We've organized a comprehensive list of Hawaii nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Hawaii city.

Nurses have become critical to the healthcare system in Hawaii, taking on many of the responsibilities that have traditionally been entrusted to doctors. With the medical community relying more and more on nurses, and the need for healthcare on the rise, nursing has become a profession in high demand. In Honolulu, there are plenty of opportunities for nurses at all levels. Given the increasing responsibility in the field, it is essential that aspiring nurses have the best training available.

Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

Many registered nurses (RNs) choose to continue their studies by pursuing master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees. The MSN is a postgraduate degree that gives nurses the qualifications required to become health policy experts, public health workers, educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse leaders, and more. MSN programs also allow nurses to pursue careers as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse midwives, or nurse anesthetists, specialty fields that give nurses more responsibility in the workplace and confer significantly higher salaries.

The best educational option for aspiring registered nurses (RNs) is the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Although it is possible to become an RN through a two-year associate’s degree program, it is becoming increasingly important to earn a BSN degree to remain competitive on the job market. BSN programs generally take four years to complete, giving each student a comprehensive nursing education that includes courses in hard sciences, such as biology and physiology, and hands-on training through supervised clinical trials.

Today, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are essential to the healthcare system. They assist physicians and registered nurses (RNs) in a number of organizational tasks, and provide for basic patient care and comfort, monitoring symptoms, changing bandages, administering medications, and keeping doctors apprised of any changes in a patient’s condition. LPNs also help to oversee a team of nursing assistants and support staff.

Looking for the most elite universities in Hawaii? When you're paying significant money for your education, there is no point in settling for less. Private universities are in business to excel. Many are supported by alumni and other private donors, and they work hard to maintain their high standards and reputations. After all, the prestige of these universities is why students knock on their doors in the first place.

Hawaii offers a variety of educational options for either entering the nursing profession or furthering your pursuits within the field. For existing nurses who'd like to earn a higher salary, both the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University offer master's degrees and doctoral programs which prepare graduates to practice as one of the state's 200 nurse practitioners. NPs in Hawaii earn an average salary of $103,000 per year.