RN-to-MSN Programs in Hawaii – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Are you an RN with an associate degree in the Aloha State searching for ways to advance your nursing career? Why take the long road pursuing first a bachelor’s and then a master’s when you can speed up your education with one of the RN-to-MSN programs in Hawaii? RN-to-MSN programs take a considerably shorter period of time to complete than it would take you to finish a BSN and an MSN sequentially. With a nursing master’s degree, you will be on every healthcare employer’s shortlist, and your annual compensation will average $129,240 a year. This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Find out more about it by reviewing this guide to the best RN-to-MSN programs in Hawaii.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN HAWAII(ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Hawaii (Online & Campus) for 2026.1. University of Hawaii at Manoa - Honolulu
Specialties Offered: Advanced Population Health Nursing
Program Details: Are you a Registered Nurse interested in a career in population health nursing? Have you considered earning a graduate degree in nursing and specializing in population health but don’t know where to start? Finding the right program to build the knowledge and skills you need to transition your practice matters. For example, the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers one of the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Hawaii with an advanced population health nursing specialty.
This RN-to-MSN program is designed to prepare you with the expertise you need to advocate for health equity, influence change in diverse populations and communities, and lead data-driven health initiatives. The program admits students each fall semester. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as one year, while part-time students take an average of two years.
The program is a distance-based pathway with asynchronous online coursework so that you can complete work at your own pace. You will participate in individual and group learning activities, as well as in-person fieldwork. The 30-credit curriculum plan includes classes such as Disaster Nursing, Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing, Population Health Intervention Strategies for Advanced Nurses, and Global Health. Additionally, the program includes a six-credit capstone project that includes 270 hours of in-person field experience.
Admission Requirements: The RN-to-MSN program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa is designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree (or higher) in a non-nursing field. While the school uses a rolling admissions process, it admits new cohorts only once each year, in the fall semester.
Applicants must complete both a UH Manoa Graduate Division application and a NursingCAS application. All RN-to-MSN candidates must provide evidence of baccalaureate-level knowledge of community, public, and global health; research; leadership development; and an integrative clinical practicum completed within the previous seven years. You are required to submit a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended. You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Hawaii at Manoa RN-to-MSN Students
• As a nurse educator, I advise prospective students to consider nursing schools and programs carefully. As you search for a top program, it's important to ensure that the school has a strong reputation and is highly ranked. For example, if you are looking for an RN-to-MSN program in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is an excellent choice. U.S. News & World Report ranks the School of Nursing among the best for Online Master’s in Nursing and Master’s in Nursing programs.• Practicum and experiential learning opportunities are vital to a successful nursing program. The University of Hawaii at Manoa reports more than 200 affiliate agencies that provide clinical learning experiences for students throughout Hawaii.
• The University of Hawaii at Manoa has a history of nearly 100 years of nursing education. The School of Nursing began in 1932 with a 12-month public health nursing program. Since then, the school has consistently added new programs, indicating its commitment to high-quality nursing education and positive outcomes for nurses and the healthcare profession.
• The UH Manoa offers students access to its Translational Health Science Simulation Center. The 8,000-square-foot facility is the only simulation center of its kind in Hawaii. The simulation center brings real-life scenarios into classroom settings, giving students the experience, skills, and confidence required to provide top-quality care. The center provides opportunities for interprofessional research and education, along with research- and evidence-based practice initiatives.
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