Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Alaska Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 1/1/2020

Nursing Licenses in Alaska | Master’s Required? |
---|---|
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | No |
Alaska Nursing Salary Average
AK Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Fairbanks Annual Mean Wage | Anchorage Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,250 | $54,320 | $59,490 |
Registered Nurse | $89,310 | $83,950 | $88,170 |
Nurse Practitioner | $122,880 | $129,430 | $120,670 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $187,690 | Not Available | Not Available |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Alaska in January 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Alaska. The path you take will mostly depend upon the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The higher your level of education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Alaska, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Alaska nursing license. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in the healthcare sphere it’s difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Alaska, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored Online Nursing Programs
Sponsored
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing online from Simmons University.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Preparation to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner
- Part-time, full-time, and extended plans of study
Earn an MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing
- The Wegmans School of Nursing is ranked among the top 100 nursing schools nationally, and is No. 6 in New York state1
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Earn your MSN online from USC’s Top-Ranked School of Social Work.
- Prepares RNs to pursue board certification as family nurse practitioners
- Earn a CCNE-accredited MSN in as few as 21 months
- Choose from part-time and full-time study options
1 U.S. News & World Report, 2022 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s. Ranked in 2021.
Sponsored
Compact State Status
Alaska is not a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Alaska
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may apply for prescriptive authority under for prescription drugs and additional authority to prescribe and dispense schedule II-V controlled substances, according to The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development – Nursing Regulations. Applicants must complete the approved medication administration course.
APRNs must provide evidence of 15 contact hours of education in advanced pharmacology and clinical management of drug therapy within the last two years prior to application for authority. APRNs may need to meet a number of other requirements. Refer to the state’s nursing regulations before application.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Alaska
Education:
- Master’s degree or higher from an approved graduate nurse education program
- 60 hours of continuing education within the last two years prior to application; or for recent graduates, your transcript may be used towards the 60 hours
Examination: Varies for Different Certifications
Fees:
- $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- $100 APRN Licensure Fee
- $100 Prescriptive Authority Fee [if applying]
- $100 Controlled Substances Application Fee [if applying]
- $100 Temporary Permit Fee
Certification Required: Certification as an APRN in the specialty consistent with nursing education from a national certifying body recognized by the Alaska Board of Nursing.
Renewal: APRN licenses lapse on November 30 of even-numbered years with the exception of new licenses issued within 90 days of this date. APRN authorization is not renewed until RN license has been renewed. A national certification must be held and maintained in order to renew APRN license authorization.
Additional Information: An active registered nurse license is required for application.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Alaska
Education: Approved nurse practitioner program
Examination: NCLEX-RN
Fees:
- $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- $200 Licensing
- $100 Temporary Permit Fee [if requested]
- $75 Fingerprint Processing Fee
Licensure by Endorsement: Applicants already an RN in another state may be able to apply for licensure in Alaska by endorsement; submitting their verification of license directly or through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Applicants must also be able to confirm at least 320 hours of employment in nursing capacity within the last two years prior to application.
Renewal: RN licenses lapse on November 30 of even-numbered years with the exception of new licenses issued within 90 days of this date.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alaska
Education: Completed an educational program of at least one year’s duration in a school of practical nursing, approved by the board.
Examination: NCLEX-PN
Fees:
- $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee
- $200 Licensing
- $100 Temporary Permit Fee [if requested]
- $75 Fingerprint Processing Fee
Renewal: LPN licenses lapse on September 30 of even-numbered years with the exception of new licenses issued within 90 days of this date.
Learn more on how to become a licensed practical nurse.
Information for the advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, and licensed practical nurse was retrieved from the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, as of January 2020.
Sponsored Online Nursing Programs
Sponsored
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing online from Simmons University.
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Preparation to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner
- Part-time, full-time, and extended plans of study
Earn an MS in Nursing online from Georgetown University.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing
- The Wegmans School of Nursing is ranked among the top 100 nursing schools nationally, and is No. 6 in New York state1
- Part-time and accelerated tracks available
- Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP
Earn your MSN online from USC’s Top-Ranked School of Social Work.
- Prepares RNs to pursue board certification as family nurse practitioners
- Earn a CCNE-accredited MSN in as few as 21 months
- Choose from part-time and full-time study options
1 U.S. News & World Report, 2022 Best Nursing Schools: Master’s. Ranked in 2021.
Sponsored