4 Best WHNP Programs in Ohio (Online & Campus) – 2026


Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA


FOLLOWING ARE THE 4 BEST WHNP PROGRAMS IN OHIO (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 4 best campus-based and online WHNP programs in Ohio.)


1. The Ohio State University - Columbus


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, Post-Master’s Study, and Graduate Entry MSN


MSN Program Details: Are you a Registered Nurse interested in taking your career to a new level and specializing in women’s health? Have you thought of earning a master’s degree and specializing as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner? If so, The Ohio State University has a program that could be what you’re looking for.

At OSU, the Master of Science in Nursing Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program will prepare you to provide holistic, patient-focused care for women from puberty through adulthood, including comprehensive sexual and reproductive and gynecologic healthcare, managing complex and common conditions, and supporting patients through menopause and healthy aging. The Traditional MSN WHNP pathway features a 58-credit curriculum and requires a minimum of 600 clinical hours.


MSN Admission Requirements: Candidates for admission to the MSN program at the Ohio State University must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited institution and have an active RN license. You may apply to the Traditional Master of Science in nursing while the bachelor’s degree is still in progress, but you must complete the degree and have an active RN license by August 1 before enrolling in the master’s program. All candidates must complete an online application and submit a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Purpose and Goals Statement, a recorded online interview, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last degree earned is required.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The Ohio State University offers a post-baccalaureate program for RNs seeking doctoral preparation with a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner specialization, as well. This BSN-to-DNP program is one of the best WHNP programs in Ohio. The program takes three to four years to complete, depending on whether you pursue your degree part-time or full-time.

The program is campus-based, with face-to-face lectures led by faculty and interaction with your cohort. This DNP pathway requires the completion of 82 credits and over 1,000 clinical hours. Clinicals are earned through both direct patient care (675 hours) and immersion hours (337.5 hours).

One aspect of this BSN-to-DNP WHNP program that is appealing is that you will earn a Master of Science in Nursing midway through the program, at which time you become eligible to sit for your APRN certification exam. You will then continue to follow the curriculum plan to complete DNP competencies and earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA) and an active, unencumbered RN license. You are required to submit an application through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions along with an application fee. Additionally, you must provide a resume or CV, a Purpose and Goals Statement, three letters of recommendation, a recorded online interview, and official transcripts from each college or university you attended. While a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, candidates with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission.

Post-Master’s Study Program Details: The Post-Master’s Study WHNP program at The Ohio State University is designed for RNs who wish to pursue advanced specialty certification or add a second specialty certification in women’s health. The program admits students each fall.

Upon admission, you will work with your faculty advisor to develop a personalized study plan that meets the requirements for certification. The plan will be based on a GAP analysis of your previous transcripts. You will complete any OSU coursework not covered in your previous graduate program, as well as the required WHNP courses and precepted clinical experiences. The length of the program varies among students, depending on each person’s individualized curriculum plan.


Post-Master’s Study Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Post-Master’s Study program at The Ohio State University, you must hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA, have an active, unrestricted RN license, and be currently certified as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. (Applicants who are in the process of completing their MSN and/or APRN certification may apply, but must earn the degree and obtain APRN certification before the August 1 program enrollment date.) Candidates for this program must complete an online application and submit a recorded online interview, two letters of recommendation, a Purpose and Goals Statement, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and all college transcripts. A minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Graduate Entry MSN Program Details: The Graduate Entry MSN program creates a pathway for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to transition to a nursing career by earning a Master of Science in Nursing without first earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program combines pre-licensure nursing education with advanced specialty preparation. Most prelicensure courses are taught on campus, as they have both lab and clinical components. Specialty nursing courses, which are taught post-licensure, are offered on campus or online.

The first five semesters of the program are dedicated to prelicensure coursework and clinicals. During this period, you will focus on clinical knowledge, leadership development, and patient care. After the prelicensure portion of the program is complete, you will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to obtain your RN license. You will then continue in the MSN specialty coursework aligned with the Women’s Health NP role. The Graduate Entry MSN WHNP pathway requires 101 total credits.


Graduate Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the Graduate Entry MSN program, you must hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. You are required to submit an online application, a current resume or curriculum vitae, a Purpose and Goals Statement, a recorded online interview, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from each post-secondary school you attended, showing a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The Ohio State University is recognized as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. This recognition means you can feel confident that the education you receive at OSU will be high-quality and prepare you for advanced practice as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.
• As a student in the Women’s Health NP program at The Ohio State University, you will have learning opportunities in the school’s state-of-the-art science facilities. The Technology Learning Complex combines specialty laboratory features with virtual reality capability. You will use human patient simulators to perform nursing assessments and employ critical thinking skills, as well as other simulation scenarios, designed to prepare you for your clinical practicum experiences.
• The Ohio State University WHNP programs have outstanding student outcomes. Among students who complete the program, most pass national certification exams on their first attempt, and nearly 100% report being employed in the Women’s Health NP role within six months of the program’s completion.


2. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati


Programs Offered: MSN


MSN Program Details: If you are searching for a program that offers advanced clinical training focused based on patient-centered women’s health care, the WHNP program in Ohio at the University of Cincinnati could be the perfect program for you. The program admits students in the fall and spring semesters each year. Part-time and full-time schedules are available, and the program can be completed in as few as two years. Flexible online coursework is combined with on-campus immersions and in-person practicum experiences.

The MSN Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program requires the completion of 49 credits and 672 clinical hours. The curriculum includes classes such as Primary Care of Episodic Illness in Women, Integration & Professional Issues for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, Advanced Reproductive Dynamics, and Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology. A three-day on-campus immersion is required of all students during the Advanced Health Assessment course. This immersion experience is designed to help you develop clinical skills and demonstrate competency before transitioning to clinical practicum assignments.


MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at the University of Cincinnati, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing conferred from a regionally and ACEN- or CCNE-accredited institution, a current, unencumbered RN license with no disciplinary action, and at least one year of RN experience in the United States, with previous women’s health experience strongly preferred. You are required to submit an application via NursingCAS. Additionally, you must provide three letters of recommendation, a professional Goals Statement, a resume, and transcripts from all colleges and universities you previously attended. An overall BSN grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is recommended for all candidates. A science GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Additionally, you must have proof of completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a 2.0 average or higher.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The WHNP program at the University of Cincinnati is taught by faculty certified in women’s health and nurse-midwifery, with years of collective clinical experience. Each faculty member offers their own individual perspective and insight to the program, passing along knowledge and skills, while mentoring with true dedication to student success.
• As a nurse educator, I cannot stress the importance of having strong student support from faculty and staff in your nursing program. One of the things I like about the WHNP program at the University of Cincinnati is that you have access to an excellent team of student advisors, faculty, and coordinators who prioritize your success in the program and beyond. From the time you submit your application, the Enrollment Services Advisor will partner with you to make sure you have all the needed documentation you need to make it through the application process smoothly. The Student Success Coordinator will help you prepare for classes and stay on track. Your Clinical Site Coordinator will guide you through practicum and clinical requirements. Faculty and other support staff are also available, as needed, to make certain you have access to the resources you need.
• The University of Cincinnati has high student satisfaction scores, which is an important factor for prospective students to consider when choosing a school. Among current and former students surveyed, some of the areas of highest satisfaction include student support, faculty experience, and diverse clinical opportunities.


3. Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate


MSN Program Details: Case Western Reserve University offers one of the best Master of Science in Nursing WHNP programs in Ohio. The program can be completed in as little as one year if you enroll full-time. However, part-time options are available if you require a slower pace or more variable scheduling. New classes are admitted each spring. While most coursework is delivered online, limited trips to campus are required to complete simulated learning and skills assessments.

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is a 38-credit pathway. You will take classes, including Gynecologic, Reproductive, & Sexual Health Care, Psychosocial & Spiritual Dimensions of Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, and The Childbearing Family. The program includes a minimum of 600 clinical hours. Faculty and students collaborate to identify clinical sites and qualified preceptors, making sure you have the type of practicum experiences necessary to prepare you to practice as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner with confidence.


MSN Admission Requirements: Admission to the MSN program at Case Western Reserve University is open to candidates who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program and have an active RN license in Ohio. You are required to submit three professional recommendations, an admission essay, a resume or curriculum vitae, and official transcripts from your BSN degree, as well as all previously attended post-secondary institutions. All applicants are required to interview with program faculty for admission.

Post Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have previously earned a master’s or doctorate in nursing and want to add a Women’s Health NP certification to your credentials, the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Case Western Reserve University offers a clear pathway to achieve your goals. The program offers an individualized curriculum plan based on a GAP analysis of your previous coursework and completion of clinical hours. The foundation of your study plan draws from the MSN major requirements, including advanced practice core and population-specific management, along with 600 clinical practicum hours in the WHNP specialty.


Post Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Graduate Certificate program at Case Western Reserve University, you need a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing and an active, unrestricted RN license in the state of Ohio. You must submit an admission essay, a curriculum vitae or resume, the names and email addresses of three recommenders, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. Finally, an interview with program faculty is required before an offer of admission is extended to any applicant.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• As a student in the WHNP program at Case Western Reserve University, you will have a broad range of clinical opportunities to help develop your skills and build confidence as you prepare for your future role as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. A few examples of settings where you will participate in clinicals include OB/GYN practices, public health departments, hospital outpatient clinics, federally-funded health centers, and private practices.
• One of the things I love about nursing and the healthcare industry is that there is no end to the possibilities for learning and expanding one's scope of practice. As a nurse educator, I encourage nurses at all levels of experience to adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Nursing students should seize every opportunity to learn as much as possible. One advantage of the WHNP program at Case Western Reserve University is that you are not limited to only one specialty. In fact, the school offers a dual certification opportunity for students who wish to combine the WHNP and Nurse-Midwifery specialties.
• The decision to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner is not one to be taken lightly. Knowing you have a good support system is essential. At Case Western Reserve University, from the time you are admitted, through completion of the program, you will have a dedicated advisor who will be with you through each step of the program. Your advisor will work to ensure you have all the resources and tools needed to succeed in the program.


4. Kent State University - Kent


Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate


MSN Program Details: The WHNP program in Ohio, offered at Kent State University, is available with both part-time and full-time curriculum plans, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree. Full-time students complete the program in two years, while part-time students typically take three to four years.

The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program will prepare you with the theoretical and clinical experience to provide primary care to women of all ages, including health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Coursework is entirely online, providing greater scheduling flexibility for busy professionals. The program features a 30-credit curriculum plan. The study plan includes MSN core courses such as Pathophysiology for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Pharmacology for the APRN, and Advanced Health Assessment. Additionally, you will complete four Women’s Health NP clinical courses, each of which has a corresponding clinical practicum. A total of 600 clinical hours is required to complete the MSN WHNP program.


MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN program at Kent State University, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where clinical coursework will be completed. Along with your application, you need to submit three professional letters of reference from healthcare professionals, including a supervisor and/or an advanced practice nurse who can speak to your professional qualifications, a curriculum vitae, an admission essay, and transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you previously attended. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale is required.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse with a BSN and you want to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at the highest level of clinical practice, the BSN-to-DNP WHNP program at Kent State University is a great option. The program admits students twice each year, in the fall and spring semesters.

Your plan of study includes two years of advanced practice role fundamentals and two years of advanced clinical and organizational leadership. The BSN-to-DNP WHNP program requires 68 total credits. After completing the first two years of the program (34 credits), you will receive your Master of Science in Nursing degree and be eligible to sit for national certification. The next two years will be dedicated to your DNP coursework. During this time, you will complete the remaining 34 credits, DNP clinical hours, and a DNP Scholarly Project.


BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where clinicals will be completed. You are required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae, an essay describing your professional goals and reasons for seeking a professional doctorate in nursing, three letters of recommendation from healthcare providers or academic faculty, and official transcripts from all colleges and universities. Your transcripts must reflect a minimum overall 3.0 GPA and show completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level Statistics course with a minimum grade of “C.” Lastly, a pre-admission interview is required of all candidates before an official admission offer is granted.

Post-Master's Certificate Program Details: Kent State University’s Post-Master’s Certificate WHNP program serves as a pathway for nurses with a graduate degree in nursing to obtain the academic instruction and clinical experiences needed to pursue certification as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The program features 100% online coursework accompanied by clinicals completed in or near your hometown.

The Post-Master’s Certificate program admits students in the spring each year and takes five semesters, including one summer, to complete. The program features a 30-credit curriculum plan that includes 600 clinical hours. However, a GAP analysis is conducted for each student upon admission to determine whether a personalized study plan is indicated to meet the certification criteria.


Post-Master's Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Post-Master’s Certificate program, you must have earned a master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing from an accredited nursing program and have an active, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state where you will complete the clinical requirements of the program. You need to submit a curriculum vitae, an admission essay, and transcripts from all previous graduate coursework. Your transcripts must reflect a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0. Additionally, you need to submit syllabi of all courses to be considered for transfer in the GAP analysis.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• For a time, I worked with student recruitment and retention staff at one of the colleges where I taught. One of the concerns many prospective students raised was the cost of college and how they would pay for their degrees. Kent State University understands that concern and strives to make education affordable for all its students. The WHNP programs offer a low tuition rate of $536 per credit hour for all students, no matter where you live. There are also grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible.
• Kent State University is well-known for preparing highly qualified practitioners who are sought after by employers. Many WHNP program graduates are offered jobs before graduating (pending certification), and others report being employed within just a few months of graduating.
• Kent State University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in its Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs category. To be considered for inclusion on the U.S. News list, schools are evaluated on a variety of factors, including faculty credentials, technologies, services, and student involvement.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



HOW MUCH DO WHNP GRADUATES MAKE IN OHIO?


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


Hourly$42.56
Weekly$1,703
Monthly$7,380
Annual$88,530


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


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Entry-Level$42.56 $1,703 $7,380 $88,530
1-4 Years of Experience$49.56 $1,982 $8,590 $103,080
5-9 Years of Experience$55.57 $2,223 $9,630 $115,580
10-19 Years of Experience$65.82 $2,633 $11,410 $136,900
20 Years or More Experience$73.26 $2,930 $12,700 $152,380


WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WHNP SALARY IN OHIO?


Hourly$57.67
Weekly$2,307
Monthly$10,000
Annual$119,950


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


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Akron$58.25 $2,330 $10,100 $121,150
Canton-Massillon$56.51 $2,261 $9,800 $117,550
Cincinnati$58.35 $2,334 $10,110 $121,370
Cleveland$60.05 $2,402 $10,410 $124,900
Columbus$56.97 $2,279 $9,880 $118,500
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek$54.53 $2,181 $9,450 $113,420
Lima$56.22 $2,249 $9,750 $116,940
Mansfield$55.04 $2,202 $9,540 $114,480
Sandusky$56.26 $2,251 $9,750 $117,030
Springfield$58.38 $2,335 $10,120 $121,430
Toledo$55.25 $2,210 $9,580 $114,930
Youngstown-Warren$56.44 $2,258 $9,780 $117,390



WHNP SALARY IN OHIO VS. OTHER SALARIES


WHNP SALARY IN OHIO VS. WHNP SALARY IN THE NATION


Average Ohio
WHNP Annual Salary
Average National
WHNP Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
$119,950 $133,990 -$14,040-10.48%


WHNP SALARY IN OHIO VS. WHNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES


StateAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
California$172,500 -$52,550-30.46%
Oregon$152,020 -$32,070-21.10%
New Jersey$152,000 -$32,050-21.09%
New York$150,190 -$30,240-20.13%
Massachusetts$148,650 -$28,700-19.31%
Washington$148,510 -$28,560-19.23%
Alaska$145,530 -$25,580-17.58%
District of Columbia$142,940 -$22,990-16.08%
New Mexico$140,050 -$20,100-14.35%
Rhode Island$139,700 -$19,750-14.14%
Hawaii$139,460 -$19,510-13.99%
Connecticut$138,910 -$18,960-13.65%
Arizona$137,210 -$17,260-12.58%
Vermont$136,040 -$16,090-11.83%
New Hampshire$134,740 -$14,790-10.98%
Nevada$134,100 -$14,150-10.55%
Utah$133,760 -$13,810-10.32%
Iowa$133,640 -$13,690-10.24%
Minnesota$132,610 -$12,660-9.55%
Montana$132,030 -$12,080-9.15%
Wisconsin$131,900 -$11,950-9.06%
Maine$130,970 -$11,020-8.41%
Oklahoma$130,960 -$11,010-8.41%
Idaho$130,200 -$10,250-7.87%
Maryland$130,140 -$10,190-7.83%
Delaware$129,700 -$9,750-7.52%
Michigan$129,590 -$9,640-7.44%
Wyoming$129,480 -$9,530-7.36%
Colorado$129,340 -$9,390-7.26%
Pennsylvania$128,890 -$8,940-6.94%
Nebraska$128,530 -$8,580-6.68%
Texas$128,250 -$8,300-6.47%
Missouri$127,810 -$7,860-6.15%
Illinois$127,780 -$7,830-6.13%
North Carolina$127,720 -$7,770-6.08%
Florida$127,270 -$7,320-5.75%
Arkansas$127,120 -$7,170-5.64%
Virginia$125,950 -$6,000-4.76%
Georgia$125,690 -$5,740-4.57%
Kansas$124,860 -$4,910-3.93%
West Virginia$123,720 -$3,770-3.05%
Louisiana$123,580 -$3,630-2.94%
Indiana$123,550 -$3,600-2.91%
North Dakota$123,320 -$3,370-2.73%
Mississippi$122,320 -$2,370-1.94%
South Dakota$122,140 -$2,190-1.79%
Kentucky$122,000 -$2,050-1.68%
South Carolina$121,180 -$1,230-1.02%
Ohio$119,950 $00.00%
Tennessee$112,730 +$7,220+6.40%
Alabama$108,290 +$11,660+10.77%


WHNP SALARY IN OHIO VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN OHIO


Type of NurseAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Nurse Anesthetist$236,830-$116,880-49.35%
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner$119,950$00.00%
Registered Nurse$87,730+$32,220+36.73%
Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Postsecondary$73,110+$46,840+64.07%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse$62,020+$57,930+93.41%
Nursing Assistant$40,520+$79,430+196.03%


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


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Dentist180,440-$60,490-33.52%
Podiatrist146,070-$26,120-17.88%
Physician Assistant136,560-$16,610-12.16%
Optometrist133,960-$14,010-10.46%
Pharmacist132,420-$12,470-9.42%
Veterinarian129,890-$9,940-7.65%
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner$119,950$00.00%
Physical Therapist102,740+$17,210+16.75%
Radiation Therapist102,160+$17,790+17.41%
Occupational Therapist97,390+$22,560+23.16%
Speech-Language Pathologist93,140+$26,810+28.78%
Dental Hygienist89,900+$30,050+33.43%
Chiropractor86,340+$33,610+38.93%
Audiologist82,540+$37,410+45.32%



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In Ohio?


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 Ohio?


4


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


$57.67


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


$2,307


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


$10,000


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


$119,950


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


10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032)
+42.56%


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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