WHNP Programs in Alabama (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

As a graduate of one of the WHNP programs in Alabama, you'll be prepared to address critical healthcare gaps for women in the Yellowhammer State, particularly in medically underserved areas. You'll provide primary care, focusing on gynecological and reproductive health, by diagnosing illnesses, ordering tests, performing screenings, prescribing medications, and offering contraception and family planning advice. In Alabama, the annual pay for women's health nurse practitioners is $107,370 a year, and women's health is a high-growth sector where employment opportunities are anticipated to rise by 49 percent within the next decade. Learn more about the WHNP specialty in the Yellowhammer State by reading our guide to the best WHNP programs in Alabama.


FOLLOWING ARE THE WHNP PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online WHNP programs in Alabama.)


1. University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham


Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate


RN-to-MSN Program Details: Are you a registered nurse who loves working in women’s health? Have you considered taking your career to a new level, but wonder what options are available? If so, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has some excellent programs worth considering!

One program offered at UAB is the RN-to-MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program. This program provides an alternate pathway for Registered Nurses with an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The program is designed to allow you to bypass earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing and move directly to graduate-level coursework, culminating in the achievement of an MSN degree.

This WHNP program in Alabama is designed to meet the needs of working nurses and features a part-time program of study delivered via a distance-learning format. This format combines synchronous online courses with on-campus intensives and in-person clinicals. You have the option to enroll and begin in the fall semester, completing the program in six semesters, or you may enroll to begin in the summer and complete the program in seven semesters.

The RN-to-MSN program requires a minimum of 56 credits. You will begin the program by taking three bridge courses (11 credits) that prepare you for graduate-level study. Once bridge courses are complete, you will progress to the MSN curriculum, completing the remaining 45 credits. The curriculum features classes such as Evidence-Based Practice for Advanced-Level Nursing, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, and Population Health for Advanced-Level Nursing. The study plan also includes three clinical courses with corresponding clinical practicums.


RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission to the RN-to-MSN program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, you need an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and a current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state where clinicals will be completed. You are required to submit three professional letters of recommendation and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. Your transcripts should reflect a grade of “C” or higher for all prerequisite courses. Also, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or on the last 60 semester hours) is required. If your GPA is 3.2 or higher, you do not need GRE or GMAT scores. Otherwise, you must have a minimum combined score of 297 for the GRE or 480 for the GMAT.

MSN Program Details: The MSN program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses who want to advance their clinical expertise in women’s health. The program admits new students in the fall and summer semesters each year. Depending on which semester you begin, you can complete the program in six or seven consecutive semesters. The program follows a part-time schedule, making it a great option for working professionals.

The hybrid learning model utilized by the program includes synchronous online classes and on-campus intensives. Your online classes will include components such as virtual simulations, case-based learning, interactive lectures and modules, and peer discussion forums. Campus-based intensives feature clinical skills development, faculty-led workshops, simulation-based training, and networking opportunities. The 45-credit curriculum incorporates 540 clinical hours. Clinical practicums are coordinated with program faculty and arranged as close to your home region as possible.


MSN Admission Requirements: If you wish to enroll in the MSN Women’s Health NP program at UAB, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a nursing program that is nationally accredited by the CCNE or CNEA, and a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN in the state where you plan to complete your clinicals. Candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher are preferred. However, with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and satisfactory GRE or GMAT scores, you may be eligible. You are asked to submit three letters of professional recommendation and official transcripts from all colleges or universities you previously attended.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a post-baccalaureate DNP program with a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner track. The program prepares graduates to deliver evidence-based, comprehensive care to women across the lifespan. Admission to the program occurs in the fall and summer terms each year and is available on a part-time or full-time basis.

Because the DNP is the highest level of clinical practice you can achieve, the program is structured to help you develop both advanced clinical competencies and leadership capabilities. You will acquire the policy, leadership, and system-level skills necessary to positively impact and transform women’s healthcare.

The program features a distance accessible learning format that combines online didactic coursework with on-campus clinical specialty track intensives and face-to-face clinical practicums. You will be required to visit campus for orientation and to attend a two- to three-day annual intensive experience, which is a minimum requirement. The BSN-to-DNP Women’s Health NP program is a 79-credit pathway. Additionally, the study plan includes 1,000 clinical hours. You will accomplish clinical requirements through direct patient care hours and indirect hours, which are completed via the DNP Scholarly Project. Faculty advisors work closely with you to tailor your clinical experiences and scholarly project to align with your professional interests and goals.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: If you desire admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, you need to have earned a BSN from a regionally accredited institution and possess an unencumbered RN license in the state where both didactic coursework and clinicals will occur. A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is required. If your GPA is 3.2 or higher, there is no need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. However, if your average is less than 3.2, scores are required.

In addition to completing an online application for admission, you are required to submit three letters of professional reference attesting to your potential for success in graduate study, a resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from each college or university you previously attended. If an offer of admission is granted, you must show proof of completion of a descriptive statistics course before beginning the program.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you already earned a graduate degree in nursing and are now searching for opportunities to broaden your expertise in the area of women’s health, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at UAB is an excellent option. The program is designed to meet the needs of working nurses. It is offered as a part-time plan of study that features a distance learning modality, combining synchronous and asynchronous didactic coursework.

The curriculum for this Post-Graduate Certificate program requires a minimum of 27 credits. However, a GAP analysis of previously completed advanced practice core and support coursework will be conducted to determine an individual plan of study that meets the current standards for post-master’s education and eligibility to sit for certification.


Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Eligible applicants for the Post-Graduate Certificate program must hold an MSN from a regionally accredited nursing program and possess an unencumbered RN license, with eligibility to practice in the state where clinical practicums will be conducted. You need a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, either cumulative or on the last 60 semester hours you completed.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If gaining a high-quality education that will prepare you with the knowledge and confidence needed to work as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner is your goal, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an excellent choice. The school is nationally renowned for excellence in nursing education, ensuring you will graduate ready to step into your new role, capable of positively impacting women’s health.
• Clinical experiences are at the heart of any good nursing program. As a nurse educator, I encourage all potential students to search for schools that offer diverse clinical opportunities and ongoing clinical support, and UAB does just that! The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing has partnerships with healthcare organizations across Alabama and the Southeastern United States. Clinical placements are coordinated between students and faculty to ensure you receive diverse, high-quality experiences. Some clinical sites where you may practice in the program include academic medical centers, obstetrics and gynecology clinics, community health organizations, school-based health centers, and public health agencies.
• Through the years, I have worked with nursing students, faculty, and preceptors associated with several nursing programs. From my experience, I have learned that no matter how well-written a curriculum plan is, if you do not have qualified instructors who are dedicated to the program, it typically does not achieve long-lasting success. One of the things I love about the WHNP program at UAB is that it is taught by faculty who are nationally recognized leaders in research, policy, and clinical practice.


2. University of South Alabama - Mobile


Programs Offered: RN-to-MSN, MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate


RN-to-MSN Program Details: The University of South Alabama offers an opportunity for Registered Nurses who have an associate degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and specialize in women’s health. The RN-to-MSN program is one of the top WHNP programs in Alabama.

In the RN-to-MSN program, you will begin by completing three bridge courses, which cover essential undergraduate nursing content. Once bridge coursework is complete, you will transition to the traditional MSN curriculum, which features core graduate nursing courses and WHNP-specific courses. A total of 57 credits is required, including credits earned from the three mandatory bridge courses, to complete this pathway. While courses are delivered online, you must attend a Clinical Skills Intensive during the fall term of your clinical courses. The CSI is designed to provide hands-on instruction in procedures and advanced assessments relevant to women’s health.


RN-to-MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the RN-to-MSN program requires having an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, as well as a current RN license with no restrictions. You are required to submit an application via NursingCAS and provide a resume that documents all clinical nursing experience. Before enrolling in any clinical nursing course, you must have at least two years of relevant RN work experience in a women’s health setting. Additionally, you must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended, reflecting a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

MSN Program Details: The MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Alabama offers a flexible, online pathway for registered nurses to earn a graduate degree and become expert providers in women’s health across the lifespan. The Clinical Skills Intensive, a required hands-on training session held during the fall term, is combined with coursework that is delivered entirely online, making this WHNP program in Alabama an excellent option for working professionals.

The program consists of 45 credit hours. You will gain advanced knowledge in pharmacology, physical assessment, and pathophysiology, alongside specialized training in prenatal and postpartum care, reproductive health, preventive screenings, and menopause management. The curriculum also includes 600 clinical hours. While you may arrange your own clinical sites and identify preceptors, the College of Nursing must approve them before you begin any clinical assignment.


MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the traditional MSN program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program and a current, unrestricted RN license. In addition to completing an admission application, you must provide a professional resume and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended. A minimum 3.0 GPA for all BSN coursework is required. Candidates with at least two years of clinical experience in women’s healthcare are preferred.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a registered nurse ready to make a bold move toward earning a doctoral degree in nursing and becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of South Alabama is an option worth considering. The program offers a flexible pathway for baccalaureate-prepared RNs to become advanced practice leaders in women’s healthcare, blending rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical training to prepare you for high-impact roles in all aspects of women’s health.

The program is designed to be completed in nine semesters of full-time study. However, part-time options are available if you need a more flexible schedule. This BSN-to-DNP WHNP program in Alabama delivers coursework entirely online.

The 69-credit curriculum includes all support courses, MSN specialty courses, DNP core courses, DNP Project Planning and Development courses, and Residency courses. You will also complete 1,140 clinical hours during the program.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of South Alabama, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution, an unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse, and two years of clinical experience relevant to women’s health. You will need to provide letters of recommendation, an admission essay, a professional resume or CV, and official college transcripts that reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The MSN-to-DNP program at the University of South Alabama offers a pathway for master’s-prepared nurses to earn the highest clinical nursing degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The program is designed for nurses who are already providing advanced care and who wish to expand their leadership, systems-level, and clinical expertise, specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

The program admits new students three times each year in the spring, summer, and fall. You can complete the MSN-to-DNP program in just ten semesters of full-time study, or you may opt to enroll part-time and complete the program in twelve semesters. Coursework for the program is entirely online. While no thesis or dissertation is required, you will complete a major synthesis project. The residency requirements for the synthesis project can be completed in your home region with an approved mentor.

The post-master’s DNP WHNP program requires a minimum of 60 credits. If your master’s program did not include the support courses listed in the University of South Alabama’s MSN curriculum, those courses will be added to your study plan. All DNP students are required to complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program, you need a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from an accredited nursing program and a current, unencumbered RN license. An application completed via NursingCAS must be submitted as part of the preliminary screening for admission. Once your application is complete and verified, you are required to submit a Supplemental Application and provide documentation, including a resume or curriculum vitae, a Professional Goals Statement, and official college and university transcripts from all schools you have attended.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have earned a graduate degree in nursing and wish to add the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialty to your list of credentials, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at the University of South Alabama is an outstanding option. The program admits students in the spring and summer semesters each year.

After reviewing your previous transcripts, a plan of study will be developed to ensure you meet the requirements to sit for national certification. You will be required to complete all WHNP specialty courses and any support courses that were not included in your previous graduate degree program. The school encourages students to secure clinical sites and preceptors. However, the College of Nursing’s administration is available to offer assistance when needed. In most cases, you can complete clinical requirements in your home community. You can also travel to Mobile and complete your clinical requirements through the USA Health System.


Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program requires the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a current RN license with no restrictions. You are required to complete a Primary Application via NursingCAS, followed by a Supplemental Application. Along with your application, you need to submit a professional resume and all post-secondary transcripts from any college or university you attended. A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all graduate-level coursework.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• One of the great aspects of nursing is that there are numerous options for learning and professional growth. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I love finding schools that emphasize the importance of helping nurses broaden their scope of practice. In addition to specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, the University of South Alabama offers the opportunity to choose a subspecialty to enhance your learning. You can choose from subspecialties such as Addictions Nursing Care, Advanced Forensic Nursing, Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and Trauma-Informed Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. Each of these subspecialties would be a great complement to the WHNP specialty.
• Graduates of the University of South Alabama have a consistent record of excellent performance on national certification examinations. Most graduates pass their exams on their first attempt, reflecting the high-quality education and preparation the program provides to its students. National certification exam pass rates are one factor I encourage all potential students to consider when choosing a school because, regardless of how well you perform in the program, you must obtain certification to practice as a WHNP.
• The School of Nursing at the University of South Alabama is committed to your success. As a student in the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program, you will benefit from virtual resources, flexible scheduling, and the support of faculty, staff, and preceptors.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO WHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN ALABAMA?


WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA EXPECT?


Hourly$37.98
Weekly$1,519
Monthly$6,580
Annual$78,990


HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN ALABAMA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$37.98$1,519$6,580$78,990
1-4 Years of Experience$42.97$1,719$7,450$89,380
5-9 Years of Experience$50.73$2,029$8,790$105,510
10-19 Years of Experience$56.49$2,260$9,790$117,500
20 Years or More Experience$67.50$2,700$11,700$140,410


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA?


Hourly$51.62
Weekly$2,065
Monthly$8,950
Annual$107,370


HOW MUCH DO WHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF ALABAMA?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville$54.47$2,179$9,440$113,300
Auburn-Opelika$49.47$1,979$8,570$102,890
Birmingham-Hoover$53.38$2,135$9,250$111,030
Daphne-Fairhope-Foley$52.17$2,087$9,040$108,510
Decatur$50.88$2,035$8,820$105,840
Dothan$48.01$1,921$8,320$99,870
Florence-Muscle Shoals$47.03$1,881$8,150$97,830
Gadsden$51.62$2,065$8,950$107,370
Huntsville$50.63$2,025$8,780$105,300
Mobile$49.68$1,987$8,610$103,330
Montgomery$52.77$2,111$9,150$109,770
Tuscaloosa$50.49$2,019$8,750$105,010



WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. OTHER SALARIES


WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. WHNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Alabama
WHNP Annual Salary
Average National
WHNP Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$107,370$125,390-$18,020-14.37%


WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. WHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


StateAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
California$157,640-$50,270-31.89%
Nevada$145,080-$37,710-25.99%
Washington$141,890-$34,520-24.33%
New Jersey$141,530-$34,160-24.14%
Oregon$141,450-$34,080-24.09%
Massachusetts$140,540-$33,170-23.60%
New York$139,380-$32,010-22.97%
Connecticut$133,680-$26,310-19.68%
New Mexico$133,470-$26,100-19.55%
Minnesota$131,750-$24,380-18.50%
District of Columbia$131,600-$24,230-18.41%
Rhode Island$130,240-$22,870-17.56%
Hawaii$129,410-$22,040-17.03%
Arizona$129,360-$21,990-17.00%
Delaware$127,950-$20,580-16.08%
Iowa$127,660-$20,290-15.89%
New Hampshire$127,590-$20,220-15.85%
Texas$126,870-$19,500-15.37%
Wisconsin$125,230-$17,860-14.26%
Maryland$124,900-$17,530-14.04%
Utah$124,740-$17,370-13.92%
North Dakota$124,680-$17,310-13.88%
Pennsylvania$124,380-$17,010-13.68%
Illinois$123,840-$16,470-13.30%
Alaska$123,130-$15,760-12.80%
Vermont$123,060-$15,690-12.75%
Montana$121,630-$14,260-11.72%
Idaho$121,550-$14,180-11.67%
Oklahoma$121,330-$13,960-11.51%
Wyoming$120,580-$13,210-10.96%
Indiana$120,340-$12,970-10.78%
Maine$119,970-$12,600-10.50%
Ohio$119,910-$12,540-10.46%
Colorado$119,050-$11,680-9.81%
Nebraska$118,740-$11,370-9.58%
North Carolina$118,660-$11,290-9.51%
Georgia$118,230-$10,860-9.19%
South Dakota$118,060-$10,690-9.05%
Virginia$117,950-$10,580-8.97%
Michigan$117,770-$10,400-8.83%
Florida$116,820-$9,450-8.09%
Kansas$116,390-$9,020-7.75%
Louisiana$115,810-$8,440-7.29%
Mississippi$114,660-$7,290-6.36%
South Carolina$114,120-$6,750-5.91%
Missouri$113,860-$6,490-5.70%
West Virginia$110,710-$3,340-3.02%
Arkansas$110,670-$3,300-2.98%
Kentucky$107,710-$340-0.32%
Alabama$107,370$00.00%
Tennessee$101,220+$6,150+6.08%


WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN ALABAMA


Type of NurseAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Nurse Anesthetist$173,370-$66,000-38.07%
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner$107,370$00.00%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary$87,360+$20,010+22.91%
Registered Nurse$71,370+$36,000+50.44%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse$48,320+$59,050+122.21%
Nursing Assistant$31,280+$76,090+243.25%


WHNP SALARY IN ALABAMA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN ALABAMA


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist$179,000-$71,630-40.02%
Podiatrist$129,560-$22,190-17.13%
Pharmacist$126,960-$19,590-15.43%
Optometrist$115,970-$8,600-7.42%
Veterinarian$111,030-$3,660-3.30%
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner$107,370$00.00%
Physical Therapist$96,950+$10,420+10.75%
Physician Assistant$96,210+$11,160+11.60%
Occupational Therapist$94,680+$12,690+13.40%
Audiologist$84,760+$22,610+26.68%
Radiation Therapist$83,580+$23,790+28.46%
Speech-Language Pathologist$75,510+$31,860+42.19%
Chiropractor$72,540+$34,830+48.01%
Dental Hygienist$54,460+$52,910+97.15%



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In Alabama?


S.No.Accrediting Agency
1Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)


2. How Many Accredited WHNP Schools Are There In Alabama?


2


3. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Hour In Alabama?


$51.62


4. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Week In Alabama?


$2,065


5. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Month In Alabama?


$8,950


6. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Year In Alabama?


$107,370


7. What Is The Job Outlook For WHNPs In Alabama?


10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030)
+49.12%


Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).



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