Education on becoming a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.

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Hi, I'm wanting to find some information on how to become a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. After, a person gets there B.S.N. in Nursing. They apply for Nurse Practitioner School, how long does it take to do the whole program? Do you get your Master's Degree in Nursing then you take your certification exam to specialize in Women's Health?

What exactly does a Women's Health Nurse Practioner do? I know that they do Pelvic Exams.. But, what does the whole category include?

Thank you.

-WalkingInTheRain

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Pretty much the way it goes, I believe. As to what they do - yes they do pelvic exams, but they also do a lot of education as well.

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Sorry, (again won't comment on duties) however, the WHNP I spoke with finished her program in 12 months full time while working full time (3 12hour shifts a week).

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Check out the UCLA program @ http://www.womenshealthnp.org. You don't need a BSN, the program can be done in less than 12 months, and it is accredited, though MSN NP types have issues with NP's without MSN's.

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I am a women's health nurse practitioner from NJ. I went to an accredited program and received my master's in nursing and sat for my certification exam from NCC in women's health. It took 4yrs part time working full time 12 hour shifts in labor and delivery. I would always recommend getting your masters rather than just your certification. If you're gonna bust yourself learning better make it worth it at the end. Our scope of practice includes primary health care of women, family planning counseling and prescribing, gyn care and prenatal care. Depending where you work you may do a little less or a little more. It's definitly rewarding and gratifying as a professional and as a woman. Good luck
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