Students draped in blue celebrate their graduation from a practical nursing program at University of Hawaii Maui College. Health providers hope the program that providing a combination of work and class days will help to fill the growing need for licensed practical nurses. Photo courtesy Healthcare Association of Hawaii

Raising three children and working to help support her family who lives in Kahului, Karen Daguio said that at one point, she kind of lost hope trying to get a nursing degree.

However, a new 12-month “Earn-and-Learn” Glidepath Program helped Daguio continue working while also taking classes toward earning her degree as a licensed practical nurse.

“It’s really a great opportunity,” said Daguio, who received a pin Monday at the University of Hawaii Maui College for completing the program as a graduate practical nurse.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii coordinates the program that’s partially supported by the state. The hope is that by the summer of 2026, some 55 graduates like Daguio will become licensed practical nurses after passing national exams.

“It’s been an incredibly successful program,” said Hilton Raethel, the association’s president and chief executive officer. “By having programs like this, we can provide growth opportunities for people in our communities.”

Health care providers say the program also helps to fill a shortage of nurses on Maui and is important considering the growth of the elderly population. Between 2020 and 2030, the number of residents statewide ages 80-84 is projected to nearly double, and this surge won’t begin to decline until 2040, according to a 2024 report by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

The association said 24% of positions for licensed practical nurses statewide were unfilled with 242 openings out of 1,011 available jobs.

“I think it’s pretty critical,” said Wesley Lo, chief executive officer for the nonprofit Hale Makua, an elderly care facility.

This graph illustrates the need for more elderly care personnel, as the population of elderly individuals is expected to double in the next 20 years. Photo courtesy Healthcare Association of Hawaii

Raethel said prior to the program, which is in its third year on Maui, people had to stop working to attend daytime classes.

“Most people can’t afford to do that,” he said.

He said the program allows students to continue working as certified nursing assistants for a couple of days a week and take classes three days a week — a glide path where tuition and books as well as study days are subsidized.

Lo said the Earn-And-Learn program offers a pathway where certified nurse assistants earning about $22 an hour can become licensed practical nurses earning $36 an hour.

“They’re good smart people. They just don’t have the economic ability to go away to college,” Lo said, adding that many of the program participants are single parents.

“We’re trying to support them,” Lo said. “They want to get ahead in life.”

Daguio said her husband, Xzor, has also supported her move to further her education. She’s said in the past, she had wanted to go back to school, but the timing wasn’t right because she needed to be there for her young family.

Daguio recalled when she returned to school, she had to retake some classes to satisfy the basic requirements and was accepted in fall 2024. At the time, she didn’t realize the books and tuition were free.

“I feel really thankful and grateful,” she said.

Graduates include Justine Kyle Ambida Benavidez, Karen Claire Daguio, Brandon Fields, Alexandria Hermanson, Mary Jane Mateo, Uilani Miles, Shaina Adlawan, Yuneza Rose Bareng, Priscilla Beach, Romarie Delaginte, Irish Dudoit, Christina Kealoha, Kristi Mahoe, Jomarie Pascua, Analie Rhoden, Jessica Sniffen, Krysten Dianne Tapuro, and Ma Cheeneth Lei Valle.

Those attending the graduation ceremony included Raethel and Lo, as well as Darlene Guerrero, UH Maui College; Pam McClennon, Ohana Pacific Health; Laura Reichhardt, Hawaii State Center for Nursing; state Reps. Justin Woodson and Terez Amato; and state Sen. Troy Hashimoto.