional organization scholarship, or secure a federal student aid loan, know that several options exist. Fund your degree and avoid substantial debt with these different type of financial aid options available to you.
Scholarships and Grant
These types of funding are perennially popular with students given that they do not need to be repaid so long as all terms are met. Scholarships and grants are offered by government agencies, professional associations, for-profit businesses, private foundations, and colleges. To learn more about funding your online WHNP program, check out our scholarships page.
Student Loans
Student loans help close the gap between other types of funding secured and the remaining cost of your WHNP program. The U.S. Department of Education offers several different types of student loans based on degree level and student status. You can learn more about paying for your online WHNP program with student loans in our student loan handbook.
Fellowships and Assistantships
Aside from the options listed above, several other paths exist for securing financial support – especially at the graduate level. Fellowships and assistantships allow students to act as a teaching fellow or research assistant in exchange for funding and/or tuition remission.
Internships can help you earn funding and experience, while work-study funding exists for students who qualify through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Accreditation for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Programs
Attending both an accredited university and an accredited WHNP program is one of the most important things you can do. When considering nursing-specific accreditation, there are two names you need to know.
Both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are considered reputable in the field and are names to look for. The CCNE currently accredits bachelor’s and master’s programs while the ACEN accredits nursing degrees at every academic level.
Benefits of choosing an accredited program:
- Easily transfer credits between schools
- Become eligible for NP licensure
- Increase your odds of finding work after graduation
If you can’t easily find accreditation information on a school’s website, the U.S. Department of Education provides the searchable Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Expert Insight
Believe it or not, there are nursing programs that are not accredited. When looking up schools, a good rule of thumb is to check for a list of programs approved by your state’s board of nursing (on their website) as they will approve accredited programs. By providing this list, the Board is essentially saying “We’ll give you a license in our state if you graduate from one of these schools.” You’ll still need to meet other requirements for licensure, of course.
Getting Your Professional License & Certification
As you continue learning about women’s health nurse practitioner programs online, you will likely have questions about licensure and certification requirements. After earning your master’s or doctoral nursing degree, you’ll begin the journey to licensure by visiting your state’s nursing board for step-by-step instructions.
As a general rule, follow these steps for obtaining WHNP licensure in your state:
- Apply for and obtain an APRN license through your state’s board of nursing, including paying fees and submitting required documents.
- Apply for a Women’s Health NP certificate within eight years of graduating from an accredited MSN or DNP program, offered by the National Certification Corporation.
- Take and pass the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner certification exam, which consists of 175 multiple-choice questions.
Note that all nurse practitioners in every state must also meet certain requirements to renew their state-issued licenses, such as paying a renewal fee and completing continuing education credits.
Careers & Salary for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners
Resources for WHNP Students & Professionals
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
The AANP provides a special section on its website devoted to women’s health, including information on continuing education courses.
American College of Nurse-Midwives
This professional member association offers student services awards, advocacy and political action, and state resources to its members.
American Sexual Health Association
This group brings together leaders in the field to provide educational materials, tools, and resources to help practitioners better support and educate their patients on sexual health.
Day in the Life: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Want to know more about what your typical day may include as a WHNP? This article helps shed light.
Family Planning National Training Center
The FPNTC serves as an excellent resource for women’s health practitioners looking for information and training on reproductive health, fertility services, and contraception options.
Reproductive Health Access Project
Clinicians looking to make reproductive healthcare accessible to everyone (including contraception, abortions, and miscarriage support) can access resources from the RHAP.
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
Even after you finish your WHNP degree, remember that continuing education is a big part of keeping and renewing your license. This is also true of other related nursing degrees and the healthcare profession in general. We look at a few below.
Continuing Education
Because the healthcare industry generally – and nursing specifically – continue to evolve based on new studies and findings, staying up to date on groundbreaking treatment options and best practices is a critical component of being a top tier nurse practitioner in women’s health.
While individual states set continuing education requirements for licensure renewal, all 50 require NPs to meet certain standards. If you’re unsure of how many hours you must complete each renewal cycle, reach out to your state board of nursing.
Related Degrees to Consider
- MSN/DNP in Nurse-Midwifery If you enjoy working with women but want to focus specifically on childbearing, pre- and postnatal care, and infant care, pursuing an MSN or DNP in nurse-midwifery may best support your interests. These programs take between 2-5 years depending on existing education and experience.
- MPH in Women’s & Reproductive Health If women’s health – specifically as it relates to reproductive functions – interests you but you want to work more on the research and/or education side rather than the clinical side, a master’s in women’s & reproductive health could support your interests. These programs usually take two years to complete and allow you to research reproductive health issues and educate the public.
- MS in Medical Sciences with a specialization in Women’s Health More of these programs have emerged in recent years for individuals interested in gender-specific health outcomes. Frequently pursued by nurses, doctors, and other health professionals, students may choose to focus their efforts on research, social-health outcomes, or education.
Expert Insight
Specialized women’s health NP programs, such as those that focus on nurse-midwifery, are ideal for nurses who have a very clear idea of the specific type of care they want to provide or population they want to serve. If you simply have an interest in improving the health of women, a general women’s health NP program might be ideal as it allows you to work in various clinical and community environments.
