Chaminade University of Honolulu Nursing: Programs & Requirements (2026)
Chaminade University of Honolulu BSN, MSN, and DNP in Honolulu. Published tuition includes $19,600/sem. Compare NCLEX-RN pass rate and admissions requirements in Honolulu.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Chaminade’s School of Nursing and Health Professions emphasizes hands-on learning and community ties on O‘ahu—including initiatives such as the Parish Health program, which partners with local parishes and health organizations for screenings and education. The school also lists Society for Simulation in Healthcare accreditation for its simulation program, supporting skills practice before clinical placements.
Overview & Why Students Choose Chaminade
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private Catholic university in Kaimukī, Honolulu, rooted in Marianist values and focused on preparing students to serve Hawai‘i and the Pacific. The School of Nursing and Health Professions offers a direct-entry, four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for pre-licensure students, plus graduate pathways for licensed RNs—including an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with nurse practitioner specializations, a BSN-MSN-DNP track, post-master’s Executive Leader DNP option, and post-doctoral APRN certificate programs.
Chaminade describes the undergraduate BSN as a full-time, lock-step program with community partnerships and individualized mentoring. Graduate nursing coursework is delivered online with required immersions; applicants should confirm clinical hour expectations and placement processes on the program pages.
Hawaii’s Professional & Vocational Licensing Division publishes annual NCLEX pass rate reports for Hawaii nursing programs. This guide does not list a specific percentage for Chaminade because a verified figure from the latest published state report was not extracted here. For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate, use the Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA) materials and confirm cohort definitions with Chaminade and the Board.
Reasons students choose Chaminade
Direct-entry BSN on O‘ahu
The traditional BSN is a four-year, cohort-style program with a defined major sequence—including public health, mental health, leadership, and a clinical immersion capstone—leading to NCLEX-RN eligibility.
Online MSN & DNP for working RNs
Graduate programs are offered online with annual in-person immersion experiences, supporting FNP, PNP, and PMHNP preparation at the MSN level and DNP completion for advanced leadership.
Simulation & community engagement
The school lists Society for Simulation in Healthcare accreditation for its simulation program and describes community programs such as Parish Health (screenings, education, telehealth) in partnership with local parishes and health organizations.
Accredited nursing programs
Chaminade’s public disclosures name CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate program, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Graduate MSN specializations are offered within the same school—confirm the current CCNE program list on Chaminade or CCNE if needed.
Nursing Programs Offered
Use the following hierarchy to match your goals: pre-licensure (BSN), then post-licensure graduate (MSN, DNP). Program names and delivery below reflect Chaminade’s public nursing pages and catalog as of this review.
Pre-licensure
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Direct-entry, four-year lock-step BSN requiring full-time enrollment. Includes prerequisite coursework and nursing courses from introduction through complex care, public health, psychiatric/mental health nursing, evidence-based practice, NCLEX seminar (NUR 490), and clinical immersion (NUR 499). Fall entry only for the traditional BSN; sophomore seat placement is not available for Fall 2026 per the school’s BSN page.
Post-licensure (graduate)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN for BSN-prepared RNs (RN license required by the end of the first semester). Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (PNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Includes immersion and substantial clinical hours (750 total per program overview).
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-MSN-DNP pathway: complete MSN and NP eligibility, then DNP coursework with a scholarly project. Tracks include FNP, PNP, PMHNP, and Post-Master’s Executive Leader (for master’s-prepared RNs/APRNs). Post-master’s Executive Leader is 37 credits per Chaminade’s DNP page.
Post-Doctoral APRN Certificates
Post-doctoral FNP, PNP, and PMHNP certificate programs for DNP-prepared APRNs seeking additional scope; see Chaminade’s certificate pages for prerequisites and format.
Chaminade’s public BSN materials describe a traditional four-year BSN rather than a separate accelerated BSN or RN-to-BSN completion track listed on the same overview. If you need RN-to-BSN or second-degree options, confirm current offerings with the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For pre-licensure BSN graduates, the relevant outcome is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate reported for Chaminade in Hawaii’s official nursing program reports. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional & Vocational Licensing Division, Board of Nursing, publishes annual pass rate data for Hawaii nursing schools.
This page does not state a numeric pass rate because a verified percentage from the latest Hawaii DCCA publication was not attached to this review. To obtain the rate: open the Board of Nursing section on the Hawaii DCCA website, locate the annual pass rate reports for Hawaii nursing programs, find Chaminade University of Honolulu, and note the reporting period and cohort definition.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN First-Time Pass Rate | Not listed on this page—see Hawaii DCCA Board of Nursing annual reports for Chaminade |
| Source | Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA PVL). Confirm current data with the school and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Hawaii Board of Nursing and Chaminade University of Honolulu.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international applicants and foreign-educated nurses depend on Chaminade’s admissions policies, visa status, and Hawaii Board of Nursing rules for licensure and NCLEX eligibility. Use the checklist below as a starting point; this is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for Chaminade’s undergraduate or graduate programs.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluation if required for admission or licensure.
- Hawaii Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. nursing degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility, documentation, and any CGFNS or state-specific steps with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other statuses, CPT/OPT where applicable, and clinical placement requirements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Chaminade’s International Students office and the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Traditional BSN (first-year): Chaminade lists a nursing-specific cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or above and grades of C or better in Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry. Applications are submitted with the Common App or Chaminade application; a Nursing Acknowledgement Form is required after submission. The BSN accepts fall entry only (no spring traditional nursing start). Decisions are rolling until space is filled.
Graduate (MSN, DNP): MSN and DNP applicants need a BSN from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program (or equivalent per policy), RN license, minimum cumulative GPA 2.75, transcripts, resume/CV, two recommendations, and a personal statement. RN licensure is required by the end of the first semester of the MSN program. DNP deadlines listed on the program page include priority March 1 and final June 1 for a fall start (verify current year).
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSN fall | Priority Dec 1 · Final Apr 15 | Per first-year admissions; nursing-specific nursing deadlines |
| BSN spring | N/A | Traditional nursing not offered for spring |
| MSN / DNP fall | Priority Mar 1 · Final Jun 1 | Per DNP page; confirm with graduate admissions |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (BSN first-year) | 2.75 cumulative (nursing majors), per admissions |
| Minimum GPA (MSN/DNP) | 2.75 cumulative, per graduate nursing pages |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the public BSN pages reviewed; confirm with admissions |
| GRE | Not required for DNP per program page |
Honest tips for applicants
If you are applying to the BSN, complete the required high school sciences and algebra with strong grades; submit early because nursing admits on a rolling basis. For graduate nursing, align your personal statement with advanced practice goals and Hawaii’s population health context. If you are a transfer student, use Chaminade’s transfer nursing requirements page—criteria differ from first-year.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees change by academic year. Figures below come from Chaminade’s integrated catalog (2025–2026) for undergraduate nursing and the graduate cost of attendance page (rates effective July 1, 2026). Always confirm the current schedule on the official site.
Undergraduate (BSN)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Nursing program full-time day (12–19 credits per semester) | $19,600 per semester (2025–2026 catalog) |
| Nursing program part-time day (1–11 or 20+ credits) | $1,307 per credit hour (2025–2026 catalog) |
| Estimated BSN tuition (annual, COA) | $40,490 total tuition for 2026–2027 estimated cost of attendance (Office of Financial Aid) |
Graduate (MSN, DNP)
| Program | Tuition per credit hour | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MSN | $1,205 | Effective July 1, 2026; 46–47 credits by concentration |
| DNP | $1,205 | Effective July 1, 2026; 36–66 credits by track |
| Course fees | Online $93 · Hybrid $40 | Per graduate cost page (applies to online/hybrid courses) |
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| Catalog tuition | Undergraduate tuition charges (Chaminade catalog) |
| Undergraduate COA | Undergraduate cost of attendance |
| Graduate COA | Graduate cost of attendance |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Pre-licensure outcomes are typically summarized by NCLEX-RN pass rates (state Board reports) and, when available, school employment surveys. This guide does not repeat job placement percentages without a cited school report and year.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | See Hawaii DCCA Board of Nursing annual reports; confirm with Chaminade |
| Source | Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA PVL). Confirm cohort year and methodology with the Board and the school. |
| Employment / placement | Not publicly disclosed on this page. For current employment outcomes, see Chaminade’s career services or alumni resources if published. |
Is Chaminade the Right Fit for You?
Chaminade fits students who want a small private university in Honolulu with a defined pre-licensure BSN curriculum and strong graduate pathways for RNs. It may be less ideal if you need a low-cost public in-state option or a non-fall BSN start.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a direct-entry BSN on O‘ahu with a lock-step, full-time cohort model.
- Value Marianist mission-driven education and community-based learning opportunities.
- Are licensed RNs seeking online MSN or DNP with annual immersion experiences.
- Plan to practice in Hawai‘i and want a program that emphasizes local population health context.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a spring start for the traditional BSN (Chaminade lists fall-only entry).
- Are seeking a second-degree accelerated BSN on the same page as the four-year track—confirm whether a separate pathway exists.
- Prefer the lowest tuition among Hawai‘i options (private tuition is higher than many public campuses).
- Cannot meet clinical health compliance requirements (vaccinations and other requirements for clinical partners).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Honolulu anchors O‘ahu’s healthcare system and serves as a referral hub for the Hawaiian Islands. Nursing students typically encounter a mix of acute care hospitals, community clinics, and public health settings. Specific clinical sites vary by semester and program; confirm with Chaminade for your cohort.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Acute care & specialty hospitals | O‘ahu hosts major hospitals and specialty centers (e.g., Queen’s Health System, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i)—large employers in the region. |
| Community & public health | Chaminade’s Parish Health program illustrates community partnerships for screenings and education; public health nursing is part of the BSN curriculum. |
| Workforce demand | Hawai‘i continues to recruit nurses across specialties; rural and neighbor-island needs may differ from urban O‘ahu. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Chaminade’s campus is on the slopes of Mount Kōkō Head in Honolulu, offering a residential undergraduate experience with access to Oʻahu’s beaches and city amenities. The School of Nursing and Health Professions highlights simulation-based learning (with SSH accreditation noted on program pages) and faculty mentorship. Students can explore student life through campus ministry, student organizations, and campus events—verify active nursing student groups through the university.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Honolulu, HI
- Address
- 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816, US
- Telephone
- (808) 735-4711 (main)
- Admissions
- (808) 739-8524 · admissions@chaminade.edu
- Website
- chaminade.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Chaminade BSN or MSN page and review prerequisites and deadlines for your pathway.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- If required, register for the TEAS, HESI, or other entrance exam. Confirm on the admissions page which test and minimum scores apply for your target semester.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chaminade University of Honolulu a good school for nursing?
Chaminade’s BSN and graduate nursing programs are CCNE-accredited, and the school lists Society for Simulation in Healthcare accreditation for its simulation program. Whether it is a good fit depends on your goals, budget, and campus preferences. Confirm NCLEX-RN outcomes using Hawaii DCCA Board of Nursing reports and confirm current program details with Chaminade.
What GPA do you need for Chaminade’s nursing program?
For first-year BSN applicants, Chaminade lists a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75 or higher for nursing majors, plus C or better in Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry. For MSN and DNP programs, the graduate pages list a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Confirm current thresholds with admissions.
Does Chaminade require the TEAS for nursing?
The public BSN and graduate nursing pages reviewed for this guide do not state a TEAS requirement. Entrance exam policies can change—confirm with the Office of Admissions for your entry term.
How competitive is admission to Chaminade’s BSN program?
Chaminade does not publish a separate nursing acceptance rate in the sources used here. Admission is described as rolling until spaces are filled, with a waitlist if capacity is reached. Confirm competitiveness with admissions for the cycle you are targeting.
Does Chaminade offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
The undergraduate nursing page describes a direct-entry, four-year lock-step BSN. It does not list a separate accelerated BSN for second-degree students on that overview. If you need an ABSN, ask the School of Nursing and Health Professions whether any additional pathway exists.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Chaminade University of Honolulu?
This page does not list a specific percentage. For the most current first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for Chaminade, use the Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA PVL) annual pass rate reports for Hawaii nursing programs and confirm cohort definitions with the school and the Board.
What are clinical placement sites for Chaminade nursing students?
Clinical courses include hospital and community experiences across the curriculum; the school also describes community programs such as Parish Health. Specific site lists change by term and partner policies. Confirm placement details and health compliance requirements with the program.
References
- Chaminade University — School of Nursing & Health Professionschaminade.edu/nursing-health-professions
- Chaminade — BSN programBSN nursing page
- Chaminade — Undergraduate catalog tuition (nursing rates)catalog.chaminade.edu tuition
- Chaminade — Graduate cost of attendanceGraduate COA
- Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA PVL)cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for program alignment with Chaminade’s public nursing pages, tuition figures from the catalog and cost-of-attendance pages, and NCLEX guidance aligned with Hawaii DCCA Board of Nursing sources.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Published: Mar 23, 2026· Last reviewed: March 23, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy