Women’s Health NP MSN

Prepare to deliver exceptional, inclusive care with Duke’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner MSN.

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is 32.9 per 100,000 women, with African American women facing a rate 2.6 times higher. These alarming figures underscore the need for skilled and compassionate women’s health nurse practitioners to develop and implement effective solutions that lead to better patient outcomes.

Duke University School of Nursing offers one of the top Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) MSN programs in the country. Through an expertly crafted blend of distance-based learning and hands-on clinical training, we’re shaping future generations of women’s health specialists to deliver exceptional primary, reproductive and sexual health care for people of diverse cultural backgrounds and gender identities.

As a student in our women’s health MSN program, you’ll join a close-knit and supportive community of diverse peers and dedicated faculty committed to advancing inclusive and culturally competent women’s health care. You’ll also learn from practicing nurse practitioners who are passionate about your success, empowering you with skills and confidence to achieve great things in the classroom and beyond.

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Kathy Trotter, a Duke University School of Nursing faculty member smiles and touches a woman's shoulder.

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Best Nursing Schools Master's

Combining foundational knowledge with specialty information essential for the unique health needs of women. The comprehensive program incorporates reproductive and sexual healthcare for people, including all gender identities.

Women’s Health NP Post-Graduate Certificate

For students who already have a master’s from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline, we also offer a Women’s Health NP Post-Graduate Certificate. This program allows you to build on your expertise with specialized skills and knowledge, advancing your career potential.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Highlights

Duke University’s online MSN programs are ranked #4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and for good reason. From our expert faculty and rigorous courses to our dedication to furthering health equity, we offer a rich learning experience that equips you with sought-after expertise for a rewarding and impactful career:

A Duke University School of Nursing Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner student raises her hand and looks thoughtful among other students in a large classroom setting.

Hybrid learning format:
Our women’s MSN health program offers a distance-based format, allowing you to learn at your own pace while managing your work and personal commitments. Our dedicated clinical placement team will work with you to locate one of our 2,000+ global clinical partners that aligns with your interests and geographic convenience. Additionally, immersive on-campus experiences are available at our Center for Nursing Discovery lab and simulation centers.

Kathy Trotter, a Duke University School of Nursing faculty member, leans over a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner student, smiles and guides the student on a technical skill.

Personalized mentorship:
At Duke School of Nursing, you’re not just a number. Our women’s health program connects you with a personalized mentor — a senior student or alumnus who understands your journey. They’ll be your source of support and expertise, helping you navigate your program and achieve your goals.

A female Duke University School of Nursing MSN student in a classroom setting smiling broadly.

World-class curriculum:
We’ve designed our women’s health MSN program to prepare you to step into your career with the confidence and competency to provide the best care possible for your patients. We offer in-patient rotations to provide you with a wide variety of experiences in in-patient OB triage and postpartum treatment, as well as pre-op and post-op rounds. We’re also one of the only programs in the country to offer Centering Group Facilitation Workshop Certification, which can help you stand out from other women’s health specialists.

Duke University School of Nursing faculty sit with many students in a group for MSN WH intensives.

What Can You Do With a Women’s Health NP MSN?

Our women’s health program requires the least number of credits compared to other nursing schools — all without sacrificing valuable hands-on learning experiences. This means that you will graduate and enter your career as a women’s health specialist sooner.

More than half of WHNP graduates work in general OB-GYN settings after graduation, while others thrive in specialty clinical environments. Other graduates find specialty roles in settings such as:

  • Fertility clinics
  • Breast and gynecology oncology
  • Integrative women’s health care clinics
  • Maternal-fetal medicine
  • Student health clinics
  • Substance use disorder centers
  • Inpatient perinatal facilities
  • Planned Parenthood
  • Urogynecology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses to grow up to 38% by 2032, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. While exact figures vary depending on location, experience, practice specialty and other factors, the BLS reports a median annual salary of $129,480 for APRNs, with the highest 10% earning more than $211,820.

Explore More MSN Program Outcomes

Meet Our MSN Faculty

Our internationally renowned AGACNP faculty foster a supportive learning environment that prioritizes your academic and professional success. They bring their real-world experience as nurse practitioners into the classroom, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field.

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Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Thomas Blodgett
PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Christina Leonard
APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL
Assistant Professor
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Shari Rushton, DNP, MSN, MS, RN, CCM
Shari Rushton
DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN
Margaret (Midge) Bowers
DNP, FNP-BC,CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, FACC
Professor
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Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC
Devon Noonan
PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Kathleen Turner
DNP, RN
Associate Professor
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Tonia Poteat
Tonia Poteat
PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA
Professor
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Jamie Lord
Jamison (Jamie) Lord
DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor
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Lisa S. Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Lisa Lewis
EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Associate Professor
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Schenita D. Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, CNE
Schenita Randolph
PhD, MPH, RN
Associate Professor
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Kara McGee
Kara McGee
DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS
Associate Professor
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Mitchell Knisely
PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Marissa Abram
Marissa Abram
PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
Assistant Professor
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Desi Newberry
Desi Newberry
DNP, NNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Trotter
DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Kathryn Kreider
Kathryn Kreider
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Professor
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Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Jennie De Gagne
PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Professor
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Malinda Teague
DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Assistant Professor
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Alison Edie
Alison Edie
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Anne L. Derouin, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP
Anne Derouin
DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF
Professor
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AnnMarie L Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
AnnMarie Walton
PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN
Term Chair for the Dorothy L. Powell Professorship, Associate Professor
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Stephanie Ibemere
Stephanie Ibemere
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Marilyn Oermann
PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN
Thelma M. Ingles Distinguished Professor of Nursing
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Michael E. Zychowicz
Michael Zychowicz
DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON
Professor
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Mary L. Affronti, DNP,  MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Professor
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Deirdre K. Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ
Deirdre Thornlow
PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE
Associate Professor
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Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, FNP-BC
Blanca Iris Padilla
PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Sean P Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Sean Convoy
DNP, PMHNP-BC
Associate Professor
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Sophia Smith
Sophia Smith
PhD, MSW, FAOSW
Associate Professor
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Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN
Ryan Shaw
PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Debbie Travers
Debra (Debbie) Travers
PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA
Associate Consulting Professor
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Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, RN, ACNP‐BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE
Benjamin Smallheer
PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Allison Stafford, PhD, RN
Allison Stafford
PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
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Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Amie Koch
DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN
Associate Professor
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Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh
Margaret (Peggy) Bush
PhD, MBA, RPh
Professor
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Michael Cary
Michael Cary
PhD, RN
Associate Professor
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Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Maryellen Kelly
DNP, CPNP, MHSc
Assistant Professor
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Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Karin Reuter-Rice
PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Jacquelyn M McMillian-Bohler, PhD, MSN, BSN, CNM, CNE
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler
PhD, CNM, CNE
Assistant Professor
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Carolina (Callie) Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Carolina Tennyson
DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC
Assistant Professor
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Rémi Hueckel
DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN
Staci Reynolds
PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN
Professor
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Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Tara Albrecht
PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN
Associate Professor
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Kais Gadhoumi, PhD
Kais Gadhoumi
PhD
Assistant Professor
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Valerie Sabol
PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN
Professor
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Cristina C. Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Cristina Hendrix
DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN
Associate Professor
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Elaine D. Kauschinger, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC
Elaine Kauschinger
PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP
Assistant Professor
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Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC
Ragan Johnson
DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP
Associate Professor
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Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA
Michelle Webb
DNP, RN, CHPCA
Assistant Professor
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Brandon Knettel
Brandon Knettel
PhD
Assistant Professor

The Duke Difference

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MSN Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853.


We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.

Student Testimonials

Student Testimonials

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students

As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.

Learn More About Financial Aid & Scholarships
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