Being ranked the fifth highest-paid state for nurses, Alaska can be a desirable place to work as a nurse. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Alaska nurses make an annual mean wage of $97,230. This is 17% higher than the national average.
If you love nature and the outdoors, Alaska may be the place for you. It’s known for being a beautiful state with a landscape like no other, which offers plenty of opportunities to fish, hunt, hike, and explore. Furthermore, once you have lived in Alaska for one year, you are eligible to apply for the Permanent Fund Dividend Program, which allows you to receive a small portion of the state’s oil interest.
While Alaska is a large state, there are limited colleges that offer nursing programs. Here are the colleges that offer nursing programs, ranked from the highest passing NCLEX-RN scores to the lowest.
#2 Alaska Nursing Program
Charter College
Charter College is located in Anchorage, Alaska. It offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree that can be completed in 19 months.
Classes start every five weeks and provide flexibility for students to be able to balance their school, work, and family so they can graduate on time. Its blended learning uses an innovative curriculum model that combines hands-on learning experiences with online education.
Average Tuition
In-State: $17,289 per year
Out-of-State: Not given
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$17,289 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
Not given |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
89% |
| Admission Rate |
100% |
| Retention Rate |
82% |
| Students Enrolled |
2,120 |
| Institution Type |
Private |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
74% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Alaska
Although Alaska is a large state, there are only two accredited nursing programs that offer flexible learning.
When choosing a nursing program, it is important to make sure the program is accredited. Future employers may require you to have graduated from an accredited program. In addition, advanced practice nursing programs may only transfer your undergraduate credits from an accredited program.
Looking at the NCLEX-RN pass rates is also a good indicator of how well the program is preparing its nursing students. A program with a consistently high NCLEX-RN pass rate shows that it is providing the students with the support and knowledge to be successful.
Tuition is also a factor to consider. A public four-year university will cost less per year but will take longer to complete. You may also want to check to see what scholarships you are eligible for. Scholarships are offered at both public and private institutions and can help bring down the cost of your education.
Alaska does have a few pre-nursing programs to choose from. This may be a good option for students who are thinking about going into nursing as it allows them to complete their general education requirements. There are also many online RN-to-BSN programs to choose from that allow nurses who have received their associate degree to complete their bachelor’s degree online.
Why Become a Nurse in Alaska
If you enjoy the outdoors and want to earn one of the top-paying nursing salaries in the nation, Alaska is a great place for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it currently employs 6,060 registered nurses. A projected growth rate of 14% for nurses in Alaska means that there will be no shortage of jobs for you to choose from.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Alaska
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska nurses make an annual mean wage of $97,230. This is significantly higher than the national average of $77,600. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) make an annual mean wage of $113,820.
The employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031 in the United States. About 203,200 openings for registered nurses are projected each year nationwide. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Alaska Cities for RNs |
| Anchorage, AK |
$96,160 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan |
$100,470 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Alaska
There are multiple steps and paths candidates can take to become an RN and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).
Each candidate will be required to complete a program approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. There are currently two fully approved nursing programs in Alaska, which includes both ADN and BSN programs. Upon successfully completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses decide to go back to school to obtain their APRN. After you have successfully completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure.
To become a nurse in Alaska, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Alaska:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes 2 years to complete, while a BSN program usually takes 4 years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. Both programs
may offer a part-time track which will take longer to complete.
- After successfully completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. You will need to
submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and complete a criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your
license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Alaska, you will need to complete two of the following every two years: 30 contact hours, 320 hours of documented nursing employment, and/or 30 hours in professional activities or volunteer work.
- All Alaska RN licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years.
- Licensees who receive their license within 12 months of expiration will pay the full license fee, and then their first renewal fee is prorated for half of the current license fee.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Alaska:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in the state of Alaska.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN
program.
- RNs need to enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass a certification exam for one of the following roles:
- Advanced Nurse Practitioner
- Certified Midwife
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Certified Registered Anesthetist
- APRNs are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education pertaining to pharmacology and 12 hours of continuing education pertaining to the clinical management of patients. These credits may be counted toward the 30-hour minimum.
- All DEA registers must complete 2 hours of education in pain management and opioid use and addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Alaska
Is Alaska a good place for nurses to work?
Alaska is one of the highest-paying states for nurses, with an annual mean salary of $97,230, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is a high demand for nurses in Alaska, and it offers a multitude of nursing experiences to choose from.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, it’s a beautiful state to explore with a landscape like no other. There are great opportunities to fish, hunt, kayak, ski, snowboard, and hike.
Alaska offers diverse communities to work with that are large and widespread. For these reasons, you are in a position to help manage chronic diseases and work with the residents on illness prevention so they can stay healthy.
Is Alaska a compact state for nursing?
No, Alaska is not a compact state for nursing. If you want to take a travel position in Alaska and are licensed in another state, you will need to apply for an Alaska nursing license to practice. If you are new to nursing and want to work in Alaska, you will need to take your NCLEX-RN in Alaska and apply for your nursing license within the state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Alaska?
RNs must have successfully completed an ADN or BSN program and passed their NCLEX-RN exam to practice in the state of Alaska. You will need to renew your license on November 30 of even-numbered years. Prior to renewal, you will need to complete at least two of the following: 30 contact hours, 320 hours of documented nursing employment, and/or 30 hours in professional activities or volunteer work.
How much does an RN license cost in Alaska?
An RN license in Alaska has a $100 non-refundable application fee and a $200 licensing fee. The cost to renew an Alaska RN license is $215.
