Cheapest Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs near Philadelphia, PA

Last Updated/Verified: Jun 24, 2025
A group of 3 healthy women. Online WHNP Programs near Philadelphia, PA – Affordable

Philadelphia's maternity wards are busy, with more than 36,000 babies born across the broader Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area each year, and local health systems are racing to improve outcomes for women at every life stage. Penn Medicine's Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is a perennial national leader in obstetric care; Jefferson Health operates the region's largest urban–suburban OB-GYN network; and independent clinics from North Philly to Camden continually recruit advanced-practice nurses who understand reproductive justice, menopause management, and gender-affirming care. Tuition, however, can feel like a second mortgage.

Fortunately, Southeastern Pennsylvania offers budget-friendly, distance-learning WHNP tracks that let registered nurses upskill without relocating or taking a career hiatus. Whether you're scrubbing in at Penn Presbyterian or working home-health visits in Cherry Hill, a flexible online program—backed by local clinical rotations—means you can keep earning while you learn. Below, you'll find the area's lowest-priced WHNP pathways, insider tips on admission, funding, and job prospects to make an informed (and affordable) leap into women's health leadership.

2025 Cheapest Online Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs near Philadelphia, PA

#1

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - upenn.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Pennsylvania offers a distinguished Women's Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program, designed for advanced nursing professionals aiming to specialize in comprehensive, family-centered care for women throughout their lifespan. This program stands out for its focus on primary health care, addressing the unique medical needs of women from adolescence to advanced age. It combines a rigorous curriculum with clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, preparing graduates to promote women's health equity. The program is flexible, offering both full-time (14-month) and part-time (2-3 year) options. With costs estimated between $93,144 and $98,771, it represents a significant investment in a high-quality education. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible to qualified candidates. The program's affiliation with a university that has a hospital on campus enhances clinical training opportunities, contributing to its reputation for excellence in nurse practitioner education.

  • Full-time 14-month program
  • Part-time 2-3 year options
  • BSN with 3.0 GPA required
  • RN licensure prerequisite
  • Clinical experiences arranged
  • International learning opportunities
  • Diverse clinical placement settings
  • State and national certification eligible
#2

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - jefferson.edu

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Thomas Jefferson University's Women's Health – Gender Related Nurse Practitioner program stands out for its hybrid learning approach, blending online coursework with on-campus sessions to accommodate working professionals. This 36-credit program, which can be completed in 2 to 5 years, is designed to prepare nurses for the Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Examination, emphasizing evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. With a strong focus on comprehensive care for women across their lifespan, graduates are equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings. The program's military-friendly status and the presence of a hospital on campus enhance its appeal, offering practical learning opportunities and support for veterans. Its affordability is further supported by the flexible format, reducing the need for relocation or full-time study.

  • Hybrid learning format.
  • 36 credits required.
  • Duration: 2-5 years.
  • Prepares for NCC certification.
  • Focus on women's health care.
  • Interprofessional collaboration emphasis.
  • Evidence-based practice focus.
  • Leadership skills development.
  • Flexible for working professionals.
  • Comprehensive care training.
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

Why Earn a WHNP Degree in Philadelphia?

  • Persistent care gaps. Philadelphia's maternal mortality rate is nearly twice the national average, and Black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. WHNPs trained in culturally competent care can help reverse these trends.
  • There is an extensive perinatal ecosystem. Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Virtua, Main Line Health, ChristianaCare, and Temple Health collectively operate 26 birthing units within 50 miles, which translates to diverse clinical placements.
  • Competitive salaries. Nurse practitioners in the Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metro earn a mean $62.63/hour ($131,680 annually), well above the state's median household income.

Further reading: Complete Online Nurse Practitioner Guides

Curriculum & Clinical Expectations

Academic PhaseRepresentative CoursesTypical Clinical Sites
Core MSN/DNPAdvanced Pathophysiology, Population Health for Women, Evidence-Based PracticeOnline lectures with live discussions
WHNP SpecialtyGynecologic Management, High-Risk Obstetrics, Menopause & Hormone TherapyPenn Medicine outpatient clinics, Jefferson OB-GYN practices, Virtua Women's Primary Care
DNP Project (if applicable)Quality-improvement initiative on maternal health equity or reproductive care accessCommunity health centers, FQHCs, and city health departments

Programs follow NONPF competencies and require 600–1,000 supervised clinical hours across antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and primary-care settings.

Typical Admission Requirements

  • BSN (or MSN) from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited school
  • Active RN license in PA, NJ, or DE
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 (3.2+ strengthens scholarship chances)
  • Professional résumé and two clinical or academic references
  • Personal statement describing health goals
  • GRE is frequently waived for GPAs ≥ 3.2
  • One year of OB, L&D, or women's primary-care RN experience preferred
  • Virtual or on-campus interview

Program Cost Snapshot

UniversityFormat2025 Tuition*Affordability Perks
Frontier Nursing University100 % online (KY-based, PA placements)$685 per creditNo out-of-state surcharge; HRSA traineeships available
Kent State UniversityOnline with on-campus orientation$605 per credit (approx.)Flat WHNP certificate ≈ $12.5 K; reciprocity for some eastern states
Drexel University (Philadelphia)Online plus quarterly campus intensives$1,169 per credit (with 10 % discount)Alumni & partner-hospital tuition reductions; military rate
Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia)Hybrid (≈ 60 % online)$1,234 per creditPart-time pacing preserves employer tuition benefits

*Excludes university fees, books, and travel for campus immersions.

How to Pay Less

  • Employer tuition programs. Jefferson Health reimburses up to $8,000/year; Penn Medicine offers $6,000.
  • HRSA Nurse Corps. Repays up to 85 % of student loans for WHNPs in underserved Philadelphia clinics.
  • State incentives. Pennsylvania's Primary Care Loan Repayment Program awards up to $76,000 to APRNs who commit to women's health shortage areas.
  • University scholarships. Each fall, Drexel's College of Nursing & Health Professions awards $5,000–$10,000 merit grants to new MSN entrants.

Related guide: Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Programs

Salary Expectations for WHNPs in Greater Philadelphia

LocationHourly Mean WageAnnual Mean Wage
Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington Metro$62.63$131,680
Pennsylvania (statewide)$57.79$120,210
United States (all NPs)$58.47$121,610

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS

Career Paths & Specializations

WHNPs in the region often:

  • Deliver full-scope primary and reproductive care in FQHCs, university hospitals, and retail clinics
  • Join maternal-fetal-medicine teams at Penn Maternal Fetal Medicine or Jefferson's Center for Gynecologic Health.
  • Lead health initiatives in public health agencies or nonprofits such as Maternity Care Coalition.
  • Pursue dual certification—e.g., CNM-WHNP—through post-master's bridge options.

Interested in alternate focus areas? Compare Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Indiana to see how cost-of-living affects tuition.

Balancing Work, Life & Study

  1. Reserve 15–20 hours per week for asynchronous coursework.
  2. Schedule clinical rotations during slower L&D census periods or leverage weekend preceptors.
  3. Use commuter rail (SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit) to reach suburban OB-GYN offices without parking hassles.
  4. Form virtual study pods for advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology exams.

Accreditation & Certification

All featured programs hold CCNE accreditation and prepare graduates for the NCC Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner board exam, required for APRN licensure in PA, NJ, and DE. Need a refresher on the process? Visit our Licensing & Certification Guide.

Networking & Professional Development

  • Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (PCNP) – annual fall conference and Philly-area meet-ups
  • ISONG Mid-Atlantic Chapter – genetics in women's health seminars
  • Jefferson College of Nursing Alumni Mentorship Program – pairs WHNP students with practicing alumnae for career guidance.
  • The community forum is in our Complete Online Nurse Practitioner Guides for scholarship alerts and specialty advice.

Local Employers Actively Recruiting WHNPs

OrganizationRecent Postings (June 2025)Service Lines
Penn MedicineWHNP for outpatient OB clinic (West Philly)Prenatal care, contraception, and menopause
Jefferson HealthWHNP at Center City campusHigh-risk obstetrics, adolescent pregnancy
Virtua Health (NJ)WHNP in Cherry Hill L&D triageLabor support, lactation counseling
ChristianaCare (DE)WHNP in Newark ambulatory women's centerFetal surveillance, endocrine disorders in pregnancy

Decision Guide: Choosing the Cheapest—and Best—Program

  1. Calculate total credits. Frontier's 57-credit MSN vs. Drexel's 62 credits can mean thousands saved.
  2. Verify out-of-state surcharges. Kent State adds only about $10 per credit for non-residents.
  3. Ask about clinical-placement fees. These can add up at private universities.
  4. Check technology requirements. Proctoring software and EMR simulations may carry extra costs.
  5. Prioritize local preceptors. Programs with established Philly partnerships minimize travel.

Online Learning Essentials for WHNPs

  • High-speed internet for live pelvic-exam simulations and telehealth practice
  • Secure testing browser (e.g., LockDown Browser or Examity)
  • Access to EHR platforms (EPIC, Cerner) for charting during practicum
  • Virtual OSCEs using standardized patients via video

Do you have questions about fit? Use the form on our Contact Us page, and we'll connect you with the right resources.

Ready to Champion Women's Health in Philly?

Affordable online WHNP programs let you advance women's health across Greater Philadelphia without raising unmanageable debt. Review the ranked list above, reach out to admissions counselors, and stake your place on the front lines of maternal and reproductive care today.

Sources

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2023
  • Frontier Nursing University – Tuition & Fees
  • Kent State University – WHNP Certificate Tuition
  • Drexel University Online – MSN Women's Health NP Tuition
  • Thomas Jefferson University – Graduate Tuition Information
  • Penn Medicine – Annual Birth Statistics
  • Philadelphia Department of Public Health – Maternal Mortality Review 2024

Judy Daniels, MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC
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