For Students who have a Bachelor’s Degree in a Field Other than Nursing and Do Not have an RN License
Fall 2026 (Enrollment Term)
Applications Available: September 1, 2025
Applications Due: October 31, 2025 (11:59 EST)
Visit this page for details about the GEPN Application Information.
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.
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 MS-NEL
Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2 and 3 (Full-Time) Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (Part-Time) |
3 years (7 semesters) 4 years (9 semesters) |
85 credits 85 credits |
| GEPN to MS-APHN
Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2 (Full-Time) Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2 and 3 (Part-Time) |
2 years (6 semesters) 3 years (8 semesters) |
79 credits 79 credits |
| GEPN to DNP-AGPCNP
Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (Full-Time) |
4 years (11 semesters) |
126 credits |
| GEPN to DNP-FNP
Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (Full-Time) |
4 years (11 semesters) |
126 credits |
| GEPN to DNP-PMHNP
Year 1 (Full-Time), Year 2, 3, and 4 (Full-Time) |
4 years (11 semesters) |
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.
Fast Facts
- Two-step application process
- 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 prior to the mandatory New Student Orientation in mid/late August and for the remainder of the pre-licensure year coursework.
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.
Informational Sessions
Visit the school event page for upcoming GEPN virtual online informational session dates.
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