Master's Degree

Online WHNP Program
for Rhode Island Residents

CLASSES START
Sept. 4th

24-28 Mo.

Program Length

CCNE

Accredited^†

Online

Format

We Pledge

Clinical Placement

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Master's Degree

Online WHNP Program
for Rhode Island Residents

Find your calling as a women's health nurse practitioner in Rhode Island

Accreditation	CCNE accredited,^† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Eligibility	MSN-WHNP pathways available for current RNs in Rhode Island who hold an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing
Clinicals	We pledge your clinical placement! Herzing has partnerships with select clinical sites in the state of Rhode Island
Start soon	6 start dates per year
Future pathways	Build a foundation to pursue the terminal degree in nursing: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Propel your nursing career to advanced practice as a women’s health nurse practitioner in Rhode Island

Embrace a dynamic, rewarding field of nursing where every interaction holds the potential to make a lasting impact. Become a champion of women’s health and advance your nursing career to the next level of practice as a nurse practitioner.

Rhode Island residents can choose their pathway to earn a WHNP education with Herzing University: our MSN-WHNP program for RNs with a BSN, or our Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP option for RNs with an associate degree.

Our roots in online learning

Herzing University has been providing online learning to students throughout the United States since 2003.

Every year we work to improve our processes to create strong, supportive online communities of students and faculty eager to help each other succeed in their education and work.

You can become a part of our vibrant online community—we’re thrilled to open our online WHNP program to Rhode Island residents.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Learn More Today

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Programs

Find your calling as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Herzing University offers unique pathways for current Registered Nurses (RN) to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post Master's Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and take the first step towards becoming a WHNP.

Women's health nurse practitioner discussing treatment options with patient

MSN-WHNP
Go from BSN to WHNP

Program length: 24 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Enrollment: View the admissions requirements

Explore

Women's health nurse practitioner referencing test results with patient

Accelerated MSN-WHNP
Go from RN/ADN to WHNP

Program length: 28 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Enrollment: View the admissions requirements

Explore

WHNP smiling while speaking with patient about treatment

Post Master's WHNP
Go from MSN to PMC-WHNP

Program length: 20 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Enrollment: View the admissions requirements

Explore

Women's health nurse practitioner smiling in clinic

DNP-WHNP
Go from BSN to DNP-WHNP

Program length: 28 months
Classes: View the curriculum
Enrollment: View the admissions requirements

Explore

Curriculum

Courses & curriculum details

Our MSN curriculum includes a selection of core, direct care, and specialty courses containing 100% online didactic lecture-style courses as well as clinical practicums designed to fully prepare you for success in your first job as a WHNP.

The Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP option includes a selection of undergraduate coursework to support advancement to the graduate level later in the program. These students also have an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) on the way to MSN-WHNP in our RN to BSN to MSN track (RN to BSN + RN to MSN) – please contact admissions for more details.

Program	Monthsⁱ	Semester Credits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (MSNWHNP)	24	54
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - Accelerated RN to MSN (MSNWHNPA)	28	70
Post Master's Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner	20	39

i. Average number of months for students to complete program.

MSN-WHNP curriculum

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 700 - Knowledge for Nursing Practice 3.00

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

NU 710 - Improvement Science 3.00

The course focuses on a systems-based approach to enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through system effectiveness and individual performance using established and emerging principles of safety and improvement science. Students will review metrics and data driven benchmarks to analyze quality and safety initiatives, employ change theory and improvement science processes to design evidence‐based interventions, and demonstrate advocacy to promote a just institutional culture reflecting resiliency, civility, and respect.

NU 725 - Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice 3.00

This course will explore information and communication technologies and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

NU 730 - Systems-Based Practice 3.00

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

NU 760 - Scholarship for Nursing Practice 3.00

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 610 - Advanced Health Assessment 3.00

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

NU 621 - Advanced Pathophysiology 3.00

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

NU 636 - Advanced Pharmacology 3.00

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 611 - Clinical Decision-Making 2.00

This course is an examination of the processes applicable to clinical decision making. Models for clinical decision making will be presented. An overview of key assessments and the wide range of clinical activity categories that impact clinical decision making will be provided. Application of course concepts will be accomplished through engagement with hypothetical clinical scenarios.

NU 640 - Introduction to Women's Health Across the Lifespan 4.00

This introductory course focuses on integrating theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and contemporary practice in the assessment and management of health and disease states specific to women across the lifespan. Personal, family, cultural, community, and societal influences are analyzed for their impact on women's physical and emotional health. Health risk identification, health promotion, maintenance, and treatment alternatives are examined.

NU 646 - Primary Care for Women 4.00

This clinical course introduces the foundations of women's healthcare, including topics such as health assessment, reproductive stages, and family planning. In addition, this course focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of primary care concerns for women from reproductive age through post-menopausal transition. The primary care clinical component allows for the application of theoretical knowledge to the patient care setting.

NU 647 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner I 5.00

The focus of this clinical course is introducing common gynecologic problems and standard obstetric care to women from reproductive age through post-menopausal transition. The assessment and decision-making process will be applied in order to evaluate, diagnose, and treat common gynecologic concerns. In addition, there is a focus on standard obstetric care including components of prenatal care and assessment, normal physiologic changes in pregnancy, management of common discomforts in pregnancy, and routine postpartum care. Disparities in obstetric outcomes across populations will be explored. The clinical component of this course will be completed in an OB/GYN setting and will allow for application of these concepts to the clinical arena.

NU 648 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner II 5.00

This course focuses on the further development of theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and contemporary practice in the assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and management of gynecologic and obstetric care for women from reproductive age through post-menopausal transition. Building upon the concepts of previous Women's Health Nurse Practitioner courses, emphasis is on complex gynecologic concerns. Topics include malignancies impacting the reproductive health system, pelvic pain disorders, and sexual health. In addition, this course focuses on the identification and management of pregnancy and postpartum complications including pregnancy loss. There will be a continued application of women's health theoretical concepts in the OB/GYN clinical setting.

NU 649 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum 4.00

This course is an immersion experience into women's health practice and the role of the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. This final precepted practicum will prepare the student to assume the full scope of advanced nursing practice and demonstrate the entry-level core and population-focused Women's Health Nurse Practitioner competencies. Emphasis is on refining theoretical knowledge, evidence-based guidelines, and contemporary practice in the assessment and management of health and disease states of women from reproductive age through post-menopausal transition in a variety of healthcare settings and in collaboration with other health professionals.

NU 726 - Professionalism and Leadership for Advanced Practice 3.00

This course focuses on proficient multidimensional leadership for healthcare. Leadership theory, managing change in complex environments, mentoring, and creating a workplace environment that promotes social justice and equity, self‐care, personal health, and well‐being, and lifelong learning will be emphasized. Student will examine their personal, professional, and leadership development process, and create a three-dimensional advocacy-based approach to provide leadership in for the healthcare, professional, and community arenas.

NU 780 - Population Health 3.00

This course examines the healthcare delivery continuum from public health prevention to disease management of populations and describes collaborative activities with both traditional and non‐traditional partnerships from affected communities, public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities, and others for the improvement of equitable population health outcomes. For a selected population, students will analyze health priorities and the potential for collaboration and partnerships to provide a basis for interventions, policy, advocate strategy, and emergency preparedness.

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses

The following courses are 0.00 semester credit hours associated with the policy outlined above. Students are required to take as co-requisite courses along with NU 611, NU 642, NU 664 or NU 671, depending on the program of study. NSG 0600 - Clinical Proficiency Course Semester Credit Hours: 0.00 NSG 0600R - Clinical Proficiency Remediation Course (if needed) Semester Credit Hours: 0.00

Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP curriculum

Required Bridge Courses

All courses, 16.00 semester credit hours, are required prior to completing graduate level coursework.

EN 304 - English Composition II 3.00

This course requires students to analyze discourse communities, execute a well-designed academic research project, apply reading strategies to academic texts, and use texts as models for writing. Analyzing discourse communities involves identifying how communication conventions change in different contexts. Designing and executing an academic research project involves formulating research questions, conducting primary and/or secondary research, synthesizing ideas from multiple sources, discussing findings, and presenting the results in APA format. Applying reading strategies to academic texts involves using a process for reading, identifying text features, evaluating sources, and organizing reading notes. Using texts as models for writing involves analyzing and imitating the scope, structure, methods, use of evidence, and tone common to academic writing.

MA 320 - Statistics 3.00

This course presents the study of basic statistical theory and concepts. Topics include statistical probabilities, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation.

NSG 321 - Advanced Leadership and Management 3.00

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system. Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

NSG 323 - Community and Public Health Nursing 5.00

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health. The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

NU 480 - Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice 2.00

Using the knowledge, skills, research, technology, and experience, learners will expand and explore advanced nursing practice as an educator, leader, and practitioner. This course will examine nursing theory, professional role competencies, and standards related to practice, education, and leadership.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 700 - Knowledge for Nursing Practice 3.00

NU 710 - Improvement Science 3.00

NU 725 - Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice 3.00

NU 730 - Systems-Based Practice 3.00

NU 760 - Scholarship for Nursing Practice 3.00

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 610 - Advanced Health Assessment 3.00

NU 621 - Advanced Pathophysiology 3.00

NU 636 - Advanced Pharmacology 3.00

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NU 611 - Clinical Decision-Making 2.00

NU 640 - Introduction to Women's Health Across the Lifespan 4.00

NU 646 - Primary Care for Women 4.00

NU 647 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner I 5.00

NU 648 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner II 5.00

NU 649 - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Practicum 4.00

NU 726 - Professionalism and Leadership for Advanced Practice 3.00

NU 780 - Population Health 3.00

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses

Post Master's WHNP curriculum

View course sheet

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the WHNP program varies depending on the pathway you choose:

MSN-WHNP enrollment requirements

To enroll in Herzing’s online MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program, prospective students must live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the MSN-WHNP program, and:

Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they live. (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement.)
Hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university or college with an overall minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP enrollment requirements

Enrollment requirements are the same whether you choose the Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP or RN to BSN to MSN-WHNP track. Prerequisites include:

Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the RN to MSN program
Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice
Hold an associate degree (ADN/ASN/AASN) in nursing from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
Participate in an interview to identify your goals and determine if the program is right for you

Post Master's WHNP enrollment requirements

Enrollment in the post master’s certificate nursing program is open to registered nurses who:

Hold a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited university or college (such as a master’s or doctoral degree)
Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state in which they live (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement).

U.S. News & World Report Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs 2024

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online graduate nursing degree programs in 2024.

^✝The master's degree, post-graduate APRN certificate, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional and programmatic accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an MSN-WHNP program in Rhode Island is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

Waived Enrollment Fee

Now Through Dec 31st

Apply Now Request Info

RN career info

Average salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners in the state of Rhode Island earn an average annual salary of $133,460 per year ($64.16 per hour).*

Employment outlook

Projections Central projects employment of nurse practitioners in the state of Rhode Island to increase 45.1% from 2022-2032, translating to an additional 650 jobs.**

Careers

Become an indispensable caregiver as a nurse practitioner in the state of Rhode Island

U.S. News and World Report identifies nurse practitioner as the #1 best health care job in 2024 – as well as the #1 best overall job across all categories – due primarily to high marks in potential salary and future growth.

The Health Resources & Services Administration projects significant growth of women’s health nurse practitioners from 2021-2036 (+123%), coinciding with a notable lack in supply of obstetrics & gynecology physicians.

It’s a great time to consider earning the education needed to become a WHNP and help meet an important growing need for women’s healthcare. Our School of Nursing exists to help you build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a WHNP and reach new heights in the field of nursing.

MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Rhode Island family nurse practitioner smiling with pediatric patient during appointment

FNP Programs - Rhode Island

Rhode Island DNP nurse executive smiling with patient charts in hospital

DNP Program - Rhode Island

Disclosures

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

** Projections Central, Long-Term Projections (2022-2032). Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work, and degree field will affect career outcomes. Herzing does not guarantee that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, or other career growth.

Online WHNP Programfor Rhode Island Residents

Online WHNP Programfor Rhode Island Residents

Find your calling as a women's health nurse practitioner in Rhode Island

Propel your nursing career to advanced practice as a women’s health nurse practitioner in Rhode Island

Our roots in online learning

Career-focused curriculum

Flexible schedule

Virtual services

Lifelong support

Rolling admissions

Find your calling as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Courses & curriculum details

MSN-WHNP curriculum

Required Core Courses

Required Direct Care Courses

Required Specialty Courses

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses

Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP curriculum

Required Bridge Courses

Required Core Courses

Required Direct Care Courses

Required Specialty Courses

Clinical Proficiency Exam and Policy Courses

Post Master's WHNP curriculum

Admissions requirements

MSN-WHNP enrollment requirements

Accelerated RN to MSN-WHNP enrollment requirements

Post Master's WHNP enrollment requirements

Our accredited & recognized online school

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

Average salary

Employment outlook

Become an indispensable caregiver as a nurse practitioner in the state of Rhode Island

MSN - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

FNP Programs - Rhode Island

DNP Program - Rhode Island

Disclosures

Online WHNP Program
for Rhode Island Residents

Online WHNP Program
for Rhode Island Residents