Alaska Nursing Schools and Programs

Researching and then applying to accredited nursing schools in Alaska can be a time-consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near-term education goals and the Alaska licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of Alaska as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in Alaska.

While earning an Associate Degree (ASN) or Bachelor Degree (BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Alaska nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and earn an income upon completion of a shorter Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Practical Nursing (LPN) program in the state of Alaska.

Starting with a shorter CNA or LPN program can also strengthen your ASN or BSN application by showing commitment and clinical readiness. For those pursuing Alaska RN licensure directly, associate degree programs are often more accessible than bachelor's programs. Earning your RN through an ASN, then advancing through an RN to BSN bridge or RN to MSN bridge, is a common and effective path in Alaska.

Nursing Schools In Alaska

Below is our list of accredited nursing schools in Alaska. In general, these colleges, universities, and training centers offer campus-based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. RN schools in AK will generally offer an ADN, ASN, or BSN nursing degree. Advanced Practice (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs can be found at larger schools that offer MSN and DNP degrees.

Click the name of any Alaska nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Use the wishlist buttons provided to save institutions to a private list of nursing schools near you.

How do I become a nurse in Alaska?

If you want to become a LPN in the state of Alaska, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Alaska practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Alaska Board of Nursing.

If you want to become a RN in the state of Alaska, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Alaska registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Is Alaska a nursing compact state?

No, Alaska is not part of the nursing license compact. States that join the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allow the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) to practice in other participating states using one multi-state nursing license. This means that an Alaska Licensed Practical Nurse or an Alaska Registered Nurse must apply for a license by endorsement when moving to another state.

How long is nursing school in Alaska?

The amount of time you spend in an Alaska nursing school will vary based on the career path you choose. You can become a CNA in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, an Alaska Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a NP in 6 to 8 years.

Above on this page, we created a chart that summarizes how long nursing school is in Alaska. That chart includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Alaska, along with the average wages earned at each education level.

Notice that in the state of Alaska, far greater numbers are employed as Registered Nurses (RN) compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alaska earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Alaska nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.

How much does nursing school in Alaska cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in Alaska will cost between $3,500 to $6,500 per year for state residents seeking a two-year Associate degree, an ADN, or ASN, for example. The larger public four-year colleges and universities in Alaska cost more, between $7,500 to $9,500 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN).

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Alaska, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two-year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four-year college or university of your choice. Each college has its own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

Is it hard to get into an Alaska nursing school?

We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Alaska nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Alaska provided above, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.

If you are having trouble getting accepted into an Alaska nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

Nursing Schools

Last updated: June 1, 2025