Health Sciences, EMS & Nursing

Kapi'olani Community College

August- December 2022 Newsletter

Keep Up to Date

This is a triannual newsletter designed to keep students and the local community up to date with the ever-changing world of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Emergency Medical Services at Kapi'olani Community College. Stay on top of events, scholarship information, program updates, and much more. Stay connected.


Whether you are starting on your journey into the medical/health science field or already on the path connect with an Advising Counselor.

Information Sessions

Each program offers information sessions open to the public. During these information sessions, program faculty will cover program requirements, the application process, and career outlook.
Health Science & EMS Information Session

Register through Zoom to attend Health Science Information Sessions.

Health Science Programs include:
  • Community Health Worker (CHW)
  • Dental Assisting (DENT)
  • Medical Assisting (MEDA)
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
  • Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
  • Radiologic Technology (RAD TECH)
  • Respiratory Care Practitioner (RESP)


Emergency Medical Service Programs include:

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Mobile Intensive Care Technician (MICT) (Paramedic)
Nursing Information Session

View online pre-recorded sessions or attend a live Zoom session.

Nursing Programs include:

  • Long-Term Care Nurse Aide (LTCNA)
  • Practical Nursing (PRCN)
  • Transition for Licensed Practical Nurses (TRANS)
  • Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) (Registered Nurse)

Academic Advising

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Whether it's creating your academic pathway or applying to a program, visit a counselor for assistance. Academic advising services:


  • course selection
  • financial aid assistance
  • academic planning
  • program details and requirements
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Health Science & EMS Advising: Drop-in Appointments

Drop-in for an unscheduled phone or Zoom advising session with a Health Science/EMS Counselor. Monday thru Thursday 9:00-11:30am & 1:00-3:00pm. Click on the button above.

Pre-Nursing Advising: Drop-in Appointments

Drop-in for an unscheduled phone or Zoom meeting with a Nursing counselor on Tuesdays 9:00am - 12:00pm and Wednesdays 1:00-4:00pm. Click on the button above.

Health Science & EMS Contact Information

Health Science & EMS Contact Information

Health Science & EMS Contact Information

Russ Kinningham (CHW, MEDA, EMT, MICT, RESP)

Lani Suzuki-Severa (PTA, OTA, RAD, MLT, DENT)

Kauila Building, Room 106 hlthsci@hawaii.edu (808) 734-9224 kapiolani.hawaii.edu/campus-life/student-services/counseling_form/health-careers-counseling-center/
Nursing Contact Information

Nursing Contact Information

Nursing Contact Information
Crystalyn Hottenstein & Kristy Yoshikawa
Kōpiko Building, Room 201 kapnurs@hawaii.edu (808) 734-9305 kapiolani.hawaii.edu/campus-life/student-services/counseling_form/nursing-programs/

Department/Program Updates

PTA: 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award: Bennet Zazzera

PTA: 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award: Bennet Zazzera

A big congratulations to Physical Therapist Assistant Program Coordinator & Faculty, Dr. BENNETT ZAZZERA for being awarded the UH Board of Regents medal for teaching excellence.


Voted in by his students and colleagues, Professor Zazzera is dedicated and inspirational faculty member that we are so very proud of!

PTA: 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award: Bennet Zazzera
CoARC website

RESP Award: Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award

Congratulations to Jung Eun Kim, Ed Borza, Aaron Koseki, and Bob Vega on earning the Distinguished Respiratory Therapists Credentialing Success Award representing Kapi'olani Community College Associates degree in Respiratory Care Program.


The CoARC Board used objective criteria based on key accreditation metrics documented in the 2020 Annual Report of Current Status. Programs were required to: (1) have three or more years of excellent outcomes data; (2) document RRT credentialing success of 100%; and (3) meet or exceed established CoARC accreditation thresholds.


Great work RESP team! 100% of Kapiʻolani Community College’s graduates have been certified as Registered Respiratory Therapists since 2008!

CoARC website
EMS Training: Reaching Across the State

EMS Training: Reaching Across the State

The Emergency Medical Service programs are underway this Fall 2022 semester with training our local fire departments from all over the island chain. Cohorts from Kauai, Maui, Big Island, and Oahu are undergoing intense Emergency Medical Technician training to better serve our need for emergency first-responders.


The MICT or Paramedic program also is providing island wide training for those EMTs whom are ready for advancement in the workforce. For more information on the EMS programs contact our Health Science & EMS Counselors.

EMS Training: Reaching Across the State
Nursing Program Accreditation: AWARDED!!!

Nursing Program Accreditation: AWARDED!!!

Congratulations to the Kap'iolani Community College Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and LPN-RN Transition Program for successfully passing ACEN accreditation. In October 2021, three members from the ACEN accreditation team completed a site visit to our campus; observed our staff, faculty and students, reviewed program curriculum and standards.


With this national accreditation, the ADN and LPN-RN Transition Programs at Kap'iolani Community College will be accredited for another 8 years!

Nursing Program Accreditation: AWARDED!!!
Announcing NEW Department Chair for Nursing: SABA KAM

Announcing NEW Department Chair for Nursing: SABA KAM

The Nursing Department would like to welcome Saba Kam, as the newly elected Department Chair for Nursing for 2022-2024 cycle. Saba is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and has been teaching with us for the past 5 years as the Medical Surgical Instructor. Please join us in welcoming her!
Announcing NEW Department Chair for Nursing: SABA KAM
OHCA: ARCH Minimum Qualifications

Adult Residential Care Home Care Givers Program: CANCELLED!!

Due to faculty retirements, we are unable to offer an Adult Residential Care Home Care Givers (ARCH) Program for Nurse Aides, Licensed Practical & Registered Nurses for the FALL 2022 semester at Kapi'olani CC. We hope to offer a non-credit ARCH program in the Spring 2023.


You may contact other state approved ARCH programs offered at:

Leeward CC: (808) 455-0477

Hawaii CC: (808) 974-97560

Kauai CC: (808) 245-8225

OHCA: ARCH Minimum Qualifications
Saying Goodbye to Wes

Saying Goodbye to Wes

As we close out another academic year, we cannot feel that something is missing...the heart of our nursing programs and counseling discipline, Wes Maekawa. Wes has graciously retired after 32 years of service to Kapi'olani Community College.


Wes came to the college as the admissions/financial aid counselor and made his way up to the Nursing Department as the long-time Nursing Counselor. He has seen thousands of nursing students graduate and become nurses in our community. We thank you, Wes, for your dedication to the community and upholding the integrity and authenticity of counseling in the field of nursing and academics. Wes is a true inspiration and we wish him the best of retirement!!

Saying Goodbye to Wes

Student Support for Health Career Students

Student Basic Needs...help is out there!!

Student Basic Needs...help is out there!!

Are you having issues with food security, housing, home goods, transportation, child care, paying for school, or finding work? Here is a possible solution...the Student Basic Needs website. This site was created to ensure that the basic needs of all UH students are being met. Enter your zip code and identify the various resources near you.
Student Basic Needs...help is out there!!

Mahalo for reading. Stay connected.