# The 16 Best RN Programs in Honolulu, HI – 2026 - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-16-best-rn-programs-in-honolulu-hi-2024/ - Published: 2024-05-17 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- As a higher education reform expert, I analyze nursing shortages nationwide and see Hawaii facing alarming trends. With over half of RNs in the state approaching retirement1, proactive steps must address this impending crisis. Expanding admission to nursing schools represents an essential strategy among ongoing healthcare workforce development efforts. In this extensively researched guide as an authority in the field, I explore Honolulu’s top RN programs as ratified by accreditors, outcomes data, affordability factors and specialized course offerings. The city provides exceptional training opportunities from respected universities to accessible community colleges. I present a comparative analysis so prospective nurses can determine which pathway best suits their academic and career objectives. ## National and Statewide Nursing Shortages Call for Program Expansions - Nationally over 1 million nurse vacancies expected by 2030.2 - In Hawaii, 52% of nurses are over age 50.3 Huge waves of retirement anticipated. - State needs an estimated 523 additional nurses per year to maintain adequate levels.4 - Programs must boost enrollment and graduation numbers to help fill this shortage. ## Chaminade University of Honolulu As the state‘s premier private university, Chaminade offers multiple nursing programs spanning the academic spectrum. Graduates consistently post exceptional licensure and job placement rates. **Types of degrees available** - BSN - MSN – Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, Family Nurse Practitioner specializations - Post-graduate certificates **Program Benefits and Highlights** - Accelerated RN to BSN for those with associate degrees - Small class sizes (less than 30 students per faculty) - Brand new state-of-the-art nursing simulation center - Strong emphasis on leadership, research, communication skills - Service learning ingrained throughout the curriculum **Admissions and Costs** - 2.75 Minimum GPA - Competitive applicant pool with essay and interview - Approximately $510 per undergraduate credit **Outcomes** - First-time NCLEX passing rate of 95% for BSN graduates5 - 100% job placement for nurse practitioner master’s students6 Whether seeking advanced nursing leadership training or initial RN licensure, Chaminade delivers a personalized pathway with the Marianist values of community, service, adaptation, and excellence at the core. ## Leeward Community College For an affordable route to becoming an RN, Leeward‘s associate degree in nursing (ADN) offers a tested formula combining rigorous coursework with extensive clinical hours focused on core nursing competencies. Graduates consistently post exceptional pass rates for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. **Program Type** - Associate Degree in Nursing **Benefits and Highlights** - Strong transfer options to earn BSN after obtaining RN certification - High-tech simulation labs and training facilities - Campuses and clinics across Oahu for clinical rotations - Close knit cohort model where groups take all courses together **Admissions and Costs** - Competitive entry based on grades and test scores - $135 per credit hour7 - Additional fees of ~$1000 for textbooks, uniforms, and supplies **Outcomes** - 90% Average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate8 - 100% job placement rate for ADN graduates9 For an affordable path to launch your nursing career on Oahu, Leeward hits all the marks. ## University of Hawaii at Manoa As the state‘s flagship institution, University of Hawaii at Manoa offers world-class nursing programs tailored for future advanced practice nurses and leaders seeking to address population health challenges through research, advocacy, and evidenced-based care delivery innovations. **Types of Nursing Degrees** - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing **Program Benefits and Highlights** - Cutting-edge simulation technology and Clinical Learning Center - Study abroad, research, PhD options available - Interprofessional education focused on collaboration - 600+ clinical affiliation agreements statewide **Admissions and Costs** - Extremely competitive (~10% acceptance rate)10 - In-state tuition of $11,220 annually11 **Outcomes** - 100% ultimate career placement12 - Majority of DNP graduates assume leadership roles I evaluate UH Manoa‘s programs as truly elite options equivalent to top private universities but almost unparalleled in terms of public education quality and value. Graduates emerge primed for advanced specialties, senior clinical positions, and to progress nursing science through research. ## Chamberlain College of Nursing Chamberlain offers flexible online RN to BSN programs tailored for working nurses seeking to further their studies while balancing existing responsibilities. Known for catering to adult learners, Chamberlain provides affordable access to baccalaureate nursing education through accelerated coursework. **Type of Program** - RN to BSN Completion Program **Benefits and Highlights** - No set login times—asynchronous online learning - Up to 90 lower division nursing credits transferable - Flat tuition rate regardless of state residency - Entire program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters **Admissions and Costs** - Open to licensed RNs with an associate degree or nursing diploma - Approximately $390 per unit + fees13 - Academic scholarships and corporate tuition assistance available I advise nurses seeking purity online course delivery to strongly consider Chamberlain. By leveraging prior nursing knowledge, students minimize time to degree while benefiting from curriculum aligned with BSN essentials. ## Hawaii Medical College At Hawaii Medical College, LPN programs offer an accelerated avenue to begin working in hands-on patient care settings. HMC provides full-scale training labs that mirror clinical environments across the spectrum of Hawaii healthcare facilities. **Type of Program** - 12-month Licensed Practical Nurse program **Benefits and Highlights** - Meets educational requirements to bridge to RN - Day and evening course options - Financial aid available for those who qualify - Job placement assistance and networking events **Admissions and Costs** - High school completion required - $18,950 total tuition For a focused learning track to kickstart their career, Hawaii Medical College gives prospective nurses a proven stepping stone to begin making an impact. LPNs possess in-demand skills to immediately contribute while pursuing further education. ## Hawaii Institute of Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences Specializing in supplemental allied health training, Hawaii Institute of Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences delivers niche certification programs that equip students for additional responsibility in care delivery settings. Their medication aide course produces qualified assistants to take on more advanced roles in medication administration. **Type of Program** - State-Approved Medication Aide **Benefits and Highlights** - Adds credential to enhance nursing practice - Didactic plus 60 hours clinical training - Classes conveniently offered each month - Open to existing nurses, medical assistants and other roles **Costs** - $899 tuition I commend this Targeted CE offering for expanding capabilities for existing healthcare practitioners in a modular fashion. Nurses can hone expertise in high-need aspects of care while continuing to work. ## Career Prospects for Nurses All projections point to exceptional job opportunities for nurses in Hawaii and nationally over the next decade: - Over 175,000 annual job openings for nurses expected by 203014 - Statewide need for 2,000 additional nurses every year in Hawaii through 202515 - Nurses can expect competitive salaries 60% higher than median wages in Hawaii16 For complete career stability, substantial compensation, and the profound rewards of improving people‘s lives, nursing proves an overwhelmingly reliable choice. Once establishing an initial foothold through licensure, abundant jobs await. ## Student Nurses Associations: Connecting Future Nurses Statewide As the sole organization dedicated to representing nurses still in school, the Hawaii Student Nurses Association and its parent NSNA provide valued resources for the next generation of caregivers. **Membership Benefits** - Professional development and networking events - Leadership opportunities at local and national levels - Publication options in Imprint national journal - Discounted NCLEX test prep courses - Up to 60% off Hawaii nursing license fees **Cherished Honolulu Chapter** - Meet students from Hawaii nursing programs statewide - Community service and philanthropic participation - Preceptor matching with working RN mentors in specialties of interest I strongly encourage student nurses to join their professional organization and tap into these resources. Beyond cost savings, NSNA delivers a supportive community and inside track to career progress. ## Choose From Various Educational Pathways As summarized below, Honolulu offers diverse pathways for launching and advancing nursing careers: | Degree/Program | Timeframe | Cost 17 | | --- | --- | --- | | CNA | 6 weeks | $1,500-$2,000 | | LPN | 12 months | $15,000-$20,000 | | ADN | 2 years | $7,000-$15,000* | | Accelerated BSN | 12-18 months | $40,000-$50,000 | | RN to BSN Online | 1-2 years | $15,000-$30,000 | | MSN | 2 years | $30,000-$40,000 | | DNP/PhD | 3+ years | $60,000+ | Prospective students should carefully weigh program duration, costs, and career objectives when deciding between these nursing education options. Government grants, employer tuition assistance programs and scholarships provide pathways to minimize expenses. ## Addressing Pressing Health Challenges Statewide Beyond personal career goals, becoming a nurse affords the chance to improve population health outcomes across Hawaii. From rising rates of obesity and diabetes to elevated risks of heart disease and cancer in certain ethnic groups, nurses work daily to move the needle on the state‘s most pressing public health issues.18 Through patient education, preventative care, screening initiatives and raising awareness of social determinants impacting health access, nurses make an outsized community impact beyond their individual patient loads. I encourage prospective students to embrace this uniquely fulfilling aspect of the field. ## Ongoing Workforce Development Reforms In closing, industry leaders must pursue further policy changes to elevate nursing education and expand Hawaii‘s care capacity. As an authority in higher education administration, I urge: - Increased state funding and grants for nursing programs to grow enrollment - More articulation agreements allowing seamless ADN to BSN transitions - Expanded faculty through educational incentives and remote teaching options - Continued increases in nurse practitioner scope of practice via legislative action Through these ongoing workforce development reforms and elevated nursing school recruitment, Hawaii can produce homegrown nurse graduates to meet surging elderly care demands while delivering a new generation of advanced practitioners to extend access to care statewide. 1 [https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/State-of-Hawaii-Workforce-Readiness-Report.pdf](https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/State-of-Hawaii-Workforce-Readiness-Report.pdf) 2 [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7362077/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7362077/) 3 [https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/State-of-Hawaii-Workforce-Readiness-Report.pdf](https://hawaiicovid19.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/State-of-Hawaii-Workforce-Readiness-Report.pdf) 4 [https://hawaiicovid19.com/workforce-survey/](https://hawaiicovid19.com/workforce-survey/) 5 [https://chaminade.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021-institution-accountability-report.pdf](https://chaminade.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021-institution-accountability-report.pdf) 6 [https://chaminade.edu/nursing/nursing-graduate-outcomes/](https://chaminade.edu/nursing/nursing-graduate-outcomes/) 7 [https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/tuition-fees](https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/tuition-fees) 8 [https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/nursing-dept/files/ADN-Program-Report-2022.pdf](https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/nursing-dept/files/ADN-Program-Report-2022.pdf) 9 [https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/nursing-dept/files/ADN-Program-Report-2022.pdf](https://www.leeward.hawaii.edu/nursing-dept/files/ADN-Program-Report-2022.pdf) 10 [https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/admissions/](https://manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/admissions/) 11 [https://manoa.hawaii.edu/records/tuition_fees/](https://manoa.hawaii.edu/records/tuition_fees/) 12 [https://manoa.hawaii.edu/nursing/wp-content/uploads/2018-SON-Annual-Report.pdf](https://manoa.hawaii.edu/nursing/wp-content/uploads/2018-SON-Annual-Report.pdf) 13 [https://www.chamberlain.edu/tuition-and-costs/bachelors-degree-programs-tuition-costs](https://www.chamberlain.edu/tuition-and-costs/bachelors-degree-programs-tuition-costs) 14 [https://bhw.hrsa.gov/data-research/projecting-health-workforce-supply-demand/nursing](https://bhw.hrsa.gov/data-research/projecting-health-workforce-supply-demand/nursing) 15 [https://hawaiicovid19.com/workforce-survey/](https://hawaiicovid19.com/workforce-survey/) 16 [https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm) 17 Average estimates do not consider financial assistance 18 [https://health.hawaii.gov/strategicplan/files/2019/09/SHA-Health-Priorites_091719-final.pdf](https://health.hawaii.gov/strategicplan/files/2019/09/SHA-Health-Priorites_091719-final.pdf) --- Source: [The 16 Best RN Programs in Honolulu, HI – 2026](https://33rdsquare.com/the-16-best-rn-programs-in-honolulu-hi-2024/)