ACNP Programs in Hawaii (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Acute care nurse practitioners play a vital role in Hawaii. As the state's population ages, more and more residents become prone to the types of injuries and sudden-onset illnesses that land people in emergency rooms and other acute care practice settings. The demand for ACNPs across the Aloaha State continues to climb, and so do ACNP salaries: Right now, acute care NPs make $135,840 a year. ACNP programs in Hawaii will prepare you for this exciting professional pathway, and reading through our guide to the best ACNP programs in Hawaii is the ideal way to get started.
FOLLOWING ARE THE ACNP PROGRAMS IN HAWAII (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025
(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the campus-based and online ACNP programs in Hawaii.)
1. Hawaii Pacific University - Honolulu
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
MNSc Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Post-Master’s Certificate Specialties Offered: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The university offers three pathways for registered nurses who want to pursue training to become an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. The MSN program is designed for bachelor’s-prepared nurses who want to earn a graduate degree but are not yet ready to pursue a doctorate. The program admits new students in the fall each year and can be completed in as little as 28 months.
Coursework is delivered in an asynchronous online format and combined with local clinical placements. The 46-credit curriculum includes classes like Advanced Clinical Decision-Making, Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Development and Implementation of Healthcare Policy, and Advanced Pathophysiology. Each clinical course has a corresponding clinical practicum. By conclusion of the program, you will have completed a total of 630 clinical hours.
MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Hawaii Pacific University, candidates must hold a current, unencumbered RN license and have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university. Applicants are required to submit an application, two letters of recommendation, a curriculum vitae or resume, a Statement of Purpose, and official transcripts from colleges or universities previously attended. Candidates with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 are preferred. Additionally, completion of an undergraduate statistics course is required.
BSN-to-DNP Program Details: Another option Hawaii Pacific University offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses is the BSN-to-DNP program. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your studies at a time that is most convenient for you. Full-time students can complete the program in 34 months, while part-time students typically take 44 months to graduate.
The BSN-to-DNP program features exclusively online coursework and clinical practicums arranged near your home. The curriculum combines nurse practitioner coursework with doctoral-level instruction in quality improvement, population health, and systems leadership. Students in this pathway complete 73 credits and more than 1,000 clinical practicum hours. As a student in this pathway, you will take classes such as Fundamentals of Acute Care, Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice, and Informatics and Technology for Advanced Practice.
BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the BSN-to-DNP program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned at an accredited university and an unencumbered United States RN license. Candidates must provide transcripts from each college or university previously attended. Transcripts should show the completion of an undergraduate statistics course and a preferred overall undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, a resume or curriculum vitae, a Statement of Purpose, and two letters of recommendation are required.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: If you have already earned a master’s degree in nursing and wish to expand your scope of practice to become certified as an Acute Care Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, the Post-Master’s Certificate program at Hawaii Pacific University is an excellent program to consider. The program offers three start dates each year in the fall, spring, and summer and takes 14 months to complete.
100% asynchronous online coursework means you can study on your own schedule, accommodating your job and other obligations. The program is a 24-credit pathway featuring coursework tailored to the Adult Gerontology ACNP role. Students also complete more than 600 clinical hours tailored to help develop advanced nursing competencies for use in a variety of acute care settings. Hands-on clinical learning takes place in a wide range of patient care settings, including surgical intensive care, cardiac intensive care, ambulatory care, and emergency care.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: Eligible candidates for the Post-Master’s Certificate program will have a Master of Science in Nursing from an accredited university, an active, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse, and an active nurse practitioner license, if applicable. Applicants must complete an online application and submit documentation, including two letters of reference, a CV or resume, a Statement of Purpose, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools. Candidates with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred. Also, completion of an undergraduate statistics course is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students
• Hawaii Pacific University’s Clinical Placement Team collaborates with you to find clinical placements in qualified acute care settings. The Placement Team ensures proper contracts are in place and that preceptors meet the criteria to supervise students.• Graduates of the ACNP program at Hawaii Pacific University have a 100% first-time pass rate on national certification and licensing exams. This record of success speaks volumes about the quality of the program!
• At Hawaii Pacific University, class sizes are kept small to ensure easy access to faculty and a more personalized approach to teaching and learning.
• Hawaii Pacific University’s ACNP program faculty are nursing leaders on local, national, and global levels. Faculty are nurse practitioners who remain in active practice, as well as dedicated doctoral scholars and researchers. They each bring personal knowledge, experience, and insight to the ACNP program, adding to the program's value and enhancing your experience as a student.
• Finding an ACNP program with good rankings and a solid reputation is crucial, and Hawaii Pacific University does not disappoint. The school is listed as a “Top Veteran-Friendly School” by U.S. Veterans Magazine, a Top Regional University for Graduate Nursing by U.S. News & World Report, and #1 on the list of the “100 Most Diverse Schools in the United States” by Universities.com!
HOW MUCH DO ACNP GRADUATES MAKE IN HAWAII?
WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN HAWAII EXPECT?
| Hourly | $48.05 |
| Weekly | $1,922 |
| Monthly | $8,330 |
| Annual | $99,940 |
HOW MUCH CAN GRADUATES OF ACNP PROGRAMS IN HAWAII EARN WITH EXPERIENCE?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Entry-Level | $48.05 | $1,922 | $8,330 | $99,940 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $54.37 | $2,175 | $9,420 | $113,080 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $64.17 | $2,567 | $11,120 | $133,480 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $71.47 | $2,859 | $12,390 | $148,650 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $85.40 | $3,416 | $14,800 | $177,640 |
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII?
| Hourly | $65.31 |
| Weekly | $2,612 |
| Monthly | $11,320 |
| Annual | $135,840 |
HOW MUCH DO ACNPS EARN IN THE VARIOUS METROS OF HAWAII?
| Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina | $64.14 | $2,566 | $11,120 | $133,420 |
| Urban Honolulu | $65.38 | $2,615 | $11,330 | $136,000 |
ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. OTHER SALARIES
ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. ACNP SALARY IN THE NATION
| Average Hawaii ACNP Annual Salary | Average National ACNP Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| $135,840 | $131,620 | +$4,220 | +3.21% |
ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. ACNP SALARIES IN OTHER STATES
| State | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| California | $165,480 | -$29,640 | -17.91% |
| Nevada | $152,290 | -$16,450 | -10.80% |
| Washington | $148,940 | -$13,100 | -8.80% |
| New Jersey | $148,560 | -$12,720 | -8.56% |
| Oregon | $148,480 | -$12,640 | -8.51% |
| Massachusetts | $147,520 | -$11,680 | -7.92% |
| New York | $146,310 | -$10,470 | -7.16% |
| Connecticut | $140,320 | -$4,480 | -3.19% |
| New Mexico | $140,100 | -$4,260 | -3.04% |
| Minnesota | $138,300 | -$2,460 | -1.78% |
| District of Columbia | $138,130 | -$2,290 | -1.66% |
| Rhode Island | $136,710 | -$870 | -0.64% |
| Hawaii | $135,840 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Arizona | $135,790 | +$50 | +0.04% |
| Delaware | $134,300 | +$1,540 | +1.15% |
| Iowa | $134,010 | +$1,830 | +1.37% |
| New Hampshire | $133,920 | +$1,920 | +1.43% |
| Texas | $133,180 | +$2,660 | +2.00% |
| Wisconsin | $131,460 | +$4,380 | +3.33% |
| Maryland | $131,110 | +$4,730 | +3.61% |
| Utah | $130,930 | +$4,910 | +3.75% |
| North Dakota | $130,870 | +$4,970 | +3.80% |
| Pennsylvania | $130,550 | +$5,290 | +4.05% |
| Illinois | $129,990 | +$5,850 | +4.50% |
| Alaska | $129,240 | +$6,600 | +5.11% |
| Vermont | $129,170 | +$6,670 | +5.16% |
| Montana | $127,680 | +$8,160 | +6.39% |
| Idaho | $127,580 | +$8,260 | +6.47% |
| Oklahoma | $127,360 | +$8,480 | +6.66% |
| Wyoming | $126,570 | +$9,270 | +7.32% |
| Indiana | $126,320 | +$9,520 | +7.54% |
| Maine | $125,930 | +$9,910 | +7.87% |
| Ohio | $125,860 | +$9,980 | +7.93% |
| Colorado | $124,960 | +$10,880 | +8.71% |
| Nebraska | $124,640 | +$11,200 | +8.99% |
| North Carolina | $124,550 | +$11,290 | +9.06% |
| Georgia | $124,100 | +$11,740 | +9.46% |
| South Dakota | $123,930 | +$11,910 | +9.61% |
| Virginia | $123,810 | +$12,030 | +9.72% |
| Michigan | $123,620 | +$12,220 | +9.89% |
| Florida | $122,630 | +$13,210 | +10.77% |
| Kansas | $122,180 | +$13,660 | +11.18% |
| Louisiana | $121,560 | +$14,280 | +11.75% |
| Mississippi | $120,350 | +$15,490 | +12.87% |
| South Carolina | $119,790 | +$16,050 | +13.40% |
| Missouri | $119,520 | +$16,320 | +13.65% |
| West Virginia | $116,210 | +$19,630 | +16.89% |
| Arkansas | $116,170 | +$19,670 | +16.93% |
| Kentucky | $113,060 | +$22,780 | +20.15% |
| Alabama | $112,700 | +$23,140 | +20.53% |
| Tennessee | $106,250 | +$29,590 | +27.85% |
ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. OTHER NURSE SALARIES IN HAWAII
| Type of Nurse | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Nurse Midwife | $161,820 | -$25,980 | -16.05% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $135,840 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Registered Nurse | $119,710 | $16,130 | +13.47% |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher, Post-secondary | $97,990 | $37,850 | +38.63% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse | $62,020 | $73,820 | +119.03% |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,990 | $90,850 | +201.93% |
ACNP SALARY IN HAWAII VS. SALARIES OF OTHER CLOSELY RELATED OCCUPATIONS IN HAWAII
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Podiatrist | $220,700 | -$84,860 | -38.45% |
| Veterinarian | $157,770 | -$21,930 | -13.90% |
| Dentist | $154,860 | -$19,020 | -12.28% |
| Optometrist | $143,970 | -$8,130 | -5.65% |
| Pharmacist | $138,390 | -$2,550 | -1.84% |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $135,840 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,300 | +$5,540 | +4.25% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $106,790 | +$29,050 | +27.20% |
| Physical Therapist | $103,010 | +$32,830 | +31.87% |
| Occupational Therapist | $99,490 | +$36,350 | +36.54% |
| Chiropractor | $95,610 | +$40,230 | +42.08% |
| Dental Hygienist | $91,070 | +$44,770 | +49.16% |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits ACNP Programs In Hawaii?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Accredited ACNP Schools Are There In Hawaii?
| 1 |
3. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Hour In Hawaii?
| $65.31 |
4. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Week In Hawaii?
| $2,612 |
5. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Month In Hawaii?
| $11,320 |
6. On Average, How Much Does An Acute Care NP Make Per Year In Hawaii?
| $135,840 |
7. What Is The Job Outlook For ACNPs In Hawaii?
| 10-Year Job Outlook (2020-2030) |
| N/A |
Darby Faubion BSN, RN
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over twenty years of experience. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed students at both community college and university levels. Because of her love of nursing education, Darby became a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach and assists nursing graduates across the United States who are preparing to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Best ACNP Programs in Other States