Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

For Associate Degree and Nursing Diploma Graduates

The Online RN to Bachelors of Science in Nursing Program offers registered nurses the opportunity to elevate their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through convenient, flexible, and asynchronous online lectures with tailored practice experiences that move students from an Associate Degree or diploma level to the baccalaureate level of proficiency. This program is designed to provide specialized knowledge and advanced clinical skills that prepare nurses for leadership roles, enabling them to influence healthcare practices, improve patient outcomes, and meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry with confidence and expertise.

Upon admission, a program advisor reviews your college coursework to create a personalized plan for completing the program and any remaining UH Manoa General Education requirements. Graduation requires 120 total credits, with at least 30 taken at UH Manoa.

Program Highlights

• Evidence-Based Practice
  Learn to evaluate and apply the latest research and clinical guidelines to improve patient care, enhance safety, and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Leadership and Management
  Build leadership skills to guide nursing teams, manage projects, and strengthen organizational practices. Foster collaboration and patient-centered care to improve outcomes across populations.
• Advanced Clinical Knowledge
  Expand your expertise in clinical decision-making and health promotion. Design, implement, and assess evidence-based strategies to prevent illness, manage chronic conditions, and advance public health.

Program Benefits

• Career Advancement
  Unlock opportunities for leadership roles, higher salaries, and advanced practice areas such as education, policy, and consulting.
• Flexible, Asynchronous Learning
  Study at your own pace while balancing work and family. Access coursework anytime, from anywhere, to stay on track without sacrificing personal or professional commitments.
• Increased Job Security
  Gain a competitive edge in today’s healthcare industry. A Bachelors of Science in Nursing enhances employability, aligns with evolving care standards, and prepares you to adapt to future healthcare trends.

Program Description

The Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is available to Associate Degree in Nursing and diploma nursing graduates from UH community colleges, as well as Associate Degree in Nursing graduates outside the UH system. It bridges to a baccalaureate degree, enhancing nursing skills and addressing cultural, economic, and social factors impacting patient care.

The 30-credit Nursing Major courses can be completed full-time (2 semesters), or part-time (more than 2 semesters). Students must complete at least 30 credits at UH Manoa. The program is delivered through asynchronous online courses, with worksite cohorts available in partnership with local healthcare organizations.

At this time, students enrolled in the UH Manoa Online Bachelors of Science in Nursing program are unable to complete clinical courses outside of the state of Hawai‘i. This is due to the varying state regulations and licensing requirements. Students who relocate to another state while enrolled in the UH Manoa RN to Bachelors of Science must complete the two clinical courses in the State of Hawaii. The UH Manoa School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene is unable to accommodate clinical placement for students residing outside of this state.

Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Admissions Statistics

Admission Requirements

The following is a summary of the admission requirements for this program. Details for each requirement are available in the sections below. All deadlines and minimum requirements must be met to maintain eligibility for admission.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Nursing Diploma
• Minimum ADN GPA
• Current unrestricted RN license in the United States
• For UH System ADN Applicants: evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN exam, prior to the start of the applicant’s second semester of our program English Language Proficiency (for applicants born outside of the U.S.)

All official non-UH college transcripts are required to be submitted (via mail or electronically) to the UH Manoa Office of Admissions, or to the Office of Student Services at the School of Nursing. A document is considered official only if it is sent directly by the issuing college to the University. Student copies, faxed documents, and unofficial documents will not be accepted for review towards this nursing pathway. Mailing information for the Office of Admissions and School of Nursing is listed below.

Application Deadlines

Spring (January) 2026 Admission

• Applications Available: January 6, 2025
• Final Deadline: September 1, 2025, 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Fall (August) 2026 Admission

• Applications Available: September 1, 2025
• Final Deadline: January 19, 2026, 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Two-Step Application Process

Application requirements are found in the online applications listed below. All required applications and admissions materials for each semester must be submitted by their respective final deadlines above. Late applications and documents will not be accepted.

Step 1 – Apply to UH Manoa Undergraduate Admissions

• Required for all new applicants and returning, transferring, and unclassified UH Manoa students
• Link to application: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/
• Fee: $70
• Major: Nursing

Step 2 – Apply to Nursing Centralized Application Service (NCAS)

• Required for ALL applicants
• Link to application: https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/
• Fee: $65
• Planned Course of Study: Online RN to BS in Nursing

Education Requirements (ADN/Nursing Diploma)

• Prior to beginning this program, completion of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or Nursing Diploma is required.
• For prior UH Manoa students: at the time of application, applicants must be in good academic standing at UH Manoa, with a minimum cumulative Manoa GPA of 2.0.

Minimum ADN GPA Requirements

• UH System ADN Applicants: 2.0 or higher
• Non-UH System ADN/Nursing Diploma Applicants: 2.5 or higher

RN Licensure

• UH System ADN Applicants: Current unrestricted RN license in the United States, or evidence of passing the NCLEX-RN exam, prior to the start of the applicant’s second semester of our program.
• Non-UH System ADN/ Nursing Diploma Applicants: Current unrestricted RN license in the United States at the time of application.

Transfer Credits

Applicants may refer to the UH System Course Transfer Database and cross-reference their equivalent courses with the UH Manoa General Catalog for designations. Information on these requirements can be found in the UH Manoa General Catalog and UH Manoa advising centers. As a disclaimer, the information listed in the Transfer Database is based on historical data, and does not guarantee the transferability of coursework from external institutions. Course equivalencies listed in the Transfer Database are subject to change.

An official evaluation of transfer credits occurs following admission, submission of the intent to enroll, and submission of the tuition deposit. All official transcripts must be submitted to the UH Manoa Office of Admissions. UH Manoa will only accept credits from regionally accredited institutions.

Following admission, the program advisor will perform a personalized review of completed college coursework to develop a plan for program completion. If a student’s previous college coursework does not meet the minimum requirements, additional courses may be required to meet the university’s degree requirements.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants who are not born in the U.S. are required to have a certain skill level of the English language. More information is available on the International Admission Requirements website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/international/.

College-Level Exam Program (optional)

College-Level Exam Program (CLEP) examinations are a viable option for satisfying course requirements of the Bachelor of Science in nursing programs. Students must consult with their advisor regarding the use and limitations of non-graded course equivalencies to meet current graduation requirements.

Students that successfully pass a CLEP exam approved by the university will be awarded college credit, which can be used to satisfy specific coursework. A list of approved CLEP exams for our institution is available online.

Nursing Major Course Requirements

In addition to the general education requirements and graduation focus requirements, these are the major requirements below.  The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Course offerings may vary based on the student’s year of admission to the program, faculty, and program updates.

• NURS 364 Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (E) (4)
• NURS 451 Population Health Nursing (4)
• NURS 451L Population Health Nursing Lab (O, W) (3)
• NURS 452 Cultural Aspects of Health Management in Populations Indigenous to Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia (H) (3)
• NURS 453 Introduction to Genetics and Genomics for Nursing Practice (3)
• NURS 470 Nursing and Immersion Leadership (4)
• NURS 470L Nursing and Immersion Leadership Lab (W) (6)
• Nursing or Healthcare Related Elective (3)

It is the student’s responsibility to meet regularly with their academic advisor(s) to ensure proper progress and to confirm their academic requirements and timely graduation.

Tuition and Fees

• RN to BS nursing students enroll and register through the UH Manoa Outreach College. All students in this program will be charged resident tuition.
• The nursing student professional fee for the Online RN to BS program is waived.
• All tuition and fee charges at the University of Hawaii campuses and Outreach College are subject to change in accordance with requirements of State law and/or action by the Board of Regents or the University administration (official tuition schedules).

Contact

Christopher Waiamau, MBA, MSCJA
Admissions Specialist & Pre-Nursing Advisor

---

Contact for applicants for all Undergraduate Nursing programs.

• Undergraduate nursing: bsnurs@hawaii.edu

Contact for Pre-Nursing students.

• Undergraduate nursing: bsnurs@hawaii.edu

Temporary contact for applicants and current students in the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education.

• Graduate Certificate program: msnel@hawaii.edu

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 201
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: 808-956-3794
Fax: 808-956-5977

Schedule an Advising Appointment
via Star Balance