Program Overview

Women's Health/Gender Related Nurse Practitioner, MSN

The Women’s Health/Gender-Related Nurse Practitioner program focuses on the primary health care needs of women from adolescence through the advanced years, concentrating on promoting and maintaining wellness. We put a premium on research that examines the influences that affect women’s lives, such as public policy, advances in technology, and environmental and socio-cultural factors.

We prepare you for interdependent practice, a care model that emphasizes the unique aspects each health professional brings to the patient. For you, as a nurse practitioner, this involves providing family-centered and comprehensive care to women and their families. We train you to provide care that is shaped by a deep respect for human dignity, an understanding of the nuance of culture, and the woman’s right to self-determination. Through collaborative classroom settings, specially-designed courses, and top-notch clinical experiences, you’ll study a range of women’s health issues including normal pregnancy, prenatal management, alternative medicine, clinical management of family planning, well-woman health care and menopause, and primary care that’s associated with women’s health.

Curriculum

A total of 13 course units are required. We also provide plans of study for full-time students, and part-time students. Part-time plans are two-year summer start or fall start, and a three-year plan.

• Core Courses
  • NURS 6070: Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology (1 course unit)
  • NURS 6080: Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Nursing Practice (1 course unit)
  • NURS 6570: Advanced Physical Assessment and Clinical Decision Making (1 course unit)
  • NURS 6370: Introduction to Research Methods and Design 1 (1 course unit)
  • NURS 5470: Scientific Inquiry for Evidence-based Practice (1 course unit, alternate course)
• Theory Courses
  • NURS 5400: Current Issues In Health and Social Policy (1 course unit)
  • NURS 6880: Complementary/Alternative Therapies in Women's Health (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7430: Fetal Evaluation (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7810: Well Women Health Care, Theory (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7830: Health Care of Childbearing Women, Theory (1 course unit)
• Clinical Courses
  • NURS 7800: Health Care of Women and Primary Care (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7820: Well Women Health Care, Clinical (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7840: Health Care of Childbearing Women, Clinical (1 course unit)
  • NURS 7850: Integration I (1 course unit)

The alternate course, NURS 5470, is a graduate-level research methods course approved for Penn BSN students only.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.