Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Hawaii

The medical field offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities, and one such career is that of a nurse practitioner. In Hawaii, nurse practitioners benefit from full practice authority, meaning they can operate independently without physician oversight. This allows NPs to pursue advanced, well-compensated roles across a variety of specialties and enjoy the freedom to essentially work for themselves.

If you're in Hawaii, the first step is to enroll in a nurse practitioner degree program, whether in Honolulu or or somewhere else in the Island State. Afterward, you'll need to become licensed and certified in the area that interests you most. In the following sections, we'll cover everything you need to begin your journey. Jump to program listings.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Hawaii has considerably low-cost and fast-paced nurse practitioner programs available in the state which means you don’t have to sacrifice your current nursing schedule for your future nurse practitioner career.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Depending on whether you’re enrolled part-time or full-time, you can generally expect to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree between 2 and 6 years, generally making it the fastest option for getting a nurse practitioner license (following a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree). The other option is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, but this can take upwards of 8 years to complete. The University of Hawaii’s MSN program can be completed in as little as a year of full-time study, making it one of the fastest MSN programs in the country.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

MSN programs, as a result of their timeliness, are usually the most affordable NP degree option as well. This of course will depend on where in Hawaii you’ll be studying, the size of your prospective nursing program, and other factors such as cost of living, textbooks, and technology fees. You may also potentially save money on tuition if you have established residency in Hawaii. One of the cheapest MSN programs in Hawaii is Hawaii Pacific University which offers a tuition of between $800 to $1,400 per credit.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Whether you decide on an MSN, a DNP, or some other variation (see more below), you’ll usually find that most nurse practitioner programs usually have some type of specialized curriculum that allow you to become certified in one of dozens of nurse practitioner specializations. Hawaii Pacific University, for example, offers a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

As mentioned, MSN and DNP degree programs are just two of many different types of nurse practitioner degree programs. Below is a full breakdown of the various types.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are generally 2-year programs that come in a variety of specializations. Examples of MSNs in Hawaii include:

• University of Hawaii – Honolulu, HI
• Hawaii Pacific University – Honolulu, HI

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

DNP degrees are the highest level of NP degrees available. In addition to preparing students for clinical practice, they are also suited for those who may with to pursue careers in academia or research. Traditional DNP-level NP programs can take 4+ years to complete, and are available online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. You can find DNP degree programs available at:

• University of Hawaii – Honolulu, HI
• Hawaii Pacific University – Honolulu, HI

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

For those who already have a graduate-level nursing degree, Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are a great way to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While they result in a certificate and not a degree, these programs offer a condensed education that typically lasts one year or less, eliminating the need for these nurses to complete another full degree program. Here are some examples in Hawaii:

• Hawaii Pacific University – Honolulu, HI
• University of Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject, you may be eligible for an accelerated, or direct-entry, MSN program. These programs are rigorous and intensive, but they allow students to become nurses at the graduate level in a streamlined way. Here are some examples in Hawaii:

• University of Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

General Admissions Requirements

While every school in Hawaii will have its own version of admissions requirements, most of them require the following in order to be eligible for admission:

• BSN from an accredited school (or MSN if applying for a DNP program)
• Prior professional nursing experience (1-2 years minimum)
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Hawaii NP License and Certification Requirements

To qualify as a nurse practitioner in Hawaii, applicants must meet a few key criteria:

• Hawaii RN License: Applicants must hold a valid and active registered nurse (RN) license in Hawaii.
• Educational Requirement: Completion of an accredited NP program that prepares the individual for advanced practice nursing is required.

In addition to these qualifications, candidates must submit proof of their education and licensure, complete an application, and pay an approximate $60 fee. Full details on the application process are available through the Hawaii Board of Nursing.

NPs in Hawaii must also obtain certification in their specialty, which is typically achieved through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). As of 2024, nurse practitioners in Hawaii enjoy full practice authority, allowing them to work independently, including diagnosing and prescribing, without physician oversight. Additional resources can be found through the Hawaii Nurses Association (HNA).

List of NP Programs in Hawaii