Most Affordable Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Programs in 2023

Are you passionate about women's health and looking to pursue a career as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)?

WHNPs play a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare to women throughout their lifespan, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. They are specialized advanced practice nurses who have obtained specialized education and training to focus on women's health issues, including reproductive health, gynecological care, family planning, and more.

For those seeking a quality education without breaking the bank, we've compiled some of the most affordable WHNP programs available in 2023, along with information on the role, salary expectations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Most Affordable WHNP Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most and with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

Kent State University

Kent State University offers an entirely online WHNP program. The program is designed to prepare students to provide the highest level of primary nursing care for women, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Students gain competency in advanced nursing management of common acute and chronic conditions.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Kent State University is a three-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

• MSN/DNP WHNP
• Cost: $12,845 per year (In-State), $22,316 (Out-of-State)

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University's WHNP program is designed to prepare nurses as expert primary health care providers to women and their families across healthcare settings. The program's primary focus is to promote, maintain, supervise, and restore health, identify health risks, and assess, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic illnesses common in primary care.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the program. Graduates from this program will be eligible for certification and registration as a nurse practitioner by the New York State Education Department and are also eligible for National Certification as a Women's Health Care NP.

• MSN WHNP
• Cost: $25,120 per year (In-State), $32,800 (Out-of-State)

University of South Alabama

The WHNP program at the University of South Alabama prepares advanced practice nurses to provide advanced nursing care across the continuum of primary care, gynecologic, and obstetrical services. The program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance, and restoration.

• MSN WHNP
• Cost: $594 per credit hour

University of Missouri-Kansas City

The WHNP program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City prepares students for advanced practice nursing in managing gynecological, prenatal, and primary care of women. The program emphasizes the use of evidence-based practice guidelines and theory as a basis for diagnosing and treating illness and promoting wellness.

The program includes three separate courses in advanced physical/health assessment, advanced pharmacology, and advanced pathophysiology, as well as content in health promotion and disease prevention, and differential diagnosis and disease management.

• MSN WHNP
• Cost: $707 per in-person credit hour, $54.10 per online credit hour

Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University offers a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP) program that provides women with continuing and comprehensive health care throughout their lives. WHCNPs provide well-woman care, reproductive and gynecological care, and prenatal and postpartum care, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and helping patients make smart lifestyle choices.

Students who complete the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program can continue to the DNP program. Students who complete the Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) program can continue to the post-master's DNP program.

• MSN/DNP WHNP
• Cost: $665 per credit hour

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a WHNP program designed for registered nurses seeking an advanced degree in women's health. The program prepares nurses to become primary care providers for female patients, promoting wellness and disease prevention throughout a woman's life.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the program.

• MSN WHNP
• Cost: $907 per credit hour

Regis College

The WHNP program at Regis College is designed to be flexible and convenient for working nurses, with online coursework and clinical placements in or near students' geographic locations. The curriculum includes courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, primary care of women, and more.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the program. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Certification Corporation (NCC) Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.

• MSN WHNP
• Cost: $980 per credit hour

WHNP Job Description

A WHNP is an esteemed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who delivers exceptional healthcare tailored to women at every stage, focusing on reproductive and gynecological well-being. WHNPs are extensively trained to provide comprehensive care, encompassing health promotion, disease prevention, and expert management of prevalent women's health concerns.

WHNPs play a pivotal role in championing women's health and overall welfare through patient-centric care, empowering women to make informed decisions regarding their well-being, and advocating for comprehensive healthcare services that cater to the distinctive needs of women throughout their lifelong journey.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of WHNP include:

• Comprehensive Health Assessments: WHNPs conduct thorough health assessments encompassing physical examinations, medical history reviews, and reproductive and gynecological health evaluations for women of all ages.
• Reproductive Health Services: Trust WHNPs to provide various reproductive health services, including expert contraceptive counseling, prescribing and managing birth control methods, family planning guidance, preconception counseling, and fertility evaluations.
• Management of Gynecological Conditions: WHNPs possess the expertise to diagnose and effectively manage various gynecological conditions, such as menstrual disorders, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal infections, and common gynecological complaints.
• Expertise in Gynecological Procedures: Rely on WHNPs to skillfully perform or assist in gynecological procedures, such as Pap smears, colposcopies, endometrial biopsies, and the insertion/removal of intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Prenatal and Postpartum Care: WHNPs provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, closely monitoring fetal development, conducting routine prenatal tests, and offering guidance and support throughout this transformative period. Additionally, they offer postpartum care, assisting with recovery and newborn care.
• Menopausal Health Management: WHNPs assist women navigating perimenopause and menopause, offering counseling, managing symptoms, discussing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and addressing overall well-being during this transition.
• Health Promotion and Education: Emphasizing preventive care, WHNPs promote women's health through education on crucial topics such as breast health, sexual health, recommended screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care practices.
• Collaboration and Referrals: WHNPs foster collaboration with various healthcare professionals, including obstetricians/gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and primary care providers. They refer patients to specialists for further evaluation or treatment, ensuring comprehensive care.
• Advocacy and Counseling: WHNPs advocate for women's healthcare needs, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their well-being. They provide compassionate counseling on sensitive subjects such as reproductive choices, sexuality, and mental health.
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Some WHNPs engage in research initiatives, contributing to evidence-based practice and scholarly advancements within women's health.

Please note that the specific duties and scope of practice for WHNPs may be influenced by state nurse practice acts, collaborating physicians' roles, and the healthcare environment they operate in.

WHNP Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for NPs as of May 2022 was $124,680 or $59.94 hourly.

The top-paying states were:

• California: $158.130
• New Jersey: $143,250
• Massachusetts: $138,700
• Oregon: $136,250
• Nevada: $136,230

Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify between different types of NP specialties. However, ZipRecruiter reports that the national average salary for WHNPs is $114,532.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WHNPs

What is the educational path to becoming a WHNP?

The educational path typically involves completing a BSN program and obtaining an RN license. After gaining clinical experience as an RN, individuals can pursue a specialization in Women's Health by earning an MSN or DNP degree. Post-master's certificate programs are also available for advanced nursing students.

Is certification required to practice as a WHNP?

While certification requirements vary by state, it is highly recommended and often required by employers to obtain national certification as a WHNP. Certification can be obtained through reputable organizations such as the National Certification Corporation (NCC) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

What is the job outlook for WHNPs?

The job outlook for WHNPs is promising due to the increasing demand for healthcare providers specializing in women's health. Factors such as an aging population, a growing emphasis on preventive care, and the need for comprehensive women's healthcare contribute to the strong demand for WHNPs.