For career changers in Hawaii who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into nursing, finding an accelerated route to licensure can be challenging. This guide explains what an ABSN program typically involves, clarifies whether Hawaii offers any true second-degree BSN pathways, and highlights alternative routes available across the islands. Whether you’re exploring the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, or other local options, you’ll learn what accelerated nursing pathways exist—and how to decide which one best aligns with your goals.
Understanding ABSN Programs: What People Typically Mean
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is an intensive, fast-paced pathway designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Typically lasting 12 to 18 months, these programs build on general education and prerequisite coursework completed during the student’s first degree, allowing them to focus solely on nursing theory, clinical skills, and patient care.
ABSN programs are especially popular among career changers—individuals moving from fields like education, business, or healthcare administration into hands-on nursing roles. Because these students already have a foundation in college-level academics, they can progress through the nursing curriculum more quickly than traditional four-year students.
Across the U.S., top ABSN programs are widely available at universities and private institutions, both on-campus and in hybrid formats that combine online coursework with local clinical placements. However, when it comes to ABSN Hawaii options, the picture is more limited. Due to Hawaii’s smaller population and the state’s focus on graduate-entry and bridge pathways, traditional second-degree BSN programs—those labeled specifically as “ABSN”—are not currently offered. Instead, Hawaii nursing schools provide a range of accelerated or alternative pathways that serve a similar purpose for students seeking a faster route to becoming a registered nurse.
Does Hawaii Have Any True ABSN Programs?
The short answer is no—Hawaii does not currently offer a traditional Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. While many states on the mainland have developed second-degree BSN pathways, Hawaii’s nursing schools have taken a different approach.
For students in Hawaii, this means there isn’t a true ABSN Hawaii option that leads directly to a second bachelor’s in nursing. However, several local programs provide alternative accelerated pathways to nursing licensure or advanced degrees. Options such as the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and bridge programs at Hawaiʻi Pacific University (HPU) allow qualified students to transition into nursing more quickly than traditional four-year routes.
ABSN Hawaii Alternatives: What Accelerated Options Do Exist?
While no traditional ABSN Hawaii programs currently exist, students can still choose from several accelerated nursing pathways that help them enter or advance within the profession. These options vary based on a student’s prior education, licensure, and long-term career goals.
UH Mānoa Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN)
Designed for students who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a direct route into advanced nursing practice.
- Timeline: 2–4 years (includes a one-year pre-licensure segment followed by 1–3 years in an MSN or DNP track)
- Degree awarded: No BSN is conferred; graduates earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
- Ideal for: Students who intend to become nurse practitioners, clinical leaders, or educators rather than pursuing entry-level RN roles alone.
RN-to-BSN Programs in Hawaii
For licensed registered nurses with an associate degree, both UH Mānoa and Hawaiʻi Pacific University offer RN-to-BSN programs that can be completed entirely online.
- Timeline: Typically 1–2 years, depending on transfer credits and enrollment pace
- Format: 100% online, allowing students to continue working while earning a BSN
- Ideal for: RNs seeking to expand career opportunities or prepare for graduate study
LPN-to-BSN and Military-to-BSN Pathways at HPU
Hawaiʻi Pacific University provides LPN-to-BSN and Military-to-BSN programs that recognize prior healthcare training and experience.
- Timeline: About 2.5–3 years
- Format: Campus-based with credit for prior licensure or military medical experience
- Ideal for: Licensed practical nurses and military medics ready to transition into RN roles while earning a BSN
These accelerated alternatives give Hawaii-based students flexible ways to progress toward licensure or advanced practice without needing to relocate for a mainland ABSN program.
Hawaii Nursing Program Options
The following table summarizes the range of nursing education options available in Hawaii, from graduate-entry pathways to online RN-to-BSN programs. While students seeking a traditional ABSN Hawaii program won’t find one locally, these alternatives offer structured routes to becoming a registered nurse or advancing into higher levels of nursing practice.
| Program Type | School | Typical Timeline | Notes |
| Graduate-Entry (GEPN) | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | 2–4 years | Includes a pre-licensure year followed by MSN or DNP study; does not award a BSN |
| RN-to-BSN | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Pacific University | 1–2 years | Online options available |
| LPN-to-BSN | Hawaiʻi Pacific University | ~2.5–3 years | Bridge program for licensed practical nurses |
| Military-to-BSN | Hawaiʻi Pacific University | ~2.5–3 years | Tailored to military medics and corpsmen |
| Traditional BSN | Chaminade University, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo | 4 years | Standard pre-licensure BSN for first-time college students |
| Traditional BSN (Distance Cohort) | University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo – Waianae | 4 years | Distance-based option designed for Oʻahu or outer island students |
What to Do If You’re Looking for a Traditional ABSN Program
If your goal is to complete a traditional ABSN program, you may need to look beyond Hawaii. Because no in-state schools currently offer a second-degree BSN track, many Hawaii-based students consider relocating or enrolling in programs that combine online coursework with local clinical placements.
Some mainland universities now offer hybrid or online ABSN programs that allow students to complete didactic courses remotely. However, these programs often require clinical rotations in approved facilities within the continental U.S. Only a few may permit clinicals in Hawaii, and approval depends on state regulations and university partnerships. Prospective students should verify each school’s clinical placement policy before applying.
For those weighing whether to pursue a Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) locally or a mainland ABSN, the choice often comes down to long-term goals:
- A GEPN leads directly into advanced practice or leadership preparation but skips the BSN credential.
- A traditional ABSN focuses on earning a bachelor’s degree and becoming an RN more quickly, with the option to pursue graduate study later.
Both pathways can lead to rewarding nursing careers—the key is identifying which structure, timeline, and credential best fit your personal and professional plans.
Tips for Choosing the Right Nursing Pathway in Hawaii
Selecting the best route to a nursing career in Hawaii depends on your educational background, licensure status, and long-term goals. Here are several key factors to consider as you compare programs and plan your next steps.
Know Your Starting Point
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, programs like UH Mānoa’s GEPN may be a strong fit. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance can explore HPU’s bridge programs or online RN-to-BSN options. Understanding where you’re starting from will help narrow your choices quickly.
Compare Program Length and Format
Timelines can vary widely—from one year for a full-time RN-to-BSN to four years for a traditional BSN. Consider whether you prefer online, on-campus, or hybrid learning, and weigh how each format fits your schedule, financial situation, and family commitments.
Prioritize Accreditation and NCLEX Preparation
Choose programs accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). Accreditation ensures that your education meets national standards and qualifies you for NCLEX-RN licensure.
Review Costs and Financial Aid Options
Tuition and fees differ across institutions. Compare per-credit costs, program fees, and financial aid availability, including scholarships or tuition assistance for Hawaii residents. Public universities like UH Mānoa and UH Hilo may offer lower in-state tuition rates, while private schools often provide more flexible formats.
Match the Program to Your Career Goals
Think beyond initial licensure. If you aim to become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or leader, a graduate-entry program might make sense. If you’re focused on becoming a registered nurse as efficiently as possible, an RN-to-BSN or traditional BSN could be the better fit.
By carefully assessing these factors, students can identify the most practical and rewarding pathway—even in the absence of a traditional ABSN Hawaii program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I get an ABSN in Hawaii if I already have a bachelor’s degree?
No. Hawaii currently does not offer a traditional Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. However, several alternative options—such as the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) at UH Mānoa—serve a similar purpose by providing an accelerated route into nursing for students with prior degrees.
Is GEPN the same as an ABSN?
Not exactly. The GEPN is a graduate-entry pathway, meaning students earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing rather than a second bachelor’s degree. Both programs allow individuals with non-nursing backgrounds to transition into nursing, but the GEPN leads directly to advanced practice or leadership roles, while an ABSN focuses on earning a BSN and RN licensure.
What’s the fastest path to becoming an RN in Hawaii?
The fastest option depends on your current education. Students with a prior bachelor’s degree can complete the pre-licensure year of the GEPN program to qualify for the NCLEX-RN, typically within about a year. Licensed practical nurses or military medics may be able to complete LPN-to-BSN or Military-to-BSN pathways at Hawaiʻi Pacific University in roughly 2.5 to 3 years.
Are online ABSN programs available to Hawaii residents?
A few mainland universities offer online or hybrid ABSN programs, but most require students to complete in-person clinicals within their home state or at partner facilities. Because few schools have clinical placement agreements in Hawaii, local participation may be limited. Prospective students should confirm clinical eligibility directly with each program before applying.
How do RN-to-BSN programs differ from ABSN programs?
RN-to-BSN programs are designed for licensed registered nurses who already hold an associate degree and want to earn a bachelor’s. An ABSN, by contrast, is for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who are not yet licensed as RNs. RN-to-BSN programs in Hawaii—such as those offered by UH Mānoa and HPU—are typically 100% online and can be completed in 1–2 years.
Explore Your Next Steps
If you’re ready to pursue nursing in Hawaii, start by exploring programs at UH Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Pacific University, UH Hilo, and Chaminade University. Attend virtual information sessions, connect with admissions advisors, and speak with current students or alumni to gain firsthand insights. Whether you choose a local bridge or graduate-entry program—or decide to pursue a mainland ABSN—Hawaii offers multiple paths to begin or advance your nursing career.