Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: The Master of Science Degree in Nursing 

Carlow University's new master's degree-Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)-is being offered by our acclaimed College of Health and Wellness. The only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania, it's already received a "thumbs up" from many of the leading regional providers of women's health care-which means there's a really good outlook for employment and career advancement.

National workforce data indicates that many current women's health nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. That's not good news for women-or for women's health. 

Carlow University is responding to the critical need for women's health nurse practitioners who are specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care across a woman's lifespan -- from puberty, through the child-bearing years, post-menopause, and as elders.

Apply now.  Classes begin Fall 2017.  And space is limited.

What You Need to Know About the WHNP Program: 

Ready to apply? Check out our nursing application requirements.  

WHNP Curriculum   

Fall 2017:  Human Pathophysiology; Advanced Practice Nursing Pharmacology

Spring 2018:  Advanced Physical Assessment & Diagnostics; Clinical  Practicum; Evidence-Based Nursing Practice; Statistical Applications

Summer 2018:  Nursing Leadership; Professional Collaboration and Communications; Community and Family Health Promotion

Fall 2018:  Advanced Practice Nursing in Primary Healthcare; Clinical Practicum; Advanced Nursing in Women's Health; Clinical Practicum

Spring 2019:  Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health Theory II; Clinical Practicum; Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health Theory III; Clinical Practicum

Summer 2019:  Health Risks in Communities; Leadership in Health Ethics and Policy

Fall 2019:  Integration of Advanced Practice Nursing Role; Clinical Practicum 

NOTE:  WHNP is also available as a certificate and a part-time option is also available.

Questions?

  1. Monica Sieber, Admissions, Carlow University; Office: 412.578.6125; mdsieber@carlow.edu

Classes are offered in hybrid format combining online with regular live sessions at the Oakland campus. View an outline of courses in the Plans of Study (PDF) document. All members of the WHNP faculty maintain clinical practice and national certification.

WHNP Program Information

Course Requirements: 49 credits/600 clinical hours
Degree: Master of Science in Nursing
Locations: Main Oakland Campus, Greensburg Campus, Cranberry Campus

The total number of credits in the WHNP program is 49 and includes 4 credits each of Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Advanced Physical Assessment and Diagnostics. Clinical hours in the WHNP program total 600, and will take place in a wide variety of urban and rural health care agencies providing specialty care for women. Graduates will find employment in a wide variety of health care settings such as health care systems, physician’s offices, health maintenance organizations, women’s health centers, and clinics in both urban and rural medically underserved communities.

Notable Courses

NU752 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health

The focus of this course is the management of acute and chronic health problems in women’s and reproductive health. It will incorporate planning and management of both nursing and medical care by the advanced practice nurse. Particular emphasis will be placed on high-risk groups and individuals living in medically underserved populations.    

NU756 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women’s Health Theory II

This course continues to provide the framework for clinical practice in well woman gynecologic care and care of the pregnant woman. Topics include common variations experienced by the woman with a healthy pregnancy, psychosocial factors influencing adaptation to pregnancy, and cultural factors impacting childbearing. The clinical setting provides students information about assessment skills specific to care of pregnant women, and skills for gynecological assessment.

NU757 Advanced Practice Nursing in Women's Health Theory III

This third women’s health course focuses on complex issues in gynecologic care of women. The student will synthesize and integrate research, theories, concepts, and advanced skills into a framework for advanced nursing practice in women's health care. Analysis is used to evaluate contemporary trends and issues, as well as policy that have an impact on the delivery of health care to women.