WHNP Programs in Louisiana (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
With its rapidly expanding employment market and high compensation packages, Louisiana is a good state for nurses who are thinking about the women's health nurse practitioner specialty. Graduates of WHNP programs in Louisiana make an average salary of $115,810, and the need for these skilled professionals is growing so quickly that in one decade, it will be 44 percent higher than it is today. As a women's health nurse practitioner in the Bayou State, you'll be providing healthcare to women that focuses on gynecological and reproductive issues. You'll work in a range of practice settings from private physicians' offices to community clinics. Our guide to the best WHNP programs in Louisiana can provide you with more information.
FOLLOWING ARE THE WHNP PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online WHNP programs in Louisiana.)
1. Northwestern State University of Louisiana - Natchitoches
Programs Offered: MSN
MSN Program Details: Northwestern State University of Louisiana has been a pioneer in nursing education since its founding in 1884. Among its many accomplishments, the school was the first in the state to offer a master’s degree in nursing science. If you are a registered nurse with dreams of becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, NSU has an excellent program worth considering.
As a nurse from the Pelican State, I am excited to share information about the MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program offered at NSU. The program, one of the top WHNP programs in Louisiana, prepares students to manage a wide range of women’s health conditions, including chronic disease management, reproductive health services, and preventive care. At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, you will learn from faculty who are both engaged and expert clinicians, scholars, and researchers. Faculty and preceptors bring real-world experience and insight to the classroom, helping you connect theory to practice as you learn to navigate the complexities of women’s health and prepare to become an independent Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
The program admits new students annually in the fall. Students progress through the program as part of a cohort. The hybrid learning format combines online coursework with occasional campus visits and direct care clinical practicums. The program's flexibility makes it an excellent option for students who need to balance their studies with work, family, or other commitments. Full-time students complete the program in two years. Part-time students typically take three years to graduate, including two summers.
The MSN WHNP program requires the completion of 42 credits. The curriculum combines foundational knowledge in advanced nursing practice and specialized training in women’s health. MSN core courses, which focus on pharmacotherapeutics, pathophysiology, and nursing theory, are complemented by role-specific and clinical courses related to the WHNP role. In this program, you will take courses, including Informatics for Nursing Practice, Deviations & Abnormal OB/GYN, Family Dynamics, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Primary Care.
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, incorporating 720 hours of clinical training. Clinical placements are facilitated by program faculty in collaboration with local healthcare facilities and preceptors. Clinical experiences are distributed across several healthcare settings, including OB/GYN practices, community health centers, maternal-fetal medicine medical centers, family planning clinics, gynecologic oncology practices, and hospital-based women’s health departments.
The program’s focus on community engagement aligns with the mission of nursing to “Promote health, prevent illness, and alleviate suffering.” Whether you decide to work in a rural clinic, a major health center, or a community health program, at NSU, you will garner the education and clinical experience you need to provide culturally competent, high-quality women’s health services that address the social determinants of health and advocate for health equity for all women, regardless of their backgrounds, identity, or income.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in employment opportunities for nurse practitioners, including WHNPs, between 2024 and 2034, which is significantly higher than the average for other occupations. Upon completion of the Women’s Health NP program at Northwestern State University, you will be well-positioned to meet the demand for WHNPs. Program graduates are prepared to work in diverse settings, including obstetric and gynecological practices, public health centers, family planning clinics, academia, and research institutions.
MSN Admission Requirements: Registered Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and at least one year of full-time work experience as a nurse are eligible to apply for admission to the MSN program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Candidates must first be accepted to NSU’s Graduate School. Applicants are required to submit two professional letters of recommendation (one from a former faculty member and one from an immediate supervisor), a copy of their current American Heart Association BLS, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. An undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 credit hours completed, is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The Master of Science in Nursing program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana was established in 1972. The program came as an addition to the already successful undergraduate nursing programs offered at the school. The program is led by nationally respected faculty and offers diverse clinical opportunities, along with an unwavering commitment to students, patients, and the nursing profession.• One thing I have always been passionate about is providing underserved and vulnerable populations with access to quality healthcare services. Northwestern State University of Louisiana shares the same passion and emphasizes care for patients in vulnerable and underserved areas. Students in the program participate in clinical training in rural communities, providing care to low-income women and girls and those with limited access to reproductive health services.
• The WHNP program in Louisiana at NSU prepares students to sit for the NCC certification to become a certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The program has an excellent success rate, as reflected by a 100% pass rate among first-time testers. High certification exam pass rates are indicative of a strong program that prepares students for success.
• As a nurse educator, I am frequently asked what potential students should look for when selecting a nursing program. While there are many things to consider, one of the most important factors is the type of support students receive. At Northwestern State University of Louisiana, students in the WHNP program receive personalized academic advising, mentorship in professional and leadership development, and coordination of clinical placements. This level of support enables you to focus on your studies with confidence, knowing you have the necessary support to succeed.
• Northwestern State University has been recognized as a Military Friendly School for over 10 years. The school is committed to offering military members and their families opportunities to pursue nursing degrees.
• Earning a degree and becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner is a major career/life decision. Something I encourage prospective students to look for is schools with high rankings and a good reputation for providing a quality program. For example, Northwestern State University of Louisiana is highly ranked by several reputable sources, including Victory Media, Learn.org, U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes!
HOW MUCH DO WHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN LOUISIANA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $40.96 |
| Weekly | $1,638 |
| Monthly | $7,100 |
| Annual | $85,200 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN LOUISIANA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $40.96 | $1,638 | $7,100 | $85,200 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $46.35 | $1,854 | $8,030 | $96,400 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $54.71 | $2,188 | $9,480 | $113,800 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $60.93 | $2,437 | $10,560 | $126,730 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $72.81 | $2,913 | $12,620 | $151,450 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA?
| Hourly | $55.68 |
| Weekly | $2,227 |
| Monthly | $9,650 |
| Annual | $115,810 |
HOW MUCH DO WHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF LOUISIANA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Alexandria | $50.63 | $2,025 | $8,780 | $105,310 |
| Baton Rouge | $56.46 | $2,258 | $9,790 | $117,430 |
| Hammond | $57.00 | $2,280 | $9,880 | $118,570 |
| Houma-Thibodaux | $61.92 | $2,477 | $10,730 | $128,800 |
| Lafayette | $57.98 | $2,319 | $10,050 | $120,590 |
| Lake Charles | $55.11 | $2,204 | $9,550 | $114,630 |
| Monroe | $53.59 | $2,144 | $9,290 | $111,470 |
| New Orleans-Metairie | $55.94 | $2,238 | $9,700 | $116,360 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City | $56.60 | $2,264 | $9,810 | $117,730 |
WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER SALARIES
WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. WHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Louisiana WHNP Annual Salary | Average National WHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $115,810 | $125,390 | -$9,580 | -7.64% |
WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. WHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $157,640 | -$41,830 | -26.54% |
| Nevada | $145,080 | -$29,270 | -20.18% |
| Washington | $141,890 | -$26,080 | -18.38% |
| New Jersey | $141,530 | -$25,720 | -18.17% |
| Oregon | $141,450 | -$25,640 | -18.13% |
| Massachusetts | $140,540 | -$24,730 | -17.60% |
| New York | $139,380 | -$23,570 | -16.91% |
| Connecticut | $133,680 | -$17,870 | -13.37% |
| New Mexico | $133,470 | -$17,660 | -13.23% |
| Minnesota | $131,750 | -$15,940 | -12.10% |
| District of Columbia | $131,600 | -$15,790 | -12.00% |
| Rhode Island | $130,240 | -$14,430 | -11.08% |
| Hawaii | $129,410 | -$13,600 | -10.51% |
| Arizona | $129,360 | -$13,550 | -10.47% |
| Delaware | $127,950 | -$12,140 | -9.49% |
| Iowa | $127,660 | -$11,850 | -9.28% |
| New Hampshire | $127,590 | -$11,780 | -9.23% |
| Texas | $126,870 | -$11,060 | -8.72% |
| Wisconsin | $125,230 | -$9,420 | -7.52% |
| Maryland | $124,900 | -$9,090 | -7.28% |
| Utah | $124,740 | -$8,930 | -7.16% |
| North Dakota | $124,680 | -$8,870 | -7.11% |
| Pennsylvania | $124,380 | -$8,570 | -6.89% |
| Illinois | $123,840 | -$8,030 | -6.48% |
| Alaska | $123,130 | -$7,320 | -5.94% |
| Vermont | $123,060 | -$7,250 | -5.89% |
| Montana | $121,630 | -$5,820 | -4.79% |
| Idaho | $121,550 | -$5,740 | -4.72% |
| Oklahoma | $121,330 | -$5,520 | -4.55% |
| Wyoming | $120,580 | -$4,770 | -3.96% |
| Indiana | $120,340 | -$4,530 | -3.76% |
| Maine | $119,970 | -$4,160 | -3.47% |
| Ohio | $119,910 | -$4,100 | -3.42% |
| Colorado | $119,050 | -$3,240 | -2.72% |
| Nebraska | $118,740 | -$2,930 | -2.47% |
| North Carolina | $118,660 | -$2,850 | -2.40% |
| Georgia | $118,230 | -$2,420 | -2.05% |
| South Dakota | $118,060 | -$2,250 | -1.91% |
| Virginia | $117,950 | -$2,140 | -1.81% |
| Michigan | $117,770 | -$1,960 | -1.66% |
| Florida | $116,820 | -$1,010 | -0.86% |
| Kansas | $116,390 | -$580 | -0.50% |
| Louisiana | $115,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Mississippi | $114,660 | +$1,150 | +1.00% |
| South Carolina | $114,120 | +$1,690 | +1.48% |
| Missouri | $113,860 | +$1,950 | +1.71% |
| West Virginia | $110,710 | +$5,100 | +4.61% |
| Arkansas | $110,670 | +$5,140 | +4.64% |
| Kentucky | $107,710 | +$8,100 | +7.52% |
| Alabama | $107,370 | +$8,440 | +7.86% |
| Tennessee | $101,220 | +$14,590 | +14.41% |
WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN LOUISIANA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $218,770 | -$102,960 | -47.06% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $115,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $80,760 | +$35,050 | +43.40% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $78,780 | +$37,030 | +47.00% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $51,700 | +$64,110 | +124.00% |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,420 | +$85,390 | +280.70% |
WHNP SALARY IN LOUISIANA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN LOUISIANA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $170,450 | -$54,640 | -32.06% |
| Dentist | $164,340 | -$48,530 | -29.53% |
| Optometrist | $131,460 | -$15,650 | -11.90% |
| Pharmacist | $124,770 | -$8,960 | -7.18% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,280 | -$7,470 | -6.06% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $115,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | $115,450 | +$360 | +0.31% |
| Physical Therapist | $97,830 | +$17,980 | +18.38% |
| Occupational Therapist | $93,110 | +$22,700 | +24.38% |
| Radiation Therapist | $88,510 | +$27,300 | +30.84% |
| Chiropractor | $79,800 | +$36,010 | +45.13% |
| Dental Hygienist | $78,980 | +$36,830 | +46.63% |
| Audiologist | $75,210 | +$40,600 | +53.98% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $74,390 | +$41,420 | +55.68% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In Louisiana?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited WHNP Schools Are There In Louisiana?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Hour In Louisiana?
| $55.68 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Week In Louisiana?
| $2,227 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Month In Louisiana?
| $9,650 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Year In Louisiana?
| $115,810 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For WHNPs In Louisiana?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +43.62% |
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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