WHNP Programs in Missouri (Online & Campus) – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
FOLLOWING ARE THE WHNP PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online WHNP programs in Missouri.)
1. University of Missouri-Kansas City - Kansas City
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MSN Program Details: Throughout my nursing career, I have worked with nurses from all walks of life specializing in diverse fields. One of the many things I love about nursing is that it offers so many career path options. If you are a registered nurse seeking a route to advanced practice and you have a genuine desire to work in women’s health, becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner could be a great option.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers four pathways for RNs seeking the best WHNP programs in Missouri. The MSN program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses seeking a master’s degree and specialization in women’s health. The program admits new cohorts each spring and summer semester.
The program features an online/hybrid distance education format, making it a great option for working professionals who need flexibility. Courses may be delivered synchronously or asynchronously, depending on your professor’s preference and the class you are taking. You must attend a two- to three-day campus-based intensive once per semester during clinical courses. Additionally, clinical institutes are conducted by Zoom.
The MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program is a 47-credit pathway. The curriculum includes classes such as Ethics in Advanced Practice & Research, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice, and Cultural Diversity & Values. The program includes at least 783 clinical hours and 90 lab hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at the University of Missouri-KC, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN or CCNE and have a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. The application is a two-step process requiring applicants to submit both a UMKC application and a program application through NursingCAS. A minimum of two years of full-time nursing experience within the past three years is preferred.
Additional documentation you must submit for evaluation includes three evaluation forms, a Personal Statement of Professional Goals, and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you previously attended. A cumulative grade point average or GPA from your last 60 hours of BSN coursework of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. You must complete a free-standing undergraduate health assessment course and a graduate-level statistics course, each with a grade of “B” or better. (If you have not completed these courses already, you are permitted to complete them once you are admitted to the program.)
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City allows RNs with a bachelor’s degree to pursue the highest clinical nursing degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, while specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Coursework is primarily online with occasional synchronous class or chat times. On-campus intensives occur once each semester and include guest-speaker lectures, skills labs, and exams.
The program offers a 75-credit curriculum plan comprised of 55 credits of core nurse practitioner courses and 20 credits related to the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. (The University of Missouri-KC is currently revising its BSN-to-DNP curriculum. Any changes are projected to become effective beginning with the Spring 2027 cohort.) All DNP students must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program and hold a current, unrestricted RN license with authority to practice in the state where clinicals will be completed.
When applying, you must submit individual applications to UMKC and NursingCAS. You also need to provide three letters of recommendation, a Goals Statement, a resume or CV, and transcripts from any post-secondary school you previously attended. Candidates with at least two years of full-time equivalent clinical experience within the previous three years are preferred.
MSN-to-DNP Program Details: Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing can earn a terminal nursing degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice and specialize as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner through the University of Missouri-KC MSN-to-DNP program. You can enroll full-time and complete the program in two years, or enroll part-time and follow a three-year study plan. The program features synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, on-campus intensives each semester, and specialty-focused clinicals.
The MSN-to-DNP Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program features a 31-credit curriculum. In addition to classes like Healthcare Outcomes & Epidemiology, Healthcare Economics & Quality, and Application of Evidence-Based Practice, your study plan features advanced practice courses designed specifically for women’s health providers. The program has 600 clinical/project hours embedded in the study plan. Upon admission, a review of your master’s program clinical hours will be conducted to determine whether you need additional hours to meet the DNP competencies outlined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The AACN recommends a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised post-baccalaureate clinical hours.
MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be admitted to the MSN-to-DNP program at UMKC, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree and an active, unrestricted RN license. While candidates with at least two years of relevant work experience are preferred, lacking two years of experience is not a deal-breaker for admission.
You must complete applications via NursingCAS and UMKC. You must also submit a Statement of Professional Goals, letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. You must have a minimum college GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing and wish to add a new certification without earning another degree, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a great option. Admission occurs three times each year in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.
The Post-Master’s WHNP Certificate program features a 19-credit curriculum plan. However, based on your previous coursework, you may need additional courses to meet eligibility requirements to take the national certification exam. Upon admission, academic advisors will conduct a GAP analysis to determine whether your plan of study needs adjustments. All students in the PMC WHNP program complete at least 783.75 clinical hours.
Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you need a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program, a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed, and preferably, two years of relevant work experience. All candidates must complete a UMKC admission application and a program application via NursingCAS. You must also submit a current resume reflecting all your work experience as an RN, three evaluation forms (recommendations), a Personal Statement of Goals, and transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. Your transcripts should reflect a college GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The University of Missouri – Kansas City has an outstanding history of providing high-quality nursing education opportunities. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the school in several categories, including #19 in the nation for Doctor of Nursing Practice and #33 for online graduate nursing programs.• At UMKC, the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program includes strong preparation for the National WHNP certification exam. According to the school, nearly 100% of program graduates pass the exam on their first attempt.
• If you want to earn a graduate degree and specialize as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner but worry about the cost, the University of Missouri-KC can help. The school offers grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, all WHNP students pay the in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they live.
• As a student in the WHNP program at the University of Missouri- Kansas City, you will have dedicated faculty and advisors who work with you through each step of the program.
2. University of Missouri-St. Louis - St. Louis
Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers another of the top WHNP programs in Missouri. The BSN-to-DNP pathway is available part-time or full-time. Admission occurs yearly in the fall semester.
The BSN-to-DNP program offers online coursework complemented by occasional immersive educational experiences on campus. This post-baccalaureate DNP in Women’s Health NP studies features a 70-credit curriculum. The study plan comprises courses in foundational concepts, clinical expertise, integration of practice, and emphasis area. Some of the classes you will take include Diagnosis & Management Foundations in Women’s Health, Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice, Epidemiology, and Health Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Clinical practicums are arranged collaboratively with program faculty and, when possible, occur in or near your hometown. You must complete at least 1,000 post-bachelor’s clinical hours to earn the DNP degree. Your clinical hours will include direct patient care and indirect care through the completion of a Clinical Scholarship Project.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: UMSL uses a holistic approach to vet and choose candidates for its BSN-to-DNP program. To be considered, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally accredited nursing program and a current license to practice as a registered nurse. The College of Nursing participates in the NursingCAS online application system. In addition to two letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and an admission essay, you must provide transcripts from each post-secondary school you have attended. Your transcripts must reflect a cumulative nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher and show completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: The University of Missouri- St. Louis also provides an option for nurses who have already earned a graduate degree to obtain a Post-Graduate Certificate, specializing in Women’s Health. The time it takes to complete the Post-Graduate Certificate program varies, depending on your previous coursework. On average, part-time students complete the program in 12-24 months. Admission occurs each fall.
Students in the Post-Graduate Certificate program must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework. The program also requires at least 600 practicum hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at UMSL, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from a nationally accredited nursing program and a current professional nursing license. Candidates must apply through Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Once NursingCAS receives and verifies your application and all supplemental documentation, the university will use that information to make admission decisions.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• When it comes to pursuing your education, finding a program that fits with your goals is important. At the University of Missouri- St. Louis, you can complete classes on campus, fully online, or in the evenings and on weekends. The program features 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-week course offerings. The program’s adjustable scheduling gives you more freedom to keep up with personal responsibilities.• Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate WHNP programs at the University of Missouri- St. Louis perform exceptionally well on national certification exams. The program is designed to meet the requirements to take the Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner national certification exam administered by the National Certification Corporation.
• The University of Missouri- St. Louis School of Nursing has a history of offering women’s health-focused nursing education as far back as early 1987. The school is committed to continuing a legacy of preparing highly qualified women’s health nurse practitioners, making it an excellent choice if you are seeking a WHNP program in Missouri.
• When you pursue your degree at UMSL, you will learn from nationally renowned faculty who are actively involved in clinical practice and nursing research. Faculty members have gained their academic preparation at some of the highest-ranking universities in the U.S. Each faculty member is an expert in their field.
• At UMSL, online learning does not mean you are left to fend for yourself or without support. Upon admission, you will be matched with a faculty advisor who will work with you from admission through graduation, ensuring you have the resources and support you need to succeed in this program and in your career after graduation.
• The University of Missouri- St. Louis has a solid history of preparing highly qualified professional nurses. The school is dedicated to preparing students to implement new standards of care and deliver holistic patient care, even in challenging circumstances. You will graduate prepared to bridge cultural differences, lead healthcare teams to achieve better patient and organizational outcomes, and utilize the most up-to-date technology to ensure accuracy and precision in all aspects of patient care.
HOW MUCH DO WHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN MISSOURI?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI EXPECT?
| Hourly | $45.36 |
| Weekly | $1,814 |
| Monthly | $7,860 |
| Annual | $94,340 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN MISSOURI EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $45.36 | $1,814 | $7,860 | $94,340 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $52.80 | $2,112 | $9,150 | $109,830 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $59.21 | $2,368 | $10,260 | $123,160 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $70.13 | $2,805 | $12,160 | $145,870 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $78.06 | $3,122 | $13,530 | $162,360 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI?
| Hourly | $61.45 |
| Weekly | $2,458 |
| Monthly | $10,650 |
| Annual | $127,810 |
HOW MUCH DO WHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF MISSOURI?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Cape Girardeau | $59.71 | $2,388 | $10,350 | $124,200 |
| Columbia | $58.22 | $2,329 | $10,090 | $121,090 |
| Jefferson City | $58.55 | $2,342 | $10,150 | $121,790 |
| Joplin | $60.51 | $2,421 | $10,490 | $125,870 |
| Kansas City | $61.00 | $2,440 | $10,570 | $126,880 |
| St. Joseph | $63.03 | $2,521 | $10,930 | $131,100 |
| St. Louis | $63.60 | $2,544 | $11,020 | $132,280 |
| Springfield | $58.13 | $2,325 | $10,080 | $120,900 |
WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI VS. OTHER SALARIES
WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI VS. WHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Missouri WHNP Annual Salary | Average National WHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $127,810 | $133,990 | -$6,180 | -4.61% |
WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI VS. WHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $172,500 | -$44,690 | -25.91% |
| Oregon | $152,020 | -$24,210 | -15.93% |
| New Jersey | $152,000 | -$24,190 | -15.91% |
| New York | $150,190 | -$22,380 | -14.90% |
| Massachusetts | $148,650 | -$20,840 | -14.02% |
| Washington | $148,510 | -$20,700 | -13.94% |
| Alaska | $145,530 | -$17,720 | -12.18% |
| District of Columbia | $142,940 | -$15,130 | -10.58% |
| New Mexico | $140,050 | -$12,240 | -8.74% |
| Rhode Island | $139,700 | -$11,890 | -8.51% |
| Hawaii | $139,460 | -$11,650 | -8.35% |
| Connecticut | $138,910 | -$11,100 | -7.99% |
| Arizona | $137,210 | -$9,400 | -6.85% |
| Vermont | $136,040 | -$8,230 | -6.05% |
| New Hampshire | $134,740 | -$6,930 | -5.14% |
| Nevada | $134,100 | -$6,290 | -4.69% |
| Utah | $133,760 | -$5,950 | -4.45% |
| Iowa | $133,640 | -$5,830 | -4.36% |
| Minnesota | $132,610 | -$4,800 | -3.62% |
| Montana | $132,030 | -$4,220 | -3.20% |
| Wisconsin | $131,900 | -$4,090 | -3.10% |
| Maine | $130,970 | -$3,160 | -2.41% |
| Oklahoma | $130,960 | -$3,150 | -2.41% |
| Idaho | $130,200 | -$2,390 | -1.84% |
| Maryland | $130,140 | -$2,330 | -1.79% |
| Delaware | $129,700 | -$1,890 | -1.46% |
| Michigan | $129,590 | -$1,780 | -1.37% |
| Wyoming | $129,480 | -$1,670 | -1.29% |
| Colorado | $129,340 | -$1,530 | -1.18% |
| Pennsylvania | $128,890 | -$1,080 | -0.84% |
| Nebraska | $128,530 | -$720 | -0.56% |
| Texas | $128,250 | -$440 | -0.34% |
| Missouri | $127,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Illinois | $127,780 | +$30 | +0.02% |
| North Carolina | $127,720 | +$90 | +0.07% |
| Florida | $127,270 | +$540 | +0.42% |
| Arkansas | $127,120 | +$690 | +0.54% |
| Virginia | $125,950 | +$1,860 | +1.48% |
| Georgia | $125,690 | +$2,120 | +1.69% |
| Kansas | $124,860 | +$2,950 | +2.36% |
| West Virginia | $123,720 | +$4,090 | +3.31% |
| Louisiana | $123,580 | +$4,230 | +3.42% |
| Indiana | $123,550 | +$4,260 | +3.45% |
| North Dakota | $123,320 | +$4,490 | +3.64% |
| Mississippi | $122,320 | +$5,490 | +4.49% |
| South Dakota | $122,140 | +$5,670 | +4.64% |
| Kentucky | $122,000 | +$5,810 | +4.76% |
| South Carolina | $121,180 | +$6,630 | +5.47% |
| Ohio | $119,950 | +$7,860 | +6.55% |
| Tennessee | $112,730 | +$15,080 | +13.38% |
| Alabama | $108,290 | +$19,520 | +18.03% |
WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN MISSOURI
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $271,780 | -$143,970 | -52.97% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $127,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $85,900 | +$41,910 | +48.79% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary | $80,930 | +$46,880 | +57.93% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $62,410 | +$65,400 | +104.79% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,410 | +$89,400 | +232.75% |
WHNP SALARY IN MISSOURI VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN MISSOURI
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | 241,580 | -$113,770 | -47.09% |
| Podiatrist | 154,280 | -$26,470 | -17.16% |
| Physician Assistant | 137,710 | -$9,900 | -7.19% |
| Pharmacist | 137,030 | -$9,220 | -6.73% |
| Optometrist | 133,680 | -$5,870 | -4.39% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $127,810 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Veterinarian | 125,720 | +$2,090 | +1.66% |
| Radiation Therapist | 99,520 | +$28,290 | +28.43% |
| Physical Therapist | 98,700 | +$29,110 | +29.49% |
| Audiologist | 96,080 | +$31,730 | +33.02% |
| Occupational Therapist | 95,200 | +$32,610 | +34.25% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 89,040 | +$38,770 | +43.54% |
| Dental Hygienist | 88,430 | +$39,380 | +44.53% |
| Chiropractor | 86,830 | +$40,980 | +47.20% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In Missouri?
| 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 Missouri?
| 2 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Hour In Missouri?
| $61.45 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Week In Missouri?
| $2,458 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Month In Missouri?
| $10,650 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Year In Missouri?
| $127,810 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For WHNPs In Missouri?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
| +41.89% |
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a seasoned nurse, educator, and healthcare writer whose career spans nearly three decades of clinical practice, academic instruction, curriculum development, and student mentorship. Based in Louisiana, Darby has always sought to bring the warmth, resilience, and cultural richness of her home state into every aspect of her work—whether teaching future nurses, supporting families through vulnerable moments, guiding students toward success on the NCLEX, or providing insight about top nursing programs and tips for success.
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