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.
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online WHNP programs in Alabama.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Hourly | $37.98 |
| Weekly | $1,519 |
| Monthly | $6,580 |
| Annual | $78,990 |
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 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 |
| Hourly | $51.62 |
| Weekly | $2,065 |
| Monthly | $8,950 |
| Annual | $107,370 |
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 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 |
| Average Alabama WHNP Annual Salary | Average National WHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $107,370 | $125,390 | -$18,020 | -14.37% |
| State | Average 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 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Tennessee | $101,220 | +$6,150 | +6.08% |
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $173,370 | -$66,000 | -38.07% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $107,370 | $0 | 0.00% |
| 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% |
| Job Title | Average 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 | $0 | 0.00% |
| 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% |
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
| 2 |
| $51.62 |
| $2,065 |
| $8,950 |
| $107,370 |
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +49.12% |


Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA