Best Online Nursing Schools in Hawaii
Explore top-rated Hawaii nursing schools and the different online and in-person programs available. Plus, learn how to lower the cost of your nursing degree and find other key details on becoming a nurse in Hawaii.
Second only to California, registered nurses in Hawaii make an annual mean wage of over $104,000 (that’s over $50 an hour). Combine that with an expected 12.2 percent job growth and 800 average annual openings through the next six years, and now is a great time to become a nurse or take your RN career to the next level in Hawaii.
Nursing programs in Hawaii are plentiful and varied, making one that fits your unique goals and needs easy. This guide highlights the best available online and campus programs to help you find the right option for you. It also covers preparing for and passing the NCLEX exam, outlines popular nursing career paths in Hawaii, and provides other helpful information such as financial aid opportunities. Read on to discover which school made our list as the best option for prospective students like you.
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, Hawaii
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Hawaii
With continuous advancements in remote learning technologies, many nursing schools around the U.S., including Hawaii, are offering fully online, hybrid, and in-person programs at all degree levels. Regardless of your educational level or experience, you can find a nursing program in Hawaii that meets your personal, academic, and career needs and leads to licensure. Below are some of the most common nursing career paths available at the best nursing schools in Hawaii.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Hawaii
ADN Programs
Associate degrees in nursing (ADNs) are for those with no previous nursing training or experience. ADN programs usually take two years to complete and offer the foundational skills and knowledge needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN. These programs are for individuals who want to work in outpatient facilities, nursing homes, home healthcare, and clinics.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees (BSNs) best serve students who already possess RN licensure or ADNs. Traditional BSNs usually take full-time students four years to complete. Those with RN licensure often finish the BSN in two years.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Students wanting to pursue BSNs but who already possess bachelor’s degrees in another area should apply for accelerated BSN programs. Incoming students in accelerated BSN programs typically do not possess RN licensure, and these programs help them obtain this. Learners can finish these programs in about 12 months.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Hawaii for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs help LPNs progress toward RN careers. These programs are often available in both online and in-person formats and prepare LPNs to sit for the NCLEX-RN. LPN to RN programs take less than two years to finish, while LPN to BSN programs take 2-3 years.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs are for students who already possess ADNs and current RN licenses. Sometimes referred to as bridge programs, RN to BSN programs result in bachelor’s degrees. They expand nurses’ career opportunities and increase their earning potential. Most students complete RN to BSN programs in 1-2 years.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
Some schools offer a direct path toward a master’s degree in nursing, including options for RNs with ADNs or BSNs. Most students in RN to MSN programs have associate degrees and RN licensure and choose this path to complete BSN and MSN requirements simultaneously. Some RN to MSN programs require bachelor’s degrees in outside fields. Depending on students’ educational history and availability, many complete RN to MSN degrees in 2-3 years.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Hawaii
MSN Programs
MSN degree-seekers choose from traditional MSNs and direct-entry MSNs. The traditional path is for those with BSNs. Direct-entry programs are for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in an outside field. These programs typically allow you to pursue a specialization area like nursing education or family nurse practitioner.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD programs are for MSN degree-holders who wish to pursue leadership or research careers. DNP’s best serve those looking for nursing leadership roles in healthcare settings or as advanced practice nurses, such as family nurse practitioners or psychiatric nurse practitioners. The PhD is a research-focused degree that prepares students to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field and advance nursing practices.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Students who graduate with an MSN or DNP can receive additional education in a particular area of the field through graduate certificate programs. Common post-graduate certificate paths include acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and mental health nurse practitioner. These certificates usually take 1-2 years to complete.
Examples of Hawaii Nursing Schools with This Program
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Hawaii
Nursing programs in Hawaii are expensive. Luckily there are several financial aid options to help offset the cost. Many nursing schools in Hawaii offer funding opportunities like scholarships, assistantships, or federal work-study programs, so be sure to check individual schools. In addition, look for funding at the local and state levels. Professional associations like the Hawaii Student Nurses Association also offer scholarships for nursing students. Nursing students can also get funding through the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, the Gates Scholarship, and Hawaii Community Foundation. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, check out EduMed’s nursing scholarship guide, guide to graduating from nursing school debt-free, and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Hawaii
Prospective RNs need to apply through the Hawaii Board of Nursing to obtain licensure in the state. This state agency formulates and upholds state laws pertaining to nursing education, licensure, and practice for all nursing professionals. It’s important to understand all of Hawaii’s requirements before embarking on your nursing education and applying for licensure.
Complete State-Approved RN Degree
The first step toward RN licensure is to complete a degree program that qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Aspiring RNs can choose between ASN and BSN programs offered at state-approved nursing schools. You’ll need to complete one of these programs in its entirety, including online or in-person coursework and hands-on clinical training, to be able to take the NCLEX.
Submit Application for Licensure to the State
Required materials for your state licensure application include a completed application form, official ASN or BSN transcripts, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a copy of your signed social security card. Applicants must also pass criminal history record checks and comply with electronic fingerprinting requirements. Completed applications must be submitted within 30 days of fingerprinting. All materials must be submitted using the Hawaii Board of Nursing forms.
Submit NCLEX-RN Exam Application
Next, complete the NCSBN’s two-step NCLEX registration process. Note that the NCLEX-RN exam is a nationwide test, so a passing score is valid in Hawaii and all other states. You’ll pay a $200 fee to take the exam in addition to a $40 application fee. You’ll know you’re eligible to sit for the exam when you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. You can then schedule your exam at a local testing center.
Pass NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN computerized exam is a pass-fail test that covers foundational categories of nursing care, including health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, reduction of risk potential, and safety and infection control. The number of questions on the exam varies per year but typically is a minimum of 75 and up to 265 questions. You’ll have six hours to complete the exam.
Keep Licensure Current
RN licenses in Hawaii expire on June 30th of every odd-numbered year. Applicants for licensure renewal in Hawaii must have 30 hours of continuing education credits. Continuing education providers must be approved by the state, and you can find a list of acceptable providers in the Hawaii Board of Nursing’s continuing competency booklet.
Nursing Salaries in Hawaii: How Much You Could Make as an RN?
As a Registered Nurse (RN) in Hawaii, salaries are well above national averages, reflecting both the cost of living and the demand for healthcare services. Statewide, entry-level RNs (10th percentile) earn about $81,070 annually, with the median salary reaching $129,210. Experienced RNs in the top 10% can earn up to $145,940.
In specific areas, salaries vary slightly. In Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, the median salary is $129,810, with top earners making around $138,280. Urban Honolulu offers some of the highest RN salaries in Hawaii, with a median of $133,820 and top earnings also reaching $145,940. This competitive compensation makes Hawaii an attractive destination for RNs, particularly those considering a move to an area with high earning potential and diverse healthcare needs.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $81,070 | $129,210 | $145,940 |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | $86,180 | $129,810 | $138,280 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | $80,780 | $133,820 | $145,940 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
