Gain the clinical knowledge, hands-on training and confidence to become a skilled, compassionate provider and ethical leader in Carlow’s CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Women’s Health and Gender Related Nurse Practitioner degree. 

Rooted in the traditions and values of the Sisters of Mercy, the CCNE-accredited MSN WHNP program has a reputation for producing some of the region’s most highly qualified and well-prepared board-certified nurses. With 760 hours of clinical experience built in, you’ll graduate both confident and competent in your ability to deliver compassionate, ethical care in your ability to deliver ethical and compassionate patient-centered care. Students complete the program in an average of two and a half years and are prepared to sit for NCC national board certification. 

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) is educated to provide common and complex gynecologic, sexual and reproductive care for women as well as sexual and reproductive care for men; medical and behavioral healthcare for women, including uncomplicated, high-risk prenatal, antepartum, and postpartum care (NONPF, 2024). The WHNP curriculum prepares graduates to provide care from the start of puberty through the adult lifespan and is inclusive of all gender identities, including transgender and non-binary individuals. WHNP curriculum also prepares the NP graduate to support patients younger than puberty who have congenital, genetic, or other reproductive health disorders (NONPF, 2024).


Our high-tech, learner-centered curriculum focuses on your development towards advanced nursing practice. You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to manage acute and chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to women.

Credits required:

49 credits

Cost per credit:

$946/credit

Time to degree: 

24 months full time
36 months part time

Delivery: 

On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes)

Quick facts

  • Enroll part time or full time
  • Hybrid available at Oakland location and online
  • Build a professional, resourceful network for your future.
  • Clinical sites provided for students.

Program Outcomes: These overarching outcomes for all MSN Program Tracks reflect the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials. 

  • Provide Comprehensive Care: Formulate medical diagnoses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and order/interpret diagnostic tests for patients of all ages. 
  • Lead and Collaborate: Supervise healthcare teams, lead interdisciplinary collaborations, and integrate cost-containment and care coordination strategies. 
  • Advocate and Educate: Design community health education programs and collaborate with policymakers to improve patient access to care. 
  • Serve Underserved Communities: Apply specialized training—bolstered by Carlow’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) initiatives—to treat medically underserved and disadvantaged populations. 
why a second degree bsn makes a great nurse
African american doctor female at lab coat with stethoscope posed outdoor against clinic.

76 Years of Nursing Excellence

Career opportunities for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners

Employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for health care services from an aging population. 


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

  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended 
  • Personal essay that describes your academic objectives 
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae 
  • Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor) that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work 
  • No GRE or GMAT required 
  • One year of clinical experience is required prior to beginning clinical rotations. 
  • A current and valid unrestricted license as a registered nurse 
  • Completed and approved undergraduate statistics course 

**Post MSN Certification Program – NP graduates in another NP specialty must show evidence of current licensure and certification. A gap analysis will be completed to determine study plan and clinical hours. 

**Applicants with pre-licensure master of nursing degrees may be required to take additional courses from the graduate nursing common core curriculum to meet all program requirements, if equivalent coursework was not completed in their prior master’s program.  

Our responsive faculty and supportive community care deeply for students and work hard to help you meet your goals. With the assistance of a dedicated program-level faculty adviser, you’ll prepare to grow your healthcare career. 

If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event. 

Contact: Margaret Smith DNP MSN CRNP-BC Graduate Chair  

mssmith@carlow.edu 

HRSA IMPACT Grant 

Carlow University was approved for a 2.6-million-dollar HRSA Grant with disbursement of funds over the next 4 years ending in 2027. This grant focuses on placing FNP students into medically underserved areas to complete their primary care rotations and a specialty rotation with a focus on women’s and behavioral health.  The goal of the grant is to make a BIG IMPACT on students, preceptors, and the underserved population through “Impacting Diversity and Education of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses for Healthy Communities” .  Current full time FNP students are eligible to apply for up to $23,000 in tuition reimbursement. The impact grant application is closed to new students.

HRSA Grant Faculty

Shannon Robertson, MSN, MBA, CRNP, FNP-C, CMC, Project Coordinator 
Deborah Mitchum, DNP, ANP-C, WHNP, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator 
Monte Stone, Administrative Assistant 

Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Carissa Monaco at titleix@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.