The Hawai’i Pacific University Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice, and MSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice programs with specialty areas Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares students to apply for an advanced practice license (APRN) and sit for national certification. The national certification agencies are AANP, ANCC, and AACN. Certification requires graduation from a nationally accredited graduate nursing program and an examination in the specialty area. Graduation from the program does not guarantee an advanced practice license and/or national certification.
The requirements to obtain an advanced practice license differ by state. A “Yes” in the second column indicates that the program meets the educational requirements in that state. License applicants must have a master’s degree or higher and hold an unencumbered RN license. In addition, each state may have multiple other requirements that must be met. For the states in which you plan to practice, please go to the state board of nursing website to review the licensure requirements. Because the licensure requirements are subject to change, it is essential that all prospective licensees visit the state board of nursing website on a regular basis for updated information.