Best Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs

Last Updated/Verified: Aug 1, 2025

2025 Best Online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Programs

Navigating the world of women's health requires top-notch education, and online nurse practitioner programs have become increasingly crucial for aspiring healthcare professionals. NursePractitionerOnline.com presents its comprehensive rankings of the best online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner programs, designed to help students find exceptional distance learning opportunities in this specialized field. These virtual programs offer flexible, high-quality education that allows nurses to advance their careers while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Our rankings consider factors like curriculum depth, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student success rates. By providing insight into the most reputable online programs, we aim to support nurses who are committed to delivering exceptional women's healthcare. Learn more about our detailed ranking methodology.
#1

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-APRN Licensure Certificate

Concentration: Women's Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Utah's Post-APRN Graduate Certificate in Women's Health provides a specialized pathway for certified advanced practice nurses seeking to expand their expertise. This hybrid program offers unique distance learning opportunities, enabling nurses to develop advanced skills in women's healthcare across various practice settings. Designed for currently certified APRNs, the program spans 4-6 semesters with individualized study plans. While not fully online, it accommodates rural practitioners and offers multiple specialty tracks. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit comprehensive application materials including a statement of interest, resume, and recommendation letters.

  • For certified APRNs.
  • Expands nursing specialties.
  • Distance learning available.
  • Not fully online.
  • 4-6 semesters length.
  • Individualized study plans.
  • No federal financial aid.
  • Offers multiple specialties.
  • Includes practicum requirements.
  • Leads to national certification.

Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Utah's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner doctoral program delivers comprehensive training for advanced nursing professionals focused on women's healthcare. Through a hybrid learning model, students engage in innovative simulation training, develop leadership skills, and gain expertise in evidence-based practice. The program prepares graduates for national certification and positions them as critical healthcare providers across diverse clinical environments. Students benefit from interprofessional training opportunities, state-of-the-art simulation centers, and clinical partnerships in Salt Lake City, ensuring a robust and dynamic educational experience.

  • Doctoral level women's health specialty
  • Hybrid program with campus requirements
  • National certification preparation
  • Evidence-based practice focus
  • Interprofessional training opportunities
  • Option for dual certification
  • State-of-the-art simulation center
  • Clinical partnerships in Salt Lake City

Doctorate - Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery

Concentration: Nurse-Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Utah's Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery doctoral track offers an exceptional pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking comprehensive women's healthcare expertise. This hybrid program integrates primary care, reproductive health, and newborn management through innovative clinical training. Students develop advanced leadership skills, engage in evidence-based practice, and train in cutting-edge simulation centers. The curriculum emphasizes holistic care approaches, preparing graduates for national certification and diverse practice settings. Unique features include dual certification opportunities, mentorship programs, and extensive clinical shift requirements.

  • Dual Certification Track
  • Hybrid Learning Model
  • National Certification Preparation
  • State-of-the-Art Simulation Training
  • Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Focus
  • Leadership and Policy Development
  • Faculty Practice Partnership
  • Clinical Shift Requirements
  • Mentorship Opportunities

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Utah's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Women's Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides specialized training for advanced practice nurses. This hybrid program combines online coursework with essential on-campus simulations, preparing students to deliver comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. Unique program highlights include dual specialty options, leadership development, and interprofessional collaboration training. Students gain skills in evidence-based practice, public policy, and quality improvement. While not fully online, the program offers distance learning options and prepares graduates for national certification through extensive clinical experiences and high-fidelity simulation training.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Focus on women's health
  • Dual specialty option available
  • Eligible for national certification
  • Combines online and on-campus learning
  • Leadership and policy training
  • Evidence-based practice courses
  • Interprofessional collaboration
  • High-fidelity simulation training
  • Diverse patient populations
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN - Private 4-year - vanderbilt.edu

Master's - Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Vanderbilt University's Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program delivers an intensive hybrid learning experience focusing on primary healthcare for individuals across life stages. Students explore critical areas including gynecologic care, pregnancy management, family planning, and sexually transmitted infection treatment. With 600 clinical practice hours, the program integrates contemporary nursing theory and evidence-based practices aligned with 2021 AACN educational standards. The curriculum emphasizes versatility, providing students with multiple program options and faculty-guided learning from experienced clinical professionals.

  • 4 Full-time Semesters
  • Online/Hybrid Learning Format
  • 600 Clinical Practice Hours
  • Small Collaborative Classes
  • Up-to-Date Curriculum
  • Multiple Program Options
  • Faculty with Clinical Experience

Master's - Women's Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner/Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Vanderbilt's dual specialty Women's Health and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program targets Advanced Practice Registered Nurses seeking comprehensive healthcare expertise. Concentrating on Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, this five-semester hybrid program equips students with 1,190 clinical hours of intensive training. Graduates gain versatile skills enabling practice across internal medicine and women's health environments. The program's military-friendly approach, small collaborative classes, and personalized faculty attention ensure students receive high-quality, specialized education preparing them for certification and diverse healthcare career opportunities.

  • Five full-time semesters
  • Online/hybrid learning format
  • 1,190 clinical practice hours
  • Dual certification potential
  • Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
  • Small collaborative classes
  • Personalized faculty attention

Graduate Certificate - Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Vanderbilt University's hybrid Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program offers an advanced comprehensive curriculum designed to transform nursing professionals. Students engage in a rigorous five-semester program with 1,190 clinical practice hours, gaining expertise in women's healthcare across diverse life stages. The program uniquely prepares graduates for national certification through innovative classroom and clinical training. Military-friendly and featuring small collaborative classes, the program emphasizes comprehensive patient care and enables students to develop strong clinical reasoning skills across multiple healthcare settings, from internal medicine to specialized clinics.

  • Five full-time semesters
  • Online/hybrid learning format
  • 1,190 clinical practice hours
  • Dual specialty certification
  • Small collaborative classes
  • National certification preparation
  • Diverse practice settings
  • Comprehensive patient care focus
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Kansas City, MO - Public 4-Year - umkc.edu

Master's - MSN: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UMKC's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program delivers a robust hybrid educational experience targeting experienced nurses seeking advanced women's healthcare specialization. This comprehensive 46-credit curriculum integrates online coursework with immersive campus residencies, preparing students for comprehensive women's health practice. Graduates develop advanced clinical management skills focusing on gynecological, prenatal, and primary care interventions. With a projected 13.64% employment growth and competitive median salary of $74,000, the program offers strategic professional development. Admission requires a BSN, minimum 3.2 GPA, and two years clinical experience, positioning students for national certification and diverse healthcare opportunities.

  • Hybrid delivery: online + campus
  • 46 total credit hours
  • Estimated $40,509.90 program cost
  • Two years full-time option
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA required
  • Two years clinical experience
  • National certification prep
  • Advanced clinical skills training

Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UMKC's Post-MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers an advanced, specialized pathway for experienced nurses seeking targeted women's healthcare expertise. This hybrid program uniquely blends online learning with strategic campus visits, enabling professionals to enhance their clinical skills without disrupting current employment. Designed for post-master's nurses, the 18-credit curriculum provides comprehensive training in gynecological and prenatal care. With competitive admission standards requiring a 3.2 GPA and two years of clinical experience, students can complete the program in 18-24 months. The program prepares graduates for national certification and potential doctoral pathway advancement.

  • Post-Master's Graduate Certificate
  • 18 credit hours total
  • Blended learning format
  • $15,851.70 estimated cost
  • 18-24 month completion time
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA required
  • Two years clinical experience
  • National certification exam eligible
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Prepares for DNP pathway

Doctorate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UMKC's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner represents an advanced doctoral pathway emphasizing comprehensive women's healthcare innovation. This rigorous 74-credit program combines online flexibility with intensive clinical experiences, preparing doctoral-level practitioners in health promotion and holistic wellness. Students engage in a blended learning model, completing the program in 4-5 years while developing sophisticated clinical expertise. Requiring an MSN, 3.2 GPA, and current nursing licensure, the program positions graduates for leadership roles in women's healthcare. The curriculum strategically prepares students for national certification and advanced practice across diverse healthcare settings.

  • Blended delivery mode
  • 74 total credit hours
  • 4-5 year program length
  • $65,168 estimated cost
  • National certification preparation
  • Minimum 3.2 GPA required
  • Clinical experiences included
  • Online with campus visits
  • Advanced practice nursing focus
  • Health promotion specialization
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

Duke University

Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu

Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Duke University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program delivers an innovative hybrid online curriculum focused on advanced practice nursing in women's health. Designed to cultivate culturally competent care providers, the program prepares nurses to address complex reproductive healthcare challenges. Participants receive specialized training in primary care, with particular emphasis on critical issues like maternal mortality prevention. The program offers personalized mentorship, advanced clinical training, and comprehensive learning experiences across diverse healthcare settings. Ranked among top nursing schools nationally, the curriculum supports students through holistic admissions and expert faculty guidance. Graduates can anticipate strong employment prospects, reflecting the Bureau of Labor Statistics' projected 38% growth in advanced nursing roles.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Distance-based curriculum
  • Clinical placement support
  • Personalized mentorship
  • Lowest credit requirements
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Nationwide career opportunities
  • Holistic admissions approach
  • Expert faculty mentorship

Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Duke University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Certificate offers a cutting-edge hybrid online program designed for advanced nursing professionals. Students receive comprehensive training in reproductive healthcare, emphasizing health equity and diverse population needs. The program distinguishes itself with the lowest credit requirements in the nursing education landscape, enabling faster career progression. With robust clinical placement support and over 2,000 global clinical partners, participants gain personalized learning experiences. Graduates benefit from exceptional job market potential, aligned with the Bureau of Labor Statistics' projection of 38% growth in advanced practice registered nursing roles. The curriculum integrates Centering Group Facilitation Certification and provides nationwide career placement opportunities.

  • Hybrid distance-based learning
  • Lowest credit requirements
  • Personalized clinical placements
  • Centering Group Facilitation Certification
  • 2,000+ global clinical partners
  • Holistic admissions approach
  • Specialization in women's health
  • Diverse career placement options
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO - Public 4-Year - umsl.edu

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Concentration: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a cutting-edge online hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner emphasis. Tailored for advanced practice nurses, this comprehensive program equips professionals with specialized skills in women's healthcare delivery. Requiring a BSN from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.75 GPA, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced diagnostic techniques, and healthcare policy. Students engage in a 70-credit program that integrates clinical expertise, scholarly practice, and comprehensive patient-centered care strategies. The hybrid format provides flexibility for working nurses seeking advanced professional development in women's health specialization.

  • Hybrid DNP program format
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner focus
  • Minimum 3.75 BSN GPA required
  • 70 total program credit hours
  • Advanced clinical scholarship project
  • Comprehensive healthcare policy training
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - Nursing DNP, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Emphasis

Concentration: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Missouri-St. Louis delivers an innovative online hybrid DNP program specializing in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner training. Designed for experienced nurses, this 70-credit curriculum prepares practitioners to provide comprehensive women's healthcare across the lifespan. Admission requirements include a BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, current nursing licensure, and completed statistics coursework. The program distinguishes itself through advanced diagnostic reasoning training, evidence-based practice development, and leadership skill enhancement. Students complete an intensive clinical scholarship project and an 8-hour clinical residency, ensuring graduates are equipped with sophisticated clinical competencies in women's health practice.

  • 70-credit comprehensive DNP program
  • Specialized Women's Health focus
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Current nursing license needed
  • 8-hour clinical residency required
  • Includes clinical scholarship project
  • Hybrid learning format
  • Advanced diagnostic reasoning training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#6

Georgetown University

Washington, DC - Private 4-year - georgetown.edu

Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Georgetown University's online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a cutting-edge 23-month curriculum designed for registered nurses seeking advanced women's healthcare expertise. The comprehensive 44-credit degree enables students to develop specialized skills in women's primary and reproductive health across all life stages. With an impressive 100% national certification rate, the program integrates interactive online coursework and intensive clinical experiences. Students leverage advanced learning technologies like 3D anatomy tools and engage in live distance-based classes, ensuring robust professional preparation. The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive care strategies, wellness interventions, and reproductive health management.

  • Online MS in Nursing
  • 44 total credit hours
  • 23 months to complete
  • 783 clinical hours
  • Two clinical intensives
  • 100% NCC Certification Rate
  • Care across entire lifespan
  • Live distance-based classes
  • Interactive 3D anatomy tool
  • Faculty are active clinicians

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Georgetown University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Women's Health Nurse Practitioner specialization provides advanced training for BSN-prepared nurses targeting leadership roles in women's healthcare. This rigorous 69-credit program offers full-time and part-time options, incorporating 1,150 clinical hours focused on reproductive, preventative, and comprehensive women's health interventions. The curriculum strategically blends leadership training, ethics, and epidemiological studies, preparing graduates for NCC and CCNE certification. Uniquely designed for nurses seeking high-level women's health expertise without birth attendance requirements, the program equips professionals to implement transformative changes in healthcare systems.

  • Online DNP program
  • WHNP specialization
  • 69 credits required
  • 1,150 clinical hours
  • Full-time or part-time
  • Prepares for NCC certification
  • Meets CCNE standards
  • Focus on women's health
  • Leadership and ethics training
  • No birth attendance required
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#7

Kent State University

Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program provides an innovative online pathway for advanced practice nurses to develop sophisticated primary care skills. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students learn intricate strategies for women's health management, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and complex condition care. The 100% online format offers unprecedented flexibility, allowing professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current work commitments. Featuring expert nationally certified faculty, small class sizes, and clinical practicums in students' resident states, the program supports flexible MSN and DNP educational trajectories with robust virtual learning infrastructure.

  • 100% Online Program
  • Expert Nationally Certified Faculty
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Clinical Practicum in Resident State
  • Flexible MSN or DNP Paths
  • Small Class Sizes
  • 24/7 Technical Support
  • Virtual Exam Proctoring

Graduate Certificate - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University offers a specialized online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate designed for registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. This comprehensive 21-credit program emphasizes comprehensive women's healthcare, covering reproductive health, prenatal care, and holistic health promotion. The flexible online format accommodates working professionals, preparing graduates for national certification. Candidates must hold a master's nursing degree and maintain an active RN license. With per-credit tuition ranging from $594-$605, students benefit from CCNE accreditation, multiple practicum courses, and advanced clinical skills training tailored to women's healthcare needs.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 21 Total Credit Hours
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • 3.0 Minimum Graduate GPA
  • Must Hold Master's Nursing Degree
  • Active RN License Required
  • Per Credit Hour: $594-$605
  • Multiple Practicum Courses
  • Prepares for National Certification
  • Advanced Clinical Skills Training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#8

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu

Master's - MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UAB's online MSN Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience designed for working nurses. Students engage in a 45-credit curriculum spanning six semesters, combining synchronous online coursework with periodic on-campus intensives. The program focuses on developing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills specific to women's healthcare. With a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement and prerequisite BSN, students receive specialized training in women's wellness. Clinical practica, supervised by expert providers, ensure practical skill development. The flexible part-time format allows professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment, with per semester tuition at $702.

  • Part-time distance-accessible format
  • 45 total credit hours
  • Six semester program length
  • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Required BSN from accredited program
  • Per semester tuition: $702
  • Online and on-campus intensive classes
  • Advanced women's health specialization
  • 10 clinical practicum credits
  • Synchronous online learning model

Doctorate - DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's DNP Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner program provides an advanced hybrid educational pathway for nursing professionals. This comprehensive 79-credit doctoral program emphasizes women's primary care across diverse life stages. Students engage in synchronous online classes and periodic on-campus intensive sessions, developing critical skills in evidence-based practice and advanced clinical reasoning. Designed for working healthcare professionals, the program requires a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA. The curriculum includes comprehensive clinical practica and mandates a DNP project, preparing graduates to deliver expert women's healthcare with sophisticated clinical expertise and research-informed practice.

  • 79 total credit hours
  • Part-time, distance-accessible format
  • Synchronous online classes
  • On-campus intensive sessions
  • Designed for working nurses
  • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • Hybrid program delivery
  • Advanced women's health focus
  • Clinical practica included
  • DNP project requirement
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#9

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - famu.edu

Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program prepares nurses to deliver holistic primary care across women's entire lifespan. This advanced degree cultivates practitioners with sophisticated clinical skills, leadership capabilities, and evidence-based practice techniques. Students explore complex healthcare dynamics through a socio-cultural lens, developing expertise in patient-centered approaches. The program distinguishes itself by integrating comprehensive women's health perspectives, graduate core courses, and a commitment to addressing unique healthcare needs with cultural sensitivity and professional excellence.

  • Online MSN program available
  • Comprehensive women's health focus
  • Socio-cultural healthcare perspective
  • Evidence-based practice training
  • Advanced clinical skill development
  • Leadership in nursing emphasis
  • Life-span women's healthcare approach
  • Graduate core courses included

Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Certificate - APN - WHNP

Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's Post-Masters Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner offers an advanced online pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized women's healthcare expertise. This 42-credit program provides comprehensive training through distance learning, enabling nurses to expand their clinical capabilities. Unique features include potential credit transfer of up to 22 credits from previous master's programs, intensive clinical practicums, and a curriculum covering advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and women's health management. As a historically black university (HBCU), the program emphasizes culturally sensitive and comprehensive women's healthcare approaches.

  • 42-credit Post-Masters Certificate
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Focus
  • DL (Distance Learning) Format
  • Advanced Clinical Practicums
  • Up to 22 transferable credits
  • Comprehensive APRN Core Courses
  • Specialized Women's Health Curriculum
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#10

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, OH - Private 4-year - case.edu

Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Case Western Reserve University's Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program delivers a cutting-edge hybrid educational experience for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized women's healthcare expertise. The 38-credit curriculum strategically integrates comprehensive clinical training with approximately 600 clinical hours, enabling students to develop profound skills in women's health across different life stages. Students explore intricate areas of reproductive health, gynecological care, and wellness interventions from adolescence through menopause. The program's flexible format accommodates working professionals, offering part-time options and diverse learning modalities. Military-friendly and designed for dedicated nursing professionals, graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners prepared to deliver holistic, patient-centered women's healthcare services.

  • 38 total credit hours
  • Approximately 600 clinical hours
  • Full-time completion in 12 months
  • Hybrid course delivery format
  • Comprehensive women's health focus
  • Advanced practice nursing preparation
  • Multiple practice setting opportunities
*NCES IPEDS database, 2023 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

What Is an Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program Like?

For busy nurses who are interested in going through an online women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) program, it’s important to choose an accredited, high-quality program that is willing to work with your busy schedule. In order to qualify as an online program, a course of study must require fewer than ten visits to campus per year. When you choose an online women’s health nurse practitioner program, you’ll get to complete your coursework on your own time, allowing you to continue providing patient care at work. Unlike a classroom-based program, you’ll get to interact with other students through online message boards, communicate with professors virtually, and learn on your own time. When you choose an online women’s health nurse practitioner program, your faculty members understand that you’re working hard to provide patient care while also earning your education. They appreciate your need for flexibility, and are often willing to work with you to make accommodations to ensure that you get the education you need.

Choosing an Appropriate Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program

The first step in choosing a women's health nurse practitioner degree program is to see what your options are based on your current education level. The table below displays degree pathways for the most common starting points.

If I Currently Have… Option 1 Option 2
BSN BSN to MSN Programs BSN to DNP Programs
MSN Post-Master’s Certificate MSN to DNP Programs

To see programs at each degree level, click the buttons below:

Ultimately, your long-term career goals will also be a big factor in deciding which women's health nurse practitioner degree program is the right fit for you. The type of employer you wish to work for, the level and role you wish to hold, and even how much money you hope to earn will all be influenced by the type of degree you choose, and can the right choice can make reaching your professional goals much easier.

If you are still undecided on the women’s health nurse practitioner degree route you should take, our table below will help you narrow down your choices based on your interests.

MSN Post-Master's Certificate DNP
I enjoy working directly with patients seeking women's healthcare X X X
I already hold a graduate degree, but I wish to move into specialized women's health practice X X
I feel called to teach at the university level X X
I want to advocate for women's health issues and be a leader in my facility X X X
I have ideas for clinically relevant research projects to improve women's healthcare X
My passion is to create and improve national health policies X
I wish to understand population-based women's health issues in order to improve healthcare outcomes across the nation X
I want to guide healthcare law and ethics related to women's health X
With any degree, it’s important to choose an accredited program so that your hard work will be recognized by health care organizations. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Education in Nursing (CCNE) are a few to look for. Throughout the course of your online women’s health nurse practitioner program, you’ll learn about current research in women’s health, psychosocial issues that affect women’s health, how to develop treatment plans for women’s health needs, how to perform complex in-office procedures, and more. You’ll also learn how to provide top quality pre- and post-natal care. Check out our Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program guide below.
  1. Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program Admissions & Requirements by Degree Type
  2. Online WHNP Program Classes and Curriculum
  3. Clinical Requirements and Certification

Online Women’s Health NP Program Admissions

As you’re working to further your education, it’s important to consider what type of online WHNP program makes the most sense for you. When choosing the programs you’re going to apply to, you’ll need to consider your prior GPA and education, as well as your future career goals. If you believe you’re well-qualified for a program but fall short of the admissions criteria, you may want to send a letter with your application explaining your reasons for the areas in which you fall short, and how your professional and/or academic experience make up for these areas. Many online women’s health NP programs are willing to make accommodations for nurses in special circumstances. Use the table below to learn more about some of the different admissions requirements for online women’s health NP programs.

MSN-Level Women’s Health NPPost-Master’s Certificate Women’s Health NPDNP-Level Women’s Health NP
Prior Education/GPABSN from an accredited program, GPA of at least 3.0MSN from an accredited program, GPA of at least 3.0BSN or MSN from an accredited program, GPA of at least 3.0
RN LicensureCurrent, unencumbered RN licenseCurrent, unencumbered RN licenseCurrent, unencumbered RN license
Professional ExperienceAt least one year of nursing experienceAt least one year of nursing experienceAt least a year of nursing experience, preferably in the women’s health
Written RequirementsPersonal statement and letters of recommendation may be requiredPersonal statement and letters of recommendation may be requiredResume or CV, admissions essay, personal statement and letters of recommendation may be required

Online Women’s Health NP Curriculum & Classes

Your women’s health NP curriculum may vary based on your school, and your choice of electives. The time it will take you to complete the program may also vary, depending on whether you choose to go to school full or part-time, and whether you choose a standard or accelerated program. For most MSN programs, it takes about two years of full-time coursework to complete the program. For post-grad certificate programs, it typically takes one to two years to complete the program. DNP programs typically take three to four years. Students who work through a DNP program often have up to seven years to complete their studies. Women's health specialty MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP programs differ in both the number of course credits and the number of clinical hours required.

DegreeMSNPost-Master’s CertificateDNP
Average Credit Requirements453565

The curriculum for women's health MSN and post-master’s certificates have some overlap, though MSN programs will require more core coursework. At the MSN and DNP level, students will take courses focusing on leadership and policy as well. Those enrolled in the DNP degree program will also take general courses in biostatistics, epidemiology, research, and more. DNP students also complete a capstone course or project which lets them display the knowledge they’ve learned by addressing a clinical problem or question that relates to women’s health. As you go through your women’s health NP curriculum at any degree level, you’ll likely take courses including:

  • Pathophysiology of human disease
  • Diagnostic reasoning and decision making for the WHNP
  • Comprehensive assessment in health care decision making
  • Nursing informatics
  • The role of the women’s health advanced practice nurse

Women’s Health NP Clinical Requirements

Through clinical courses and internships, students are required to complete between 600-1,000 clinical hours. These hours are essential to the successful completion of clinical courses, as nurses discuss what they learn in real-time health care settings within clinical courses. Most schools are willing to work with students to help them find placements that make sense for them. This could mean being flexible with weekend hours, having more than one placement setting, or doing some work home health care settings. WHNP students may complete clinical requirements in hospitals, birthing centers, women’s clinics, family planning facilities, women’s prisons, and more. They are typically under the supervision of an experienced WHNP, physician/physician’s assistant, certified nurse-midwife, or another seasoned practitioner in the field of women’s health.