As the largest state in the nation, Alaska provides no shortage of opportunities for prospective students who are looking to become registered nurses.
While it can be tough to narrow down the number of choices that a student may have, this guide is here to help.
Be sure to read on and learn more about the ins and outs of becoming a registered nurse in the state of Alaska.
5 Registered Nurse Schools in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
Traditional and online classes are available so that students are able to choose the learning schedule that is best for their needs.
This school is the perfect choice for students who are looking to split the difference between city life and the natural wonders that this state has to offer.
In-state tuition will cost Alaska residents $7,053 annually, while out-of-state students are charged $21,180.
This comprehensive also provides 15 different locations for undergrads.
Additionally, students will have the chance to earn their associate’s degree in nursing before completing an online RN/BSN.
All of these programs are offered through the University of Alaska.
Charter College
With a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate, Charter College is a popular choice for Alaskan nursing students.
A nursing associate’s degree can be earned for the cost of $58,806.
The coursework is primarily offered online but there are satellite schools scattered throughout the country.
The associate’s program unfolds over the course of 19 months and according to the most recent NCLEX reports, every student passed on the first try.
An RN-BSN program is available so that students are able to combine their online schooling with much-needed in-person clinical work.
Capella University
The RN-BSN program can be completed for the cost of $9,600.
Coursework is offered online, as is the case for most nursing programs that are available within the state of Alaska.
The program is designed specifically to assist the busier adults who are looking to bolster their secondary education, with an average age of 39.
Some students continue to work as they pursue their studies, while others utilize the FlexPath that Capella University has to offer.
The latter option allows students to complete the program in as little as nine months.
An online MSN program is provided once the RN-BSN is obtained.
Purdue University Global
The annual tuition rate is $10,080, depending on the per-credit tuition rate.
Purdue University Global is not based in Alaska but it is one of the best options for prospective nursing students in the state.
Multiple graduate degree programs are available, giving students from all walks of life the chance to start or build on their current level of education.
Alaska RNs are able to take advantage of the online RN-BSN program.
Depending on the specific certification that a student is seeking, in-person clinical work may be required.
Coursework can be completed online through the University of Purdue, offering students the flexibility that they need.
Aspen University
With an annual tuition rate of $10,550, Aspen University’s program takes 12 months to complete and is one of the top choices for current registered nurses.
Accelerated courses are offered as well, delivering the flexibility that working students need.
Many students who rely on this program will be working while they are working towards their BSN.
Alaskan students who are looking to earn their Master of Science in Nursing are able to rely on Aspen University.
Some of these programs allow students to complete the entirety of their coursework online.
The traditional BSN program is not available to Alaskan students, though.
Registered Nurse Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Alaska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| Charter College | 2221 E Northern Lights Blvd #120, Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| Capella University | 225 South 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
| Purdue University Global | State Farm Insurance Company, 2550 Northwestern Ave Suite 1100, West Lafayette, IN 47906 |
| Aspen University School of Nursing Elwood Campus | 4615 E. Elwood St. Suite 100. Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
Salary
Registered nurses in the state of Alaska can expect to earn upwards of $90,000 per year, although the exact amount will vary from location to location.
Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage’s registered nurses will earn $91,000 to $92,000 per year.
As the three largest cities in the state, they are the standard setters for what graduates can expect to earn.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Registered Nurse (RN)s in Alaska
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $73,860 |
| Juneau | $73,200 |
| Fairbanks | $73,550 |
| Sitka | $72,210 |
| Ketchikan | $72,210 |
| Kenai | $72,860 |
| Kodiak | $72,860 |
| Bethel | $72,860 |
| Wasilla | $72,860 |
| Palmer | $72,860 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 4,270 | $109,470 | $52.63 | $132,090 | $85,080 |
| Fairbanks, AK | 740 | $107,010 | $51.45 | $136,750 | $88,610 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Telephonic Nurses Required To Be Licensed In Alaska?
Any nurse that is providing services to patients in the state of Alaska is required to have a current license.
The only exceptions take place when the nurse has received the necessary notification by legislation.
Exceptions can also be made during the declaration of a healthcare disaster.
What Are Alaska’s Continuing Education Requirements?
Students can choose between two of the following three options: 320 hours of RN employment, 30 contact hours with an approved continuing education course, or 60 hours of voluntary in-field training that has been board-approved.
When Does The License Have To Be Renewed?
Registered nurses who are practicing within the state of Alaska are required to have their licenses renewed by November 30th during years that are even numbered.
This fee will cost nurses half of the typical licensing fee ($100).
What About Nurses With RN Licensing?
The application fee and licensing fee remain the same, at $100 and $200, respectively.
The fingerprint processing fee of $75 remains and there is an additional $30 for licensing verification.
In total, the APRN fees will total $500.
What Fees Can I Expect To Pay During The Program?
The application fee costs $100, while the NCLEX testing fee is $200.
The licensing fee is $200 and students will also be responsible for paying a $75 fee for their fingerprinting.
These are the fees that apply to first-time nurses.
