WHNP degree programs teach students how to provide comprehensive care to women of all ages. In addition to teaching students how to provide gynecological, hormonal, and reproductive care, WHNP programs also focus on other topics, such as health education, health promotion, and disease prevention. They also teach students how to help patients make smart lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking or starting an exercise program.

The WHNP prepares registered nurses to work in a variety of settings, such as OB-GYN clinics, Planned Parenthood centers, state and federal correctional facilities, prenatal clinics, private practices, and hospitals, among others.

Numerous benefits are associated with completing a women’s health nurse practitioner program online. Although this degree is also available via in-person, on-campus learning, some students prefer the convenience and flexibility of distance learning.

The benefits of online WHNP programs include:

●  Online WHNP programs are cost-effective. Learning online means you will probably not have to commute to a specific location for classes. Additionally, you can save on housing costs.
●  Flexible schedule. While on-campus learning follows a more regimented schedule, an online program can help you create a schedule that works for you, taking into account your responsibilities and lifestyle. If you already have other time commitments, an online program may be a good choice for you.
●  You’re not limited by geography. One of the most notable benefits of online learning is that you don’t need to select a program based on your physical location. You can choose your program based entirely on the curriculum you’re interested in, regardless of whether the institution you’d like to attend is 10 miles or 2,000 miles away. Many programs do not even require visits to campus.
●  Qualify for certification. Online programs offer the same coursework, geared to help you gain certification and hone your academic and professional skills, as in-person programs.

Aspiring WHNPs have several program options to choose from, including part-time, full-time, and accelerated program options. Whereas some programs can be completed in around 15 months or more, others may take up to 44 months to complete. Programs include the following:

Master’s in Nursing

Licensed registered nurses (RNs) interested in pursuing advanced roles in women’s health care can complete an advanced degree, such as an online Master of Science in Nursing, to prepare for the next step in their career. Most full-time students find they can complete an online MSN with a women’s health nurse practitioner focus within about 28 to 36 months.

Doctorate in Nursing, BSN-DNP

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs may be an ideal choice for licensed RNs interested in working as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These programs bypass the MSN and offer several concentration options, including the WHNP specialization, and most full-time students find they can complete their online program in around 40 months.

Doctorate in Nursing, MSN-DNP

RNs with a Master of Science in Nursing degree can earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice with a WHNP concentration online. Similar to BSN to DNP programs, students have a variety of specializations to choose from. Most full-time students find they can complete their studies in around 24 to 36 months.

Online Post-Master’s Certificate, MSN-WHNP

MSN-prepared registered nurses can also pursue a career as a women’s health nurse practitioner by completing an online post-master’s certificate program. Most full-time students find they can complete their MSN to WHNP coursework within 20 to 24 months.

Online Post-Master’s Certificate, DNP-WHNP

Licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) interested in adding women’s health care to their areas of expertise can complete an online DNP to WHNP certificate program to help them toward their goal. Most full-time students find they can earn their DNP to WHNP certificate in as few as 12 months.

The curriculum in a WHNP program covers topics such as contraception, interpersonal violence, hormone therapy, sexual health, breast health, sexually transmitted infections, and gynecological health, among others. Sample courses include the following:

●  Nursing Theory
●  Concepts in Nurse Leadership
●  Health Promotion-Disease Prevention
●  Primary Care of the Woman
●  Care of the Childbearing Woman
●  Epidemiology/Biostatistics
●  Cultural Perspectives in Health Care
●  Advanced Health Assessment
●  Advanced Clinical Pharmacology

Nurse practitioners interested in obtaining WHNP certification must start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The National Certification Corporation offers WHNP certification. Generally, to sit for the qualifying exam, candidates should meet the following criteria:

●  Hold a current RN license
●  Completed an accredited advanced education program, such as an MSN or DNP with a WHNP specialization program, or a post-master’s WHNP certificate program, that meets NCC requirements
●  Completed 600 supervised hours in a clinical setting (clinical hours), which are required to both graduate and be eligible to sit for the nurse practitioner certification exam

Computer testing dates are available throughout the year at various NCC test sites throughout the U.S. According to the NCC, there is no set percentage level to receive a passing score, as different formats of the examination are regularly used. Test-takers who receive a more difficult form of the exam need fewer correct answers than those who take a slightly easier exam. Wrong answers are not penalized, and the overall pass/fail decision is based on an individual’s performance on the full test. Official test results will be mailed within 15 business days of the exam administration date.

The length of time it takes to become certified as a women’s health nurse practitioner can vary based on several factors, such as whether you’re enrolled in full-time or part-time coursework and which advanced degree program you choose to pursue.

RNs interested in becoming WHNPs can choose between two educational pathways: a BSN to DNP program or an MSN to DNP program. BSN to DNP programs typically take three to four years to complete; MSN to DNP programs generally take one to two years.

If you’re interested in becoming a WHNP, you’ll be well served by developing certain qualities and skills to help you interact with, evaluate, and diagnose patients.

Women’s health nurse practitioner skills

The following skills are essential in helping WHNPs perform their duties:

●  Communication. Strong communication skills are needed to effectively relay and receive information from patients and coworkers.
●  Compassion. WHNPs must be sympathetic and caring to build trust and a rapport with their patients.
●  Critical thinking. Critical thinking skills help WHNPs assess their patients' conditions, which are sometimes complex and multifaceted, and determine the best course of action.
●  Patience. WHNPs must remain calm when dealing with challenging and stressful situations, or when interacting with distressed patients and their loved ones.
●  Analytical skills. WHNPs must understand how to adapt their care to meet the needs of various patients. This can include assessing and reevaluating treatment plans when necessary.

Women’s health nurse practitioner duties

The duties of a women’s health nurse practitioner can vary based on the organization they work for. Common day-to-day duties, however, include the following:

●  Taking patients’ medical histories
●  Performing examinations
●  Ordering diagnostic tests, such as blood work and urinalysis screenings
●  Analyzing test results
●  Administering treatments
●  Consulting with other medical professionals, such as fertility or neonatal specialists, as needed

PayScale reports that the median annual salary for WHNPs is $95,234 as of 2021, with those in the top 10% earning more than $117,000 per year. Note that salary figures vary based on factors such as location, position, and experience level, among others.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overall employment of nurse practitioners, including WHNPs, is expected to grow by 52% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than what’s projected for all other occupations.

Job growth will be driven by a number of factors, such as the aging population and the number of nurses retiring. For example, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing notes that, in 2018, the average age of RNs was 50 years old. Additionally, the U.S. Census Bureau data states that, by 2030, roughly 1 in 5 U.S. citizens will be 65 or older.