MSN: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

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

Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a women’s health 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 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 nurse practitioners specifically trained to provide obstetrical and gynecological care.

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat patients in collaboration with a physician and as part of a health care team. They may order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Women’s health 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 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 nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Quick facts

• Enroll part time or full time
• Available at 3 locations: Oakland, Greensburg and Cranberry
• 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.