WHNP vs FNP

[MelRN13]

I'm applying at University of Cincinnati and had planned on taking the Women's Health NP path...but I don't know if I'm having pre application jitters, second thoughts, or a stroke! I would like to focus on pregnancy and disease prevention in teens and young women, which is why I thought the Women's Health path would be the appropriate choice--but with the lack of primary care providers, would I be better of focusing on all ages?

My question is--will I be limiting my options by only focusing on Women's Health? Would it be better to take the Family NP path?

Also--has anyone else been successful with the online program at University of Cincinnati? What are the pros and cons of their program?

Thanks in advance for any help, insight, or advice!

Mel:confused:

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Women's health is covered in FNP education. I imagine that it isn't covered as in depth as it would be in a WHNP program, however it is covered to the point where a FNP could comfortably enter into practice and care for women's health issues (pregnancy, birth control, STDs, etc.) We do complete an entire women's health rotation in which we learn to complete pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, etc.). so to answer your question I really wouldn't see the need for a FNP to go back and complete an additional cert as a WHNP.

I can tell you why...Most OB-GYN offices will not hire an FNP, because WHNP's are trained in prenatal care up to the actual birth. If the training were the same then the program would take 1/2 as long...that is pretty much the difference between a WHNP and a CNM...the CNM actually will do the delivery, while the WHNP will not.

I would say that as far as the component of women's health, the FNP is NOT equivalent to an WHNP.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I can tell you why...Most OB-GYN offices will not hire an FNP, because WHNP's are trained in prenatal care up to the actual birth. If the training were the same then the program would take 1/2 as long...that is pretty much the difference between a WHNP and a CNM...the CNM actually will do the delivery, while the WHNP will not.

I would say that as far as the component of women's health, the FNP is NOT equivalent to an WHNP.

I know several FNPs that work in WH and are quite successful. FNPs receive a sufficient amount of WH and prenatal training, while not the equivalent of a WHNP, FNPs can offer much to a WH practice.

[IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I know several FNPs that work in WH and are quite successful. FNPs receive a sufficient amount of WH and prenatal training, while not the equivalent of a WHNP, FNPs can offer much to a WH practice.

This is probably equal to the family doc who thinks he is the best choice to do a delivery.

I cringe at the family doc who comes in for deliveries. Yes, he has some training but nothing compared to the OB.

Same thing for WHNP and FNP. Sure he FNP has some training but it isn't to the level of the WHNP. I personally wouldn't see an FNP for my gyn care. The specialty exists and I would insist on a WHNP or a gyn.

The practices around here only have WHNPs and not FNPs.