Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii in 2024

Nicknamed “The Aloha State,” Hawaii conjures images of beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and happy people. With over 11,000 registered nurses earning an average salary of $106,530 per year, Hawaii offers nurses the second highest salaries in the nation and is in need of 12,800 additional nurses by 2030. Though small in size, opportunities abound in Hawaii for those considering the rewarding field of nursing.

The demand for registered nurses is growing rapidly in paradise, with projections stating the state will require 740 new nurses annually moving forward. Coupled with Hawaii’s exceptionally high average salaries of $51 per hour for registered nurses, the state provides an ideal backdrop to launch your nursing career. Identifying the best nursing schools in Hawaii will allow you to take advantage of strong job prospects and salaries to enjoy an unmatched quality of life.

• There are 9 nursing schools in Hawaii.
• The CCNE accredits 4 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 7 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Hawaii is between 76.85% and 99.12%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Hawaii is between 83.13% and 98.55%.
• The number of Registered Nurses currently employed in Hawaii is 11,110.
• Registered Nurses in Hawaii earn an average of $106,530 per year or $51.22 per hour.
• The percentage of U.S. Registered Nurses who work in Hawaii is less than 1%.
• Hawaii will need 12,800 new Registered Nurses by 2030 or 740 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Hawaii

There are various types of nursing degree programs available at schools across Hawaii, preparing students for careers as registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and more. Key nursing programs include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When researching nursing schools in Hawaii, key factors like accreditation status, NCLEX pass rates, and tuition costs should be considered to find the best program options for your goals. Programs also need to meet curriculum and credit requirements from the Hawaii Board of Nursing for graduates to become licensed RNs within the state after completing their program and passing the NCLEX-RN.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Hawaii?

Online Nursing Programs for Hawaii Students

Online nursing programs can provide a flexible pathway for many Hawaii students who want to complete their degree while working or caring for family. Most major accredited programs across the country now offer distance-based learning options.

Potential online students will still need to ensure the online programs accept students from Hawaii and have options for completing the required supervised clinical hours within approved regional healthcare settings. Be sure to clarify all requirements with nursing advisors at particular schools when applying to online options.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs offer a fast-track route to become an RN for individuals who already hold a bachelors degree in another field. These intensive programs take 12-18 months to complete and prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX nursing licensure exam.

Typical ABSN Program Structure

The curriculum packs nursing prerequisites plus BSN coursework into a compact timeline:

• Prerequisite nursing, science, and math courses
• Four condensed semesters covering topics like pharmacology, adult & pediatric care, mental health nursing
• Hundreds of supervised clinical hours in hospitals and other facilities
• Preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam

Admissions Requirements

Admissions is competitive with limited seats. Requirements typically include:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field with 3.0 minimum GPA
• Complete core prerequisite courses (can be done at community college prior to program)
• GRE/MAT scores
• Essays and letters of recommendation
• CPR certification and possible healthcare experience

Arranging Clinical Rotations

Clinical hours are integral to applying classroom concepts. Students must take initiative scheduling shifts at hospitals and clinics, which can be challenging balancing with course loads. Schools help set up placement.

Program Outcomes

Quality accelerated programs are laser focused on NCLEX-RN exam preparation and placing graduates into the nursing workforce. ABSN grads see high certification pass rates along with recruitment rates over 90% within 6 months.

RN to BSN Programs

Over 50% of working RNs nationwide hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), reflecting 2-year community college programs. Returning to school for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers significant career advancement and scope expansion opportunities through advanced coursework.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Hawaii

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Hawaii

Advancing Your Career With a BSN

• More responsibilities and leadership roles open to BSN nurses on the job
• Increased patient assessment skills and holistic nursing approach
• Salary boost – BSN nurses earn approximately 10-15% higher pay
• Build a strong foundation to pursue graduate nursing degrees: MSN, DNP etc.

Online Format For Nurses

Balancing work and life demands as an active RN, online RN to BSN programs allow much needed schedule flexibility to complete your degree. Course delivery combines video lectures, discussion forums, projects and written assignments. Programs run 12 to 24 months.

Transferring Credits

Find an RN to BSN program with maximum transfer credits awarded for prior nursing courses and on the job experience. Look for at least 30 credits awarded for an ADN. This significantly cuts back on remaining BSN program coursework. Community college ADN credits should all transfer directly.

Compare School Costs

Tuition costs vary widely from affordable options under $10k to expensive private colleges. Research all program expenses along with financial aid resources unique to current & future nursing students to offset costs. Many hospitals offer reimbursement programs too.

Nursing Advisor Support

Dedicated nursing advisors help streamline school processes for busy nurses returning to the classroom juggling work pressures. Get the support you need.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Master of Science in Nursing programs prepare RNs for high level specialties with nurses practicing as:

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) providing primary and specialized care
• Nursing Informatics roles managing facility electronic records systems
• Nursing Administration executives overseeing staff at healthcare organizations
• Clinical Nurse Specialists with expertise treating certain populations
• CRNAs as advanced practice certified anesthesia professionals
• Nursing educators teaching future nurses

Other MSN specialties focus on care coordination, midwifery and policy. Advanced clinical knowledge along with expanded autonomy and prescribing abilities offer new career directions for ambitious nurses.

Online and Campus Program Formats

Full and part-time MSN options allow working nurses to complete school online or via local campus programs when feasible. Accelerated programs compress courses for 12 to 24 month completion after holding a BSN.

Clinical intensives deliver hands-on patient care culminating with hundreds of supervised professional development hours. Online students partner with convenient healthcare settings meeting state requirements.

Admissions Overview

MSN programs look comprehensively at nursing applicant qualifications:

• Hold an accredited BSN degree: GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Active RN license in good standing
• Strong letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors
• Essay communicating why an MSN and certain specialty were chosen
• Interview with graduate nursing admissions committee

Also required are completion of undergraduate statistics coursework along with a year of clinical work experience.

Certain highly competitive direct entry MSN specialties like nurse anesthetist may ask for substantial ICU nursing background.

Nurse practitioners sit for certification exams at the conclusion of their specialty MSN studies in roles like AGPCNP (Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP).

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) licensed as nurse practitioners across Hawaii fill an important role providing primary care, often in rural and underserved communities lacking sufficient physicians.

Choosing a Specialty Focus

NPs complete a Master’s or Doctoral level program focused on a patient population specialty:

• Family Nurse Practitioners treat patients across the lifespan
• Adult Gerontology NPs treat older adolescents and adults
• Pediatric NPs treat newborns through young adult patients
• Psychiatric Mental Health NPs treat patients with behavioral disorders and mental illness

Other specialties like emergency medicine, oncology, and neonatology exist for NPs seeking niche roles coupled with higher pay.

Academics Plus Clinicals

Students undertake two to three years of rigorous graduate level coursework and discipline-specific clinical rotations for 500 to 1,000 supervised professional experience hours under an expert preceptor.

Flexible Enrollment Options

Full-time accelerated campus programs allow completion in two years after holding a BSN versus part-time three to five year tracks ideal for working nurses. Post master’s certificates or DNP capstone options are available for nurses holding MSN degrees seeking an additional NP specialization.

Licensing and Certification

Nurse practitioners must pass national certification testing demonstrating competency in their specialty like the ANCC or AANP Family Nurse Practitioner boards after graduating, along with pursuing licensure in Hawaii. Re-certification is required every five years through continuing education and clinical hour documentation.

Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in Hawaii

• Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Hawaii

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

For nurses looking to specialize further and conduct advanced research or teaching, two main doctoral pathways exist:

Key Differences: DNP vs. PhD in Nursing

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs emphasize practice-based learning, leadership, policymaking, and specialized NP master’s level credentials such as Nurse Anesthesia or Midwifery. An evidence-based DNP capstone project is completed instead of a dissertation.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing programs focus more exclusively on developing highly specialized nurse scientists and scholars for research and academia related roles through rigorous methodology coursework and a five chapter dissertation.

Choosing a Doctoral Pathway

DNP route: Nurses seeking to bolster their impact through advanced clinical excellence, systems oversight, or nursing role development benefit most from the DNP. Coursework like epidemiology, quality improvement, and healthcare administration supplement advanced clinical practice. DNP students continue to treat patients.

PhD route: Nurses looking to drive the future of healthcare innovation, policies, and nurse training programs through dedicated research benefit most from the PhD track. During 4+ years of study, students develop acclaimed expertise around a niche discipline, generating nursing theory investigated through comprehensive doctoral research. PhDs generally go into academia or scientific research posts over clinical practice roles.

Dissertation versus DNP Capstone: DNP students design rigorous quality improvement investigations and implement changes within healthcare organizations. PhD dissertations involve pure research furthering theoretical nursing foundations and policy. Both culminate in defense before an expert panel.

Accessing Program Funding

PhD applicants in particular should clarify funding availability in terms of tuition coverage, scholarships, teaching positions, clinical rotations stipends or research grants during the application process. Significant investments of both time and money are required for this advanced terminal degree so funding sources are an essential consideration – especially for PhD programs. Both DNP and PhD pathways bolster careers.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Hawaii

The Hawaii State Center for Nursing projects exceptional job growth for new nurses. Nurses play critical roles across diverse, rewarding healthcare settings. Additional advantages include:

In Demand Careers

• The nurse workforce is aging rapidly, with over half of RNs in Hawaii approaching retirement in the next 10-15 years. New grads are in demand as replacements.
• Thousands of annual job openings through 2030 – a rate nearly 3 times higher than the overall labor market. Home care, schools, and community-based roles in particular need filling.

Competitive Salaries

Salaries already increased by 10% in recent years amid shortages, with elevated pay over national averages. RNs here earn approximately $98,000 per year with advanced practice NPs averaging $118,000 according to BLS data – excluding bonuses and overtime.

Variety of Nursing Roles

Nurses handle diverse roles advocating for community wellness across settings like hospitals, clinics, schools, assisted living centers, home health agencies, and VA health facilities on the Islands. Specialties include cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, surgery, and many more. Seasoned nurses also teach.

How to Earn Your Hawaii Nursing License

Finding the Right Nursing School in Hawaii

Accreditation 

The importance of accreditation status when researching nursing schools in Hawaii cannot be understated. Top nursing programs hold accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These organizations ensure nursing schools meet strict educational standards. Graduating from an ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program is required to earn registered nursing licensure in Hawaii.

NCLEX Pass Rates  

After completing a state board approved nursing program, the next step to earn a nursing license is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Compare Hawaiian nursing schools’ NCLEX first-time pass rates. High rates indicate effective preparation which correlates to program quality and rigor.

Tuition and Scholarships

Evaluate average yearly tuition costs at Honolulu nursing schools and universities when selecting your program. Leverage options to lower expenses: school financial aid including Hawaii nursing scholarships and grants; nurse corps loan repayment programs; employee tuition reimbursement for nurses extending their degrees. Reducing out-of-pocket costs expands program options.  

Clinical Rotation Opportunities  

Seek schools partnering with prestigious medical centers across Hawaii to provide clinical rotations exposing students to leading facilities and specialties like pediatrics, obstetrics, oncology and community health. Hands-on training under licensed nurse mentors builds core nursing competencies.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio 

A lower student-to-faculty ratio allows for more attentive instruction and academic support. Connecting nursing students in Hawaii with accessible, dedicated advisors and mentors during their education fosters confidence and success both in school and licensure exams.  

Evaluating these key indicators highlighted at accredited registered nursing programs in Hawaii steers selection towards reputable schools for shaping next-generation exceptional nursing professionals through rigorous curriculum, clinical skills mastery and culturally competent patient care. Graduates enter an in-demand career improving community healthcare across the islands.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Hawaii

Use the following key indicators when evaluating nursing programs across Hawaii to find your best-fit option matching interests and location:

Check the Accreditation

Accreditation confirms an external body validated program quality standards are met around curriculum, faculty, resources, and student outcomes. Two major nursing accreditors to look for include:

CCNE Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education handles assessments for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs. Over 650 BSN programs actively hold CCNE accreditation markers of excellence nationwide.

ACEN Accreditation

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing focuses more on associate degree in nursing programs along with diploma and certificate options. Roughly 800 nursing schools carry ACEN endorsements presently.

Compare NCLEX Pass Rates

NCLEX pass rates reveal how many previous program graduates passed their RN or PN licensing exam on first attempts over a multi-year rolling average. Programs with rates meeting/exceeding national averages prepare students best for tests.

Evaluate Tuition Costs

Tuition and fees vary widely from several thousand per year at Hawaii community colleges to over $30,000 annually for private university options before scholarships or loans. Figure total program costs too.

Lower Expenses

Reduce budget strain through school financial aid, external scholarships/grants, tuition reimbursement programs via hospitals who sponsor nurses, or loan forgiveness programs. Plan budgets beyond just school costs.

Check Student-to-Faculty Ratio

A lower ratio indicates more individualized instruction, mentorship, and resource access. Many schools post averages around 6:1 for high interaction. High ratios above 15:1 strain resources.

Support Resources

Beyond full-time faculty, programs should also offer academic advisors, tutors, career guidance pros, librarians, clinical coordinators, and IT to help optimize student experiences.

Special Search

Getting Licensed as an RN in Hawaii

Once completing RN education pathways, follow proper protocol to safely and efficiently practice in Hawaii long-term:

Research In-Demand Specialties

New grads strategically boost job prospects by preparing for highest growth nursing specialties through formal training or certifications like:

• ICU/Critical Care – Treat unstable patients using devices like ventilators
• Emergency – Assess diverse conditions initially entering hospital
• OB/GYN – Care for female reproductive health and childbirth needs
• Oncology – Help cancer patients manage symptoms and treatments

See Positive Job Outlooks

Overall job openings for registered nurses (RNs) in Hawaii are projected to rise 16% through 2030 as elderly and chronic disease patients demand care, per the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). The multiple nursing programs offered at local community colleges, the University of Hawaii system, like those at the School of Nursing located in Honolulu, and private universities prepare students to meet this demand statewide once licensed by the Hawaii State Board of Nursing.

Rewards for becoming an RN in Hawaii include good pay, with nursing salaries rising for those that complete four-year BSN programs or go on for advanced master’s degrees in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, as offered by schools accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Other benefits include sign-on bonuses, loan repayment assistance programs, and paths to specialize further like becoming nurse practitioners or earning certificates. Get licensed through one of the quality RN programs offered across the great state and begin a promising career!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nursing Schools and Programs in Hawaii

What online nursing options exist?

Out-of-state RN and MSN programs accredited by CCNE and ACEN allow Hawaii students to undertake courses remotely then partner with local healthcare settings for clinical hours. Or certain schools have regional cohort arrangements. Fully online LPN and RN to BSN bridge programs also exist through schools like Western Governors University or Purdue Global University. Check each state approvals along with campus course requirements.

What are other nursing programs offered?

Beyond RN and BSN options, numerous specialized undergraduate certificates, post-masters certificates, and grad programs accessible from Hawaii nursing schools focused on areas like Nurse midwifery, Psychiatric Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Educator roles exist to open advancement doors. Or undertake MSN and DNP pathways for leadership authority.

What RN programs are available in Hawaii?

There are several options for RN programs in Hawaii. Many community colleges, like Hawaii Community College located across the islands, offer accredited ADN programs. There are also four-year BSN programs available at universities like the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu. 

What are some of the top nursing schools in Hawaii?

Some of the top nursing schools in Hawaii include the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, Chaminade University of Honolulu, and University of Phoenix-Hawaii Campus. Each school of nursing offers different program options from LPN to RN, ADN, BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees.

What nursing programs are available at community colleges? 

Hawaii community colleges like Honolulu Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and Kauai Community College offer accredited ADN programs to become a registered nurse. Some also have LPN to RN bridge programs.

How long are most BSN programs in Hawaii?

A traditional BSN program is four years of full-time study. However, there are accelerated BSN programs available that range from 12-18 months for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Part-time options are also available at many nursing schools.

What are typical nursing curriculum requirements?

Typical nursing curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, ethics, and nursing skills/concepts. Clinical rotations are also required to gain hands-on experience. The curriculum prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.

Various universities in Hawaii offer quality nursing programs to equip students for registered nurse careers across the state. Whether you are looking for a certificate program, an LPN to RN Program, a four-year nursing course, or a BSN to DNP, the state of Hawaii has nursing schools that can cater to your needs. Complete a program requiring clinical for licensure and enjoy rising nursing salaries, opportunities to advance, and meeting this growing need statewide. Make sure to choose a university accredited by the Accreditation Commission, and preferably a part of the Association of Colleges of Nursing. Be part of the rooster of registered nurses in Hawaii.

More of the Best Hawaii Nursing Schools

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Hawaii Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

Best Nursing Schools Near Me