Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown UniversityBecome a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown UniversityBecome a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online with Georgetown University
Earn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online WHNP ProgramEarn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online WHNP ProgramEarn Your MS in Nursing from our CCNE-Accredited Online WHNP Program
Online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program Highlights
CCNE Accredited
100% Average Annual NCC Certification Rate for 2021.
For reference, the national average certification rate for the 2021 NCC exam was 82.1%. Click here for 2019-2021 trends.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online Program Overview
Through a blend of asynchronous didactic content, synchronous class sessions, and in-person Objective Clinical Intensives (OCIs), the distance-based, online Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program from Georgetown University School of Nursing (GUSON) prepares registered nurses (RNs) to provide primary, gynecologic, and reproductive care across the lifespan. Students develop the specialized skills and experience to treat and prevent illnesses as well as provide focused care in areas such as:
- Primary care
- Prenatal and postpartum care
- Care throughout the lifespan from adolescents to menopause
- General wellness and preventive care
- Reproductive health care
Graduates are eligible to sit for board certification through the National Certification Corporation (NCC). After certification, they may provide care in a range of settings, such as primary care and prenatal clinics, hospitals (such as inpatient postpartum care), and emergency care clinics. WHNPs also provide safe, comprehensive, culturally-responsive health care to transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) people and people of all sexual orientations.
In alignment with GUSON mission and values, the WHNP Program offers an innovative and robust health equity curriculum scaffolded throughout the specialty courses. Students learn trauma informed, person-centered care that seeks to advance health equity, mitigate racism and biases, and provide structurally competent care. After completing a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MS in Nursing), graduates are eligible to sit for the National Credentialing Corporation (NCC) becoming certified as women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNPs).
Download the program information brochure here. (PDF, 840 KB)
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum
The WHNP curriculum is grounded in the Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Students cultivate a holistic view of individual and family health that encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Visit the admissions page to learn more about applying.
The online WHNP program is offered on a part-time basis, consisting of:
44
credits
23
months to complete
784
clinical hours
2
required Objective Clinical Intensives
Develop Your Skills as a WHNP
If you’re ready to advance your nursing career, request information about the distance-based, online Women’s Health
Nurse Practitioner program from Georgetown University School of Nursing (GUSON).
WHNP Accreditation
The distance-based, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE accreditation indicates that a nursing program is of high academic quality and offers students the preparation necessary to become capable and ethical care providers.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination Rates
Having earned a Master of Science in Nursing, graduates of Georgetown University’s WHNP program are eligible to sit for board certification through the National Certification Corporation’s Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner exam (WHNP-BC) and have consistently achieved strong annual certification rates. The statistics below include certification rate information for online students who graduated from Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Nursing program in the year indicated.
2021
- NCC School First-Time Certification Rate Average: 100% (National average: 93%)
2020
- NCC School First-Time Certification Rate Average: 100% (National average: 94%)
2019
- NCC School First-Time Certification Rate Average: 100% (National average: 91%)
Further information about the accreditation agencies or the certification exams can be obtained by contacting:
- NCC: 676 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 3600, Chicago, IL 60611,www.nccwebsite.org
- CCNE: (202) 887-6791 ext. 249, jbutlin@aacn.nche.edu
Non-Discrimination Policy
Georgetown University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Georgetown University provides educational opportunities without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, age, color, disability, family responsibilities, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, personal appearance, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, source of income, veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by law in its educational programs and activities. Inquiries regarding Georgetown University’s non-discrimination policy may be addressed to Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Affirmative Action, 37th and O Streets, N.W., Suite M36, Darnall Hall, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 20057. Revised 10/15/2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “WHNP” stand for? What does “WHNP-BC” stand for?
The term “WHNP-BC” — and, more casually, “WHNP” — stands for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified. This title describes registered nurses who have earned a Master’s in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice from a CCNE-accredited WHNP program, and passed the National Certification Corporation (NCC) exam.
How do you become a women’s health nurse practitioner?
First, earn a degree in nursing and become a licensed registered nurse. Second, earn an advanced degree from a CCNE-accredited WHNP program and gain clinical training. Finally, pass the National Certification Corporation (NCC) exam to become a board-certified WHNP.
Can a WHNP deliver a baby?
Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP) do not deliver babies; however, they do provide prenatal and postpartum care.
What do WHNPs do?
WHNPs provide 1) primary care to individuals across the lifespan, 2) sexual and reproductive healthcare during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, 3) sexual and gynecologic healthcare, 4) family planning, and 5) preconception care. They work closely with patients and other members of the healthcare team to minimize high-risk interventions and advocate for patients’ needs. The WHNP scope of practice varies by state.
What is the difference between a WHNP and a CNM?
While both women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP) and certified nurse-midwives (CNM) provide gynecologic and reproductive healthcare, they have distinct responsibilities. A CNM provides care during the labor and birth period as well as care of the newborn in the first month of life whereas a WHNP does not. However, a WHNP provides male sexual and reproductive healthcare, whereas a CNM only treats male partners for sexually transmitted infections.
Can a WHNP take care of men?
It depends. Like all nurse practitioners, women’s health nurse practitioners are highly trained professionals with advanced clinical knowledge that can directly and indirectly support the care of all patients; however, they may not specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of certain conditions or the care management of certain groups.
Is a nurse practitioner the same as a nurse midwife?
Not exactly. A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) is a type of nurse practitioner. The term “nurse practitioner” (NP) describes someone who has earned a master’s in nursing from an accredited program and passed the board certification exam for one or more clinical specialty areas, such as midwifery.