Alaska Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“From bear attacks to viral outbreaks, Alaska will test a nurse to the limit, but the positive outcomes and people more than compensate for the detriments.”
Shannon Davenport, MSN, President of the Alaska Nurses Association
Nursing has long been a respected profession. Alaska, an American state only recently admitted to the United States in January 1959, has a distinctive history, population, and geography. The state has significant challenges in its healthcare system, and its unique attributes contribute to the state’s healthcare system challenges in ways atypical of what is found in much of the lower 48.
According to the 2023 Scorecard on State Health System Performance issued by the Commonwealth Fund, Alaska ranked 39th in performance. As was true of every single other state, Alaska experienced an increase in avoidable, premature deaths once the Covid pandemic began in 2020. The margin of increase in deaths among the group “American Indian/Alaska Native” (AIAN) was particularly large. This large margin is not especially surprising given the various issues that impact the AIAN community in regard to access and use of healthcare resources.
So what specifically are some of the major factors that impact Alaskan healthcare? Geography, cost, and culture rank highly.
The large Alaskan Native population also makes Alaska unique amongst its counterparts. The Alaskan healthcare system is essentially composed of two major patient populations. Approximately 80 percent of Alaskans seek care within the matrix of public and private options available to most Americans. The remaining one-fifth of the population are AIAN people. AIAN people typically seek care through the Alaska Tribal Health System. Also known as the “beneficiary” system, this system features substantial facilities in Anchorage and regional hubs for care. Community health aides often serve as vital links within this system.
Despite its immense geography and significant challenges, Alaska can prove an appealing place for nurses. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (May 2023) ranks Alaska in the top five paying states for registered nurses with RNs earning an average annual salary of $109,210.
Read on to discover Alaska’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, licensing requirements, and an expert’s perspective.
Meet the Expert: Shannon Davenport, MSN
Shannon Davenport is the president of the Alaska Nurses Association and has been involved in healthcare in various capacities for the past 27 years. Beginning a nursing career as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) has led to a range of nursing roles and educational achievements, including a master’s in nursing. Her experience spans multiple specialties, including pediatrics, pediatric ICU, psychiatric nursing, wound care, faith-based/parish nursing, and her current roles as a hospice nurse, PACU/OR nurse, and co-chair for the AaNA Legislative Committee.
Outside work, Davenport’s interests include competing in Strongman events, participating in goat yoga, and watching a teenage daughter grow into a remarkable young woman. Her philosophy is that nursing is both an art and a science that flourishes through innovation and the pursuit of knowledge—which continues to inspire her commitment to shaping the future of nursing and improving outcomes for patients, families, and future healthcare professionals.
NursingSchools.com: What is unique about the nursing practice environment in Alaska?
Davenport: Alaska is unlike any other in the United States in that you can work as a nurse in the city one day and then be in the middle of the Arctic, surrounded by ice and snow the next. It is a complex landscape with a diverse melting pot of nationalities and cultures, which requires nurses to have a skill set that ranges from intense emergency medical components to everyday vaccinations and preventative care.
From the perpetual darkness of six months of the year to the eternal daylight for the other half, a nurse must adapt to every situation and have a prolific knowledge of disease processes and psychological conditions. From bear attacks to viral outbreaks, Alaska will test a nurse to the limit, but the positive outcomes and people more than compensate for the detriments.
NursingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice for a nurse wanting to come to Alaska?
Davenport: Be prepared for anything. Learn your personal bias and limitations and be adaptable. Realize that there are creatures here and weather conditions that can kill you and break your spirit.
If you are willing to invest the time to learn your surroundings and the people of this great state, you will not only be a better nurse but a more well-rounded and diverse human being with a propensity to still believe in the good of humanity and what it truly means to belong in a community.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public school with over 10,000 students. UAA markets itself as a comprehensive, open-access university and was established on the ancestral lands of several indigenous groups.
The UAA School of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree at its campus in Anchorage. UAA offers admission to students from an increasing number of communities throughout Alaska. Students who already hold an associate’s degree in nursing and are registered nurses have the option to complete the online RN-BSN degree program. The nursing curriculum is designed in alignment with the nursing school’s core values of excellence, respect, integrity and caring. Critical topics within the curriculum include community care, population health, and clinical research.
The UAA traditional pre-licensure BSN program is the only one offered in Alaska. Graduates can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The curriculum meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in Alaska. Students interested in practicing elsewhere after graduation should carefully explore the relevant academic requirements for professional licensure or certification in those jurisdictions as they consider applying to UAA. Though coursework in the pre-licensure option is completed online, students must also complete two in-person clinical experiences. Clinical hours will be completed in the student’s home community when possible. If a local placement is not possible, a student may be required to travel to Anchorage.
The RN-BSN degree is a baccalaureate completion program designed specifically for registered nurses who hold a current, unencumbered nursing license. The curriculum features “RN-only” online courses designed to build upon the RN’s existing preparation and experience. An RN-BSN program student who has successfully passed the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN) and who also has current RN licensure in Alaska may be given up to 42 credits upon admission to the nursing major. By receiving credit for RN licensure, students of this program can complete their studies much more quickly than those in the pre-licensure program.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Alaska Pacific University (APU) offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree program to registered nurses. This RN-BSN program is a bridge program specifically envisioned to enhance the growth of a sustainable nursing workforce in Alaska and thereby mitigate the state’s nursing workforce shortage. Applicants must submit official transcripts and demonstrate they have a current unencumbered RN license in Alaska to be deemed eligible for admission consideration. International applicants will need to complete additional steps beyond those expected of domestic applicants.
The RN-BSN program curriculum consists of seven week modules offered using a distance delivery learning model. The online learning design supports working nurses seeking to balance their careers with additional education. Nursing professionals specifically interested in specializing in care for Alaska Native populations will find this program appealing as the curriculum incorporates indigenous ways of knowing and emphasizes both cultural competence and cultural safety.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Duration: Contact admissions counselor for details
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers graduate nursing education for those seeking to advance their careers in several nursing specializations. The UAA master of science in nursing (MSN) program features three specialty areas: FNP, PMHNP, and nurse educator.
FNPs are trained to treat individuals, families, groups and whole populations. PMHNPs provide mental healthcare to diverse patient populations. Despite their name, an NE can do more than directly educate new nurses. NEs may also design and evaluate curricula, contribute to hospital research, and act as collaborators and role models in various settings.
All nursing students complete a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for advanced nursing practice or for pursuit of a terminal degree in nursing, namely the doctor of nursing practice. The curriculum emphasizes nursing theory, research, and healthcare delivery systems. The program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in Alaska.
The programs prepare students to seek out national certification in their respective areas. FNP graduates may take the national certification examination for advanced professional practice as a family nurse practitioner offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). PMHNP graduates may take the national certification exam for advanced professional practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. ANCC and AANP also offer this exam. Finally, NLRD-EDU graduates may take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League of Nursing (NLN).
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Duration: Consult faculty advisor for details
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Nursing School Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation is a voluntary but essential step academic institutions take to demonstrate that nurses who complete their degree programs receive quality education. Two groups typically award accreditation. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In Alaska, nursing program graduates who have never held a license must seek initial licensure via an exam from the Alaska Board of Nursing. Any individual seeking Alaska nursing licensure who holds a multistate or single-state license may apply for licensure via endorsement. Endorsement is a process existing licensed nurse professionals use to secure a license in a state other than the one they have recently been practicing in. An Alaska RN license application can be completed online or with a paper form. Upon successful initial licensure nurses must be mindful of regular license renewal requirements in order to maintain their licensure to continue practicing.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Alaska?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (US BLS) from May 2023—the latest data available as of early March 2025. Salary.com provides certified nurse anesthetist salary data except the number employed. US BLS provides the number of employed nurse anesthetists.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 320 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $74,260 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $57,740 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $75,610 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $93,540 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 6,590 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $109,210 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $82,980 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $106,410 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $132,090 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | 40 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | No data |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $210,001 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $242,213 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | $278,257 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | 90 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | $128,800 |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $104,000 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $125,080 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | $173,080 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Alaska | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 660 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $126,170 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $70,100 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $133,930 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $179,040 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Board Of Nursing | LPN licenses are issued in Alaska to candidates who:
| Alaska LPN license renewals are required on even numbered years by September 20th. To renew, candidates must complete two of the following three continuing competency methods:
Pay the renewal fee |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Board Of Nursing | The requirements to become an RN in Alaska are:
| Renewals for RN licenses in Alaska happen on even-numbered years unless it’s a nurses first license and it’s issued within 90 days of the November 30th deadline. To renew, candidates must complete two of the following continuing competency requirements:
The renewal fee is $215 |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
To be licensed as a CNS in the state of Alaska, applicants must:
|
To renew an APRN license in the state of Alaska, including a CNS license, applicants must first renew their registered nurse licenses which require two of the following three methods of continued competency:
CNSs are required to complete at least 60 hours of continued education, including 15 contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy for prescriptive authority. CNS licenses expire on the same date, biennially, as an RN license. The fee to renew is $200. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Board of Nursing | To be licensed as a CNM in the state of Alaska, applicants must:
|
To renew a CNM license in the state of Alaska, applicants must first renew their registered nurse licenses which require two of the following three methods of continued competency:
Certified nurse midwives are required to complete at least 60 hours of continued education, including 15 contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy for prescriptive authority. |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Alaska, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a licensed independent practitioner who can practice as a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CPN). To be licensed as a CNP in the state of Alaska, applicants must:
|
In order to renew an APRN license in the state of Alaska, applicants must first renew their registered nurse licenses which require two of the following three methods of continued competency:
Certified Nurse Practitioners are required to complete at least 60 hours of continued education, including 15 contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy for prescriptive authority. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Alaska
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Alaska, the eligibility requirements to be licensed as a CRNA are:
|
In order to renew a CRNA license in the state of Alaska, applicants must first renew their registered nurse licenses which require two of the following three methods of continued competency:
Nurse anesthetists are required to complete at least 60 hours of continued education, including 15 contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy for prescriptive authority. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.