How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Alaska

Registered nurses in Alaska face unique challenges and opportunities, from providing care in remote villages to serving diverse populations across vast geographical distances. The state's distinct health care landscape combines modern medical facilities in urban centers with rural clinics serving indigenous communities, creating an environment where nurses must blend traditional medical expertise with cultural awareness.

Working as a registered nurse in Alaska requires adaptability, resourcefulness, and a commitment to community wellness. Whether coordinating telemedicine services from Anchorage or delivering direct patient care in fishing communities along the coastline, Alaska's RNs play an essential role in maintaining the health of America's largest state.

Key Points  

• Becoming a registered nurse in Alaska requires accredited education, clinical training, and licensure through the Alaska Board of Nursing.  
• Alaska employs 6,590 registered nurses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
• Registered nurses in Alaska earn an annual mean wage of $109,210 and hourly mean wage of $52.51.  
• Alaska’s unique health care needs, including serving rural and tribal populations, create significant opportunities for RNs.  
• The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) must be passed to obtain licensure.  

What is a Registered Nurse (RN)?

A registered nurse provides direct patient care, administers medications, and documents medical histories. Registered nurses are responsible for accurate record-keeping, monitoring symptoms, and communicating with health care teams. Specialized roles include labor and delivery, critical care, pediatrics, and public health. Skills required include clinical judgment, attention to detail, and proficiency with medical software, such as Epic Systems and eClinicalWorks. RNs often work in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, and rural clinics.  

Steps to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Alaska

Step 1: Complete a Registered Nurse (RN) Program

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs are a common pathway. These programs require two years and include courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical nursing. ADN programs are offered by institutions such as the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and Charter College Anchorage. Students complete supervised clinical training in hospitals or clinics, gaining hands-on experience.  

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs provide additional training in leadership and public health. BSN graduates may qualify for roles in management or specialty nursing. Programs like UAA’s BSN emphasize rural health care delivery, which aligns with Alaska's unique needs. Completing a BSN typically takes four years, though accelerated options exist.  

ADN-to-BSN bridge programs cater to nurses who already hold an ADN. These programs allow working nurses to earn a BSN in less time, often through online or hybrid formats. Programs like UAA’s RN to BSN program are designed with flexibility for working professionals.  

Clinical training is integral to Alaska’s nursing programs. Students are placed in settings such as Providence Alaska Medical Center or rural clinics to gain experience in acute care, pediatrics, and mental health nursing.  

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

The NCLEX-RN exam assesses readiness to practice as a registered nurse. Topics include pharmacology, patient safety, and care management. Alaska requires passing the NCLEX-RN for licensure. Testing centers are located in Anchorage, with additional options in nearby states for those in remote areas. The exam uses a computerized adaptive testing format to evaluate knowledge.  

Step 3: Apply for RN Licensure in Alaska

Required Documentation

Applicants must submit official transcripts, proof of NCLEX-RN passage, and a fingerprint-based background check. A completed Nursing Program Verification form and a Social Security number are also required.  

Fees

• Application fee: $100  
• Licensing fee: $275  
• Background check: $60  

Licensure by Endorsement

Registered nurses licensed in other states can apply for Alaska licensure by endorsement. Requirements include proof of current licensure, a background check, and verification of recent nursing experience.  

Continuing Education

Licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completion of 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours focused on opioid and pain management.  

Step 4: Begin Your Nursing Career

Employment Opportunities

Alaska offers opportunities in urban hospitals, rural clinics, and tribal health organizations. Major employers include:  

• Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC): Focuses on culturally sensitive care for tribal populations.  
• Providence Alaska Medical Center: The largest hospital in the state, offering roles in trauma and specialty care.  
• SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC): Provides care in Southeast Alaska, including rural and remote areas.  
• Alaska Regional Hospital: Part of HCA Health care, offering specialized and general medical roles.  
• PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center: A nonprofit hospital serving southern Alaska.  

Job Market

The demand for registered nurses in Alaska is growing due to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic conditions. Rural areas often offer incentives, such as higher pay or loan repayment programs, to attract RNs.  

Step 5: Pursue Advanced Education or Special Certifications

Advanced certifications, such as Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), expand career options. Certifications improve expertise in areas like pediatrics, critical care, or public health.  

Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), allow registered nurses to qualify for roles as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. Alaska’s demand for advanced practice nurses is particularly high in underserved rural areas.  

Licensure in Alaska

The Alaska Board of Nursing requires applicants to submit fingerprints, official transcripts, and a completed Nursing Program Verification form. A Social Security number is mandatory. Programs must hold national accreditation. Fees include $100 for the application, $275 for licensing, and $60 for the fingerprint-based background check. Detailed requirements can be found at RN licensing requirements by state.  

How Much Do Registered Nurses Make in Alaska?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in Alaska earn an annual mean wage of $109,210, with an hourly mean wage of $52.51.  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an RN license in Alaska?  

Processing times for RN licensure in Alaska depend on the completeness of the application and background check. Most applicants receive their license within 4-6 weeks after submitting all required documentation.  

What nursing programs are available in Alaska?  

Alaska offers ADN and BSN programs through institutions like the University of Alaska Anchorage and Charter College Anchorage. ADN-to-BSN bridge programs are also available for working nurses seeking advanced education.  

Can you earn an RN credential in one year?  

An RN credential cannot be earned in one year due to the time required for coursework, clinical training, and licensure preparation. However, accelerated BSN programs allow those with prior degrees to complete training in as little as 18 months.  

What are common clinical rotations in Alaska’s nursing programs?  

Clinical rotations for RN students in Alaska often include medical-surgical care, pediatrics, obstetrics, and psychiatric nursing. Placements may occur at facilities like Providence Alaska Medical Center or rural health clinics.  

What are key skills for nurses in Alaska?  

Registered nurses in Alaska benefit from cultural sensitivity, telemedicine proficiency, and rural health care knowledge. Adaptability is critical due to the unique challenges of serving remote populations and tribal communities.

Starting Your Journey as an Alaska RN

Working as a registered nurse in Alaska offers unique opportunities to serve diverse communities while developing specialized skills in rural health care delivery. The state's distinctive geography and cultural landscape create rewarding experiences, from providing care in remote villages to working with Native Alaskan populations. RNs in Alaska often develop expertise in telemedicine, emergency preparedness, and culturally sensitive care delivery.

Take the first step by researching accredited nursing programs that align with your career goals and lifestyle. Contact the admissions offices of Alaska's nursing schools to learn about prerequisites, clinical partnerships, and financial aid opportunities. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN pathway, your role as an RN will contribute to the health and well-being of Alaska's communities.