FNP or WHNP?

[Jessy27]

Hi. I'm trying to decide between applying to FNP programs or WHNP programs. Is one easier than the other to get accepted into? Also, I have heard that FNP can practice in women's health as well. Is this true? Any insight would be very helpful. Thanks!

[ForensicPMHNP, MSN, NP]

I am finishing up my NP Program in Psych Mental health, but one of the things I recall was that two years ago during orientation the advisor rounded up all the WHNP students and advised them to switch to the dual track (WH/Adult Gero) because there weren't a ton of jobs for just WHNP. FNPs are definitely far more flexible and often do practice in that setting. Women's health is pretty narrow as a niche so I would consider all options before making a commitment. I usually advise people to either do the dual track,FNP or possible even consider PA school as that has no limitation in specialty. 

[pro-student]

The FNP scope of practice literally includes everything the WHNP does but makes you much more marketable as a provider. If you’re adamant that you only want to ever do women’s health, they go for it. But unless you would refuse a position that included seeing men or kids, the FNP is a far better choice. You could still specialize in women’s health and land the exact same job a WHNP would qualify you for.
 

Some FNP programs don’t have the strongest preparation in women’s health especially prenatal care but you could always do additional reading, seek out clinical opportunities in women’s health, and do continuing education on women’s health topics. If you really wanted to make yourself more marketable to women’s health practices, you might want to considered getting additional training such as in colposcopy (which neither WHNP nor FNP usually provide). 

[RealNurse_89]

Im in the same boat.. I see what everyone is saying but when I look at obgyn offices near me they only have whnp’s not FNP working and as far as im concerned and correct me someone if im wrong you cant get certified as a whnp with an FNP degree ncc doesnt allow you to take the test ??‍♀️

[Nurse_BB]

@RealNurse_89 Couldn’t you get a Post-Master’s WHNP? I looked on NCC website and that was one of their criteria. 

[Msnurse2020]

On 12/14/2020 at 5:01 PM, RealNurse_89 said:

Im in the same boat.. I see what everyone is saying but when I look at obgyn offices near me they only have whnp’s not FNP working and as far as im concerned and correct me someone if im wrong you cant get certified as a whnp with an FNP degree ncc doesnt allow you to take the test ??‍♀️

I’m with y’all! My passion is women health but not many options