Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The Women's Health specialty track prepares graduates for challenging careers as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners. Coursework, extensive precepted clinical experience and utilization of evidence-based practice allow our students to acquire the knowledge, values and skills necessary for certification as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners by the National Certification Corporation (NCC).

The curriculum is designed to facilitate the student’s achievement of the competencies of the “The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: Guidelines for Practice and Education.” Our nurse practitioner specialty meets the curriculum guidelines of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

At the heart of our master’s program are active, collaborative relationships between the College of Nursing faculty and community-based primary care agencies as well as The Ohio State University Medical Center’s teaching hospitals. As part of the country’s most comprehensive health sciences center, our students benefit from access to cutting-edge research and knowledge, a diverse selection of elective courses and interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Our central location, class schedules, and preceptors throughout Ohio accommodate both part-time and full-time students.

Lucia Jenkusky
Director, Women's Health Specialty Track

Message from the Director

The WHNP specialty track prepares students to provide quality primary and specialty healthcare to women of all ages including non-judgmental, respectful and culturally appropriate sexual and reproductive healthcare to all individuals (NPWH, 2018). 

Faculty

Lucia Jenkusky
DNP, APRN-CNM, C-EFM, FACNM
jenkusky.3@osu.edu
Emily Neiman
MS, APRN-CNM, C-EFM, FACNM
neiman.3@osu.edu
Laura Valle
DNP, APRN-CNM, NCMP, C-EFM
valle.40@osu.edu

Available Degree Programs

This specialty can be completed on campus through the following programs:

Skills

Our graduates enter the workforce with the skills and competencies to: 

  • Assume an advanced practice role as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Put theory and evidence into practice with women and their families 
  • Design, implement and evaluate healthcare strategies for selected populations 
  • Utilize leadership skills and ethical principles to effect positive change in policies at the local, regional and national level
  • Engage in evidence-based practice by identifying clinical problems, evaluating current research and providing care within the context of preceptor clinical expertise and patient preference
  • Adapt professionally to the constantly changing healthcare environment
  • Contribute to the advancement of the profession

Curriculum

  • Nursing 7281 Advanced Reproductive Dynamics
  • Nursing 7260 Concepts and Issues in Advanced Family Nursing
  • Nursing 7298.01 Advanced Practice Nursing: Women’s Health Clinical Practicum I
  • Nursing 7298.02 Advanced Practice Nursing: Women’s Health Clinical Practicum II
  • Nursing 7298.03 Advanced Practice Nursing: Women’s Health Clinical Practicum III

 

Specialty Content and Clinical Experience

Our specialty provides precepted clinical experience in a wide variety of geographic locations and clinical sites. Students may be required to travel up to three hours within the State of Ohio to complete the clinical requirement. All travel is at the expense of the student. Clinical experience at a minimum of 16 to 24 hours per week throughout the clinical sequence provides students with opportunities to achieve the competencies of the specialty. In addition, clinical skills laboratories, presentations by faculty on selected topics, student-led case studies, and occasional guest speakers are included in the curriculum. Student performance is evaluated through a variety of methods, including scholarly papers, in-class and take-home quizzes, and examinations, worksheets, and precepted clinical practice.

All WHNP students are required to publicly present at an in-state professional conference to a professional conference during their last clinical year. This may require travel expenses.

FAQs

Leisa Boakye-Dankwah
Leisa Boakye-Dankwah, graduate

"As a graduate, I was provided with exceptional education, guidance and opportunities that prepared me for my career as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The College of Nursing’s dynamic approach enhanced my learning and made me feel comfortable as a student."