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 either a Master of Science or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Prospective students apply to graduate school and selects 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, but may not switch between the MS and DNP programs and only if space is available. 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.
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 one of two degrees:
- Master of Science degree that prepares graduates for practice roles including education, , clinical practice, consultation, community outreach, research and management/administration.
- Advanced Population Health Nursing
- Nursing Education & Leadership
- Doctor of Nursing Practice degree that provides graduates with the skills and knowledge for advanced nursing practice and organizational leadership.
The specific program outcomes/competencies for each degree are found on the degree overview pages.
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
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
via Star Balance
Graduate Entry Program in Nursing Director & Assistant Professor
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