Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Online Program

Women’s Health NP Program Overview

A Woman's Health Nurse Practitioner examines a pregnant patient

Kent State’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NP) program will prepare you to provide the highest level of primary nursing care for women involving health promotion and disease prevention. 

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) students gain competency in advanced nursing management of common acute and chronic conditions.

You will learn how to practice directly or in collaboration with other health professional to provide continuity of health care and to maximize the effectiveness of community and health care system services. You will also learn clinical judgment and primary care skills through faculty mentorship and clinical preceptors in a variety of ambulatory care settings and specialty clinics.

In this role, you may be employed in medical centers, physician's offices, free clinics, Planned Parenthood clinics, administration, and education.

Why Kent State? We offer you:

  • Expert faculty. Students receive faculty mentorship and advising from nationally certified advanced practice nurses, as well as active researchers with decades of experience.
  • Excellent online courses. Classes are held 100% online and delivered by expert nurses via leading edge instructional technology.
  • Maximum flexibility. Choose the path that is best for you – MSN or DNP (or certificate for graduate-degree holding nurses). Start in the fall or spring semester and complete the program full or part-time.
  • Affordability. The program costs only $536 per credit hour, no matter where you live.*  (+ $12/credit hour for online classes and $10/credit hour online program fee for online programs.)   
  • Credibility. Kent State’s graduate program is recognized by employers and universities around the world for its excellence.
  • Hands-on learning. Students complete 600 clinical practicum hours in the state in which they reside with qualified preceptors in a wide variety of settings.

Meet the Faculty

Learn more about the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner course instructors:

Photo of Eldy Lazaroff

Eldy Lazaroff
DNP, RN, CNP-BC
Coordinator

Proudly CCNE Accredited

CCNE Accredited

The MSN, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN certificates at Kent State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education†. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence

NLN Center of Excellence Seal

Kent State University is a three-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022, 2022-2026). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.

Program Outcomes

MSN & Post-graduate Certificates

Graduates will be able to:

  • Acquire educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
  • Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
  • Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Graduates will be able to:

  • Develop systems and strategies to promote health and fiscal outcomes across the healthcare continuum.
  • Provide expert, advanced nursing care to select populations within a variety of settings based on evidence, ethics, theory, professional standards and models of care.
  • Provide leadership and interdisciplinary consultation and collaboration to plan, implement and evaluate programs of care delivery to improve health outcomes.
  • Synthesize and translate evidence for implementation and dissemination to improve healthcare outcomes

* This program is only offered in select states. See the Admissions section for more information.

† The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Admission to the Women’s Health NP Program

We invite you to apply if you meet the criteria for the degree in which you are interested:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Bachelor's and/or graduate degree from an accredited registered nursing program1 for unconditional admission
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate/graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale2 for unconditional admission
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade.
  • Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which clinical coursework will be completed.
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Essay (2-3 pages) describing reasons for seeking the master's degree in the identified specialty and professional goals.
  • Three letters of reference from a health care professional or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities.
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 78 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 55 PTE score

Admission to the M.S.N. degree is a selective process. In the selection process for applicants, program faculty will consider years of registered nurse experience, professional experience relevant to the specific M.S.N. concentration and evidence of scholarship and involvement in the nursing profession as indicated on the applicant's résumé, along with GPA. Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing's Clinical Compliance Policy. For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website. 

  1. Applicants with an RN license and a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field will be considered based on faculty review of a portfolio submitted with the application.

  2. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission according to the University's Graduate Student Admission Policy.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Bachelor's degree in nursing1 or master's degree in advanced practice nursing2 that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing for unconditional admission
  • Minimum overall 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
  • Completion of an undergraduate- or graduate-level statistics course with a minimum C grade
  • Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which the student's practica will be completed
  • GRE scores, no more than five years old (Effective spring 2019, GRE scores will only be required for post-Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants)
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae that demonstrates professional experience in nursing
  • Essay (300 words) describing professional goals and reasons for seeking the professional practice doctorate
  • Three letters of reference from health care professionals or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities
  • Pre-admission interview
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 78 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 55 PTE score

Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing's Clinical Compliance Policy. For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

  1. Upon admission to the D.N.P. degree, students who hold only a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited bachelor's degree in nursing will be admitted also to the M.S.N. degree. This will allow students to complete M.S.N. coursework and enroll in some D.N.P. coursework after successfully completing their first two full-time semesters of graduate study. Students must first complete M.S.N. coursework, earn the M.S.N. degree and obtain APRN national certification before they can continue with D.N.P. coursework and earn the D.N.P. degree.

  2. Students with a master's degree must submit proof of current, national certification as an advanced practice registered nurse within their first semester or prior to beginning their practicum hours, whichever comes first.

Post-graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which practicum hours will be completed
  • Résumé or vita
  • Transcript(s) of all previous graduate coursework1
  • Syllabi of all courses to considered for transfer in the gap analysis
  • Three letters of reference from health care professionals or faculty members
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 78 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 55 PTE score

Effective for admission in spring 2019 and later, applicants will be required to submit a goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals.

For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

  1. Transcript(s) must indicate completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment, with a minimum B grade earned in each course. Applicants who do not meet the grade requirement for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment may be considered for a conditional admission. For applicants who have not practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse within the two-year period preceding application to the certificate, completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment must not be greater than five years old at the time of the student's first semester of course registration in the certificate.

Is the GRE required? Yes for BSN-to-DNP applicants. No for MSN and Post-graduate Certificate applicants.

International applicants: Under most student visas, international applicants are not eligible to complete online-based programs. We strongly encourage international applicants to discuss their eligibility with the Office of Global Education at +1-330-672-7980 or intladm@kent.edu prior to applying.

Apply Now

Priority Application Deadlines
March 2023: October 1, 2022

Materials to Submit with Application

Applicants should upload all required documents in your application portal:

  • Transcripts
    Copies of official transcripts (front and back) are required at the time of application from all universities where 8 or more credit hours were earned. Admitted students are required to submit official transcripts after they have accepted an offer of admission.
  • Admission Essay
    • MSN: A two to three-page admission essay describing reasons for seeking the master's degree in the identified specialty and professional goals.
    • DNP: A 300-word essay describing professional goals and reasons for seeking the professional practice doctorate.
    • Certificate: A goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals.
  • A resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Proof of RN licensure.
    1. Search for your license on NURSYS.com Quick Confirm License Verification. Find and review the information to ensure that it is you.
    2. Click on “View Report”
    3. Click on "Download Report"
    4. Upload the document to your application portal.
    If your state does not participate in NURSYS, please contact your state’s Board of Nursing to send licensure verification to Kent State University.
  • References
    Three letters of reference from health care professionals or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities
  • GRE (only BSN-to-DNP applicants)
    Scores will only be accepted when sent directly from the test provider to the Division of Graduate Studies as an official test report. Scores reported by applicants will not be accepted.
    Kent State University's GRE code is 1367.
  • Portfolio (for MSN applicants without a BSN)
    If you are an RN with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you will be considered based on a review of a portfolio submitted with the application. Please contact the Office of Student Services for additional information prior to applying.
    Download Portfolio Requirements (PDF)

Tuition & Aid

A top-tier education at an affordable price.

As a public institution, we see it as our duty to offer the highest-quality education at a cost that is within the reach of students from all backgrounds.
Please visit www.kent.edu/nursing/students/tuition to learn more about tuition details.  

Financial Aid

At Kent State University, we try to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for Adult Gerontology CNS students include:

  • Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a graduate degree program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
  • Scholarships: Kent State University, the College of Nursing, and many nursing and health care organizations provide scholarship support for nursing students. See our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
  • Federal Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.

Payment Options

  • Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
  • Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
  • Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*

* Fall and spring semester only

Online Learning at Kent State

E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.

A laptop sitting on a desk near a bookshelf with the Kent State University logo overlayed on the screenKent State online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.

Although there are no on-campus requirements, online students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.

Some of the benefits to earning your graduate degree online from Kent State include:

  • Courses developed by expert faculty and delivered via Canvas, industry-leading learning management systems (LMSs).
  • Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
  • Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
  • 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
  • Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
  • FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.


Application Deadline

Spring Priority Deadline: November 1
Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
(Applications considered on a space-available basis after these dates.)

Graduate Information

Apply Now

Phone: 330-672-2661
Toll Free: 855-277-6952
Fax: 330-672-6262
www.kent.edu/graduatestudies
Domestic Email: gradapps@kent.edu
International: www.kent.edu/admissions/international
intladm@kent.edu

For information on all of Kent State’s degrees and majors, go online to www.kent.edu/gps

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio.  States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.

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