Registered Nurses, otherwise known as RNs, have a number of important responsibilities within the healthcare industry.
They work with patients on a daily basis to coordinate care – and work with doctors and surgeons depending on the medical facility.
If you’re curious about working as an RN, find out what it will take to become one in Hawaii.
5 Registered Nurse Schools in Hawaii
A variety of Registered Nurse schools are found across Hawaii.
You’ll want to compare the programs, the costs, and even the schedules to see which one will work best for you.
Kapi’olani Community College
There is an RN prep program at the Kapi’olani Community College.
This program will earn you an associate degree over approximately two years.
The program is located in Honolulu, where you will spend every semester in classes that not only provide theoretical instruction but also the clinical application of nursing skills.
Upon completion of the program, you will have the necessary skills to sit for the NCLEX-RX nursing exam so that you can become a Registered Nurse.
The program is a total of 72 credit hours and the college helps with job placement upon completion.
The cost of tuition is $3284 for in-state residents per year.
University of Hawaii Manoa
The University of Hawaii in Manoa created a customized pathway for students to earn an Associate in Nursing.
You’ll have the ability to learn about healthcare theory and put all of that into practice.
The school, which is located in Honolulu, is highly rated and the program is fully approved.
Academic advising is offered throughout the program. Further, much of the faculty work in the healthcare industry.
The associate degree is typically completed over two years – fall, spring, summer, fall, and spring terms.
The tuition is approximately $29,000 per year for in-state residents, though that is before any grants or scholarships are factored in.
Hawaii Pacific University
The School of Nursing at Hawaii Pacific University offers a variety of options.
You’ll be able to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – and there are on-campus and online options to fit your needs.
HPU stands out because of the state-of-the-art training that is offered, which includes simulation labs.
The program takes approximately four years to complete, though that depends entirely on whether you have already taken any nursing courses or certifications.
The cost of tuition without any grants or scholarships is estimated to be $29,300 per year.
Chaminade University of Honolulu
The nursing program at Chaminade University provides you with a BS in Nursing.
The four-year degree allows you to participate in realistic simulations, hands-on learning, along with mentorships.
The program emphasizes leadership and offers a number of immersive opportunities throughout the community in Honolulu.
There are two tracks for you to choose from.
The four-year program is traditional, where you will take classes in the fall and spring.
There’s also an accelerated program that only takes 20 months, but the classes are year-round.
The cost of tuition before any aid is $25,360 per year.
University of Hawaii – Maui College
UH Maui offers an Associate in Science Registered Nurse that will take approximately two years.
You can also choose the Bachelor’s degree version which will take approximately four years.
The courses are offered during the fall and spring semesters.
You’ll have the ability to learn in the classroom, in labs, and with various opportunities within the community.
The university can even help you find various opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and facilities upon graduation.
The average cost of tuition (without housing) is approximately $3278 per year.
Registered Nurse Schools in Hawaii – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Hawaii
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Kapi’olani Community College | 4303 Diamond Head Rd, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| University of Hawaii Manoa | 2500 Campus Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| University of Hawaii – Maui College | 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732 |
Salary
The salary for a Registered Nurse in Hawaii is an important consideration when looking to get started.
The salaries can vary dramatically depending on your experience, education, and even the facility you choose to work in.
According to salary.com, the median salary for pediatric RNs in Honolulu is $78,280 a year.
And those within the 90th percentile can expect to earn closer to $100,000.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Hawaii
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu | $68,840 |
| Hilo | $68,370 |
| Kailua | $68,840 |
| Kaneohe | $68,840 |
| Waipahu | $68,810 |
| Pearl City | $68,840 |
| Ewa Beach | $68,840 |
| Mililani Town | $68,709 |
| Kahului | $68,370 |
| Kihei | $68,371 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 1,080 | $109,840 | $52.81 | $130,480 | $77,740 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 8,970 | $115,200 | $55.38 | $137,710 | $76,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the top healthcare employers in Hawaii?
Some of the top healthcare employers to explore in Hawaii as an RN include Queens Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health, Hilo Medical Center, and Star of Honolulu.
What type of degree is required to become an RN?
An approved RN program is required in order to sit for the licensing exam.
Most employers expect a minimum of an associate degree, though some will even require a bachelor’s degree.
How often does a license need to be renewed in Hawaii?
The licenses will expire on June 30 of every odd-numbered year, regardless of the data that they are issued.
What is the cost to become a licensed RN in Hawaii?
The fee to get licensed as a Registered Nurse is $40.
After passing the exam, there will be additional fees that will need to be paid to the Commerce & Consumer Affairs Department.
Where are the best cities to work as an RN?
You’ll find that some of the bigger and more populated cities are the best places to work as an RN because there are more opportunities.
Such cities include Honolulu, Hilo, and Pearl City.
