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Nursing

Webster 330
2528 McCarthy Mall
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8523 
Fax: (808) 956-5296

Click here to see a list of Nursing faculty.

Degrees and Certificate Offered: BS in nursing, MS in nursing, PhD in Nursing and Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing

The Academic Program

The Department of Nursing's undergraduate program provides two options: (a) the bachelor of science degree pathway, which admits students in the sophomore year in nursing following completion of a minimum of 40 credit hours of general education and nursing prerequisite courses in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and (b) the RN to BS pathway, which allows entry after the completion of the AS degree or diploma program in nursing.

The program leading to the master of science (MS) in nursing degree prepares the student for advanced practice nursing. The MS options prepare the nurse for advanced practice in adult, family, gerontology, child health, women's health, psychiatric-mental health, or clinical systems management. The master's program provides the foundation for doctoral study.

The Department of Nursing offers the Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing for nurses who already have a master's degree in nursing but wish to acquire expertise in another specialty.

The PhD in nursing prepares scholars who are capable of conducting culturally appropriate clinical scholarship to improve the health of a diverse society and to teach in nursing educational programs, especially those with minority student populations.

Distance Education

When funding is available, distance learning opportunities at both the baccalaureate and master's level are available on the Neighbor Islands for the professional advancement of registered nurses. Admission requirements, curriculum, and course descriptions for the programs are the same as those of the Manoa campus RN to BS pathway for baccalaureate preparation and the graduate program for master's preparation. The programs are designed with part-time students in mind. The baccalaureate program is scheduled for approximately seven semesters, while the master's program lasts six semesters and three summers. (This design is based on a 15-week semester.)

For further information, contact the school's Office of Student Services at (808) 956-8939. All policies and procedures that apply to Manoa students apply to students enrolled in distance learning opportunities.

Student and Faculty Awards

Each graduating class recognizes an outstanding faculty educator and graduating students who have made significant contributions in service, leadership, and professionalism. Academic excellence is also recognized by an award to the student with the highest grade point average.

Accreditation

The nursing programs are accredited by the Hawai'i State Board of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.* The University of Hawai'i at Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene has been granted preliminary approval by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Preliminary approval is designed to be a temporary status and provides an indication that programs have been reviewed by the Commission and have met, at least, the following general requirements: 1) the nursing education program is viable and appears, based upon the review of submitted materials to be conducted in a manner that will enable eventual compliance with CCNE accreditation standards, 2) the institution has a history of seeking and ensuring continuing accreditation and program recognition by appropriate accrediting and regulatory agencies, and 3) the institution has ensured the continuing viability of the nursing education program by being responsive to the concerns of accrediting and regulatory agencies. For further information about the preliminary approval status of the program, please contact the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at the following address: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036-1120, Ph: (202) 887-6791.

* National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway - 33rd Floor, New York City, NY 10006. Phone: (800) 669-1656.

Undergraduate Study

Advising

Office of Student Services
Webster 201
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8939

Academic advising is available in the school's Office of Student Services. Potential applicants to the program should attend a program information session prior to scheduling an individual meeting with the adviser. Students in need of advising should call for appointments. All undergraduate nursing students are required to meet with the adviser regarding their progress toward the chosen degree.

Preparation for Graduation
Students are advised to check with the academic adviser to make sure that all requirements are met at least one semester before the scheduled graduation date.

An application for graduation must be submitted with a degree fee to the Cashier's Office (Student Services Center, Room 001). This should be done during the first three weeks of the semester the student intends to graduate.

Diplomas
Diplomas for graduate and undergraduate students can be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Records, Student Services Center, Room 001, 10 weeks after graduation. A request to mail the diploma may be filed at the Office of Admissions and Records.

National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
Upon graduation from the bachelor of science program, students have their names submitted to the Board of Nursing, which qualifies them to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The school's Office of Student Services is available to assist with the application process. Application forms are available from the Hawai'i State Board of Nursing, as well as the Office of Student Services. There are no specific filing deadlines.

Students who wish to take nursing licensing boards in another state must contact that state's board of nursing directly. Addresses of state boards of nursing are available from the Hawai'i Board of Nursing, (808) 586-3000 or via the Web at www.ncsbn.org.

Student Organizations

For career and leadership development, it is important for students to become active in student and professional organizations. There are several student organizations at Manoa.

Student Nurses Organization
All undergraduate nursing students can participate in the Student Nurses Organization (SNO). The organization provides an opportunity for students to develop professional identity and leadership skills. Students express their interests and opinions in an open forum. This student organization makes recommendations regarding policies to the various committees within the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. The Student Nurses Organization is responsible for the coordination of various volunteer and fundraising activities of nursing students. It also offers an opportunity for students to socialize with each other and create mentoring relationships.

National Student Nurses' Association
The National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) acts as the voice of nursing students on the national level. NSNA contributes to nursing education in order to provide the highest-quality health care. It helps nursing students keep in touch with fundamental and current professional interests and become active, responsible, and professional nurses. NSNA is part of the American Nurses' Association; the Hawai'i Student Nurses' Association is the local chapter of the NSNA.

Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Theta Tau is the international honor society in nursing that promotes excellence in academic scholarship, research, and clinical nursing. Students must be nominated to become a member. The Gamma Psi Chapter is the Manoa chapter of the honor society.

Bachelor's Degree

Pre-nursing students enroll in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences to complete General Education Core and pre-nursing requirements. Completion of these courses provides the foundation for professional nursing courses. After satisfactory completion of the pre-nursing courses, students are eligible for admission to the Department of Nursing. Upon admission to the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene, students register for the upper division nursing courses, which focus on both the theoretical and practice dimensions of professional nursing.

The undergraduate nursing program also offers a degree path open to registered nurses who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma program outside the UH system. A transfer agreement between Manoa and the UH Community College Associate of Science in Nursing programs provides a seamless transition from the UH Community College to Manoa.

Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to the Department of Nursing, applicants must complete the following pre-nursing requirements:

1. Admission to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa;
2. Minimum GPA of 2.5;
3. A minimum grade of C in the following prerequisite courses: CHEM 151 and 152; ENG 100 or ELI 100; MICR 130 and 140L; PHYL 141/141L, 142/142L; and 6 credits in social sciences;
4. An introductory course in humanities; introductory courses in Hawaiian or a foreign language (101–102 level); PHRM 203 (for spring admission); and
5. For the generic curriculum, acceptable scores on the NLN Pre-Admission Exam or SAT scores of 510 in each category for Hawai'i residents and 560 for nonresidents or ACT scores of 22 for Hawai'i residents and 25 for nonresidents, or GRE scores of 400 for each category.

For students who must take TOEFL, a score of 550 may be substituted for the verbal score on the NLN Pre-Admission Exam.

Students are advised to carefully review the course descriptions and prerequisites for the lower division courses.

Application Procedures
Applicants are advised to attend one of the twice monthly orientation sessions at the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene or meet with the academic adviser before submitting an application. For more information, please call the Office of Student Services.

Two separate application forms--the common application form to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene application form--must be submitted before an applicant can be considered for admission to the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene.

Students enrolled as classified day students at UH Manoa during the semester immediately preceding the semester of desired entry must complete the college and curriculum transfer request form, which can be obtained from the Office of Student Services, Webster 201.

Applicants must also submit a photocopy of grades to the Office of Student Services if enrolled in courses at any community college or other university during the semester immediately preceding the semester of entry into the school.

Application Deadlines
The deadlines are March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. All documents must be received by the Office of Student Services no later than the deadline dates.

Special Requirements
Upon entrance into the program, students must have the following:

1. CPR certification (Health Provider level BLS Course*);
2. Health clearance of immunizations including tetanus within 10 years, polio and mumps, complete hepatitis-B vaccine series; laboratory evidence (titer) of immunity to rubella, rubeola and varicella; and TB clearance; 
3. Health insurance; and 
4. Malpractice insurance of $1 million per incident/ $3 million aggregate (to be provided by the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at minimal cost).

*Health Provider level BLS Course curriculum and testing include modules of Heartsaver adult, pediatric obstructed airway, and pediatric one rescuer and two rescuer CPR. 

ALL special requirements must be cleared before registration for the new semester by presenting photocopies of CPR certification (card), health insurance policy, titer results, vaccinations, TB clearance, and the health certification form to the Office of Student Services. Students with prerequisite deficiencies may not register for or attend clinical courses. 

Students must take a tuberculosis screen test annually or chest x-ray as required. Nursing students who have not taken a TB skin test within the last twelve (12) months must take the two step TB test. CPR certification must also be updated annually. CPR certification must be renewed every year.

Students are also required to have health insurance. A student medical insurance plan is offered through UHM. For information, call University Health Services, (808) 956-8965. 

Students in nursing programs are exposed to selected health risks related to the environment of their learning experiences. Clinical labs are held in medical centers, clinics, and in various community locations.

Most agencies will render emergency care at the clinical site, but students are financially liable for all care received, including emergency room charges. 

Varied Schedules
Nursing students are expected to participate in clinical experiences in many community agencies at variously scheduled times. Therefore, students must make time and transportation arrangements to accommodate an irregular academic schedule.

Continued Registration
All undergraduate students accepted as majors in the nursing program may register for nursing courses. Students must attain a grade of at least C in all "critical" nursing courses to continue registration for the following semester.

Students may be dismissed from the program for failing to maintain academic and clinical experience standards of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. Students wishing to return to the program must file a petition to continue, available at the Office of Student Services, Webster 201, by the specified deadline (see the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene Student Handbook).

BS in Nursing (Generic Curriculum)

The bachelor of science in nursing degree prepares beginning-level generalist professional nurses to deliver care to individuals in a variety of health-care settings, meet the state requirements for eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination--Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), and obtain a sound basis for graduate study in nursing.

After satisfactory completion of the pre-nursing courses, students are eligible to apply for admission to the Department of Nursing. Upon admission, students register for the upper division courses. The upper division curriculum focuses on both the theoretical and practical dimensions of professional nursing.

To qualify for a BS in nursing, all undergraduate students must complete curriculum requirements with a grade of C or higher and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Semester 1

• *NURS 330/330L Professional Nursing I/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 310 Psychosocial Nursing Concepts (3)
• *PHRM 203 General Pharmacology (3)
• Language 201 (3–4)
• Social Science (3)

Semester 2

• *NURS 331/331L Professional Nursing II/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 311 Pathophysiologic Nursing Concepts (3)
• FSHN 475 Nutrition for Health Professionals (3)
• Humanities (3)
• Language 202 (3–4)

Semester 3

• *NURS 370/370L Adult Health Nursing I/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 371/371L Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing/Lab (3/2)
• *Nursing elective (2)
• HIST 151 World Civilization (3)

Semester 4

• *NURS 372/372L Maternal Newborn Nursing/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 373/373L Child Health Nursing/Lab (2/3)
• HIST 152 World Civilization (3) or Nursing elective (2)
• Statistics (3)

Semester 5

• *NURS 470/470L Adult Health Nursing II/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 471/471L Community Health Nursing/Lab (2/3)
• *NURS 441 Introduction to Nursing Research (3)
• Humanities (3)

Semester 6

• *NURS 475/475L Complex Nursing Practice/Lab (2/5)
• *NURS 439 Professional Nursing Management (3)
• *NURS 486 Professional Issues and Trends (2)
• *Nursing elective (2)

*Courses that require a grade of C or better or "credit."

Nursing Electives
4 credit hours of elective courses chosen from the following:

• NURS 198B Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (2)
• NURS 198C Meditation (1)
• NURS 198D Healing Touch Level I (1)
• NURS 198E Yoga for Health and Wellness (1)
• NURS 305 Women and Health (3) (Cross-listed as WS 305)
• NURS 340 Ethical Legal Aspect Health Care (3)
• NURS 341 Alternative Nursing Interventions (3)
• NURS 342 Health Care/Nursing in Japan in Comparison with the United States (3)
• NURS 343 Gerontology: Its Nursing Implications (3)
• NURS 344 Nursing in Multicultural Milieu (3)
• NURS 345 The Brain (3)
• NURS 346 The Reflective Clinician (2)
• NURS 347 Pharmacobehavioral Aspects of Substance Use/Abuse (3)
• NURS 348 Nursing Care of HIV Infected Client (2)
• NURS 349 Introduction to Pain Management (2)
• NURS 350 Chronic Illness in Children and Adolescents (V)
• NURS 361 Health Education and Promotion (2)
• NURS 410 Case Management in Managed Care (2)
• NURS 411 NCLEX Review (2)
• NURS 420 Cooperative Education in Nursing (V)
• NURS 472 Introduction to Critical Care Concepts (2)

BS Curriculum for Registered Nurses

(RN to BS Pathway)

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene undergraduate nursing curriculum offers an upper division degree path for those with an associate degree in nursing from within the University of Hawai'i system. This curriculum is also open to registered nurses who have graduated from associate degree or diploma programs outside the University of Hawai'i system. The upper division courses build on the knowledge, skills, socialization, and experience in the discipline of nursing and the General Education Core requirements. Emphasis is on critical thinking and the integration of new information and competencies. The RN to BS pathway offers nursing content not included in the AS degree curriculum.

Registered nurses interested in furthering their formal education by earning a BS in nursing but who have graduated from a diploma school or non-NLN accredited associate degree program are encouraged to apply to the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. These nurses are required to take the National League for Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NLN ACE) and complete the prerequisite lower division courses prior to entry into the upper division nursing major.

The track requires 67–74 credits of General Education Core and nursing prerequisite courses. Thirty (30) upper division nursing credits are granted for prior nursing education. Thirty-four (34) additional upper division nursing credits are required to complete the articulated BS track with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or higher in all nursing courses.

Semester 1

• Nursing Elective (3)
• NURS 310 Psychosocial Nursing Concepts (3)
• NURS 330/330L Professional Nursing I/Lab (2/3)
• Language 101 (3–4)
• Humanities (3)

Semester 2

• NURS 311 Pathophysiologic Nursing Concepts (3)
• Any undergraduate statistics course (3)
• FSHN 475 Nutrition for Health Professionals (3)
• Language 102 (3–4)
• Humanities (3)

Summer Session

• Humanities (3)
• HIST 151 World Civilization (3)

Semester 3

• NURS 471/471L Community Health Nursing/Lab (2/3)
• NURS 441 Introduction to Nursing Research (3)
• Language 201 (3–4)
• HIST 152 Civilization (3)
• Social Sciences (3)*

*may be taken at any time

Semester 4

• NURS 439 Professional Nursing Management (3)
• NURS 475/475L Complex Nursing Practice/Lab (2/5)
• NURS 486 Professional Issues and Trends (2)
• Language 202 (3–4)
• Math/Logic Requirement *

*may be taken at any time

Graduate Study

Master's Degree

Using a community-based approach, the master of science in nursing program prepares nurses for advanced practice.

Primary Health Care Options
The advanced practice nursing option in primary health care prepares nurses to practice as nurse practitioners in adult, family, or gerontology. Post-master's certificates are also available in these specialties as well as women's health and child health. The curriculum prepares students with the skills to deliver care in a changing health care system and job market, and to further develop in the professional discipline of nursing.

Specialty advisers from the graduate faculty will assist students in developing individualized programs of study and in monitoring progress toward program completion. All specialties require at least 4 semesters of full-time study. Part-time study can also be arranged. Thesis (Plan A) and non-thesis (Plan B) are both available.

The total number of credits required varies depending on clinical specialty. Core courses include: NURS 620, NURS 630, NURS 639, and a health policy course selected from an approved interdisciplinary listing of courses. Clinical specialty courses include: NURS 612, NURS 613, NURS 621, NURS 629, NURS 643, NURS 733, and twelve credits of NURS 675. Additional courses are required for each clinical specialty and may include: NURS 633, NURS 634, NURS 635, NURS 636, NURS 637, NURS 641, NURS 642, andNURS 695. Graduates of these options are eligible to take national certification exams in the area of specialty. The number of supervised clinical hours required is a minimum of 540 or twelve credit hours of NURS 675. Students, additionally, may select a thesis option for six credits. 

Psychiatric Mental Health Options
The advanced practice psychiatric/mental health specialization offers a clinical nurse specialist preparation that focuses on the expanded role of the psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse in the health care system. The focus is on psychosocial and biological knowledge for the core specialization with practice in primary, acute, chronic, and population-based care. The total number of credits required for graduation range from 39 to 45 (if the thesis option is selected). The core courses are NURS 620 Methods and Measurements in Nursing Research, NURS 630 Information Systems in Health Care, NURS 639 Disciplinary Knowledge, and a health policy course. Twenty-seven credits are required for the specialty area concentration: NURS 611 Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis, NURS 612 Advanced Health Assessment, NURS 615 Mental Health Nursing I, NURS 618 Biobehavioral Concepts, NURS 622 Mental Health Nursing II, NURS 623 Psychopharmacology, NURS 632 Therapeutic Modalities, NURS 645 Advanced Practice Mental Health Practicum I, and NURS 646 Advanced Practice Mental Health Practicum II. Included in the above, ten credit hours of clinical practicum (12 contact hours per week in the clinical area) are required. Students may select a thesis for an additional six credits. A post-master's certificate option is also available in this area.

A work/study cooperative program may be arranged when available as a summer session option for students who wish to reduce their load through part-time study. Under the work/study cooperative program, students may be paid for clinical practice while fulfilling clinical practice requirements under the supervision of a clinical faculty.

Clinical Systems Management
A clinical systems management area of focus is also offered. The clinical systems management curriculum provides the student with the content and practical experience needed to succeed in an administrative position in today's competitive marketplace. The curriculum prepares professional nurses for entry and mid-level positions in the management of clinical systems. 

Academic advisers selected from the graduate faculty will assist students with the development of individualized programs of study and monitor progress towards degree. This specialty area requires at least three semesters of full-time study and leads to a master of science degree. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.

The total number of credits required for graduation is 36. Core courses (12 credits) are NURS 620 Methods and Measurements in Nursing Research, NURS 630 Information Systems in Health Care, NURS 639 Disciplinary Knowledge, and and a health policy course. Eighteen credits are required for the clinical systems management area of concentration: NURS 662 Management and Leadership of Clinical Systems, NURS 663 Clinical Systems Management I, NURS 664 Clinical Systems Practicum, NURS 665 Clinical Economics and Finance, NURS 774 Clinical Systems Management II, NURS 775 Capstone Field Study. One 3 credit course in human resources management plus an elective are also required. Twelve contact hours of clinical practice per week are required in the final semester. Students may select a thesis option for an additional six credits. 

RN to MS Program (with non-nursing baccalaureate)
The RN to MS Program (with non-nursing baccalaureate) targets registered nurses (RNs) who are graduates of an NLN accredited associate degree or diploma and have a baccalaureate degree in an area other than nursing. The following baccalaureate nursing courses are required prior to enrolling in the master's program: NURS 439 Management, NURS 441 Nursing Research, NURS 471/L Community Health Nursing, and FSHN 475 Nutrition. The admission progression, and graduation requirements are the same as for options within the master's program. 

Admission Requirements
To be admitted, applicants must meet the requirements of both the Graduate Division and the Graduate Student Affairs Committee of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. Requirements for the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene include the following:

1. A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE-accredited program;
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate nursing courses;
3. Statistics course;
4. A basic research course or equivalent; and 
5. Interview with a specialty adviser. 
6. For international students, TOEFL scores must be 580 or above. 

Documentation Requirements 

1. A curriculum vitae or résumé;
2. Two completed reference forms (one from a former faculty member and one from an agency supervisor); and 
3. A sample of professional writing or a well written one- or two-page paper discussing an issue relating to nursing, health, or clinical practice.

Special Requirements 
Upon entrance to the program, students must have the following:

1. Current Hawai'i licensure to practice professional nursing;
2. A current CPR certificate from an approved American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (health provider level BLS course);
3. Liability and malpractice insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million per incident, $3 million aggregate (coverage is purchased through the school);
4. Immunizations including tetanus within 10 years, polio and mumps, complete hepatitis-B vaccine series; laboratory evidence (titer) of immunity of rubella, rubeola, and varicella; and TB clearance; and
5. Health insurance

Students with deficiencies may not register or attend clinical courses.

Admission Procedures
Two separate application forms must be completed: the Graduate Division application form and the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene application form. The Graduate Division application form and, official transcripts, must be sent directly to:

Graduate Division Admissions Office
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
2540 Maile Way, Spalding 353B
Honolulu, HI 96822

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene application form is available in the Office of Student Services, Webster 201. The completed form and all other admission materials must be sent directly to:

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
Office of Student Services
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 201
Honolulu, HI 96822

Completed applications are first screened by the Graduate Division Admissions Office; only applications of students who meet the minimum requirements are forwarded to the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene for comprehensive review by the School's Graduate Faculty. The School then makes a recommendation to the Graduate Division to either admit the student or deny admission. 

Applications are accepted for both fall and spring semesters. The application forms and supporting documents must be received at the designated offices by March 1 for fall and October 1 for spring.

Post-Master's Certificate

After completing an MS degree program, students may select to enroll in the post-master's certificate option. This certificate permits students with an MS in nursing to pursue clinical course work in a second nursing specialty.

PhD Degree

The PhD in nursing program prepares scholars who are capable of conducting culturally appropriate clinical scholarship to improve the health of a diverse society and teaching in nursing educational programs, especially those with minority student populations.

Academic advisers will be selected from the graduate faculty based on students' area of research interest. The program requires 46 credits of post–master's course work plus a dissertation. Two core areas make up the program of study: (1) Knowledge Development and Clinical Scholarship and (2) Nursing Education. Electives and support courses make up the remainder of the course work. The PhD program requires a minimum of two years of full–time study plus one year to complete the dissertation. Part-time study is also available. The part-time pathway will be individualized based on how quickly the student is able to progress. 

The nursing education component of the program prepares students to teach in nursing programs with a diverse student body. The nursing education courses (8 credits) are NURS 745 Creative Learning Strategies for Adults, NURS 747 Curriculum Development, and NURS 748 Supervised Practicum in Teaching.

The knowledge development and clinical scholarship component of the program prepares students to conduct culturally appropriate research in nursing. Substantive nursing content is acquired through the disciplinary knowledge sequence of courses. In the clinical scholarship sequence, students develop skills in methods, design, and measurement in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The knowledge development and clinical scholarship courses (26 credits) are NURS 739 Advanced Nursing Science, NURS 741 Quantitative Methods and Measures, NURS 742 Qualitative Methods and Measures, NURS 751 Evidence Based Nursing Practice I, NURS 761 Evidence Based Nursing Practice II, NURS 777 Nursing Research Practicum I, NURS 778 Research Practicum II, and two advanced statistics courses to meet the specific research focus of the student. 

Electives and support courses, such as NURS 650 Complementary and Traditional Care, comprise an additional 12 credits for a total of 46 credits of course work. 

The master's courses have been designed to allow seamless progression from MS to PhD. Since BS graduates are eligible for admission to the MS program, graduates of the UHM Department of Nursing also have a seamless progression from the BS to the PhD. 

Admission Requirements 
Applicants must meet the requirements of both the Graduate Division and graduate admissions committee of the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene. Requirements for the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene include the following:

1. BS or MS from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program;
2. GPA of 3.0 or above; 
3. Interview with the graduate faculty; and
4. Positive recommendation from the graduate student affairs committee.
5. For international students, TOEFL scores must be 580 or above. 

Documentation Requirements

1. Curriculum vitae or résumé;
2. Three references; and
3. A scholarly paper.

Requirements for Clinical Scholarship

1. Current Hawai'i RN or APRN license;
2. Current CPR certificate from an approved American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support;
3. Liability and malpractice insurance;
4. Immunizations and other procedures;
5. Health insurance.

Application Procedures
Two separate application forms must be completed: the Graduate Division application and the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene PhD program application form. The Graduate Division application form and official transcripts must be sent directly to: 

Graduate Division Admissions Office
University of Hawai'i at Manoa
2540 Maile Way, Spalding 353B
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene PhD program application form is available in the Office of Student Services, Webster 201. The completed form and all other admission materials must be sent directly to: 

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene 
Office of Student Services
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 201
Honolulu, HI 96822

Completed applications are first screened by the Graduate Division Admissions Office. Only applications of students who meet the University's minimum requirements are forwarded to the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene for comprehensive review by the school's graduate faculty. The school then makes a recommendation to the Graduate Division to either admit the student or deny admission

Applications are accepted for the fall semester only. The application forms and supporting documents must be received at the designated office by March 1.

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