High School Direct Entry in Nursing

For High School Graduates from the Class of 2023

Program Description

The program offers direct entry to nursing for high school graduates who are dedicated to completing their Bachelor of Science in nursing degree in four years. Students can have confidence that they have been admitted to the nursing program while they complete their prerequisite classes in a cohort-based learning model. Students enter the program in the fall of their freshman year. With the Bachelor of Science degree, the student is prepared to proceed to graduate education and pursue career development.

The Bachelor of Science degree prepares beginning-level generalist professional nurses to deliver care to individuals in a variety of health-care settings and meet the state requirements for eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). Potential applicants to the program are highly encouraged to attend an open house event or an informational session. Please visit the event page for upcoming events.

Fast Facts

• Two-step application process.
• Outstanding faculty committed to advancing health care delivery.
• Cohort program designed to be completed in 4 years.
• Individual academic advising and support throughout the program.

How to Apply

Fall (August) 2023 Applications Available: September 1, 2022

Deadline: January 5, 2023

Two-Step Application Process

Application Requirements are found in the online applications listed below

Step 1 – Apply to UH Manoa Undergraduate Admissions

• Required for all new applicants and returning, transferring, and unclassified UH Manoa students.
• https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions
• Fee: $70
• For your major choose Nursing

Step 2 – Apply to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service

Application deadlines for NCAS are set to Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will close at midnight EST the date of the deadline.

• Required for ALL applicants
• http://www.nursingcas.org
• Fee: $55 (fee increase effective August 11, 2022)
• Select “High School Direct Entry (DEN)” for the Planned Course of Study

Admission Requirements

The school is using a holistic admissions review process. All non-academic criteria is outlined in NursingCAS.

Exam Scores

For prospective freshmen students applying for the 2023-2024 academic year, test scores (SAT or ACT) will be optional. Freshman applicants will have the option of submitting test scores as part of their admissions application.

SAT Scores: Evidence Based Reading and Writing – 560 or higher and Math – 540 or higher OR ACT Scores: Reading – 22 or higher and Math – 22 or higher

Cumulative High School GPA

3.0 or higher at the end of the junior year of high school

English Language Proficiency

If an applicant’s native language is not English or if they have not obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an English-speaking college, then the applicant must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores with a minimum score of 600.

Continuation Requirements

Successful completion of the freshman year with prerequisite nursing course grades in the nursing program are required to retain status as a direct entry student.

The following conditions must be met:

Note: Applicable to the new incoming (Fall 2023) cohort of DEN students (freshman year)

• GPA of 3.0 or higher in every semester
• Minimum grade of “B” or higher (not B-) in PHYL lectures, PHYL labs, MICR 130, and FQ
• Minimum grade of “C” (not C-) in all other prerequisite courses

Admission to the direct entry program will not be deferred.

Prospective Students Not Applying for Direct Entry

Students who are interested in the nursing program but are not eligible for the direct entry program can enter UH Manoa as a pre-nursing student and apply in fall of their freshman year for admission to nursing. Informational sessions are offered that provide more information about this process. The application process and requirements are discussed in detail to assist interested students in the process. Informational session dates and times will be posted to the event page.