Compare the best BSN, MSN, ADN, and RN programs in Hawaii. Tuition costs, NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and unique program highlights for prospective nursing students.
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Nursing Programs in Hawaii
UH Manoa's School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene is Hawaii's only research-intensive nursing school, preparing nurses for Hawaii's unique multicultural patient population and Pacific Island health challenges.
HPU's nursing program emphasizes Pacific health and cultural competency, preparing nurses to serve Hawaii's diverse ethnic communities.
Only public university nursing school in Hawaii; strong Pacific Rim health focus
Accelerated BSN for career changers with diverse international student body
Affordable community college ADN on Oahu with strong hospital partnerships
Big Island ADN serving rural and underserved communities in east Hawaii
Graduate programs focus on Pacific Islander health disparities and primary care
Hawaii's nursing market is shaped by its island geography and high cost of living, anchored by The Queen's Health System, the largest in the state, along with Hawaii Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. Demand is steady across Oahu's hospitals and the neighbor islands, where access to specialized care can be limited and nurses are especially valued.
Students can pursue ADN programs through the University of Hawaii community colleges, BSN degrees at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and other institutions, accelerated second-degree options, and RN-to-BSN bridges plus MSN tracks. Program seats can be competitive given the limited number of schools statewide.
Licensure is handled by the Hawaii Board of Nursing, under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. One important planning note: Hawaii is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Hawaii RNs hold a single-state license, and nurses from other states must apply for Hawaii licensure by endorsement before practicing.
Licensing authority: Hawaii Board of Nursing.