About the Academy for Healthcare Innovation
Educating the future healthcare workforce for a healthier Hawai‘i
Ready to start your healthcare career?
At the Academy for Healthcare Innovation (AHI), we believe everyone deserves the chance to build a fulfilling career in healthcare, regardless of their background or previous educational path. Beyond providing opportunities to stable and rewarding careers, we are deeply committed to serving communities that are often overlooked in traditional educational settings.
Creating Pathways for Growth
AHI certificates offer more than just job training – they provide a foundation for continued growth and development.
Our programs can serve as a steppingstone to:
- Career Advancement: Gain the skills and credentials needed to advance in your current healthcare role or pursue new opportunities.
- Higher Education: Use your certificate as a foundation for pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare.
We believe in creating alternative pathways to success for those who may not have considered traditional post-secondary education. By providing accessible, high-quality healthcare training, we aim to empower individuals, strengthen communities and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
We are excited to partner with employers who are looking to invest in their employees’ professional development and contribute to the growth of the healthcare workforce. If you are an employer seeking to upskill your current employees and provide them with exciting new opportunities in healthcare, contact us to discuss employer-sponsored education.
Communities We Support
Adult Learners
We welcome adults who are seeking to expand their skills and knowledge through certificate-based education.
Women in STEMM
We encourage and support women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine (STEMM) fields, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for their advancement.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities
We are dedicated to serving the educational needs of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations and fostering their success in the healthcare field.
ALICE Populations
Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) populations represent the growing number of families who are unable to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, healthcare and technology. We aim to offer affordable education for economic stability.
Passionate Leadership
Bridget Lai, MEd, BSN, RN
Interim Executive Director
Bridget Lai, MEd, BSN, RN, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Interim Executive Director at AHI. She began her career as a labor and delivery nurse at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, where she discovered a passion for patient care and mentoring. This led her to pursue a career in nursing education, ultimately becoming the Associate Director of Clinical Education at Hawai‘i Pacific Health.
Bridget’s extensive background in nursing and healthcare education makes her uniquely qualified to lead AHI. Her passion for providing career pathways for advancement and commitment to student success align perfectly with AHI’s mission to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. She is excited to foster a dynamic learning environment where students can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Bridget leads a team of faculty and staff dedicated to ensuring the success of our students.
Frequently Asked Questions about AHI
Are your classes in person?
Our programs are a hybrid model with an in-person component, including clinical rotations. In-person classes will be held in the evenings and at weekends.
Does the school help students find jobs after graduation?
We want you to be successful and will support you in your job search with services such as job placement assistance, résumé reviews and interview coaching.
What types of healthcare employers hire graduates?
Depending on the program, students can enter a variety of healthcare settings, including community health clinics, doctors’ offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities and more. Learn more about specific placement opportunities on each of our program pages.
Does each program prepare students for relevant certification or licensure exams?
Yes, our programs are designed to provide you with the necessary education, training and experience to be successful in certification and licensure exams. Students will be supported through the certification process as employers will want to hire graduates who are certified.
What resources are available for students (e.g., tutoring, counseling)?
We offer a variety of resources to support our students, including tutoring, counseling, career services and more.
Is the school accredited?
We are currently in the process of obtaining accreditation.
Does AHI accept Financial Aid?
AHI is currently in the process of securing accreditation, which we anticipate completing in Summer 2027. Once accredited, students will be eligible to apply for FAFSA and access federal financial aid.
What days/times are practicums for the Surgical Technologist program?
The clinical hours vary depending on the students’ attendance. It is a minimum of 20 hours per week, and the frequency and length of each day will be determined by the student and the site.
For example, if the student comes into agreement for 5 days a week, 4 hours a day; or 3 days at ~7 hours a day. So, this will vary depending on each student’s agreement.
How does the Academy for Healthcare Innovation help students with tuition assistance?
The Academy for Healthcare Innovation guides students towards tuition assistance opportunities. Currently, we have a few routes, but we are always looking to expand partnerships and grow opportunities. We will always keep students and applicants up-to-date on these opportunities as they appear.
Employer Sponsorship:Nearby employers reach out to the Academy for Healthcare Innovation to request the Academy to share about employer sponsorship opportunities that applicants may apply to. These opportunities allow applicants to be considered for tuition assistance through loans or sign-on bonuses. The best way to get notified about these opportunities is to complete an application so we have your information on file.
WIOA State-Funded:Another option for applicants is applying to WIOA, a state-funded program, that provides up to $10,000 in tuition assistance per student along with many other benefits. There are income limits and eligibility requirements. Students must be accepted into the program prior to completing their application for tuition assistance. The application process can take approximately 8-weeks, so applicants are encouraged to apply early to AHI so they can begin their WIOA application shortly after.
Start your education journey to a career in healthcare.
Have questions? Contact Us