WHNP Programs in North Carolina (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Do you have what it takes to become a women's health nurse practitioner in North Carolina? Since WHNPs see female patients across their lifespans, they must be comfortable interacting with female patients of all ages. As they will be providing a range of services, including well-woman exams, prenatal and postpartum care, and the treatment of diseases, they must be at ease with variety in their daily work. Graduates of WHNP programs in North Carolina earn salaries that average $118,660 a year, and the need for their services will rise by 55 percent over the coming decade. Is this the job that's right for you? Learn more in the list below to the best WHNP programs in North Carolina.
FOLLOWING ARE THE WHNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online WHNP programs in North Carolina.)
1. Duke University School of Nursing - Durham
Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
MSN Program Details: With increased maternal mortality rates and a lack of equitable healthcare resources among certain populations, the need for qualified women’s health providers is at an all-time high. In a world where healthcare disparities persist and women’s health often takes a backseat, nurses can become part of the solution by pursuing a degree and becoming a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Registered Nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing can achieve this goal through the MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program offered at Duke University.
The Women’s Health NP program, which is among the best WHNP programs in North Carolina, prepares students with a deep understanding of gender-specific health needs, perinatal and postpartum care, and reproductive and sexual health. If you’re passionate about advocating for women, leading change in healthcare, and delivering compassionate care, pursuing your degree at Duke University is an excellent opportunity.
At Duke University, the MSN WHNP program is distance-based, combining online coursework with periodic campus-based intensives designed to provide hands-on learning, foster a sense of community, and promote stronger connections with faculty and peers. The program features a 45-credit curriculum. After completing advanced courses in Physiology and Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, and Clinical Pharmacology, you will take specialized courses in women’s health across the lifespan and perinatal care.
High-fidelity simulations in the School of Nursing’s simulation labs are designed to replicate real-world scenarios, allowing you to develop and hone the essential skills that you will need to practice effectively as a WHNP. Each women’s health clinical course has a corresponding clinical practicum, with a total of 672 clinical hours integrated into the curriculum.
MSN Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN Women’s Health NP program at Duke must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or an earned associate’s degree in nursing and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and have current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state where practice will occur.
Applicants are required to submit three professional recommendations, a Personal Statement, a resume or curriculum vitae, and all post-secondary transcripts. Transcripts should show completion of a 3-credit General Statistics or Introductory Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Preferential consideration is given to candidates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Further, although it is not required, it is recommended that applicants have at least one year of nursing experience before applying.
Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Years ago, I taught at a university and worked in a nursing department funded by grants that supported the continuing education efforts of nursing assistants and nurses. Many people referred to our program as a “step-up” program because it was designed to offer opportunities for aides and nurses to gain a higher degree in nursing, allowing them to move up the career ladder. Anyone who knows me will tell you that one of the things I love most about nursing is the endless learning opportunities, and that is one of the many reasons I think the WHNP program in North Carolina at Duke is an excellent choice. Duke University supports continuous learning by offering a Post-Graduate Certificate program for nurses who already have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and who wish to gain specialized knowledge in a new focus area.
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner pathway of the Post-Graduate Certificate program requires students to successfully master the same outcome criteria as students enrolled in the MSN program. However, some didactic courses may be waived pending the results of a formal GAP analysis. Once the GAP analysis is complete, an individualized study plan is developed for each student. All students in the PGC program are required to complete a minimum of 500 supervised, direct patient care clinical hours.
Post-Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: Admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program is available to Registered Nurses who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school, or who possess a master’s degree in another discipline acceptable to the specialty faculty. Candidates must be licensed, or eligible for licensure as a professional nurse in North Carolina or a Compact State.
Prospective students must submit three letters of academic or professional recommendation and participate in a personal interview with the program faculty. Candidates are required to provide all college and university transcripts, and transcripts should reflect the completion of a 3-credit Introductory Statistics or General Statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• The decision to pursue a career as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner is not one to be taken lightly. As a nurse and educator, I encourage prospective students to research programs carefully before committing. It is important to find programs with a strong student support system. For example, at Duke University, you are not just a number or an unknown name on a class roster. As a student in the WHNP program, you will be connected with a personal mentor, a senior student or alum who understands where you are on your academic journey and helps you navigate the program. This kind of support is invaluable, especially in such a demanding graduate program.• Women’s health is not a “one-size-fits-all” specialty. One of the things I like about the WHNP program at Duke University is that it embraces diversity and emphasizes culturally competent care for women and girls of all ages.
• Because the school is known for its high-quality education and well-prepared nurses, graduates of the Duke University WHNP program are highly sought after. The school reports excellent job placement rates, with many students receiving job offers while still enrolled! Graduates work in top hospitals and clinics, academic institutions, and public health organizations. Many go on to become nurse educators, researchers, and clinical directors. So, if you are interested in a WHNP in North Carolina that has a history of student/graduate success, Duke University is an awesome choice!
HOW MUCH DO WHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN NORTH CAROLINA?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EXPECT?
| Hourly | $41.97 |
| Weekly | $1,679 |
| Monthly | $7,280 |
| Annual | $87,300 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF WHNP PROGRAMS IN NORTH CAROLINA EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $41.97 | $1,679 | $7,280 | $87,300 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $47.49 | $1,900 | $8,230 | $98,780 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $56.06 | $2,242 | $9,720 | $116,600 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $62.43 | $2,497 | $10,820 | $129,850 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $74.61 | $2,984 | $12,930 | $155,180 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA?
| Hourly | $57.05 |
| Weekly | $2,282 |
| Monthly | $9,890 |
| Annual | $118,660 |
HOW MUCH DO WHNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF NORTH CAROLINA?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Asheville | $54.09 | $2,164 | $9,380 | $112,510 |
| Burlington | $55.93 | $2,237 | $9,690 | $116,330 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $57.85 | $2,314 | $10,030 | $120,330 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $60.41 | $2,417 | $10,470 | $125,660 |
| Fayetteville | $52.56 | $2,102 | $9,110 | $109,320 |
| Goldsboro | $48.52 | $1,941 | $8,410 | $100,920 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $56.57 | $2,263 | $9,810 | $117,670 |
| Greenville | $53.61 | $2,144 | $9,290 | $111,510 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $54.80 | $2,192 | $9,500 | $113,980 |
| Jacksonville | $56.65 | $2,266 | $9,820 | $117,840 |
| New Bern | $50.79 | $2,032 | $8,800 | $105,650 |
| Raleigh | $57.22 | $2,289 | $9,920 | $119,020 |
| Rocky Mount | $51.60 | $2,064 | $8,940 | $107,320 |
| Wilmington | $53.67 | $2,147 | $9,300 | $111,630 |
| Winston-Salem | $62.20 | $2,488 | $10,780 | $129,370 |
WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER SALARIES
WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. WHNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average North Carolina WHNP Annual Salary | Average National WHNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $118,660 | $125,390 | -$6,730 | -5.37% |
WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. WHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $157,640 | -$38,980 | -24.73% |
| Nevada | $145,080 | -$26,420 | -18.21% |
| Washington | $141,890 | -$23,230 | -16.37% |
| New Jersey | $141,530 | -$22,870 | -16.16% |
| Oregon | $141,450 | -$22,790 | -16.11% |
| Massachusetts | $140,540 | -$21,880 | -15.57% |
| New York | $139,380 | -$20,720 | -14.87% |
| Connecticut | $133,680 | -$15,020 | -11.24% |
| New Mexico | $133,470 | -$14,810 | -11.10% |
| Minnesota | $131,750 | -$13,090 | -9.94% |
| District of Columbia | $131,600 | -$12,940 | -9.83% |
| Rhode Island | $130,240 | -$11,580 | -8.89% |
| Hawaii | $129,410 | -$10,750 | -8.31% |
| Arizona | $129,360 | -$10,700 | -8.27% |
| Delaware | $127,950 | -$9,290 | -7.26% |
| Iowa | $127,660 | -$9,000 | -7.05% |
| New Hampshire | $127,590 | -$8,930 | -7.00% |
| Texas | $126,870 | -$8,210 | -6.47% |
| Wisconsin | $125,230 | -$6,570 | -5.25% |
| Maryland | $124,900 | -$6,240 | -5.00% |
| Utah | $124,740 | -$6,080 | -4.87% |
| North Dakota | $124,680 | -$6,020 | -4.83% |
| Pennsylvania | $124,380 | -$5,720 | -4.60% |
| Illinois | $123,840 | -$5,180 | -4.18% |
| Alaska | $123,130 | -$4,470 | -3.63% |
| Vermont | $123,060 | -$4,400 | -3.58% |
| Montana | $121,630 | -$2,970 | -2.44% |
| Idaho | $121,550 | -$2,890 | -2.38% |
| Oklahoma | $121,330 | -$2,670 | -2.20% |
| Wyoming | $120,580 | -$1,920 | -1.59% |
| Indiana | $120,340 | -$1,680 | -1.40% |
| Maine | $119,970 | -$1,310 | -1.09% |
| Ohio | $119,910 | -$1,250 | -1.04% |
| Colorado | $119,050 | -$390 | -0.33% |
| Nebraska | $118,740 | -$80 | -0.07% |
| North Carolina | $118,660 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Georgia | $118,230 | +$430 | +0.36% |
| South Dakota | $118,060 | +$600 | +0.51% |
| Virginia | $117,950 | +$710 | +0.60% |
| Michigan | $117,770 | +$890 | +0.76% |
| Florida | $116,820 | +$1,840 | +1.58% |
| Kansas | $116,390 | +$2,270 | +1.95% |
| Louisiana | $115,810 | +$2,850 | +2.46% |
| Mississippi | $114,660 | +$4,000 | +3.49% |
| South Carolina | $114,120 | +$4,540 | +3.98% |
| Missouri | $113,860 | +$4,800 | +4.22% |
| West Virginia | $110,710 | +$7,950 | +7.18% |
| Arkansas | $110,670 | +$7,990 | +7.22% |
| Kentucky | $107,710 | +$10,950 | +10.17% |
| Alabama | $107,370 | +$11,290 | +10.52% |
| Tennessee | $101,220 | +$17,440 | +17.23% |
WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Anesthetist | $222,560 | -$103,900 | -46.68% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $118,660 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $82,530 | +$36,130 | +43.78% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $76,970 | +$41,690 | +54.16% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,760 | +$60,900 | +105.44% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,340 | +$83,320 | +235.77% |
WHNP SALARY IN NORTH CAROLINA VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $207,300 | -$88,640 | -42.76% |
| Dentist | $204,980 | -$86,320 | -42.11% |
| Optometrist | $171,170 | -$52,510 | -30.68% |
| Pharmacist | $134,600 | -$15,940 | -11.84% |
| Veterinarian | $126,700 | -$8,040 | -6.35% |
| Physician Assistant | $123,860 | -$5,200 | -4.20% |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $118,660 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Radiation Therapist | $104,100 | +$14,560 | +13.99% |
| Physical Therapist | $95,150 | +$23,510 | +24.71% |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,510 | +$30,150 | +34.06% |
| Chiropractor | $85,320 | +$33,340 | +39.08% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $84,650 | +$34,010 | +40.18% |
| Audiologist | $83,920 | +$34,740 | +41.40% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,780 | +$35,880 | +43.34% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In North Carolina?
| 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 North Carolina?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Hour In North Carolina?
| $57.05 |
4. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Week In North Carolina?
| $2,282 |
5. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Month In North Carolina?
| $9,890 |
6. On Average, How Much Does A Women’s Health NP Make Per Year In North Carolina?
| $118,660 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For WHNPs In North Carolina?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| +55.49% |
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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