Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
Hawaii NP programs train RNs for advanced, culturally informed care across urban and rural island settings. The University of Hawaii at Mānoa and Hawai‘i Pacific University offer CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks in specialties like family practice, adult‑gerontology, and psychiatric‑mental health, leading to national certification and full APRN licensure with prescriptive authority.
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - hpu.edu
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's Master of Science in Nursing with Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a robust 28-month online program for healthcare professionals. Designed for working nurses, this curriculum equips students with advanced skills in treating complex patient populations across intensive care settings. The program provides comprehensive clinical training, featuring over 600 clinical hours focused on vulnerable patient populations. Graduates develop specialized expertise in acute and specialty care services, positioning themselves strategically for high-demand nursing careers with potential ANCC certification.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive 48-credit pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced mental health specialization. CCNE-accredited and designed for working professionals, the 28-month curriculum includes advanced psychiatric coursework and clinical practicum experiences. Focusing on diverse populations, the program offers flexible scheduling and clinical placement support. Graduates become eligible for ANCC certification, requiring a BSN, active RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) offers a strategic pathway for advanced practice registered nurses seeking specialized family care expertise. This concise 16-month program comprises 24 credits, combining flexible online coursework with comprehensive clinical training. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum enables nurses to expand clinical skills across patient life spans, from infants to seniors. Graduates are prepared to address healthcare gaps in underserved communities and qualify to sit for national certification exams, gaining advanced competencies translatable across diverse primary care settings.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's Post-Master's Certificate Programs provide experienced nurses an opportunity to expand their advanced nursing credentials. Tailored for professionals with existing master's degrees, these programs offer specialized pathways in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks. Featuring flexible learning options including in-person and online formats, the program requires an active APRN license and clinical experience. The curriculum prepares students comprehensively for national certification examinations, strategically positioning graduates for enhanced professional opportunities in specialized nursing roles.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) provides a transformative 14-month online program for experienced nurses. Focused on complex acute care settings, students develop expertise in treating vulnerable populations across medical, surgical, and intensive care environments. The comprehensive curriculum includes over 600 clinical hours, enabling nurses to expand their professional capabilities. Graduates are well-positioned to sit for national certification exams and pursue advanced roles in specialized healthcare delivery, addressing critical needs in acute patient care.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program presents a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Tailored for working professionals, this accelerated program enables completion in under 4 years, featuring over 1,000 clinical training hours. Students develop advanced skills across culturally diverse communities, preparing to address critical healthcare shortages. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, certification exam preparation, and flexible scheduling. Graduates emerge with robust competencies to provide comprehensive family healthcare services and assume leadership roles in primary care settings.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative approach to addressing mental health challenges. Designed for working professionals, this accelerated curriculum develops comprehensive skills for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients across diverse settings. Students gain advanced practice capabilities through flexible online learning, emphasizing leadership, clinical expertise, and policy advocacy. The program provides over 1,000 clinical hours, preparing graduates for ANCC certification and positioning them to make significant contributions in mental health care delivery.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care prepares nurses for critical roles in an aging healthcare landscape. Anticipating 77 million seniors by 2034, this program equips students with specialized skills for acute and hospital settings. The comprehensive curriculum includes over 1,000 clinical hours, focusing on complex patient populations. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible scheduling, ANCC certification preparation, and opportunities for advanced leadership in geriatric and acute care nursing.
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to DNP Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program provides a strategic pathway for nurses seeking advanced specialization. Completed in 34-44 months, this comprehensive curriculum focuses on caring for adults with complex, acute, and chronic illnesses. Students benefit from small classes, accessible faculty, and over 1,000 clinical hours preparing for ANCC certification. The program addresses growing healthcare needs in aging populations, offering flexible online learning, leadership development, and specialized acute care training for ambitious nursing professionals.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative educational experience for nurses passionate about mental health care. Designed for working professionals, this flexible curriculum enables students to develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health patients. Featuring over 1,000 clinical hours and experienced faculty support, the program can be completed in as few as 34 months. Graduates are prepared for ANCC certification and positioned to make meaningful impacts in mental healthcare delivery.
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - chaminade.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Certificate provides advanced nurses an exceptional opportunity to specialize in comprehensive pediatric healthcare. This innovative 12-month hybrid program equips doctorally-prepared nurses with advanced clinical skills through 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours. Participants develop expertise in primary care for patients from birth through adolescence, emphasizing technology integration, population health management, and critical pediatric care competencies. With an annual on-campus immersion and CCNE accreditation, the program requires an active APRN license and prepares nurses for national board certification.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate offers advanced nursing professionals a transformative pathway to comprehensive primary care expertise. This rigorous 12-month hybrid program delivers 18 credit hours and 630 clinical hours, enabling doctorally prepared nurses to manage acute, chronic, and complex health conditions across diverse patient populations. With an annual on-campus immersion, the program emphasizes flexible learning, advanced clinical skills development, and holistic healthcare delivery. Applicants must possess an active APRN license and national board certification.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Post-Doctoral PMHNP Certificate delivers an intensive 12-month hybrid program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized psychiatric and mental health expertise. Through 18 credit hours and 560 clinical hours, participants gain advanced skills in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions across all life stages. The program focuses on complex patient care, evidence-based practices, and innovative healthcare technologies. With an annual on-campus immersion, the curriculum prepares doctorally prepared nurses to address critical mental health challenges while requiring an active APRN license and national board certification.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Doctor of Nursing Practice Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative pathway for registered nurses passionate about pediatric healthcare. This hybrid program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care to children and adolescents. Emphasizing well-child care, growth and development, and health promotion, the curriculum integrates a patient-centered, culturally informed approach. Featuring flexible online coursework with yearly immersion experiences, the program enables working professionals to advance their careers without disrupting current roles, with no GRE requirement and CCNE accreditation.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a transformative educational experience for advanced nursing professionals. This hybrid program prepares nurses to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care across patient lifespans, with a unique emphasis on serving Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. Graduates develop advanced leadership skills to transform healthcare delivery, focusing on disease prevention and holistic patient management. The program combines online coursework with yearly immersion experiences, offering a flexible learning environment without GRE requirements and CCNE accreditation.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers an advanced pathway for nurses committed to comprehensive mental health care. This hybrid program prepares practitioners to assess, diagnose, and treat complex mental health conditions across age groups through a holistic, evidence-based curriculum. With a special focus on Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations, the program emphasizes leadership, cultural competence, and social justice. Graduates emerge as skilled clinicians capable of addressing critical mental health needs, supported by a technology-enriched curriculum and no GRE requirement.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's online BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Designed with flexibility, the program blends online learning and yearly immersions, focusing on evidence-based care for vulnerable populations. Integrating Marianist values of faith, service, and social justice, the curriculum prepares nurses to deliver high-quality mental health care. With no GRE requirement, no minimum GPA, and CCNE accreditation, the program offers an accessible route to advanced nursing practice.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Chaminade University's BSN-DNP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program offers an innovative pathway for registered nurses dedicated to pediatric healthcare. This hybrid program prepares nurses to provide comprehensive care for patients from birth through adolescence, emphasizing evidence-based, culturally sensitive practice. Through online coursework and yearly immersion experiences, students develop advanced clinical skills in well-child care, growth and development, and pediatric condition management. The curriculum integrates leadership development, technological innovation, and social justice principles, preparing graduates to make significant impacts in pediatric healthcare settings.
Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program designed for RNs with a bachelor's degree, focusing on evidence-based primary care. It requires a full-time commitment with fall-only admission, emphasizing leadership, health policy, and advanced clinical skills through a competency-based curriculum. Graduates are prepared for board certification and roles in improving healthcare outcomes. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral-level program, though specific details are not provided in the data.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a three-year, full-time hybrid pathway offering 74 credits and 810 clinical hours. It specializes in mental health care, including psychotherapy and medication management, with a focus on vulnerable populations. The program prepares students for PMHNP certification and includes a DNP project. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral-level program, though specifics are not detailed.
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration in the DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is a hybrid offering for RNs with a bachelor's degree, featuring fall-only admission and a full-time cohort model. It includes 1,000 practice hours and focuses on evidence-based care for adult and geriatric populations, with an emphasis on leadership and health policy. An entrance exam is required for this doctoral-level program, but details are not specified.
Hilo, HI - Public 4-Year - hilo.hawaii.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Hilo's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration is a hybrid program that emphasizes transcultural and rural health, preparing advanced nurses for leadership roles through evidence-based practice. It focuses on developing clinical skills, policy expertise, and cultural competence to improve outcomes in underserved communities, with no entrance exam required as it is a doctoral-level program.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
This campus-based DNP program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner training with a strong rural and transcultural healthcare focus. It offers post-baccalaureate and post-masters entry points, requires 1,000 practice hours, and includes a Practice Inquiry Project, equipping graduates for advanced clinical roles without an entrance exam, typical for doctoral programs.
Hybrid formats combine online lectures and webinars with on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and skills workshops. Clinical rotations are arranged locally under qualified preceptors, and some programs offer fully online didactic phases with minimal in‑person requirements.
School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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Chaminade University of Honolulu
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Hawaii Pacific University
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University of Hawaii at Manoa |
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Certifying Board | Hawaii Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Section |
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Certification | National APRN credential (AANP, ANCC, etc.) with primary‐source verification sent directly to the Board |
License Renewal Period | Licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years, with biennial renewal |
Continuing Education | APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete 30 contact hours every two years (including 8 in pharmacology), other APRNs must provide proof of current certification |
License Application Fee | $40 application fee, $36 APRN license fee, plus a Compliance Resolution Fund fee of $50 or $100 depending on issuance cycle |
Clinical Hours | Official graduate transcripts verifying completion of the practicum hours required by an accredited NP program |
Application Processing Time | Generally 45–60 business days from receipt of a complete application |
License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) a Hawaii RN license and submit primary-source verification of their APRN certification and unencumbered licensure |
Hawaii NPs earn about $135,000 annually, ranging from $103,000 for entry‑level to $187,000 for senior roles, with Honolulu offering the highest pay and perks like housing stipends and bonuses. Advanced certifications and leadership positions can further boost earnings.
Salary & Career Outlook | Hawaii | USA |
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Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $135,020 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $65.00 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$148,000 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $135,020 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$118,000 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~N/A | ~54,000 |
Data from Salary.com and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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Hawaii Pacific University
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Chaminade University of Honolulu
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University of Hawaii at Hilo |
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Many pursue a DNP to qualify for leadership or academic roles, while post‑master’s certificates enable adding new specialties without another full degree. PhD programs and careers in administration, informatics, policy, or telehealth also expand opportunities.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Hawaii
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website