Hawai'i Pacific University

Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning strategically located in the heart of the Pacific Rim. Students are provided a rigorous and contemporary education with undergraduate degrees available in over 40 different programs and graduate degrees available in 12 unique programs. Hawai'i Pacific University offers the largest nursing program in the State of Hawai'i, which includes the Master of Science in Nursing degree program.

Truly a global university, students at Hawai'i Pacific University hail from all 50 U.S. states and over 100 countries around the world. The experienced faculty challenge students with an exciting integration of theory and practical application. Hawai'i Pacific University's goal is to provide students the knowledge and resources they need to become distinguished and productive leaders in their field of study, the local community, and throughout the world.

Hawai'i Pacific University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The School of Nursing (BSN and MSN degrees) is approved by the Hawai'i Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

The School of Nursing

Nursing education must be built upon a strong foundation of liberal arts and sciences to prepare students who will practice as professional nurses in the multicultural environment of our global community. HPU's liberally-educated baccalaureate nurse has the ability to analyze, think critically, and yet express the compassion needed in today's ever-changing health care environment.

Our challenging curriculum and competent, caring faculty will guide you in learning the skills and knowledge necessary to care for individuals of all ages, their families and their communities. As a nursing student at HPU, you will gain hands-on experience in O'ahu's health care agencies. You will have the opportunity to apply classroom and laboratory concepts, theories and skills in a wide range of clinical settings.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Students learn in a flexible, multi-cultural environment and receive quality instruction in classrooms with an average of 30 students and in clinical groups of eight to ten students. Hawaii Pacific University spans three campuses:

• Hawai'i Loa campus
• Honolulu campus
• Oceanic Institute

Most nursing lecture classes and laboratories are conveniently held on the Hawai'i Loa campus in Kane'ohe. Classes are offered on a variety of days during the week and/or weekends, with both day and evening courses available. Health care facilities all over the island of O'ahu are utilized for clinical experience.

The nursing program accepts students from varied backgrounds; from those just out of high school to returning students, as well as those seeking a second degree. The nursing student body is ethnically and internationally diverse, spans the ages of 19 to 60 and includes both full and part-time students.

RN to BSN Pathway

Students who have been admitted to HPU, who are currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Hawai'i are eligible to take the RN to BSN Pathway.

LPN to BSN Pathway

Students who have been admitted to HPU, who have graduated from a Practical (Vocational) Nursing Program and who are currently licensed as a Practical (Vocational) Nurse in Hawaii may be admitted into the LPN/BSN Pathway. Upon acceptance into the LPN/BSN Pathway, students may be evaluated for validation of previous knowledge.

International Nurse Pathway

International nurses who have been admitted to HPU may be eligible to enroll in the International Nurse Pathway.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is designed to prepare students for enhanced roles in community-based care as advanced practice nurses. The Master of Science in Nursing offers three concentrations:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Community Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Community Clinical Nurse Specialist Educator

In the Master of Science in Nursing program, students learn contemporary approaches to delivering cost effective, quality health care, especially to chronically under-serviced populations such as the poor, the elderly and those in multi-ethnic communities. The program focuses on those skills needed by nurses to succeed in the changing health care environment:

• Enhanced critical thinking
• Assessment
• Problem-solving
• Communication skills

Opportunities exist within the graduate nursing program to obtain a stand alone nurse educator certificate as well as a Post-Master's Certificate as a family nurse practitioner. It is also possible to seek a joint degree of a MSN/MBA at HPU.

RN to MSN Pathway

The RN to MSN Pathway allows registered nurses without baccalaureate degrees in nursing to transition into the MSN program. This pathway requires that the student have a license as a Registered Nurse in Hawaii for admission. Students entering the RN to MSN Pathway are granted provisional admission status until all prerequisites have been completed. Students who successfully complete the program receive an MSN degree.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Hawaii Pacific University.