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Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Guide
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Passionate about care. Committed to your success.
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Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program Guide
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online MSN program is an educational experience unlike any other, offering a unique blend of comprehensive academics, rich culture, and traditional island values designed to provide more than a nursing education. We’ll teach you kàkou, the language of working together, of inclusiveness, and the idea that WE ARE ONE.
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Start your journey
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Start Dates:
3 starts per year (fall, spring, and summer)
Application Deadline:
Fall
July 28, 2025
Upcoming Start Date:
Fall
August 25, 2025
Call: 866-525-2280
Schedule an appointment with an advisor
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Apply Now
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At a Glance
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Choose from three in-demand concentrations:
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Family Nurse Practitioner
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Designed for nurses interested in providing advanced care and a wide range of mental health services to patients of all ages.
45 credits | 504 clinical hours | $50,265 total tuition
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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Designed for nurses seeking an advanced practice role caring for adult/elderly patients with acute, chronic illness.
48 credits | 630 clinical hours | $53,616 total tuition
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
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Designed for nurses who want to provide primary care services to patients across the lifespan.
46 credits | 630 clinical hours | $51,382 total tuition
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Curriculum
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HPU is different. Here, you learn from professors who are at the top of their field — not only in academics but in applied and industry knowledge. With this type of education, you don’t just learn from lectures and textbooks. HPU courses are hands-on, interactive, and taught by faculty who excel as both educators and practitioners. Our advanced nursing coursework is designed to help you pass national nurse practitioner certification exams on the first try. Whatever your goals, you can feel confident that you’re learning from a dedicated faculty and robust, accredited curriculum. Courses in HPU’s online MSN program are built around the nationally recognized MSN Essentials set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
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Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
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(45 total credits)
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Core Course
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18 credits
Summary
NUR 6000 Introduction to Advanced Practice Roles / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the definitions of advanced practice nursing (APN) roles in community environments. Theoretical content includes ethics, multicultural population-focused care, community coordination strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and leadership. Roles of the nurse as case manager, administrator, educator, researcher, consultant, and practitioner are explored. Communication issues including assertive behavior, conflict resolution, and the dynamics of change are examined.
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NUR 6010 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the in-depth exploration of pathophysiological responses involved in processes affecting the body's optimal functioning. The ability to implement diagnostic reasoning, critical thinking, and the integration of scientific concepts with psychosocial and spiritual aspects of the human condition are enhanced using case studies. Human pathophysiological responses across the life span that incorporate the individual, families, and communities are surveyed.
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NUR 6020 Advanced Nursing Research / 3 Credits
Main Content
A broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry are explored as a means to forward nursing research.
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NUR 6025 Advanced Pharmacology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers advanced knowledge of pharmacology integrated with the needs of the community served by the practitioner. A case-study method is utilized to support increased knowledge, development, and application.
Summary
NUR 6030 Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course expands upon health assessment skills and diagnostic reasoning concepts to determine the health status of clients across the life span. Focuses on the collection and interpretation of clinical data derived from the history and physical exam.
Summary
NUR 8050 Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy / 3 Credits
Main Content
In this course the DNP student will develop knowledge, skills, and tools toward the DNP terminal competencies related to policy, policy development, and change to maintain high-quality care while remaining accessible and using scarce resources wisely.
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FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP) PROGRAM CURRICULUM
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27 credits
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NUR 6960 Advanced Theory: Primary Care of Children / 3 Credits
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Disease prevention, health promotion, and illnesses in children and adolescents are comprehensively analyzed for the individual and within the context of their family and community.
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NUR 6961 Practicum I / 3 Credits
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Applied advanced practice nursing knowledge, reasoning, and intervention skills to prevent disease, promote health, and treat illnesses in children, their families, and communities are developed within this laboratory and clinical experience.
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NUR 6962 Advanced Theory: Primary Care of Women / 3 Credits
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Disease prevention, health promotion, and illnesses in women are comprehensively analyzed for the individual and within the context of their family and community.
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NUR 6963 Practicum II / 3 Credits
Main Content
Disease prevention, health promotion, and illnesses in children and adolescents are comprehensively analyzed for the individual and within the context of their family and community.
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NUR 6964 Episodic Conditions in Primary Care / 3 Credits
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Health promotion, disease prevention, and illnesses of adults are comprehensively analyzed for the individual and in the context of their family and community.
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NUR 6965 Practicum III / 3 Credits
Main Content
Advanced practice nursing knowledge, reasoning, and intervention skills to prevent disease, promote health, and treat illnesses in adults, their families, and communities are developed within this laboratory and clinical experience.
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NUR 6966 Chronic Conditions in Primary Care / 3 Credits
Main Content
Health promotion, disease prevention, and illnesses of geriatric adults are comprehensively analyzed for the individual and in the context of their family and community.
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NUR 6967 Practicum IV / 3 Credits
Main Content
Advanced practice knowledge, reasoning, and intervention skills to prevent disease, promote health, and treat illnesses in older adults, their families, and communities are developed in this laboratory and clinical experience.
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NUR 7000 Project Proposal Paper / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course is a rigorous culminating scholarly endeavor in which the student will integrate theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and research in a faculty-guided project proposal.
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Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
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(48 total credits)
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Core Courses
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18 credits
Summary
NUR 6000 Introduction to Advanced Practice Roles / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the definitions of advanced practice nursing (APN) roles in community environments. Theoretical content includes ethics, multicultural population-focused care, community coordination strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and leadership. Roles of the nurse as case manager, administrator, educator, researcher, consultant, and practitioner are explored. Communication issues including assertive behavior, conflict resolution, and the dynamics of change are examined.
Summary
NUR 6010 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the in-depth exploration of pathophysiological responses involved in processes affecting the body's optimal functioning. The ability to implement diagnostic reasoning, critical thinking, and the integration of scientific concepts with psychosocial and spiritual aspects of the human condition are enhanced using case studies. Human pathophysiological responses across the life span that incorporate the individual, families, and communities are surveyed.
Summary
NUR 6020 Advanced Nursing Research / 3 Credits
Main Content
A broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry are explored as a means to forward nursing research.
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NUR 6025 Advanced Pharmacology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers advanced knowledge of pharmacology integrated with the needs of the community served by the practitioner. A case-study method is utilized to support increased knowledge, development, and application.
Summary
NUR 6030 Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course expands upon health assessment skills and diagnostic reasoning concepts to determine the health status of clients across the life span. Focuses on the collection and interpretation of clinical data derived from the history and physical exam.
Summary
NUR 8050 Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy / 3 Credits
Main Content
In this course the DNP student will develop knowledge, skills, and tools toward the DNP terminal competencies related to policy, policy development, and change to maintain high-quality care while remaining accessible and using scarce resources wisely.
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PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER (PMHNP) PROGRAM CURRICULUM
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30 credits
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NUR 6026 Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan / 3 Credits
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Prepares the psychiatric/mental health APRN to prescribe psychotropic medications to clients in different settings. Applying evidence-based knowledge of psychopharmacological principles to treat specific psychiatric conditions is emphasized. Managing iatrogenic/trophicogenic problems caused by pharmacologic agents is explored. Neuropsychiatric development, brain function, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology are examined in relation to pharmacologic agents. The relationship between specific psychopathological and neurological conditions and psychopharmacological treatments is examined. Prescribing, managing, and monitoring of psychopharmacotherapeutics are emphasized along with complementary and alternative agents. The role of the psychiatric/mental health APRN as prescriber for the patient with psychiatric conditions is incorporated throughout this course, including therapeutic challenges such as medication compliance, outcomes, ethical responsibilities, legalities, financial realities, cultural, and genetic diversity, and practical considerations.
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NUR 6970 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I / 3 Credits
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Facilitates the Psychiatric/Mental Health APRN for the complex role of providing mental health care and crisis intervention to adults/geriatric adults of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds within a recovery framework. Cultural assessment, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and co-morbidities are incorporated throughout the course. Treatment and management of mental health disorders using a variety of modalities and interventions with an emphasis on pharmacotherapy are explored. Synthesis of evidence-based, recovery-focused management in concert with the social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of the patient and family are emphasized.
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NUR 6971 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing I Practicum / 5 Credits
Main Content
Prepares the psychiatric/mental health APRN to provide mental health care and crisis intervention to adults/geriatric adults of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds within a recovery framework. Cultural assessment, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and co-morbidities are incorporated throughout the course. Treating and managing mental health disorders are explored using a variety of modalities and interventions, with emphasis on communication theory and group theory focused on recovery. Synthesizing evidence-based, recovery-focused management is emphasized along with the social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of the patient and family.
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NUR 6972 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing II / 3 Credits
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Facilitates Psychiatric/Mental Health APRN students in the complex role of providing recovery-focused, mental health nursing care to clients with chronic, and complex psychiatric needs of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Emphasis on psychotherapeutic management of clients across the lifespan while integrating evidence-based, recovery-focused approaches. Examination of the forensic, social, cultural, physical, economic, familial, spiritual, and societal impacts of severe mental illness incorporates local and world views as well as advocacy opportunities for the Psychiatric/Mental Health APRN. Synthesis of evidence-based, recovery-focused management in concert with the social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of these clients is explored.
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NUR 6973 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing II Practicum / 5 Credits
Main Content
Prepares the psychiatric/mental health APRN to provide mental health care and crisis intervention to adults/geriatric adults of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds within a recovery framework. Cultural assessment, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and co-morbidities are incorporated throughout the course. Treating and managing mental health disorders using a variety of modalities and interventions are explored, with emphasis on communication theory and group theory focused on recovery. Synthesizing evidence-based, recovery-focused management are emphasized along with the social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of the patient and family.
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NUR 6974 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing III / 3 Credits
Main Content
Facilitates the Psychiatric/Mental Health APRN for the complex role of providing mental health nursing care and crisis intervention to children, adolescents, and families of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds within a recovery framework. Cultural assessment, psychiatric assessment and diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and co-morbidities are incorporated throughout t course. Treatment and management of mental health disorders using a variety of modalities and interventions are explored. Synthesis of evidence-based, recovery-focused management in concert with the social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of children, adolescents, and families are emphasized.
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NUR 6975 Advanced Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing III Practicum / 5 Credits
Main Content
Prepares psychiatric/mental health APRN students to provide recovery-focused mental-health nursing care to clients with the chronic and complex psychiatric needs of differing social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Emphasizes medication and therapeutic management of clients across the lifespan while integrating evidence-based, recovery-focused approaches. The student builds on the knowledge and concepts learned in NUR 6970 and NUR 6972 and gains a more in-depth understanding of treating people with complex psychiatric/mental health needs using recovery-focused interventions. An examination of the forensic, social, cultural, physical, economic, familial, spiritual, and societal impacts of severe mental illness incorporates local and world views, as well as advocacy opportunities, for the psychiatric/mental health APRN. Synthesizing evidence-based, recovery-focused management is explored along with social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and physical needs of these clients.
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NUR 7000 Project Proposal Paper / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course is a rigorous culminating scholarly endeavor in which the student will integrate theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and research in a faculty-guided project proposal.
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Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Curriculum
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(46 total credits)
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Core Courses
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18 credits
Summary
NUR 6000 Introduction to Advanced Practice Roles / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the definitions of advanced practice nursing (APN) roles in community environments. Theoretical content includes ethics, multicultural population-focused care, community coordination strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and leadership. Roles of the nurse as case manager, administrator, educator, researcher, consultant, and practitioner are explored. Communication issues including assertive behavior, conflict resolution, and the dynamics of change are examined.
Summary
NUR 6010 Advanced Pathophysiology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers the in-depth exploration of pathophysiological responses involved in processes affecting the body's optimal functioning. The ability to implement diagnostic reasoning, critical thinking, and the integration of scientific concepts with psychosocial and spiritual aspects of the human condition are enhanced using case studies. Human pathophysiological responses across the life span that incorporate the individual, families, and communities are surveyed.
Summary
NUR 6020 Advanced Nursing Research / 3 Credits
Main Content
A broad range of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry are explored as a means to forward nursing research.
Summary
NUR 6025 Advanced Pharmacology / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course covers advanced knowledge of pharmacology integrated with the needs of the community served by the practitioner. A case-study method is utilized to support increased knowledge, development, and application.
Summary
NUR 6030 Advanced Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning / 3 Credits
Main Content
This course expands upon health assessment skills and diagnostic reasoning concepts to determine the health status of clients across the life span. Focuses on the collection and interpretation of clinical data derived from the history and physical exam.
Summary
NUR 8050 Development and Implementation of Health Care Policy / 3 Credits
Main Content
In this course the DNP student will develop knowledge, skills, and tools toward the DNP terminal competencies related to policy, policy development, and change to maintain high-quality care while remaining accessible and using scarce resources wisely.
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ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER (AGACNP) PROGRAM CURRICULUM
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28 credits
Summary
NUR 6980 Fundamentals of Acute Care I / 3 Credits
Main Content
This evidence-based course investigates the evaluation and management of adult and gerontologic populations experiencing acute and critical illnesses, including disease classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, assessment, and diagnostic evaluation. An emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making, integrating advanced pharmacology, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual factors, genetics, and the impact of aging.
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NUR 6982 Advanced Clinical Decision Making / 3 Credits
Main Content
This didactic and Sim Lab course focuses on critical care diagnostics and management technologies, including ABG analysis and ventilation management; cardioversion and pacing; lab; radiology; and CT interpretation. Emphasis is on obtaining comprehensive medical histories, conducting examinations, analyzing biotechnological data trends, performing differential diagnosis, and decision-making for critically ill adults.
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NUR 6983 Fundamentals of Acute Care II / 3 Credits
Main Content
This evidence-based course investigates evaluating and managing adult and gerontologic populations experiencing acute and critical illnesses. This includes disease classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, assessment, and diagnostic evaluation. An emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making that integrates advanced pharmacology; psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors; genetics; and the impact of aging.
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NUR 6984 AGACNP Practicum I / 3 Credits
Main Content
This first practicum course will explore and apply the adult-gerontological ACNP role within the infrastructure of American health care. The focus will be on developing ACNP competencies and clinical decision-making. Discussions will include reimbursement, billing, role development, nursing and medical interventions, and other activities.
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NUR 6985 Fundamentals of Acute Care III / 1 Credit
Main Content
This third evidence-based course investigates evaluating and managing adult and gerontologic populations experiencing acute and critical illnesses. This includes disease classification, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, assessment, and diagnostic evaluation. An emphasis is placed on advanced clinical decision-making; integrating advanced pharmacology; and psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors.
Summary
NUR 6986 AGACNP Practicum II / 6 Credits
Main Content
This first practicum course will explore and apply the adult-gerontological ACNP role within the infrastructure of American health care. The focus will be on developing ACNP competencies and clinical decision-making. Discussions will include reimbursement, billing, role development, nursing and medical interventions, and other activities.
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NUR 6987 AGACNP Practicum III / 6 Credits
Main Content
The third practicum course will solidify the ACNP role with the expansion of advanced clinical competencies and clinical decision-making. Clinical experiences will focus and substantiate the utility of comprehensive patient assessment, management, and intervention strategies across the continuum of acute care. Seminars will focus on a variety of professional role development.
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NUR 7000 Project Proposal Paper / 3 Credits
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This course is a rigorous culminating scholarly endeavor in which the student will integrate theoretical knowledge, clinical experience, and research in a faculty-guided project proposal.
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Admission Requirements
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Here’s what you’ll need to apply:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited university
- 3.0 GPA from undergraduate degree
- U.S. unencumbered state RN license
- Before or during the program, applicants must also demonstrate completion of a Statistics and Research (Evidence-Based Nursing) course. This may be listed on transcripts as Statistics, Research Methods, or Evidence-Based Practice
- Have at least one year of professional nursing experience for FNP and PMHNP or 2 years for AGACNP
You must also include the following with your completed application:
- Application fee
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letters of recommendation must be submitted by individuals who can speak to your ability to perform graduate-level work (e.g., former professors, academic counselors, employers, business colleagues).
- CV or resume
- Statement of purpose: Why do you want to attend Hawai‘i Pacific University to earn your MSN? Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss how your unique background would contribute to the culture of HPU’s graduate program.
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Accreditations
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Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
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Member of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF)
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Accredited by the Senior College and University Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC/WSCUC)
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Participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in member states
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Hawai‘i Pacific University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
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Ready to get started?
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Call 866-525-2280 or schedule an appointment with an advisor to learn more about Hawai‘i Pacific University’s online MSN program.