How to Become a Nurse in Alaska (AK)

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

Licensing Requirements – Alaska
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

Alaska Nursing Salaries
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!

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.