Program Overview

Introduction to the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Program

The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program is designed to prepare experts in woman-focused health promotion and disease prevention. As specialists, WHNPs deliver comprehensive health care to women, with emphasis on reproductive and gynecologic health needs.

Program Overview

The WHNP major, as part of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, requires 38 credit hours of coursework, plus about 600 hours of clinicals. With full-time enrollment, coursework is usually completed within 12 months (four semesters). Core MSN courses are offered in an intensive format that requires limited trips to Cleveland.

Sample Full-Time Curriculum

The following is a sample full-time curriculum for the WHNP program, beginning in the Fall semester:

Spring Semester I

• NURS 405: Inquiry I - Theoretical Foundations (2 credits)
• NURS 459: Advanced Physical Assessment (3 credits)
• NURS 431: Psychosocial and Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice (2 credits)
• NURS 444C: Health Policy, Legislation and Legal Issues in Advanced Practice (1 credit)
  • Total: 8 credits

Summer Semester I

• NURS 425: Inquiry II - Research Process (3 credits)
• NURS 444A: Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice (1 credit)
  • Total: 4 credits

Fall Semester I

• NURS 453: Advanced Pathophysiology (4 credits)
• NURS 454: Gynecologic, Reproductive, and Sexual Health Care (3 credits)
• NUNP 410: Health Promotion Across the Life Span (2 credits)
• NURS 444B: Health Care Delivery and Finance in Advanced Practice (1 credit)
  • Total: 10 credits

Spring Semester II

• NURS 455: The Childbearing Family (4 credits)
• NURS 430: Advanced Pharmacology (3 credits)
• NURS 502: Inquiry III - Evidence-Based Practice (2 credits)
  • Total: 9 credits

Summer Semester II

• NURS 559: Primary Care in Women's Health (4 credits)
• NURS 451: Leadership for Quality Healthcare within Organizations and Systems (3 credits)
  • Total: 7 credits
  • Accumulated Total Hours: 38

Note

The above curriculum is full-time; part-time plans are also available. The Advanced Practice Core courses (NURS 430, 453, 459) are co-requisites or pre-requisites for the clinical nursing courses. Clinical nursing courses must be taken in the semester and sequence listed above. Clinical course availability is based upon enrollment.

Program Details

• The WHNP program is designed to prepare nurse practitioners to deliver comprehensive health care to women.
• The program requires 38 credit hours of coursework, plus about 600 hours of clinicals.
• Core MSN courses are offered in an intensive format that requires limited trips to Cleveland.
• The program can be completed in 12 months (four semesters) with full-time enrollment.
• Part-time plans are also available.