Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) is breaking new ground and pioneering change by expanding beyond the Hawaiian Islands with the opening of a new campus in Las Vegas, NV. This expansion opens up new pathways to support the growing demand for health care professionals in Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Physical Therapy (DPT).
A New Chapter in HPU's Legacy
Located in Southwestern Las Vegas, about 20 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport, the new campus welcomed its inaugural OTD class in August 2024, with their first lab immersion following in September 2024, while the DPT program began in January 2025. This marks the first time a Hawai'i-based university has established a campus outside the state.
"HPU is proud to announce this groundbreaking expansion beyond the Hawaiian Islands with the launch of our Las Vegas campus," said HPU President John Gotanda. "It's a testament to our nimble approach and commitment to innovation and our mission and values of aloha, pono, and kuleana."
Transforming Health Care Education Through Impactful Partnerships
Since launching their partnership in July 2019, HPU and EIM have been working together to meet crucial workforce demands in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), physician assistant (PA), and speech-language pathology (SLP) both in Hawaii and beyond.
A milestone achievement of this collaboration was the establishment of the HPU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, the first and only PT program in the state, enrolling upwards of 100 students annually to help fill critical gaps in the health care workforce.
As HPU expanded into graduate health care education, EIM played a key role in supporting the university's growth by providing dedicated services in faculty recruitment, clinical site procurement and placement, accreditation, curriculum design and development, financial modeling, and market research.
Together, HPU and EIM share a mission and vision of providing accessible, flexible, and innovative health care education that meets the evolving needs of students and the workforce. With a focus on expanding opportunities for learners from all backgrounds, the partnership ensures that students whether in Hawaii or on the mainland have access to high-quality, evidence-based training that prepares them to deliver exceptional patient care.
By combining HPU's student-centered approach with EIM's expertise in health care education solutions, the collaboration continues to create dynamic, real-world learning experiences that address critical health care shortages and strengthen communities
Looking Ahead
HPU’s expansion to Las Vegas marks a significant step in its ongoing commitment to innovation, community engagement, and excellence in health care education. By extending its reach beyond Hawai‘i, HPU continues to build a global ‘ohana dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
For more information on HPU's Las Vegas graduate health care options, visit the OTD and DPT program pages.