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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportForge your path to a career in nursing leadership
The healthcare field is evolving. Advanced practice nurses must possess the business knowledge needed to lead in organizational and academic settings. Carlow’s MSN – MBA program offers the well-rounded knowledge needed to advance in today’s healthcare field.
Impact healthcare education and leadership
Carlow University’s online master’s degree in nursing education and leadership is a convenient and swift path for working nurses to gain the educational and administrative skills necessary to advance their careers.
Expand your nursing knowledge online
Accelerate your nursing career through Carlow University’s RN to BSN online program. Prepare to deliver compassionate, high-quality care for all patients.
Transform lives, transform your career.
This evidence-based Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program uses a trauma-informed lens to prepare you for future advanced-level social work practice. Our experienced faculty continually provide opportunities and individualized coaching to provide you pathways into your preferred social work setting.
Carlow University’s MSW program includes interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with three distinct specializations – direct practice, macro practice, and school social work.
This program is offered online. Our online courses have both synchronous and asynchronous formats within the virtual setting.
Quick Facts
- Be prepared for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) master’s exam and for professional licensure.
- You can complete your MSW degree with respect to your unique lifestyle. A faculty advisor will assist you with this planning.
- Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline.
The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Carlow University is to educate and prepare ethical, compassionate professionals committed to a more just and merciful world. The MSW program promotes a trauma and research informed approach to professional social work practice to promote human and societal well-being and human rights. The program is committed to preparing exemplary leaders to critically engage in service to and advocacy for diverse populations and complex systems using a cultural humility lens to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
Credits required:
39-60+ credits
Cost per credit:
Varies
Time to degree:
As few as 4 semesters
Delivery:
Online
Master of Social Work Program Specializations
Direct Practice
Direct Practice specialization focuses on teaching best practices for a range of assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups. It is grounded in:
- the person-in-the-environment framework
- trauma-informed approaches
- human rights
- social and economic justice for a more merciful world
This specialization is designed for students seeking careers providing direct services to clients experiencing various challenges across their lifespan within a variety of settings, including:
- hospitals
- health and mental health agencies
- public safety organizations
- correctional facilities
- community counseling centers
- various social service organizations
Macro Practice
Macro Practice specialization is designed to develop strengths-based and trauma-informed ethical leaders and managers of human services organizations and social change leaders who advance human well-being. Students are taught best practices for working with larger systems, including communities, organizations, and societies.
The macro curriculum is grounded in a commitment to human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. It is designed for students seeking a future in:
- human services leadership and management
- policy analysis and advocacy
- social change leadership at the local, state, and national levels
School Social Work
School Social Work specialization builds on key components of the MSW program’s direct practice track, teaching best practices for various assessment and intervention methods in working with individuals, families, and groups in schools and school-based settings.
The school social work curriculum is grounded in the person-in-the-environment framework, trauma-informed approaches, human rights, and social and economic justice.
This specialization provides students with the knowledge and skills required for ethical leadership within:
- schools
- across larger educational programs and systems
- for policy practice related to public and private preschool, elementary, and secondary schools
Students who successfully complete this specialization will be awarded Carlow’s School Social Work Certificate and will be eligible for certification as Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialists.
Carlow also offers a Master of Business Administration and Master of Social Work (MBA/MSW) dual degree program. This is a unique interdisciplinary degree, which offers the opportunity to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration while also studying social work.
Who can apply?
You do not need a BSW to enter the MSW Program. People with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees can enter the MSW program to become a social worker. Traditional MSW students can earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 60 credits.
Advanced Standing
If you already have a BSW from an CSWE-accredited program, you will qualify for application for advanced standing. This track allows you to complete this degree at Carlow in as few as 18 months (39 credits).
Students who have earned an undergraduate social work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program within the past 7 years qualify for advanced standing status. Advanced standing students are able to earn their MSW at Carlow by taking a minimum of 39- credits (an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above is required for advanced standing status).
Career opportunities for MSW Graduates
Graduates find employment and become leaders in many practice settings. These include integrated behavioral health settings such as hospitals, community mental health centers, substance use facilities, school systems and criminal justice facilities. Graduates work with underserved populations including children, adults, elders, individuals with disabilities and those experiencing a crisis. They are also prepared to work in the policy arena and to serve and lead in larger systems such as NGO’s, non-profit entities and governmental organizations as well as engaging in community advocacy.
Be supported at Carlow
What stood out for MSW graduate Brandy Patterson ’20 was how supportive Carlow’s faculty and staff were, especially in the Social Work Program. “I always felt like I was able to reach out to whomever I needed at the time to get the help that I needed. If I were to give a yelp review for the Masters of Social Work program I would say it is very supportive and flexible which is great for adult students. You will never feel alone or lost in this program.”
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation in June 2020 and has upheld its accreditation status since. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensure that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
Resources
- View or download the Master of Social Work Student Handbook [pdf]
- View or download the Master of Social Work field manual [pdf]
- View or download the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes [pdf]
Admission requirements and application process
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 that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for admission to the MSW Program.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall & Spring*
*Summer start is possible for advanced standing only
MSW faculty
Learn from world-class faculty devoted to your future success who are actively practicing and publishing in the discipline.
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program
Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit.
Prepare to work in cardiac surgery with a MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion
Carlow’s MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion will equip you to pursue a career in a much-needed medical specialty. The rigorous science curriculum will give you a thorough education on the cardiovascular system, perfusion, hematology, surgery, pulmonary anatomy, pathology and more.
You will learn to prepare the cardiopulmonary bypass and auxiliary equipment used during surgery, as well as the principles and practices of clinical perfusion management.
You will learn the skills needed to oversee the function of the heart and/or lungs during medical procedures and how to administer heart-stopping drugs, monitor the physiological and metabolic demands of patients, and operate equipment during open-heart surgery.
Credits required:
60 credits
Cost per credit:
$1,228/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 20 months
Delivery:
On campus, some online
MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion curriculum
The MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion program is offered in cooperation with the UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion.
Courses cover biological, chemical and physical topics pertaining to the cardiovascular system and include Introduction to Cardiovascular Surgery, Electrophysiology, and Perfusion Procedures — Clinical II/Clinical II Continued.
Quick facts
- Complete 18 months of clinical training at UPMC School of Cardiovascular Perfusion
- Study in one of the oldest cardiovascular perfusion programs in the United States
- Sit for the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion (ABCP) Perfusion Basic Science Examination (PBSE) upon graduation
Career opportunities for cardiovascular perfusionists
Most perfusionists work in medical operating rooms. With the MS in Cardiovascular Perfusion, job opportunities include educators and managers within departments of perfusion, or researchers and workers for perfusion equipment manufacturers.
The American Society for Extracorporeal Technology expects hospitals to hire more perfusionists in coming years to compensate for the aging American population.
Admission requirements and application process
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
- Proof of job shadowing (include place, date, number of hours, type of procedure observed, printed name and signature of perfusionist)
- Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Summer
Deadline:
Oct. 1
An undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is required, as is a 3.5 GPA in the sciences (no exceptions).
Students must have the following prerequisites completed in order to be considered for the program:
- General Biology I and II, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Physics I and II, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Calculus and Medical Ethics
Cardiovascular Perfusion faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program
Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
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.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family (Individual) Across the Life-Span Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program
Make a difference in the lives of individual patients, entire families and communities as a whole and advance your career with Carlow’s Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner degree.
This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for advanced practice nursing in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, private offices and practices, clinics, private homes and schools.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible for board certification and licensure, and prepared to assume a leadership position in nursing. The Master of Science in Nursing: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner serves as the basis for doctoral studies and lifelong learning.
For your convenience, this program is offered at all four of our campuses (Oakland, Westmoreland*, Cranberry* & Online). (*available based on enrollment)
95% AANP & 97% ANCC certification exam pass rate
Credits required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$946/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes) & online
Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner curriculum
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 chronic conditions, promote health, prevent disease, educate, and provide counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan.
At the core of the curriculum is teamwork and collaboration, providing you with the opportunity to develop a peer network – a valuable career resource.
Hybrid classes are offered one evening every other week. For all students, clinical practica require clinical hours (600 hours) over the course of the program in a mix of urban and rural healthcare agencies.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to sit for board certification as a family nurse practitioner through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
100% ANCC pass rate
95% AANP pass rate
The curriculum for the MSN Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner program meets the requirements for national board certification and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.
Quick facts
- Enroll part time or full time
- Available at 4 locations: Oakland, Online, Greensburg*, Cranberry* (*available based on enrollment)
- Build a professional, resourceful network for your future
- Pursue doctoral studies (Doctorate of Nursing Practice)
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 a 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.
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.
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
Career opportunities for MSN: Family (Individual) Across the Life Span Nurse Practitioner
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.
76 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 76 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
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
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
- One year of current direct-care clinical nursing experience prior to starting clinical rotation.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall (hybrid and online) & Spring (online program only)
An undergraduate GPA of 3.00 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.
The program director will schedule an interview with qualified applicants.
Tuition reimbursement or discounts may be available through your current employer, contact your employer to learn more.
Family Nurse Practitioner faculty
Our full-time faculty are doctorally prepared and board certified. Each practice as nurse practitioners in their specialty, within the community of Pittsburgh and conduct research in both clinical and academic settings.
Deborah Lynn Mitchum DNP, ANP-C, WHNP, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing
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.
Contact Admissions
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.
Become a licensed registered nurse: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Are you ready to make a difference in health care? As a graduate of Carlow’s highly regarded nursing program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a nurse, or take your nursing career to the next level. NCLEX pass rates for graduates of our pre-licensure BSN nursing program are among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Carlow’s urban location offers opportunities for student involvement in many dimensions of health care.
As you progress through the program, you will learn to think clearly and creatively, pursue intellectual endeavors, and respond ethically in a spirit of cultural competence and social justice. The program serves as a basis for graduate study and a foundation for lifelong learning.
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer credits:
Up to 90 credits
BSN nursing curriculum
Carlow’s BSN nursing program requires 120 credits (63 must be completed at Carlow); the curriculum includes general education, supportive sciences, and liberal arts to develop a well-rounded student. You will enroll in the first clinical nursing course the first semester of your sophomore year after successful completion of required support courses. Clinical nursing experience is provided at various health agencies in the area.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX (the national licensure exam for Registered Nursing) and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories, should you wish to further your education in an advanced practice nursing role.
Quick Facts
- Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
- Participate in clinical experiences in an intensive care unit
- Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
- Prepare for NCLEX success under the guidance of faculty mentors
Career opportunities for Bachelor of Science in Nursing
After completing the BSN nursing program, you will be eligible to take the State Board Examination in Nursing (NCLEX-RN) and be prepared to practice as a generalist in a variety of health care settings.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for registered nurses will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029. Growth will occur because of an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for health care services from baby boomers.
Program Outcomes
The overarching outcomes for all BSN Program Tracks reflect: The Sisters of Mercy Core Values (Carlow University Mission Statement, 2009), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) BSN Essentials (2008), and the QSEN Pre-licensure Competencies (2012).
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to the Carlow University Office of Admissions.
- First-time, first-year undergraduate student
- GPA only: minimum 3.40 cumulative high school GPA
- GPA & test scores: minimum 3.00 cumulative high school GPA with one of the following:
- SAT score 1060+
- ACT score 21+
- CLT score 68+
- Transfer student: Minimum 3.250 cumulative college GPA
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
Learn from passionate faculty
Nursing graduate Tayler Godfrey ’18 said her professor’s passion and dedication was a huge plus. “I had the pleasure of taking Microbiology with Dr. Cianciarulo as the professor and continued working with her on student research. She took a great deal of time, while teaching many courses, to help me better understand microbiology and proper research techniques and was always available to students for questions or concerns.”
Student Testimonials
Nursing faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program
Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this major, our Admissions team is available to help you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Accelerate your way to a nursing career with an accelerated second degree BSN
You can use your bachelor’s degree from any field to fast track your way into one of the world’s most in-demand professions by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with Carlow’s second degree nursing program.
With this degree in hand, you’ll be sought after by health care entities around the country. Carlow prepares nurses with critical thinking and problem solving skills. Not only is Carlow in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district with close proximity to clinical sites, its strong, reputable nursing program has a high NCLEX pass rate.
Go for your dream job
The Carlow University Second Degree BSN program gave Matthew McGrogan ’20 the foundation necessary to land his dream job in a cardiovascular ICU.
“This BSN program is perfectly paced because it was created for people who have already earned a degree and are ready to jump right in. I was worried that some classes would feel unnecessary and slow, however, all of the classes we took were fast-paced and gave us the information needed to become well-rounded nurses. The professors took the time to get to know all of us on a one-on-one basis.”
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Delivery:
On campus, some online
Campus:
Oakland
Transfer Credits:
Up to 32 credits
Accelerated Second degree BSN curriculum
Carlow’s second degree BSN curriculum is in an accelerated format over 15 months. The program requires 32 credits of nursing support courses and 63 credits of nursing courses, including theory courses, clinical experiences and NCLEX seminars. As a convenience, some courses are offered in 8-week sessions, while others are 16 weeks long.
Clinical nursing experience is an integral part of the program and is completed at various health care agencies in the area.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum meets the requirements for NCLEX and APRN licensure in all U.S. states and territories.
Quick facts
- Gain hands-on experience in our simulation lab, CSCIL
- Study in the heart of Pittsburgh’s medical district and benefit from Carlow partnerships with area health care providers
- Take advantage of an accelerated 15-month curriculum
- Prepare for the NCLEX in a program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with pass rates among the highest in Southwestern Pennsylvania
Alternate degree completion options
Earn your second degree in nursing while attending Carlow as a part-time student. View or download a sample plan of study [pdf].
Career opportunities for second degree BSN
After completing the second degree BSN nursing program, you will be eligible to take the State Board Examination in Nursing (NCLEX-RN) and be prepared to practice as a generalist in a variety of health care settings. Second degree BSN graduates are prepared to practice as generalists in a variety of health care settings, in entry-level nursing positions and nurse residency programs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for registered nurses will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029 due to an increased emphasis on preventive care; increasing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for health care services from baby boomers.
Program Outcomes
The overarching outcomes for all BSN Program Tracks reflect: The Sisters of Mercy Core Values (Carlow University Mission Statement, 2009), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) BSN Essentials (2008), and the QSEN Pre-licensure Competencies (2012).
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
- Submit an application for admission. It is free to apply.
- Must have cumulative GPA 2.85 or better from all college-level courses
- Complete nine prerequisite courses:
- Within the last seven years and from the same institution:
- Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab (4 credits)
- Anatomy & Physiology II w/Lab (4 credits)
- Within the last 10 years:
- Chemistry w/Lab (4 credits)
- Life Span Development (3 credits)
- Microbiology w/Lab (4 credits)
- Nutrition (taught by a registered dietitian and approved by Carlow) (3 credits)
- Pathophysiology (3 credits)
- Sociology (3 credits)
- Statistics (3 credits)
- Within the last seven years and from the same institution:
- Request that official transcripts from all current and previous institutions you’ve attended are sent directly to Carlow University Admissions.
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall
BSN faculty
Carrie Stott, PhD, LSW Program Director, Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Kenneth Smythe-Leistico, EdD, MSW, LSW Field Director, Associate Professor, Social Work (MSW)
Dawn Diehl, DSW Assistant Faculty, MSW Program
Ashley Barr, DSW, LSW, MBA Assistant Professor, Social Work (MSW)
If you have specific questions about the program, contact Angela Summer.
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps, including scheduling an on-campus visit or attending an upcoming event.
Positively transform health care
Patient outcomes are better when highly educated and compassionate nurses have a seat at the table. Earning your DNP degree in our low-residency online program with synchronous components, in which you learn alongside others virtually or in-person, offers a unique opportunity to move into leadership roles without disrupting your current nursing career.
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.
Credits required:
49 credits
Cost per credit:
$946/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 28 months
Delivery:
On-campus (hybrid/twice monthly classes) & online
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.
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.
75 Years of Nursing Excellence
For 75 Years, Carlow University’s School of Nursing has been dedicated to educating and empowering nurses who make a significant impact on healthcare as clinicians, educators, leaders, and researchers. As we look to the future, Carlow University remains devoted to creating ethical leaders who strive to build a more just and merciful world.
Admission requirements and application process
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
Also, you must have:
- A current, valid and unrestricted license as a registered nurse
- Completed an approved undergraduate statistics course
- One year of current direct-care clinical nursing experience prior to starting clinical rotation.
Apply
anytime
Start term:
Fall
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, Project Director, Clinical Coordinator Chair of Department of Graduate Nursing
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.
Contact Admissions
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.
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