For Students who have a Bachelor’s Degree in a Field Other than Nursing and Do Not have an RN License
The Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) provides an opportunity for students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree to pursue a career as an advanced practice nurse or nurse leader by completing a graduate degree in nursing.
| Program Details | Application Deadline |
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Program Benefits
- The GEPN program will provide the didactic and clinical requirements to take the national RN license exam (NCLEX).
- The student will receive education on leadership and quality issues that will be used in their masters or doctorate degree programs.
- Graduates develop expertise in tackling complex health challenges with specializations towards family health, geriatric health, psychiatric mental health, population health and nursing leadership and education.
Pre-Entry Specialty Pathway
The Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) is a pre-entry specialty pathway for students who have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree to complete a graduate Nursing degree in one of the five (5) specialty tracks below.
The Graduate Entry Program in Nursing IS NOT an accelerated bachelor’s degree offering program.
Master of Science (MS) in Nursing degree prepares graduates specialties in nursing education and leadership and population health nursing.
- Online Advanced Population Health Nursing (APHN)
- Nursing Education & Leadership (NEL)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides graduates with the skills and knowledge for advanced nursing practice and organizational leadership.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Program Description
The program consists of an intensive pre-licensure curriculum delivered across three continuous semesters. Emphasis is placed on health promotion and disease prevention as well as the care of the acutely ill person.
A substantial amount of the curriculum are clinical practicums in community and hospital/health care settings where students are actively engaged in nursing care under the supervision of faculty. Threaded throughout the curriculum are research, patient safety, community nursing health, and culture as well as the various contexts of nursing, nursing roles, and the core values of the profession.
GEPN is designed for adult learners:
- Who have not attended an RN educational program
- Who have a baccalaureate degree in field other than nursing
- Who are leadership bound and seeking a career in advanced nursing
- Who will seamlessly transition into the master’s or DNP program
Timeline and Credits
The first year of GEPN is the Pre-Licensure year because the student has not yet earned an RN license. This is a one year, full-time (3 semesters), 49 credit, pre-entry specialty pathway program.
Upon completing the Pre-Licensure Year, students become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN national licensing exam. Beginning the second year, students are expected to transition directly into their graduate specialty track and enroll in nursing courses for their advanced degree. Students must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and earn the RN license by the end of the 1st semester in their graduate degree program. A degree is awarded at the completion of the Master of Science or Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
| Specialty Tracks | Timeline | Credits |
| GEPN to Nursing Education & Leadership (MS-NEL) | ||
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2 and 3 (MS Full-Time) | 3 years | 85 credits |
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (MS Part-Time) | 4 years | 85 credits |
| GEPN to Online Advanced Population Health Nursing (MS-APHN) | ||
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2 (MS Full-Time) | 2 years | 79 credits |
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2 and 3 (MS Part-Time) | 3 years | 79 credits |
| GEPN to Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (DNP-AGPCNP) | ||
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (DNP Full-Time) | 4 years | 126 credits |
| GEPN to Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) | ||
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (DNP Full-Time) | 4 years | 126 credits |
| GEPN to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) | ||
| Year 1 (GEPN Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (DNP Full-Time) | 4 years | 123 credits |
Note: The GEPN Pre-Licensure Year (first year) is a one year, full-time (3 semesters), 49 credit, pre-specialty pathway program. Beginning the second year, students will transition immediately to their graduate degree specialty track.
Contact
Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) Coordinator
Contact for applicants and current students in the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) Program.
Email: gepn@hawaii.edu
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 201
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: 808-956-0445
Fax: 808-956-5977
via Star Balance
Graduate Entry Program in Nursing Director & Assistant Professor
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 216
Honolulu, HI 96822
Office: (808) 956-3883
Email: obrienma@hawaii.edu