Explore Leading MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio is home to one of the most active regional healthcare systems in the Midwest—and a growing need for advanced practice nurses who specialize in women's health. For registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor's degree seeking to advance their careers and support female populations across the lifespan, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) focus offer a pathway to expertise, licensure, and expanded clinical authority.
According to the March of Dimes Perinatal Data Center, Ohio ranks in the bottom half of states for infant mortality, preterm birth, and maternal health outcomes. Dayton's urban core and rural outskirts experience healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect women—especially those in medically underserved areas. These challenges create both a need and an opportunity for skilled WHNPs to step into roles that prioritize holistic, preventive, and culturally responsive care.
As national and local data continue to show disparities in access to preventive, reproductive, and perinatal care, WHNPs are increasingly valued in outpatient clinics, OB-GYN practices, and community health organizations. In Dayton, where healthcare institutions like Premier Health and Kettering Health serve urban and rural patients throughout the Miami Valley, WHNPs are essential to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to women in all stages of life.
This article highlights leading MSN-WHNP programs near Dayton, Ohio, with an emphasis on curriculum design, clinical training opportunities, and how these graduate degrees align with workforce trends and patient needs across Southwest Ohio.
2025 Leading MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Dayton, Ohio
Looking for the top MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner programs near Dayton, Ohio in 2025? You're in the right place. At nursepractitioneronline.com, we've done the homework to bring you a list of leading programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your nursing career or looking to specialize further, our rankings highlight the best options to help you make an informed decision. We focus on what matters most to students, from hands-on training to flexible schedules. Ready to find your perfect program? Check out our detailed rankings and see how we picked the best. Learn more about our methodology here.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu
Master's - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program specializing in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, designed for those aiming to excel in women's healthcare. This program stands out for its 100% online format, allowing flexibility for working professionals. With a duration of 2.0 years full-time, it features three start dates annually, catering to various schedules. The curriculum is enriched by faculty who are not only educators but also hold clinical certifications, ensuring a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. Graduates are prepared to offer comprehensive care, from prenatal services to gynecological management, in diverse healthcare settings. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants.
- 100% online MSN program
- 2.0 Years full-time duration
- Three annual start dates
- Faculty with clinical certification
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
The Role of WHNPs in Dayton's Evolving Healthcare System
Women's Health Nurse Practitioners are trained to manage reproductive, gynecologic, and obstetric care across adolescent, adult, and aging populations. WHNPs in Dayton play an especially critical role in communities with limited access to OB-GYN specialists or prenatal services.
Dayton's regional care system includes a combination of hospital networks, FQHCs, women's wellness centers, and family planning organizations. These facilities rely on WHNPs to:
- Deliver prenatal and postpartum care
- Provide well-woman exams and cervical cancer screenings
- Manage contraception and reproductive counseling
- Monitor perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms
Recent data from the Ohio Department of Health also points to maternal health disparities in Montgomery County. These challenges position WHNPs as both care providers and advocates for underserved populations, including teens, seniors, and women with chronic conditions.
What to Expect from an MSN-WHNP Program in Southwest Ohio
MSN programs with a Women's Health NP concentration are designed to prepare nurses for advanced practice certification and licensure while building expertise in female-specific care. Typical programs near Dayton offer a combination of core graduate nursing courses and population-focused training.
Most WHNP programs include coursework in:
- Advanced health assessment and pathophysiology
- Pharmacology for reproductive and obstetric care
- Women’s primary care and gynecology
- Perinatal health and high-risk pregnancy management
In addition to didactic content, students complete a clinical practicum—typically between 600 and 700 hours. These hours are supervised by licensed WHNPs or OB-GYN physicians and take place in outpatient, hospital, or community-based settings.
| Core Area | Description |
| Advanced Assessment | Physical and diagnostic skills for women’s health |
| Pharmacologic Management | Drug therapy for pregnancy, contraception, menopause |
| Women’s Primary Care | Health promotion and disease prevention |
| Obstetric & Gynecologic Care | Managing pregnancy, fertility, and pelvic health |
Clinical Training Sites for WHNP Students near Dayton
Hands-on experience is central to any advanced nursing degree. Fortunately, Dayton's healthcare network provides a wide range of clinical environments ideal for WHNP students.
Potential clinical placements include:
- Premier Women's Center – Offering full-scope OB-GYN care and wellness services
- Kettering Health Main Campus – Providing labor and delivery, high-risk pregnancy, and reproductive endocrinology services
- Five Rivers Health Centers – Women's Health – A federally qualified health center serving low-income and uninsured women
- Miami Valley Hospital – One of the largest healthcare providers in the region with a Level III NICU and perinatal services
These sites expose students to a diverse patient population and help them develop competencies in health promotion, chronic disease management, and patient education.
Licensure and Certification After Graduation
Graduates of MSN-WHNP programs are eligible to sit for the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Passing the exam allows them to apply for APRN licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Ohio is a reduced practice state. While WHNPs do not have full practice authority, they may prescribe medications and deliver care under a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a collaborating physician. Continued legislative momentum toward expanding APRN autonomy makes Ohio a promising place to launch a women's health-focused practice.
Career Opportunities for WHNPs in Dayton and Beyond
WHNPs are in demand across a wide variety of clinical settings in the Dayton area. Employers value their ability to deliver specialized care while supporting preventive health and chronic disease management among women.
Common WHNP roles include:
- Reproductive health nurse practitioner in OB-GYN clinics
- Family planning specialist in community health centers
- Prenatal care provider in public health or maternal health programs
- Women's health consultant in primary care and internal medicine practices
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median salary of over $120,000 annually, with Ohio-based salaries varying by setting, experience, and specialization. WHNPs who work in academic medical centers or urban clinics may have access to higher wages and leadership pathways.
WHNPs may also pursue specialized certification in menopausal care, fertility counseling, or breast health, allowing them to tailor their practice to community needs and professional interests.
Advancing Women's Health Through Education and Expertise
Dayton is a city where opportunity meets purpose for nurses who aspire to lead in women's health. With its mix of academic institutions, healthcare systems, and underserved communities, the region offers a compelling setting to earn a Women's Health NP degree and transition into meaningful, high-impact practice.
For those committed to promoting equity, supporting preventive care, and advocating for the unique needs of female patients, completing an MSN-WHNP program in Dayton is a powerful step forward. These programs not only equip nurses with specialized clinical knowledge—they also help shape the future of women's healthcare in Ohio and beyond.
Learn more about nurse practitioner programs in Ohio.
Sources
- Ohio Board of Nursing – APRN Licensure
- National Certification Corporation – WHNP Certification
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Nurse Practitioners
- Premier Health – Women's Services
- Kettering Health – Maternity Care
- March of Dimes – Perinatal Data Center
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