WHNP Programs in Washington (Online & Campus) – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

FOLLOWING ARE THE WHNP PROGRAMS IN WASHINGTON (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026

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

1. Seattle University - Seattle

Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Doctoral Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP Women's Health Nurse Practitioner program at Seattle University is a three-year, full-time program designed for baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurses. The program is designed in a campus-based format with didactic instruction based at the university’s First Hill campus. Seattle University currently operates on a quarter system with new classes for the BSN-to-DNP program typically beginning each summer quarter.

This BSN-to-DNP WHNP program in Washington is a three-year, full-time pathway. The curriculum requires 114-118 total credits and comprises a sequence of graduate nursing, advanced practice, WHNP specialty, and doctoral courses. The BSN-to-DNP curriculum begins with a graduate nursing and doctoral foundation before moving into advanced WHNP practice. This coursework establishes the scientific, analytical, organizational, and systems-level foundation expected of a doctorally-prepared advanced practice nurse. The WHNP specialty sequence begins in the second year of the program and continues through program completion. During this period, you will complete theory related to intrapartum and postpartum care of women and newborn care.

Some of the courses you will take include Management of Postpartum and Newborn Care, Management of Gynecologic & Reproductive Health, Midwifery & Women’s Health History & Professional Issues, and Management of Complex Gynecologic & Reproductive Healthcare Issues. The advanced practice coursework is paired with DNP internship and project coursework, preparing you with clinical expertise while also applying doctoral-level skills to practice improvement and healthcare systems.

All DNP students are required to complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. At Seattle University, students in the BSN-to-DNP WHNP program complete 600 advanced practice clinical hours relevant to the women’s health NP specialty and 400 hours associated with the DNP Project.

Seattle University is responsible for coordinating the advanced practice clinical placements for its DNP students. The university states that placements are coordinated by the Track Lead Faculty and the Senior Clinical Placement Coordinator. The university uses a one-to-one preceptor model for the advanced practice years.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Seattle University, you must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and a copy of a current Washington state RN license without restrictions or the ability to obtain a Washington state RN license if you live in another state. Preference is given to candidates with at least two years of work experience as a Registered Nurse. You must complete and submit a graduate admission application and provide a professional resume, a letter of intent, two letters of recommendation (one from an academic source), and transcripts from all post-secondary schools you attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. Additionally, you must have proof of completion of an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better, completed within the last 10 years. You may be asked to interview with program faculty before receiving an official offer of admission.

Post-Doctoral Certificate Program Details: The Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Post-Doctoral Certificate is designed for nurses who already hold a doctoral degree and want to add WHNP preparation and certification eligibility to their existing education. The program prepares graduates to provide holistic, patient-centered primary and specialized care to women and individuals across the gender spectrum from adolescence through the adult lifespan. The program admits students twice each year in the summer and fall.

Classes and lab simulations are conducted in person on campus, and clinical practicum assignments are completed at a variety of healthcare settings dedicated to women’s healthcare needs. The Post-Doctoral Certificate program can take up to three years and 60 credits to complete. However, a GAP analysis is conducted for each student upon admission to evaluate prior education and professional experience. Once the GAP analysis is complete, a personalized study plan is developed based on your individual needs.

The program includes 600 direct patient care clinical hours, distributed across four clinical practicum courses. The Track Lead Faculty and Senior Clinical Placement Coordinator arrange clinical assignments and identify qualified preceptors to ensure you have adequate and appropriate clinical experiences.

Post-Doctoral Certificate Admission Requirements: Prospective students desiring admission to the Post-Doctoral Certificate program at Seattle University must hold a doctorate in nursing and have a current, unrestricted RN license and APRN license. You are required to submit an admission application, a letter of intent, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and copies of all college/university transcripts. A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. You may be asked to participate in an admission interview. Candidates with at least two years of experience as a Registered Nurse are preferred.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Seattle University's location in Seattle's First Hill medical district is an important feature to consider. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is located close to major medical centers, an area described as a dense healthcare environment. As a student in the WHNP program, you will benefit from the university's relationships with a variety of clinical agencies and communities.
• One of the things I love about nursing education is how advanced technology enables us to teach students in settings that mimic real-life scenarios through simulation. As a student in the WHNP program at Seattle University, you will have access to learning opportunities in the university’s 20,000-square-foot Clinical Performance Lab at Swedish Cherry Hill Medical Center, located a few blocks from the main Seattle University campus. The lab includes simulation suites, skills areas, and teaching spaces. For DNP nurse practitioner students, the university provides standardized patient opportunities in a simulated six-room outpatient clinic, allowing students to practice advanced assessment and diagnostic skills with trained actors and receive realistic feedback.
• Seattle University has a broad clinical partnership network across Washington state, ensuring high-quality, diverse clinical experiences. The clinical network includes hundreds of healthcare agencies, facilities, and communities in the Seattle area. Listed partners include Country Doctor Community Health Centers, EvergreenHealth, Harborview Medical Center, International Community Health Services, Kaiser Permanente, NeighborCare Health, Swedish Medical Center, The Everett Clinic, UW Medical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care, Valley Medical Center, and Virginia Mason Medical Center. Seattle University’s reputation for providing such a high-quality nursing program is one of the reasons it is able to maintain its many clinical partnerships and why it is considered one of the best WHNP programs in Washington.
• Seattle University believes cost should never keep you from pursuing your dream of pursuing your degree. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences awards scholarships and financial aid to graduate students each year based on both financial need and demonstrated academic performance. Financial aid counselors are available to help identify available resources for which you may be eligible.

VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits WHNP Programs In Washington?

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 Washington?

1

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

$71.40

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

$2,856

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

$12,380

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

$148,510

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

10-Year Job Outlook (2022-2032)

+45.06%

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