Program Description

The Associate in Science degree nursing curriculum is designed to prepare students for the nursing profession. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN nursing examination (National Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) to become a registered nurse. The Associate in Science degree in nursing program at Kapi‘olani Community College located in Honolulu, Hawai’i is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate in Science degree in nursing program is continuing accreditation. New students are admitted each semester and are given both theoretical instruction and an opportunity for clinical application of nursing skills as they prepare for entry-level practice as registered nurses. After graduates have passed the nursing licensure examination, they will be prepared to fill beginning level positions as Registered Nurses in hospitals, doctor’s offices, or other health-related institutions, and participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care for clients throughout the life cycle. Graduates are eligible for admission to the fourth year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs at UH Mānoa and UH Hilo.

Program Accreditation

The Associate in Science degree in nursing program at Kapi‘olani Community College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). For additional program accreditation information, please go to Associate in Science degree in nursing program accreditation status.

Degree and Certificate Programs

• Associate in Science - Nursing (72-73 credits)

Admissions Procedure

The Associate’s Degree in Nursing is a select admissions program; pre/corequisite courses, examinations, test scores, and/or other required documentation are submitted and reviewed during designated application periods. Applicants are then selected and notified by the Nursing Department.

For more information on the admissions, and procedure visit the following links found in the Forms & Documents section below: Nursing Information Sessions, Self-Advising Forms, & the Admissions Application/Checklist.

Potential Careers and Employers

Registered Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care nursing homes, home settings, schools, and community health settings.

To learn more about nursing and other health care careers, please check the “Hawai’i Career Explorer” website at https://uhcc.hawaii.edu/career_explorer/

For prospective employment as a registered nurse, please check the “Hawai‘i is Hiring” website at https://www.hawaiiishiring.com.

Licensure and State Authorization

Once the student has completed the Associate in Science Degree in Nursing program and has successfully obtained certification in Hawai’i by the Hawaiʻi Board of Nursing, s/he will be eligible to obtain a state license, which will allow the licensee to practice nursing in the State of Hawaii. Kapiʻolani Community College (Kapi‘olani CC) may not be able to confirm whether a particular program meets the professional licensure requirements outside of the State of Hawaiʻi. Kapiʻolani CC recommends the student contact the respective professional licensing board to determine the licensure requirements in the state in which the student lives.

Contact Information

• Counselor: kapnurs@hawaii.edu   Counseling for Nursing Programs

• Nursing Dept: Kopiko Building, Room 201   (808) 734-9305