MSN: Women’s Health Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)   

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner will allow you to promote women’s health issues while also advancing your nursing career. 

National workforce data indicates that many women’s health gender related nurse practitioners are nearing retirement age. Carlow University is responding to this critical need by offering the only WHNP graduate program in Western Pennsylvania. This MSN program is leading the way with many regional providers of women’s health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated women’s health gender related nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care. 

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health gender related nurse practitioners provide preventive care for women in private practice settings. They may also provide adolescent health care, pregnancy testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal visits, after-pregnancy care and menopausal care.  

Carlow’s MSN program is a foundation for doctoral studies and lifelong learning. Upon completion, you will be prepared to take leadership positions in nursing and will contribute to the discipline of nursing through evidence-based practice efforts. 

MSN: Women’s Health Gender related Nurse Practitioner curriculum

The program curriculum meets the requirements for national board certification and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure in all U.S. states and territories. Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification as a women’s health gender related nurse practitioner through the National Credentialing Center (NCC). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Westmoreland* and Cranberry* (*available based on enrollment) 
• Complete 600 clinical hours in a mix of urban and rural health care agencies

Alternate degree completion options

Online Degree

Gain the knowledge you need at your convenience with our online degree option. When applying, indicate your interest in the online option.

Certificate option

Post-master’s certificate

If you have already earned an MSN and are looking to add an additional credential we offer post-master’s certificates in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. Upon certificate completion, you are eligible to sit for board certification.

Admission requirements and application process

You can apply for free online, and must submit the following materials:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No GRE or GMAT required. 

Once your application is received, the program director will schedule an interview with you.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner faculty

Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing

Vivian Boyer Adjunct Lecturer

Linda S. Burkett, DNP, MSN, RN HRSA Grant IMPACT Project Clinical Coordinator, Assistant Professor

Ruth Madden Foreman DNP, FNP-BC, CRNP, RN, CNE Associate Professor

Susan Mihaljevic, DNP, CRNP-PC Associate Professor

Lea Ochs Adjunct Lecturer

Study Abroad Opportunities:

This Boyer Model Application-like project combined efforts of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate students to improve awareness on common comorbidities that afflict native Jamaican individuals, specifically Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Student education and patient testing related to these comorbidities may improve quality of living as well as equip them to monitor their current health status via use of donated medical equipment. Subsequent follow-up is planned for Spring of 2025 when another interdisciplinary, international student experience is anticipated to commence. 

A multidisciplinary team (consisting of faculty from the Colleges of Health and Wellness and Arts and Science, together with students enrolled in the Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner graduate programs provide education and medical evaluation/treatment to the children of Bright Kids Uganda Children’s home and the communities of Oukut, Opucet and Kanyanga in Uganda each summer. This work seeks to improve medical outcomes for all children by preventable disease screening, creating inclusive learning environments, reducing disability and disease through improving access to clean water has context menu.