UH Hilo Expands Nursing Program Enrollment

The university is adding faculty and a new entry pathway to address the state's persistent nursing shortage.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Nursing Jobs

Isometric editorial illustration of three medical stethoscopes on a volcanic rock slab, symbolizing the expansion of nursing education in Hawaii. — The University of Hawaii at Hilo has increased its nursing program enrollment to 40 students, utilizing new state-funded faculty positions to address local healthcare shortages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local universities should prioritize training programs to fill community workforce shortages?

The University of Hawaii at Hilo has expanded its nursing program this year to accommodate 40 new students, up from 30 students the previous year. This growth is supported by funding from the state Legislature for five additional faculty positions.

Why it matters

The program expansion aims to directly address the critical nursing shortage currently facing Hawaii. By creating a direct entry pathway for high school graduates, the university hopes to build a more sustainable pipeline for local healthcare professionals.

The program successfully grew by 67% over the last two years and expects to enroll 50 students in 2027. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester to retain their reserved seats in the four-year pathway.

The players

University of Hawaii at Hilo

This public university serves the community of Hilo and plays a major role in regional education and workforce development.

Hawaii State Legislature

The state legislative body provides public funding for educational initiatives, including the authorization of new faculty positions.

The details

The newly launched direct entry pathway allows qualified high school graduates to secure their spot in the nursing program early. Participants will undergo clinical training in rural communities across Hawaiʻi Island as part of the four-year curriculum.

2026: The nursing program admitted 40 new students this year.
2027: The university plans to increase intake to 50 nursing students.

Market Landscape

This program expansion aligns with regional workforce development goals to close the gap between healthcare supply and demand. It positions the university as a primary engine for talent pipelines, countering historical labor shortages that have affected clinical staffing across the islands.

Local high school graduates now have a more structured pathway to secure a nursing education and clinical training without leaving the island. This change provides a tangible opportunity for students to enter a high-demand career field with more stability than in previous years.

The takeaway

Securing a spot in a nursing program requires consistent academic performance, specifically maintaining a 3.0 GPA throughout the undergraduate tenure. Interested students should focus on early application pathways to benefit from the increased university capacity.