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.
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)
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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
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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
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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
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International nurses who have been admitted to HPU may be
eligible to enroll in the International Nurse Pathway.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
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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
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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.
