Help deciding between WHNP program or dual WH/ANP program

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So I would like some advice on my situation. I have been accepted into a WHNP program for next fall and have to decide (within the next week) if I am going to stay with the original specialty that I applied for or change to a different specialty. I have been thinking about changing to the dual WH/ANP track for a while now because I think it can possibly give me more career options and it's only one additional semester. I am totally aware that FNP has the broadest scope, but the Women's Health aspect is really important to me (and I want absolutely NOTHING to do with peds!). So what would you advise?

Also if it helps, I am currently in Atlanta, but could possibly move home (to Louisiana) or somewhere in Texas after graduation. (Obviously, I'm a Southern girl!) Thanks in advance for your help! :)

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I think the additional semester would absolutely be worth it. In my location (S.Mississippi) there are almost NO WHNP jobs that I'm aware of. I work (as an RN) in women's health, and initially, WHNP was my goal. Until I realized that I'd be almost certainly having to relocate, wouldn't be nearly as desirable, and would probably get paid less (due to low demand). I think ANP would be perfect for you. That way you could probably easily find a primary care job, while seeking out that perfect WH job.

Of course, this is just my very humble opinion!

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I'm thinking this is the way I will go. I'm also gonna try to schedule an appointment with the program coordinator this week to help me decide. Thanks for your response!!

Any other opinions??

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Specializes in Adult primary care, college health.

I'm a dual WHNP/ANP and I wouldn't have it any other way. I would have felt practically unhireable as a WHNP alone, particularly as a new grad. Totally worth it for one more semester.

Good luck!

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