A women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who specializes in providing a range of care to women from puberty to the postmenopausal years. WHNPs primarily focus on preventative care as well as gynecological and reproductive health, though they do not work in labor and delivery. On average, WHNPs earn about $110,000 a year. Of about 460,000 licensed nurse practitioners (NPs) in the United States, about 2% or 9,200 specialize in women’s health.
WHNP vs NP
WHNPs are a type of NP. WHNPs have specialized training in women’s health, while NPs can specialize in a number of areas.
An NP is an APRN with advanced education and experience that allows them to assess, diagnose, and manage patient care, including prescribing medication. All NPs have specialized training, but they can choose from various specialties or patient populations, including adult-gerontology NP, family NP, pediatric NP, or neonatal NP.
What Does a WHNP Do?
A WHNP provides holistic, patient-centered care tailored toward women’s unique health care needs. They perform routine health screening, manage acute and ongoing gynecological conditions, and offer support to patients through puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. They focus on preventative care, early detection, and patient education to promote long-term health.
WHNPs often offer support concerning sexual health, reproductive choices, and lifestyle factors, working closely with physicians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.
WHNP Responsibilities
A WHNPs primary responsibilities may include:
- Conducting routine yearly exams and routine health screenings
- Performing Pap smears, pelvic exams, and breast exams
- Providing contraception counseling and family planning services
- Managing prenatal, postpartum, and menopause-related care
- Diagnosing and treating gynecologic and sexual health conditions
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for a WHNP varies by state, and it is determined by each state’s board of nursing. Some states offer full practice authoring, which allows WHNPs to practice independently, while other states require reduced or restricted practice, which requires WHNPs to collaborate with or work under the direct supervision of a physician.
(h2) Where Do Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners Work?
WHNPs work in a variety of settings that focus on women’s primary health care, preventative, and reproductive needs. Preparing for this role makes them able to practice in both clinical and neighborhood settings, including:
- Hospitals, providing inpatient and outpatient gynecologic services, prenatal care, and often work in women’s specialty clinics.
- Physician Offices and Medical Clinics, completing routine exams, offering follow-up care, and performing chronic condition management.
- Outpatient Care Centers, where they focus on preventive screenings, reproductive services, and same-day procedures.
- Community Health Centers, offering free or low-cost accessible women’s health care and services to the underserved or vulnerable populations.
- Private Practices, offering specialized or long-term care relationships with patients.
- Public Health Organizations, offering support through education, prevention programs, and population-level women’s health initiatives.
WHNP Salary & Career Outlook
WHNPs earn salaries slightly less than those of other NP specialties, about $110,000 a year, compared to the mean salary of about $124,600 for all NP specialties combined. Earnings vary depending on location, facility, experience, and setting.
The career outlook for NPs, including WHNPs, is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this field will grow by about 35% in the next decade, which is much faster than average. This growth is due in part to the aging population, increased focus on preventative care, and a continued demand for primary care services in both rural and urban settings.
How To Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
There are several steps required to become a WHNP, including completing advanced education and clinical training, obtaining national certification, and securing state licensure. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to do it.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The first step is to complete a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program. A BSN provides the foundational nursing knowledge and clinical experience necessary to practice as a WHNP. Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses to begin practicing as RNs. Options are also available for those who have a diploma or associate’s degree.
Gain Clinical Experience as a Registered Nurse
Many RNs hoping to pursue a career as WHNPs gain experience in areas like labor and delivery, primary care offices, or OBGYN clinics. Some WHNP programs may require a certain amount of time in a particular type of unit of facility.
Complete a WHNP Graduate-Level Program
The next step is to complete an accredited WHNP master’s or doctorate program. These programs offer advanced coursework and clinical experiences, focusing on women’s health, advanced pharmacology, and reproductive physiology.
Pass the National WHNP Certification Exam
After completing a WHNP program, graduates must pass a national certification exam. The National Certification Corporation (NCC) offers the primary certification exam in this field.
Obtain State Licensure and Maintain Certification
To practice, WHNPs must apply for licensure from the state where they plan to practice. Licensing requirements vary from one state to the next, but most require graduating from an accredited program and passing the certification exam. Once a license is obtained, WHNPs must also renew their licenses periodically and complete continuing education hours to stay current with best practices and the newest research.
FAQs about WHNPs
Yes. WHNP is considered a rewarding and stable career. In addition to offering strong job growth and competitive pay, this field also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on women’s health.
WHNPs are a type of NP with a specialized focus on women’s health. They are not higher than other NPs as there is no hierarchy within the profession, but they do have advanced training specific to women’s health care that other NPs do not.
The primary difference is that physician assistants are trained under a medical model and may work in many specialties, while WHNPs are nurses first. They receive advanced training focused exclusively on women’s health and nursing-based care.
WHNPs can provide high-quality, evidence-based care within their scope of practice, but they do not have the same level of training or authority as physicians. That said, they often collaborate with doctors to ensure comprehensive patient care.