[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With its one-of-a-kind setting, increasing demand, and substantial annual salary figures, Alaska makes for an appealing location for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide provides an overview of how to become a nurse in Alaska, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in Alaska and uncover the programs in the state that provide the best options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Alaska, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing the right nursing program, applicants should consider various factors in connection to their academic and professional goals. Determine tuition costs, program length, and financial aid options to establish if the program suits your needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is crucial that the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing institution is accredited[/hen-ui-link]. In addition, review the average National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores and graduation rates, which can indicate how well the program prepares its students for success.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As one of the country’s highest-paying states for registered nurses (RNs), choosing to earn a degree and work in Alaska can be a smart choice. Coupling the above-average pay with the projected demand for RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) makes the state even more advantageous for healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For prospective nurses who live in the western portion of the country, Alaska provides lower tuition when compared to neighboring states, such as California and Washington. Despite Alaska’s higher cost of living, it still costs more to live in Oregon and California.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alaska is one of the highest-paying states for nurses, which stems from its isolated location. Therefore, the higher salary can draw more nurses to the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs earn an average of $97,230, licensed practical nurses earn $63,650, and certified nursing assistants earn $43,080. APRNs earn the most at $113,820.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most nurses earn above the national average, the cost of living in Alaska ranks as the seventh most expensive region in the country. So, the higher salary helps to offset the high cost of living.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most other states, Alaska anticipates an increase in the demand for nurses. In fact, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/nchwa-hrsa-nursing-report.pdf” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services[/hen-ui-link] expects the state to experience a shortage of over 5,000 nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying jobs for RNs can be found in Anchorage, the most populated area in the state. Anchorage is in the south central portion of the state, just north of the Gulf of Alaska. The population in regions north of Anchorage is too low. Therefore, the demand in those areas is minimal.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Anchorage[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$96,160[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/alaska/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]Becoming an RN or APRN in Alaska[/hen-ui-link] is similar to the process required in most other states. First, prospective nurses need to complete a nursing program approved by the[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing.aspx” target=”_blank”]Alaska Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After fulfilling their academic requirements, undergraduate students must pass the NCLEX-RN to gain licensure through a nationally recognized certification organization.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education requirements for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]To become an RN[/hen-ui-link] in Alaska, prospective nurses must graduate from an accredited nursing program recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] with either an[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon completion, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN and submit a licensure application to the state, which includes a $100 application fee, a $200 licensing fee, and a $75 fingerprint processing fee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs must renew their license by November 30 of every even-numbered year. To be eligible for renewal, RNs must complete 30 continuing education hours, 60 hours in professional activities, and 320 hours of employment in an official capacity.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]To become an APRN[/hen-ui-link], nurses need an unencumbered RN license that allows them to practice in the state. They must also earn a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link]. Nurses must complete 60 hours of continuing education between each renewal period.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The application includes a $100 APRN licensure fee, $100 prescriptive authority fee (if applicable), $100 controlled substance application fee (if applicable), and $100 temporary permit fee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs must renew their license by November 30 of every even-numbered year. To be eligible for renewal, they must complete 60 continuing education hours, which includes 15 hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy for prescriptive authority.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Alaska[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do nurses make in Alaska?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants in Alaska benefit from having the highest average pay in the country, earning $63,650 and $43,080, respectively. RNs enjoy the fifth highest salary in the nation at $97,230 annually.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, APRNs do not fare as well as their nursing counterparts, earning $113,820 per year, which places the position at 31st when compared to the rest of the country.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are nurses in demand in Alaska?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, nurses are in demand in Alaska. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Alaska is projected to have a significant shortage of nurses from 2014-2030. Overall, the state is expected to be short over 5,000 nurses in that time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become an RN in Alaska?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most other states, the length of time it takes to become an RN in Alaska depends on the nurse’s education. Students in an ADN program who attend class on a full-time basis can earn their degree within two years; those who complete a BSN program full time can finish in four.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get a nursing license in Alaska?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After earning an ADN or a BSN in the state, prospective nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN before applying for licensure. Applicants must then pay application, licensing, and fingerprinting fees to the state before receiving an RN license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]