Best Online MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

You should expect a rigorous and demanding academic experience. Accredited online women's health nurse practitioner programs deliver the same high-quality curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, covering advanced health sciences, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice. The standards are identical because they have to be.

The coursework, lectures, and class discussions are conducted online, providing you with valuable flexibility. However, clinical training is always conducted in person. You will be required to complete extensive, supervised clinical hours in a real healthcare setting, ensuring you have the hands-on skills needed for confident practice.

This structure is designed to produce highly competent practitioners. The public's trust in nurses is exceptionally high for a reason, and these programs are built to honor that trust by preparing you for the realities of patient care.

Where can I work with an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner degree?

Your degree opens doors to a wide range of healthcare settings. You'll find opportunities in private OB/GYN practices, community health clinics that serve diverse populations, large hospital systems, and specialized family planning centers. Your skills are in demand in various environments.

One of the fastest-growing areas is telehealth. This modern approach enables you to provide expert care remotely, offering incredible career flexibility while expanding access for patients who might otherwise be unable to receive it.

As you consider your options, it's smart to look into the scope-of-practice laws in the state where you plan to work. These regulations will shape your level of professional autonomy.

How much can I make with an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner degree?

The average salary for a women’s health nurse practitioner is $124,362 per year.

That figure is more than just a number. It’s a clear signal from the healthcare industry about how much your specialized skills are valued and needed. For most registered nurses, this represents a substantial increase in earning potential.

This confirms that investing in this advanced degree is a sound financial decision. It provides the security you need to build a long, sustainable, and impactful career.

List of the Best Online MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Programs for 2025

1. University of Cincinnati - MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The University of Cincinnati’s program focuses on building strong provider-patient relationships to empower women in their healthcare decisions. Its curriculum is designed to equip nurses with the skills for primary care across the lifespan, emphasizing wellness and evidence-based disease prevention.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 49
• In-State Cost per Credit: $892
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $908
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Drexel University - MSN Women’s Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner

Drexel University’s quarter-based system offers an accelerated path focused on the gynecologic and reproductive health needs of women and their partners. The program prepares graduates to be versatile clinicians who can thrive by working effectively within complex and collaborative healthcare teams.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 55
• In-State Cost per Credit: $1,169
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $1,169
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Regis College - Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program (WHNP)

Regis College makes advanced practice more accessible with three distinct entry points into its WHNP program. The curriculum offers a comprehensive education in women’s health, spanning from adolescence through menopause, and builds upon a nurse’s existing skills with foundational coursework in leadership and health policy.

• Program Length: 28-36 months
• Required Credits to Graduate: 46
• In-State Cost per Credit: $995
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $995
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

4. University of Colorado Anschutz - Master of Science Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The University of Colorado Anschutz program is structured to prepare graduates for independent practice in sexual and reproductive health. A key benefit for students in the Denver area is that the university arranges all clinical placements, ensuring high-quality, hands-on experience in top local facilities.

• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 35
• In-State Cost per Credit: $801
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $1,298
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

5. Kent State University - MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online Program

Kent State University’s program centers on developing clinical judgment and primary care skills for managing both acute and chronic conditions in women. Students receive close faculty mentorship while completing their clinical practicum hours in a variety of ambulatory care settings within their home state.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 42
• In-State Cost per Credit: $613
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $623
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

6. Frontier Nursing University - Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner MSN

Frontier Nursing University has a distinct mission to serve diverse, rural, and underserved populations, allowing students to complete clinicals in their own communities. The curriculum is uniquely designed to develop skills not only for clinical practice but also for leadership and independent practice management.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 49
• In-State Cost per Credit: $705
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $705
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

7. Carlow University - Online MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Program

Carlow University’s program is built on a scholar-practitioner model that emphasizes teamwork and prepares graduates to be confident clinical experts. The rigorous program provides a flexible path to board certification, equipping students with the skills to meet the high demand for women’s healthcare professionals.

• Program Length: 2.5 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 49
• In-State Cost per Credit: $946
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $946
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

8. University of South Alabama - MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The University of South Alabama offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the full spectrum of women’s health, from primary care to obstetrics. The program features a mandatory on-campus Clinical Skills Intensive, providing vital hands-on training to ensure students master essential advanced practice procedures.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45
• In-State Cost per Credit: $594
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $594
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

9. University of Missouri-Kansas City - MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a blended learning model that combines online coursework with required on-campus visits for clinical work. The curriculum is based on evidence-based guidelines, serving as the core foundation for learning to manage the gynecological, prenatal, and primary care needs of women.

• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 46
• In-State Cost per Credit: $923
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $923
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

10. The University of Alabama at Birmingham - MSN Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner

The University of Alabama at Birmingham delivers its curriculum in a part-time, distance-accessible format ideal for working nurses. The program combines scheduled online classes with on-campus intensives, a structure designed to ensure students master the skills for advanced primary care roles in women’s health.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45
• In-State Cost per Credit: $723
• Out-of-State Cost per Credit: $723
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

How long does it take to complete an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

Most full-time programs take about 24 to 36 months to complete. If you choose to study part-time while continuing to work, you can expect the timeline to extend accordingly.

The biggest factor influencing your program length is the clinical hours requirement. The structure of most online women's health nurse practitioner programs is designed to ensure you get these essential hours, but the pacing can vary. Be wary of any program that promises an unrealistically fast timeline, as quality clinical placement and rigorous education should always be the priority over speed.

The Value of a Master's Degree in Nursing

This two-to-three-year commitment is significant, and it's what sets you apart as a clinical expert. Completing this degree places you in a distinguished group of professionals dedicated to advancing the field of nursing, and it can also serve as a foundation for progressing into the best online MSN to PhD bridge programs for those aiming to move into research or academic leadership roles.

In fact, only 17.4% of registered nurses in the U.S. currently hold a master's degree. Earning your MSN signifies a deep commitment to evidence-based practice and a higher level of patient care.

How does an online MSN women's health NP program compare to an on-campus program?

From an academic and professional standpoint, accredited online programs are equivalent to their on-campus counterparts. Your diploma will hold the same value, and you will be held to the exact same high standards for coursework and, most importantly, for your in-person clinical practice. The only difference is that your lectures and class discussions are delivered in a more flexible format.

This commitment to equal standards is non-negotiable for accreditation bodies. They ensure that your education prepares you to be a competent, confident practitioner, regardless of how you attend class.

A Strategy for Success in the Online Format

The real advantage of online learning is access. It allows dedicated, working nurses to pursue an advanced degree without having to quit their jobs or uproot their lives. Many students choose online MSN to EdD programs to seamlessly advance into educational leadership while maintaining their careers. To thrive in an online program, you need to be disciplined and proactive. The most successful students focus on three key strategies.

• Communication: Be an active, professional communicator. Engage in discussion forums, attend virtual office hours, and never hesitate to reach out to professors or your preceptor with clear questions.
• Calendar: Treat your online coursework like a job. Block out dedicated, non-negotiable time on your calendar for lectures, reading, and assignments to stay on track.
• Community: Intentionally build a support network. Connect with your classmates in your online cohort to form study groups and share resources; this peer support is invaluable.

What is the average cost of online MSN women's health nurse practitioner programs?

You can expect total tuition to range from about $26,000 to over $65,000, depending on the school and whether you qualify for in-state tuition.

However, it's critical to look beyond just the sticker price. A cheaper program that offers little to no support for your clinical placements can end up costing you more in the long run. Delays in finding a preceptor can result in a delayed graduation, which translates to lost wages and a longer wait before you see a return on your investment. Programs like an online pediatric nurse practitioner graduate certificate can offer structured clinical placement support and clear pathways to certification.

A Measure of Success: Gauging Program Quality

So, how do you measure the actual value of your investment? One of the most powerful indicators of a program's quality is its graduates' success on the board certification exam. This is the ultimate test of how well the curriculum prepares you for professional practice.

The national first-time pass rate for the WHNP certification exam has been consistently high, reaching 79% in 2024. This shows that accredited programs are highly effective at preparing students for success. The chart below shows the consistent success of graduates on this critical national exam.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online MSN women's health NP program?

You can fund your education through financial aid, private loans, and scholarships. Here are the most common avenues to explore:

• Federal Student Aid: Completing the FAFSA is the essential first step to accessing federal loans and grants for your education.
• Private Loans: These can be used to cover any funding gaps left after you have exhausted federal aid options.
• Institutional Scholarships: Be sure to research scholarships offered directly by the universities to which you are applying, as many have dedicated funds.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Check with your current employer to see if they offer programs to help pay for your advanced nursing degree.

Specialized Financial Support & Resources

Beyond the standard options, there are powerful programs designed to fund your education in exchange for service. The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, for example, can cover a significant portion of your student debt if you agree to work in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area. This is a fantastic way to align your mission with a pragmatic financial strategy.

It's also essential to seek out resources tailored to your specific situation. For instance, the best online colleges for military spouses typically have dedicated financial aid staff and scholarships specifically designed to support military families on their educational journey.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

To get into a quality program, you'll need to meet a few key requirements, including a BSN and an RN license. These are the standard prerequisites you should expect to see.

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• An active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA, typically 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• At least one to two years of direct patient care experience as an RN.

Meeting these requirements reflects a serious commitment to your career, representing at least six years of combined undergraduate education and professional practice before you even begin your master's degree.

Building a Competitive Application

Here's a piece of advice: meeting the minimum requirements is just the first step. To be a truly competitive applicant for the top programs, such as the best online pediatric care nurse practitioner DNP programs, you need to show a demonstrated interest in this specialty.

Admissions committees strongly prefer candidates who have clinical experience in a relevant field. If you have a background in areas such as labor and delivery, maternity care, or a dedicated women's health clinic, your application will stand out. If you're planning your career path now, seeking out RN roles in these settings is a strategic move to prepare for your future as a WHNP.

What courses are typically in an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

The curriculum in online women's health nurse practitioner programs is designed to build your clinical authority from the ground up. You can expect a blend of foundational science, specialized clinical training, and modern policy education.

• Core Foundation: You will master the "three Ps" of advanced practice—pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment—giving you the essential scientific knowledge for diagnosis and treatment.
• Specialized Clinical Courses: You will then delve into the full spectrum of women's health, covering everything from comprehensive gynecological care to prenatal and postpartum management, as well as wellness throughout the entire lifespan.
• Modern Practice & Policy: High-quality programs also include vital coursework on health policy, ethics, and gender-affirming care, preparing you for the complexities of today's healthcare environment.
• Collaborative Skills: You'll learn to interpret diagnostic tests and collaborate with specialists, which is why understanding the work of a specialist from an online ultrasound tech school and other diagnostic fields becomes part of your broader expertise.

Where Expertise Meets Opportunity: Top Employment Settings

This comprehensive training is precisely what makes you so valuable in the job market. The skills you gain are in high demand across the leading sectors of the healthcare industry.

Graduates are most frequently employed in the offices of physicians, where they act as primary care providers for women. They are also essential staff in general medical and surgical hospitals and are increasingly found in outpatient care centers, providing accessible, specialized services to the community. The chart below breaks down the primary settings where NPs are employed.

What types of specializations are available in an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) credential is a specialization in itself. Your program is designed to provide you with comprehensive, board-certified expertise across a woman's lifespan, rather than having you graduate with a formal sub-specialty, such as "WHNP in Infertility."

The WHNP credential serves as a powerful foundation that you will build upon throughout your career. Think of it as the gateway to developing deeper areas of focus after you graduate.

Developing a Post-Graduate Focus Area

After you begin practicing, you have the power to shape your career in line with your passions. You can develop a deeper expertise in specific areas through on-the-job training, continuing education, and post-graduate certificates.

For example, a new WHNP might find they are particularly drawn to caring for new mothers. They might then explore the question, "What does a postpartum nurse do?" at an advanced practice level, seeking further training to become the go-to expert in their clinic for postpartum complications.

Other common focus areas include reproductive endocrinology, urogynecology, and adolescent health.

How to choose the best online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

The best online women's health nurse practitioner programs are properly accredited and provide excellent clinical placement support. These two factors are more important than university rankings or marketing materials and are the key to your success.

Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is your non-negotiable guarantee of quality. Strong clinical placement support ensures that you can find a preceptor and complete your required hours without costly delays.

Questions to Ask Before You Apply

You must be a proactive, informed consumer. Here are the tough questions you need to ask every single admissions counselor before you enroll.

• Verify their placement process. Do they have a dedicated team that secures a clinical site and preceptor for you, or are you expected to find your own?
• Inquire about their network. Do they have established relationships with healthcare facilities in your specific geographic area?
• Ask for their success rate. What percentage of students in the last cohort secured a placement within the expected timeframe?
• Clarify the backup plan. If a preceptor falls through mid-semester, what specific steps does the school take to find you a replacement?

What career paths are available for graduates of online MSN women's health nurse practitioner programs?

The most common role is providing direct patient care, where you create and defend exam rooms as sanctuaries—spaces where evidence-based care and patient trust are paramount. The rapid adoption of telehealth has also made this clinical path more flexible than ever.

Other graduates leverage their expertise in roles dedicated to public health, academic research, or nursing education. And the data shows that graduates step into these roles with remarkable speed.

Beyond the Clinic: Roles in Advocacy and Policy

Your clinical experience is an invaluable asset for driving systemic change. Many WHNPs find their calling in health policy, utilizing their on-the-ground knowledge to advocate for improved laws and healthcare systems. With a 95% job offer rate for MSN graduates within six months of completion, you can be confident that these paths are highly attainable.

For those who feel drawn to this larger stage, leveraging their MSN to pursue one of the fastest online public policy degree programs can be a decisive next step toward influencing health outcomes on a state or national level.

What is the job market for graduates with an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 40% growth for the role between 2023 and 2033, which is one of the fastest growth rates of any profession in the country. This immense demand is driven by several influential factors.

An aging population requires more complex care, and the retirement of a large generation of physicians is creating a significant experience gap. As a highly skilled WHNP, you are perfectly positioned to meet this need. This overwhelming demand provides incredible job security.

Future-Proofing Your Career: Resilience in a Changing World

This high demand also makes your career exceptionally resilient. Your specialized skills are crucial in a wide variety of circumstances, ensuring your expertise is always valued.

For example, public health crises often require an all-hands-on-deck approach where advanced practitioners are deployed to meet urgent needs. The adaptability of your training could even make you a valuable asset for leaders who hold an accelerated online master's degree in emergency management and need to build effective public health response teams. This adaptability, combined with high demand and strong earning potential, makes this a truly future-proof career.

What potential challenges should I consider with an online MSN women's health nurse practitioner program?

While online formats provide flexibility and accessibility, there are specific challenges that demand careful consideration. These include maintaining the discipline needed to balance rigorous coursework with professional and personal responsibilities, as well as managing technology and virtual learning platforms effectively. Another critical aspect is coordinating local clinical placements that meet accreditation standards without compromising the quality of hands-on experience. For candidates transitioning from streamlined pathways such as BSN accelerated programs, additional preparatory support may be required to bridge any gaps between accelerated undergraduate study and advanced clinical practice.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online MSN Women's Health NP Program

Other Things You Should Know About Online MSN Women's Health NP Programs

What happens after I graduate from a WHNP program?

After graduating from an accredited program, you must pass the national board certification exam to earn your WHNP-BC credential. This exam is administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Passing this exam is the final step required to apply for state licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Do I need more training after getting certified as a WHNP?

Yes, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain both your WHNP certification and your state license. The NCC requires a specific number of CE hours within a three-year cycle to ensure your clinical knowledge remains current. This commitment to lifelong learning is a core part of the profession.

What is the main difference between a WHNP and a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)?

A Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) provides comprehensive healthcare to women throughout their entire lives, including primary care, wellness, and gynecological services. A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) has a more specific focus on pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and immediate postpartum care. While their skills can overlap, the WHNP role is generally broader across the full lifespan.

Can I work full-time while in an online WHNP program?

Many students work part-time while enrolled in an online WHNP program, as the format is designed for working RNs. However, working full-time during a full-time program is extremely difficult due to the demanding clinical hour requirements. Most advisors recommend reducing work hours significantly, especially during the clinical portion of your studies.