Master of Science in Nursing

The changing health care environment presents significant opportunities for nurses who want to become healthcare providers in primary care. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Hawai‘i Pacific University offers the Family Nurse Practitioner track (FNP). The MSN FNP qualifies the graduate to sit for the national FNP Certification Exam required for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a Family Nurse Practitioner designation eligible for prescriptive authority. The philosophy of holistic care in a culturally diverse society guides the program.

• Through core courses, practicums, and capstone options, HPU students develop a strong foundation in advanced practice nursing in a variety of family practice settings.

• HPU faculty ensures your clinical placement for your practicum coursework. You are NOT responsible for finding your own preceptors in our program.

• The MSN program at HPU deeply appreciates that Hawai‘i is a diverse community that attracts a wide range of learners. HPU students come from all 50 states and more than 65 countries.

• Because the HPU MSN program was designed for the working nurse, class scheduling is flexible. Core classes the first year are held in the evening and full- or part-time study is available.

• HPU MSN faculty are leaders locally, nationally, and internationally. They are committed educators, scholars, researchers, expert nurses, and skilled change agents. You will benefit from their wide range of experience, and all NP faculty are practicing in their areas of specialty.

1. Advanced Clinical Practice - Demonstrate and apply the knowledge, skill, and judgment to independently provide direct patient care that incorporates assessment, diagnosis and treatment across the lifespan (geriatrics, adult, women's and pediatrics) within a variety of settings.
2. Evidence-Based Practice - Synthesize the evidence-based practice guidelines, critical thinking, and reflection to provide appropriate care as the foundation to practice.
3. Transformational Leadership - Demonstrate transformational leadership in the nursing profession.
4. Professionalism/Ethics - Practice as an independent provider ethically bound to operate within the guidelines, standards and scope of practice.
5. Quality Improvement and Safety - Integrate current evidence to improve the quality of clinical practice and promote safe care.
6. Health Care Informatics - Incorporate knowledge of clinical decision support tools to assist in charting, decision making, research and scholarship.
7. Health Policy and Advocacy - Appraise the interdependence of health policy to act as an advocate of policy that promotes access to care, equity, quality and cost efficancy.
8. Interprofessional Collaboration - Collaboratively practice with other professionals in the health care system.
9. Transcultural Care - Maximize the client's health and wellbeing within the parameters of the client's own cultural traditions and beliefs.

Individuals wishing to apply to HPU are required to submit the following: 

• Application
• Transcripts
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Hawaii RN License
• Resume
• Application Fee
• Minimum 2 years bedside RN work experience
• Undergraduate stats course
• Research course

For more information about the Graduate Program, please review our 

Graduate Student Handbook

The Hawai’i Pacific University Master of Science in Nursing program with specialty areas Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares students to apply for an advanced practice license (APRN) and sit for national certification. The national certification agencies are AANP, ANCC, NCC, and PNCB. 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.

Graduate Nursing Professional Licensure Disclosure