Visit our Complete Directory of Honolulu Nursing Schools & Programs!

by Erin Hasinger
Nursing Schools.com Staff Writer
September 12, 2006

The largest city in the island paradise of Hawaii, Honolulu is home to around 400,000 residents and boasts a healthy job market and varied economy. Honolulu offers its residents a tropical climate, miles of sparkling coastline, and plenty of activities that attract tourists from around the world, including nearby Pearl Harbor, the famed Waikiki Beach, and hiking opportunities on the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges.

According to the Hawaii Workforce Informer, registered nurses occupy one of the fastest-growing occupational groups in the metropolitan area. With a 23% growth rate projected through 2012, jobs should be in great supply, as they also should be for licensed practical nurses, who are forecast for 17% growth in that same time period.

Employment prospects for nurses include working at the city's largest health care employer, Queen's Medical Center. Kuakini Health System and Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children are other major employers.

Nurses might also find opportunities with Leahi Hospital and Kaiser Permanente.

Students in Hawaii have a number of options for nursing study in Honolulu, including programs at the University of Phoenix. Here, students can earn a bachelor or master of science degree in nursing or health care administration.

At Hawaii Pacific University, students can prepare for licensure as an LPN or RN, or earn a bachelor of science in nursing. Kapiolani Community College offers programs for nurses at a variety of levels, including an associate degree in nursing, an LPN program, practical nursing degree, and nurse aide training.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a BSN, MSN, nurse practitioner master of science, and post-masters certificates in areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, and family health.

The State of Hawaii - Department of Education offers a comprehensive booklet detailing the plethora of scholarship, grant, and loan programs available to state residents.

A scholarship program specific to nurses is the Margaret Jones Memorial Nursing Fund. The scholarship is open to Hawaii residents studying in a BSN, MSN, or doctoral program in nursing.

Gorgeous beaches and a year-round summer climate are just two reasons people are proud to call Honolulu home, as well as why millions visit here annually. For prospective nursing students, Honolulu also offers excellent education choices and an exciting employment outlook after graduation. Honolulu is an excellent city for a nurse to study and start a career.