Steps to Specializing as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) nursing programs prepare students to provide primary health care to women throughout their lives. This nursing specialty program consists of in-depth theory, pathophysiology, research application, drug therapy, and critical thinking skills based on clinical studies. Prospective nursing students are expected to meet the requirements of the nursing program, including a comprehensive understanding of gynecological and reproductive health. Prospective students should look for accredited nursing programs that meet the guidelines for women's health nursing education established by the Association of Women's Health, Midwifery and Neonatal Nurses and the National Organization of Women's Health Nurse Practitioners. Prospective nursing students should conduct adequate research to determine whether the institution has achieved accreditation through the National Association of Nurse Practitioners. Most women's health nurse nursing programs require approximately thirty-nine credit hours and can be completed over the course of one calendar year if applied full-time. Prospective nursing students must obtain credentials through a traditional LPN program, a bridged LPN-RN program, or an RN program. All students considering a nursing specialty and who have previously earned their credentials through online nursing programs should gain the necessary clinical experience by volunteering or enrolling in an internship. Without on-the-job training, most nursing graduates will have difficulty qualifying for desirable nursing jobs straight out of nursing school. Therefore, it is important to pursue a nursing career as a women's health nurse specialist... middle of the paper... candidate's total compensation, such as family oriented nurse practitioners, adult women's practices, women's health and wellness specialists, nurse practitioners pediatric medicine, geriatrics and other specialist disciplines. Some nurse practitioners may overlap with employment in neonatal clinics and psychology-based settings. Nurse practitioners have the authority to prescribe medications in most states in the United States. Depending on the hiring agency, women's health nurse practitioners may enjoy some benefits, including convenient nursing job scheduling, daycare costs, healthcare costs, tuition reimbursement, and other bonuses. The overall job outlook for nursing opportunities continues to remain promising as overall salaries are expected to increase in the years to come. A nurse can really benefit those who wish to travel and see various parts of the United States.