DNP Programs in Hawaii

Hawaii DNP Programs

Hawaiian universities are beginning to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in order to improve the quality of healthcare. DNP is a terminal nursing degree that focuses on clinical practice, rather than research.Currently, there is one university in Hawaii that offers a DNP program, but this number is likely to grow in the near future.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo states, in summary, that the mission of this program is to prepare the graduates to be leaders and educators in the field of nursing. The program strives to give nurses the tools to be administrators and to help shape healthcare policy, as well as to provide excellence in care.

Admission Requirements

The admissions requirements are as follows (in addition to application and fees):

  • Transcripts from accredited programs
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Current Hawaii RN license, and license in state where applicant intends to practice
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Professional goal essay
  • Interview
  • Resume
  • Foreign applicants: CGFNS credentials evaluation and passing score on TOEFL

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

There are two program entry-points at The University of Hawaii at Hilo: Post Baccalaureate and Post Masters. The former is for nurses who are not yet at the advanced practice level, and the curriculum consists of 73 credits. The Post Masters to DNP program is made up of 37 credits. In order to graduate, students must maintain at least a 3.0 and complete 1000 practice hours and complete and present a Practice Inquiry Project. Post-BSN students must also complete Family Nurse Practitioner competencies.

Tuition

Tuition is currently $615 per credit hour for Hawaii residents and $1,269 per credit for out-of-state tuition. This information is subject to change.

Additional Resources

DNP Schools Near You & Online in Hawaii