University of Hawaii at Hilo is growing its nursing program to help ease the state's nursing shortage, which is good news for future patients and students hoping to become nurses.

• The school added five new faculty positions and already has 50 students enrolled for next year.
• Enrollment is up 67% over two years, showing strong demand for the program.
• A new direct-entry pathway reserves seats for Hawaii high schoolers who finish required courses and keep their grades up.
• The pathway gives local students a clearer, earlier route into nursing careers.

Outlook: Expect the program to keep growing as it works to fill more of Hawaii's nursing workforce gap.