Aspiring nurses may choose to enroll in an online dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with the goal of broadening their career options. One such program is the CNM/WHNP, which combines certified nurse midwife (CNM) and women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP) courses.

The dual program highlights the shared responsibilities of nurse midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners, unveiling a more holistic approach to women’s health and primary care. In all 50 U.S. states, nurse midwives and women’s health nurse practitioners are recognized as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). But there are several distinctions between the two roles. This page highlights some of those differences and lists some factors to consider when searching for the WHNP/CNM program that’s right for you.

CNM/WHNP dual degree programs are not are not limited to traditional institutions. You may consider an online degree program if you prefer the flexibility of setting your own schedule and the convenience of learning from the comfort of your home.

The sponsored program card featured on this page was last updated in January 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

The CNM/WHNP dual degree offers students the opportunity to complete all of the courses and requirements needed to receive national certification in both APRN specialties — which for many students is a huge incentive.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 15% of women aged 18 and above are in fair or poor health. Globally, 295,000 women died of maternal causes in 2017 alone. Graduates of a master’s CNM/WHNP degree program are poised to provide comprehensive care and support to at-risk women in primary and clinical care settings, and beyond.

As a nurse midwife or a women’s health nurse practitioner, you can pursue lucrative positions while having a positive impact on women’s health. In the 2019 National Nurse Practitioner Sample Survey by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, full-time WHNPs were reported to have earned on average a total annual income of $110,000.

Whichever route you decide to take, you can expect to complete the same or similar lessons as students with a sole focus enrolled in either a women’s health nurse practitioner program or a certified nurse midwifery program.

Because the curriculum of CNM and WHNP programs are closely related, the dual master’s program encompasses many core areas typically addressed in both, including clinical pharmacology, physiology and pathophysiology, the ethics of healthcare, health assessment, medical research guidelines, and more. The program goes even further, offering specialized instruction in women’s reproductive health, primary care, intrapartum and postpartum care, newborn care, and more. 

Education requirements

Individuals interested in enrolling in a dual CNM/WHNP master’s degree program must meet specific academic and experiential requirements. While admission requirements vary across different programs, many typically expect students to have, at a minimum: 

• A current registered nurse (RN) license
• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution

In addition, many programs seek candidates who demonstrate a keen interest in women’s health and other related aspects of the dual degree. Many schools make it a point to enroll students who exhibit a consistent record of academic and professional achievement. As such, these programs may require the following:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA 
• Minimum GRE score
• Professional nursing experience
• Letters of recommendation

It’s best to check with the admissions office of your desired university and program to confirm admissions requirements.

Curriculum 

Focusing on expectant and new mothers along with their newborns, CNM/WHNP dual degrees equip students with comprehensive knowledge of reproductive health and primary care for women. Nurses with this degree are able to provide care to women across various life stages and to newborns.

The core curriculum of a dual CNM/WHNP master’s degree program includes coursework in the following areas:

• Advanced patient health assessment
• Medical ethics
• Clinical trials and research
• Clinical pharmacology
• Physiology and pathophysiology
• Women’s health and prenatal care 

With an emphasis not only on expectant and new mothers but also their newborns, those who complete their CNM/WHNP dual degrees may expect to gain comprehensive, in-depth knowledge on primary care for women and reproductive health. The curriculum prepares nurses to provide care to women throughout the different stages of their lives and to newborns.

Nurse-midwifery programs in the United States are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME). Students hoping to receive a credential in this discipline need to graduate from an ACME-accredited program and sit for the CNM exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

Nurses enrolled in a CNM/WHNP dual degree program accredited by ACME may also sit for the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner exam administered by the National Certification Corporation.

Here are some questions and well-researched answers to help guide you through your search for a dual degree program that aligns with your career ambitions.

Last updated January 2024