Graduate Entry Program in Nursing

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) offers students who have a non-nursing baccalaureate degree the opportunity to pursue a career in Nursing by completing a graduate degree with a specific specialty track:

Master of Science (MS) in Nursing degree prepares graduates specialties in nursing education and leadership and population health nursing.

• Nursing Education & Leadership
• Online Advanced Population Health Nursing

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
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Application Information

GEPN application information, processes, requirements, and additional details can be found on the GEPN Application Information webpage.

Prospective students apply to graduate school and select a specialty track area and graduate degree (i.e., MS, DNP) at the time of application to the GEPN program. Once admitted, a student may change a specialty track within the MS or within the DNP if space is available, but may not switch between the MS and DNP programs. Information about enrollment and progression of graduate students is available through UH Manoa’s Graduate Division.

Program Description

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 are being admitted to the graduate program

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. The AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008) provides the framework for the pre-licensure year curriculum for professional nurses. Planning is underway to transition the curriculum to address the 2021 AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.

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 cultural diversity as well as the various contexts (i.e., historical & social) of nursing, nursing roles, and the core values of the profession.

Upon completion of the first year, the student is eligible and takes the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam. The student transitions immediately into their graduate nursing specialty degree track and begins courses for their advanced degree.

General Program Timeline and Credits

Fast Facts

• Two-step application process
• Enables qualified nurse professionals to enter the workforce in a shorter period of time increasing the pool of nurses prepared to assume leadership roles in practice, education and research.
• The first year of intensive study is offered in a tri-semester format of 16 -18 credits per semester. Due to the rigor and scheduling, students are advised not to be employed during this year and are highly encouraged to not take any other courses.
• Students should plan on being physically present on the island of Oahu during the entire month of August and for the remainder of the pre-licensure year coursework. The New Student Orientation is typically conducted in the first half of August.

Program Outcomes/Competencies

The AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice provides the framework for the pre-licensure year curriculum for professional nurses (AACN, 2008). Copies or versions in other languages are available at the AACN Essentials website. Planning is underway to transition the curriculum to address the 2021 AACN The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.

Outcomes/Competencies

A competent nurse:

• Demonstrates professional actions based on core nursing values, professional standards of practice, and the law.
• Develops insight through reflective practice, self-analysis, and self-care.
• Engages in ongoing self-directed learning and provides care based on evidence supported by research.
• Demonstrates leadership in nursing and health care.
• Collaborates as part of a health care team.
• Practices within, utilizes, and contributes to the broader health care system.
• Practices client-centered care.
• Communicates and uses technology effectively.
• Demonstrates clinical judgment/critical thinking in the delivery of care of clients.

At the completion of their program, the student is awarded a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The specific program outcomes/competencies for each degree are found on the degree overview webpages.

Informational Sessions

Visit the school event page for upcoming GEPN virtual online informational session dates.

Contact

Justin Lau, M.Ed.
Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) Coordinator

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Contact for applicants and current students in the Graduate Entry Program in Nursing (GEPN) Program.

Email: gepn@hawaii.edu

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 201
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: 808-956-0445
Fax: 808-956-5977

Schedule an Advising Appointment
via Star Balance

Maureen O’Brien, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN
Graduate Entry Program in Nursing Director & Assistant Professor

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Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster 216
Honolulu, HI 96822
Office: (808) 956-3883
Email: obrienma@hawaii.edu