Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Credentials
Advanced practice nurses including WHNPs must complete several years of education and specialized training before they can work in the field. This section outlines women’s health nurse practitioner schooling, including how to acquire the required credentials. Degree-seekers can also review the difference between RN and APRN licensure.
Womens nurse practitioners should always check with their respective state boards of nursing and nursing credential organizations to confirm current eligibility requirements. These professionals should also investigate certifications that may help broaden their expertise and career potential. Certifications in family practice, nurse midwifery, and neonatal care might be beneficial.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Obstetrics Nurse Practitioner
It takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Inpatient obstetric nursing certification requires two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of OB/GYN nurse experience. Prospective obstetrics NPs spend two years earning a master of science in nursing. Though a doctorate is not required to be an NP, some go on to complete a doctor of nursing practice which typically takes three or more years.
Average Salary For Ob/gyn Nurse Practitioners
According to Indeed, nurse practitioners earn an average income of $115,821 per year, while family nurse practitioners can earn an average salary of $118,029 per year. The OB/GYN nurse practitioner credential, along with an FNP credential, can substantially boost an NPs earning potential. Another similar NP role is a pediatric nurse practitioner , and these professionals can earn roughly $124,456 per year. Additionally, the national average salaries for nurse practitioners in all fields can vary between employers, locations and by experience level and credentials.
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Master Of Science In Nursing Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
Carlows Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a womens health nurse practitioner will allow you to promote womens health issues while also advancing your nursing career.
National workforce data indicates that many womens 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 womens health care by providing qualified, compassionate and dedicated womens 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. Womens 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.
Carlows 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.
University Of Missouri Kansas City
The University of Missouri Kansas City has a thriving Womens Healthcare program. Here, students can earn either an MSN or DNP in Womens Health. The program covers reproductive health, pregnancy care, womens primary care, and much more. Both the MSN and DNP programs are strongly rooted in science and critical thinking. They emphasize evidence-based practices for womens care, treatment, and disease prevention. Since the program is completely online, it makes a great choice for students who need flexibility. UM Kansas City is excellent for online WHNP programs.
UMKC is a diverse, affordable school that emphasizes student success. Students here come from all over the world, which means that students can learn a lot from their peers as well as their professors. At UMKC, they get the tools and skills they need to succeed in their future careers. Teachers at UMKC thrive in their fields, and they bring their unique expertise and perspectives to their courses. UMKC is a community of achievers. 6 current UMKC faculty members have Guggenheim Fellowships.
Degree: MSN or DNP Womens Health Nurse PractitionerFormat: Online
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Opt For Advanced Certifications
There are several advanced certifications available to OGNPs, although these credentials are voluntary. Consider getting certified in maternal newborn, inpatient obstetric nursing, electronic fetal monitoring or nurse midwifery. Pursuing additional professional certifications can benefit your career and boost your employment potential, since these credentials can enhance the certifications you obtain through your nursing career.
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How Many Hours A Week Does A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Work
Although WHNPs earn reasonably high salaries, they often work long hours. WHNPs employed in doctors offices or clinics typically work eight-hour shifts five days a week. Hospitals and other in-patient settings may require these nurses to work on call and overtime in 12- or 24-hour shifts, swing shifts, and graveyard shifts.
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What Is The Average Salary Of An Ob Nurse
According to PayScale.com, OB nurses earn an average annual wage of around $62,000. The earning potential of OB nurses will depend on factors like the geographical location of their employment, their employer, how much experience they have, and their education level. Those OB nurses who maintain full-time employment can expect to receive employee benefit packages which include the likes of medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage, as well as a bit of sick leave and paid vacation time. These too will vary from employer to employer.
How Much Do OB Nurses Make per Year?
- $49,000 $86,000 annually
How Much Do OB Nurses Make per Hour?
- $28.64 average hourly wage
How To Become A Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
Womens health nurse practitioners provide vital healthcare services to women of all ages. Many people get care from nurse practitioners out of convenience, preference, or because theres a shortage of physicians where they live.
We take caring for our patients very seriously, says Rachelle Nurse, PhD, WHN-BC, ANP, a womens health nurse practitioner and associate professor at Texas Womans University. Our role as an NP is to assess, develop a plan of care, diagnose, treat, and prescribe.
The role of an NP is to assess, develop a plan of care, diagnose, treat, and prescribe.
To become a nurse practitioner, youll generally start with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Some NP programs accept an Associate Degree in Nursing , but may require additional courses or other prerequisites. Youll also need your registered nurse license, which you earn after finishing a recognized nursing program and passing the NCLEX exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing .
Next, youll apply to and complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree program, which includes both didactic and clinical work. This degree can take between 18 months and three years, depending on the school you attend.
When you begin your nurse practitioner education, youll choose a specialty such as womens health.
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Surgical First Assist Certification
Awarded by: National Institute of First Assisting or National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
Womens health-related applications: Primary assistance in obstetric and gynecological procedures and surgeries, such as cesarean sections
Who should earn this certification: WHNPs who work in inpatient settings and want to be involved in surgery. Its a hugely marketable skill, Woo says.
How To Become An Ob/gyn Nurse
After graduating from high school, the steps towards becoming an OB/GYN nurse are as follows:
- earn an approved nursing diploma, an accredited associate degree in nursing , or bachelors degree in nursing
- obtain licensure as an RN after graduation
- practice in an OB/GYN setting for a minimum of 2 years
- gain certification
Overall, it can take between 3 and 6 years to become an RN certified in the area of OB/GYN nursing. However, this depends on various factors including your chosen educational path, existing qualifications, program format, and whether you study full or part-time.
Many educational institutions offer online or hybrid programs, which can cost less than traditional on-campus programs. These programs tend to be more flexible which may appeal to students who work or have family responsibilities. Note, that curricula with clinical practice components may still require students to go to campus.
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How Do I Become A Obgyn Nurse
The first step toward becoming an OBGYN nurse is to become a Registered Nurse , earning an associate or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited nursing program. It is important to note that the BSN degree is often preferred, and opportunities for advancement are increased with the BSN degree, as well. After graduation, you must obtain RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN examination in your state. See our NCLEX study guides.
The next step is to seek employment in an OBGYN setting, such as a hospital birth center. Certification is not a requirement, but it will enhance advancement as an OBGYN nurse. The National Certification Corporation offers the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification . Eligibility requires:
- Current, active professional nursing licensure
- 2 or more years of full-time specialty experience as an RN with a minimum of 2000 hours.
- Specialty employment must be within the past 2 years.
- Both practice time and hours must be met.
Certification is valid for 3 years, with renewal requirements based on individual needs.
Top Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Programs 2022
A Womens Health Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse that specializes in the comprehensive care of women throughout their lives.
Because a WHNP cares for women throughout the entirety of their lives, the responsibilities will vary and the scope of practice is generally much wider than other NP specialties but may include conducting well-woman gynecological exams, educating on birth control options, addressing infertility concerns, sexually transmitted disease diagnosis, treatment, and education, managing women through the perinatal period, menopause education and more.
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Is Amsn Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Degree Right For Me
Are you a registered nurse who wants to take your career to the next level by earning an advanced degree that includes training in the diagnosis and management of female patients throughout their lifetime? Then a career as a Womens Health Nurse Practitioner may be the perfect career for you.
As a Womens Health Nurse Practitioner, youll treat women from adolescence through adulthood assessing, diagnosing, and performing clinical management of sexual and reproductive health concerns. WHNPs take great pride in their services to the community and play an integral role in patient care and recovery. WHNPs have varying levels of autonomy.
Ob/gyn Nurse Practitioner Job Description Example/sample /template
The OB/GYN nurse practitioner performs various functions in providing a broad range of health care services to women who require primary healthcare, or may have acute episodic conditions, as well as those seeking health evaluation, preventive care and education or counseling.
The major obligations, tasks, duties, and responsibilities performed by an OB/GYN nurse practitioner are listed in the job description example below:
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Helpful Skills And Key Considerations
OB/GYN nursing is a field that values compassion. Patients in an OB/GYN setting may be in physical pain, experiencing hormonal changes, or facing serious or difficult decisions. Strong communication skills also allow OB/GYN nurses to liaise with other healthcare professionals and explain care plans, treatment, and other medical concepts effectively.
OB/GYN RNs typically work in shifts during the week, overnight, on weekends, and even on holidays.
Attention to detail, observation, and problem-solving are other valuable traits to have in this profession. OB/GYN nurses need to understand the multi-faceted nature of their patients health to provide the best possible care.
In general, they also need to have a flexible schedule because work hours can vary according to the workplace. OB/GYN RNs typically work in shifts during the week, overnight, on weekends, and even on holidays. If you have demanding family responsibilities or if you prefer a less stressful career, the following related options may be more suitable:
- Nurse midwife
- Public health nurse
- Nurse case manager
Are you a patient, understanding, and attentive individual with strong time and stress management skills? Can you work diverse hours and sometimes attend to emergencies? Are you passionate about educating, guiding, and supporting girls and women throughout puberty, menopause, pregnancy, childbirth, and everything in between? If so, then an OB/GYN nursing career may be for you.
Approved States For Online Learning
Kent State University is authorized to offer the Womens Health NP program in the following states:*
| California |
| Virginia |
| West Virginia |
* In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, as well as State professional licensure/certification regulations, Kent State University may not be able to offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer clinical practicum courses. Since these regulations undergo continuous updates non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any College of Nursing online program are advised to consult with their State licensing/certification agency and official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program any student that is planning to move or practice in a different state after having been admitted to either the RN BSN, MSN, Certificate, or DNP programs must immediately inform the Office of Student Services at 330-672-7911 to determine whether or not he/she can continue in the program.
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How Much Do Ob/gyn Nurses Make
How much does an OB/GYN nurse make? Learn about salary prospects, how to increase your earnings, and what states pay the highest for this in-demand nursing specialty.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
The expanding emphasis across the U.S. on women’s health services of all kinds drives the demand for registered nurses with specialties in obstetrics and gynecology. OB/GYN nurses enjoy fulfilling careers and competitive salaries, providing prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care to patients, as well as reproductive healthcare services from puberty through menopause.
Read on to learn more about OB/GYN nurse salary prospects, how to enter this in-demand career, and how to boost employment and earning potential.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve Universitys Womens Health Nurse Practitioner MSN provides a range of studies for those who want to help women thrive. Students learn how to care for women in all phases of life from adolescence to post-menopause. This program focuses on gynecologic care, but it doesnt stop there. Case Western emphasizes care for every aspect of womens health. It also focuses on well-woman care and disease prevention, so students learn how to care for women in all kinds of situations and settings. As a hybrid program, it offers classes both online and in person. This program is challenging, which makes it a great place to get a WHNP degree.
Case Western is a thriving school with lots of innovation and opportunity. It excels when it comes to science and technology, which means that its medical programs make a lot of discoveries. This school fosters and encourages curiosity. Students learn how to ask the best questions and pursue the best answers. Case Westerns Nursing School is ranked among the top nursing schools in the United States.
Degree: MSN Womens Health Nurse PractitionerFormat: Hybrid
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Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
For a time, the program collaborated with Planned Parenthood, which had its own Womens Health Nurse Practitioner program. In 2002 the Planned Parenthood program ended and Planned Parenthood agreed to be a primary clinical site for the Universitys WHNP program.
The WHNP program prepares nurses to provide advanced practice care to women throughout their lifespan and encompasses the unique needs, challenges and life transitions in womens lives. Graduates are prepared to educate women on health issues and serve as primary care providers through chronic and acute illness. They are prepared to diagnose, manage and treat common and complex prenatal and reproductive health conditions.
Phase 2 of the DNP program began in Fall 2009 when a program was offered for nurses with baccalaureate degrees. It was designed to prepare students for advanced practice certification and included the DNP completion courses developed for Phase 1. It used a combination of traditional on-campus classes and web-based formats. At that time, the school stopped admitting students to the master of science program. The WHNP option also made the transition to the DNP. The clinical specialization portion of the curriculum was very similar to that of the MS curriculum although revisions for the DNP curriculum were made to ensure that the studies were at a doctoral level.
5-140 Weaver-Densford Hall
Popular Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs In Canada
Nurse Practitioner degrees are reported by the National Center for Education Statistics under the category of health professions and related programs.
In the most recent update of the data , 4,017 Family Practice Nurse degrees were awarded to U.S. graduate students. The majority were at the Masters level.
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Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Licensing
Admission to a WHNP program requires an associate or BSN degree plus RN licensure. Educational requirements differ by state, but all RN licensure applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN examination administered through the NCSBN. Before sitting for the RN exam, RN license-seekers must apply to the respective board in the state where they intend to practice.The next step to becoming a WHNP requires graduate-level training and APRN certification. Students must enroll in either an MSN or a DNP program leading to a practice specialization for a particular population.
After completing the degree, prospective APRNs must take the certification exam in their intended practice specialty from the appropriate credentialing organization. For WHNPs, the NCC administers the required certification exam. Candidates in other specializations typically take their exams through the AANP or the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Before WHNPs can practice, they must apply to their state board of nursing for an APRN license. Licensing regulations vary by state, but many nursing boards use the certification exam to assess candidates’ competency to practice. License-seekers should contact their respective state boards to verify APRN requirements.