Nurse Educator Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii is a great place to work as a practice nurse. It’s also a great place to teach nursing to new medical professionals and upskill practice nurses. For this career, you need to study a graduate program in nursing education, such as Hawaii Pacific University’s MSN program. This is how you go about entering this exciting new career.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Hawaii?
As with practice nursing, you'll need an undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor's) and a Registered Nursing license. You will also need a relevant graduate program – either a dedicated MSN in Nursing Education or a straight MSN with an Educator pathway. Doctorates are also available (these can be Ph.D., DNP, or an education doctorate – the Ed.D.).
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education & Leadership
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Hawaii at Manoa's Master of Science in Nursing Education & Leadership stands out as a transformative hybrid program targeting RNs seeking advanced professional development. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses for complex leadership roles across healthcare environments, emphasizing population health and innovative educational methodologies. Accommodating both full- and part-time students with BSN or ADN backgrounds, the program offers flexible pathways to enhance nursing expertise. Students benefit from comprehensive training in organizational leadership, research skills, and advanced practice techniques. The program's unique hybrid format enables working professionals to balance academic pursuits with existing clinical responsibilities, positioning graduates for dynamic careers in hospitals, universities, and healthcare systems.
- Hybrid learning format
- Full or part-time options
- For RNs with BSN/ADN
- Fall (August) admission
- Prepares advanced nursing roles
- Leadership and education focus
- Multiple healthcare career paths
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at University of Hawaii at Manoa represents a targeted professional development opportunity for BSN-prepared nurses aspiring to educational roles. This concise 15-credit program provides a strategic pathway for obtaining national nursing educator certification within a two-year timeframe. Participants engage with cutting-edge curriculum development strategies, innovative teaching approaches, and leadership competencies essential for academic nursing environments. Designed as a part-time hybrid offering, the certificate creates an accessible route for working professionals to expand their career potential. The program closely aligns with the university's Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership, offering a streamlined approach to advanced nursing education credentials.
- 15-credit part-time program
- Fall admission only
- For RNs with BSN/graduate nursing students
- Two-year completion timeline
- National nursing educator certification
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
There are several opportunities to study a Nursing MSN (educator pathway) in Hawaii. Students will cover preventive medicine, nursing care, assessment, and curriculum, among other things. Eligibility will typically include these:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale; send transcripts as proof
- Already completed your BSN
- Application form and resume
- Three completed recommendation forms. Clinical recommendations preferred
- An active and unencumbered RN license
- Immunization record
Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.
The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, but you must hold an MSN to be eligible.
There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. A few DNP programs are available online, including at the University of Hawaii.
The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of Hawaii also offers a great program for this specific degree.
Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) for nurse educators, however, Hawaii doesn't have an online option for this degree.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Hawaii
An RN license is mandatory even if you intend to work as a nurse educator full-time and do not intend to practice beyond stipulated requirements. An accredited graduate degree in nursing education is also mandatory as a minimum.
Certification is available in three types. What you need depends on your prospective career path:
- The standard CNE certification is for academic staff
- There is a clinical CNEcl for those educating working medical professionals
- The novices CNEn certification is aimed at the newly qualified for both of the above so long as you have less than three years of experience
A current and unencumbered RN license is also required as a prerequisite for CNE certification, along with several other stipulations covering ongoing education and minimum contact hours.
RN licensing in Hawaii costs $40 for the application and $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is $234 from July 1st of an odd-numbered year and June 30th of an even-numbered year and $166 between July 1st of an even-numbered year and June 30th of an odd-numbered year. CNE always costs the same: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Hawaii?
Career doors you could enter with this type of qualification include:
- Colleges and universities: here, you'll be teaching new nursing undergraduates and also graduate, depending on your skills. You may also engage in academic research
- Professional education: Working in hospitals and clinics managing training and ongoing education for medical professionals
- Private training: Working for agencies or specialist educators, you may train medical professionals or support staff on a range of technologies, legal and regulatory issues, and interpersonal communication
- Charities: Public health in the US and abroad, working with aid agencies, or simply as an advocate educating and informing decision-makers
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Hawaii
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Hawaii? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.