Women Health Nurse Practitioner

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program at the University of Utah is a comprehensive graduate-level education designed to prepare advanced practice registered nurses to provide specialized healthcare services to women across the lifespan. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to women's health, integrating current evidence-based practices, advanced clinical skills, and a deep understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence health and well-being. Students in the program gain competencies in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions, providing reproductive health services, and offering health education and counseling tailored to women’s unique needs. The curriculum combines rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical training, and research opportunities, enabling graduates to serve as leaders in women’s health care settings such as clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. The program is designed for registered nurses seeking to expand their scope of practice into women's health specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, family planning, and preventive care. With experienced faculty members who are recognized experts in women’s health, students receive mentorship and guidance throughout their educational journey. The University of Utah's strong partnerships with local healthcare providers and organizations facilitate diverse clinical placements, ensuring students acquire practical experience in a variety of settings. Graduates of the WHNP program are well-equipped to pass national certification exams, pursue further academic research, and advocate for women’s health issues on a community and policy level. Committed to excellence and innovation in healthcare education, the program prepares its students to meet the evolving needs of women across their lifespan and to contribute significantly to improving health outcomes for women nationwide.

• NURS 6000 - Evidence Based Practice I 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6001 - Professional Role and Collaboration 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6004 - Introduction to Information & Information Technology 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6006 - Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics across the Lifespan 1 Credit(s)
• NURS 6060 - US Health Care: Systems and Policy 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6240 - Clinical Genetics 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6772 - Quality Improvement in Healthcare 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7015 - Leadership and Advocacy 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7025 - Introduction to Epidemiology and Population Science 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7028 - Advanced Physical Assess & health Promo Across the Lifespan 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7500 - Evidence-Based Practice II 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7053 - Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP Students I 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7054 - Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP Students II 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7510 - Social Determinants of Health 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7701 - DNP Scholarly Project I 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7702 - DNP Scholarly Project II 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7703 - DNP Scholarly Project III 2 Credit(s)

• IPE - Interprofessional Experience (0.5 credits each / 1 credit required)

Emphasis Requirements for Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

• NURS 6052 - Advanced Pharmacology for NMW/WHNP 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6101 - Antepartum Management 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6106 - Childbearing Complications 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6113 - Postpartum/Newborn Management 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6115 - Gynecologic Management 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 6116 - Well Woman Health Management 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6601 - Management of Episodic Problems 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 6603 - Chronic Problems of Adults and Elders 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7007 - Advanced Pathophysiology II 1 - 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7108 - Introduction to Simulation for Women's Health Care Providers 1 Credit(s)
• NURS 7109 - Ambulatory Care & Inpatient Simulation for Women's Health Care 1 Credit(s)
• NURS 7611 - Nurse Midwifery/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum I 2 Credit(s)
• NURS 7613 - Nurse Midwifery/Women's Health Practicum II 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7615 - Women's Health Practicum III 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7617 - Women's Health Practitioner IV 2 - 3 Credit(s)
• NURS 7619 - Women's Health Residency 2 - 6 Credit(s)

• Submission of a completed College of Nursing Graduate Program Application by the January 15 deadline
• Evidence of completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from a regionally accredited university or college, and a nationally accredited nursing school from either 1) The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Accreditation (CCNE), or 2) The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Verification of licensure as an RN or APRN in at least one of the jurisdictions of National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Preference is given to applicants with at least a year of labor and delivery nursing experience
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) REQUIRED for applicants with a cumulative GPA below 3.20 and score cannot be older than five years
• Evidence of English-language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English. Applicants are required to submit results of either the Test of English Foreign Language or IELTS. 

Required Prerequisite Course

Prerequisite courses require a B grade or better and may be completed during the admission process. All prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the program. If you take a course during the summer semester before beginning the program, it must be at the University of Utah.

Upper Division Physiology

• BS in Nursing graduates prior to 2012 must take this course
• BS in Nursing graduates 2012 or later who have not taken this course as part of the curriculum must take this course
• RN to BS graduates who did not take an upper division level course in physiology or pathophysiology are required to take this course
• Upper division level = 3000 or higher
• College of Nursing offers NURS 5905: Clinical Physiology offered Spring and Summer semesters

The University of Utah offers comprehensive financing options for students enrolled in the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program. Prospective students can explore multiple avenues for funding their education, including federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and other need-based assistance. To be eligible for federal aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually, which is processed through the university’s financial aid office. The university also provides institutional scholarships and grants specifically tailored for nursing students, which may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or a combination of both.

In addition to federal and institutional aid, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including private scholarships, healthcare industry sponsorships, and professional nursing organizations that offer scholarships for advanced practice nursing students. The university’s financial aid office offers counseling and resources to help students identify suitable grants and scholarships to reduce their educational costs.

Students can also consider student loan options, which typically include federal Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and private loans. Loan counseling and repayment information are provided to ensure students understand their obligations upon graduation. Payment plans may also be available, allowing students to spread out their tuition payments over the semester or year to ease financial burdens.

The university emphasizes financial literacy and planning, providing workshops and advising to help students manage their educational expenses effectively. Some students may also explore work-study opportunities through the university’s employment services, which can provide part-time employment aligned with nursing and healthcare interests.

Overall, the University of Utah is committed to supporting students financially through a combination of federal aid, institutional scholarships, external funding, loans, and flexible payment options, enabling students to focus on their advanced nursing studies and career goals.

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program at the University of Utah is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice roles specializing in women’s health issues. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to caring for women across the lifespan, including reproductive health, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopausal care. Students gain in-depth knowledge of women’s health screening, family planning, gynecological care, and management of acute and chronic conditions affecting women. The curriculum combines didactic coursework with clinical practice experiences, allowing students to develop essential skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, management, and health promotion. The program aims to prepare graduates to work independently or collaboratively in various healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices. The faculty comprises experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing women’s health through education and evidence-based practice. Admission requirements typically include a valid registered nurse license, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and clinical experience in women’s health or related areas. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for national certification as Women's Health Nurse Practitioners, which enhances their professional credentials and employment prospects. The program is aligned with the latest healthcare policies and practices, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of women’s health populations. The University of Utah also offers ongoing support and professional development opportunities for its graduates, fostering a community committed to lifelong learning and excellence in women’s health.