Health Sciences, EMS & Nursing

Kapi'olani Community College

January - May 2023

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

Paragraph picture

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
Paragraph picture
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

Welcoming a Familiar Face: Interim Dean of Health Science, EMS & Nursing: AARON KOSEKI

Welcoming a Familiar Face: Interim Dean of Health Science, EMS & Nursing: AARON KOSEKI

We like to welcome back, long-time Respiratory Care faculty, AARON KOSEKI to the Health Science, EMS & Nursing Interim Dean position for Spring 2023 semester. We look forward to working with you again and are thankful for your guidance and support.
Welcoming a Familiar Face: Interim Dean of Health Science, EMS & Nursing: AARON KOSEKI
Welcoming Some New Faces to the Nursing Department!

Welcoming Some New Faces to the Nursing Department!

During the pandemic our nursing faculty took a huge hit, with over eight retirements of seasoned, dedicated faculty to a bare bones staff. With support from the UH System and the State of Hawaiʻi, we worked hard to hire nursing faculty.


With great anticipation we are happy to welcome our (7) new Nursing Faculty this Spring 2023! We welcome you to our ohana & look forward to working with all of you! By hiring more faculty we hope to offer more seats in our nursing programs to better serve our community.

Welcoming Some New Faces to the Nursing Department!
To the UH Foundation Scholarship Donors: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

To the UH Foundation Scholarship Donors: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

During the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 there will be over $80,000 donated to our Health Science, EMS and Nursing programs!! A big "MAHALO" to all of our donors and the continued community support! Our students are truly grateful.
To the UH Foundation Scholarship Donors: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
OHCA: ARCH Minimum Qualifications

Adult Residential Care Home Care Givers Program: STILL 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 and now, 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
Aloha Mark Kunimune! Long Time EMS faculty...

Aloha Mark Kunimune! Long Time EMS faculty...

Mark Kunimune retired this Fall 2022. He has served with Emergency Medical Services for over 30+ years. His leadership and guidance has shaped the EMS program and we wish him a well deserved retirement. MAHALO, Mark for all that you have given to our students and the community!
Aloha Mark Kunimune! Long Time EMS faculty...

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!!
The Scholarship Hunt is On!!

The Scholarship Hunt is On!!

Apply to a UH System Scholarship, click here to a list of varying scholarships available to all UH System students.


The UH Common Scholarship 2023-2024 application is now open, with one application you may be eligible for over 60 different scholarships, click here to apply.


Visit the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for local private scholarships that by completing the online application, here.

The Scholarship Hunt is On!!
The Pohukaina Food Pantry

The Pohukaina Food Pantry

Food scarcity is a quiet epidemic our students are facing. Often students aren't aware of this resource and do not have enough to provide for themselves or their families. With the dedicated staff, students, and faculty; we join together to provide a walk-by or drive through food pantry service.


The Pohukaina Food Pantry is a available to students of Kapiolani CC and the community at large. Check on this link for more information on dates and how to sign-up for this great resource. Dates will start up again in late January 2023.


The food is donated by Hawaiʻi Food Bank, students and the community. Items such as fresh produce, breads, cereals, proteins, and yes, even the occasional sweet treat are included each box. Box sizes can vary per household, so be sure to include all individuals that you live with when signing up.


For more information on the Pohukaina Food Pantry please contact LaVache Scanlan at lavache@hawaii.edu or (808) 734-9371 or Colette Andrade-Fujii at andradef@hawaii.edu or (808) 734-9645.

The Pohukaina Food Pantry

Mahalo for reading. Stay connected.