Best Nursing Schools in Alaska in 2024

Nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” Alaska conjures images of towering, snow-capped mountains, crystal blue glaciers, and endless stretches of pristine wilderness. With over 6,060 registered nurses currently employed and earning an average annual salary of $97,230, Alaska offers high wages but also has a growing need for nursing professionals to meet future healthcare demands. Alhough cost of living is notoriously high up north, when adjusted, Alaska still ranks #11 nationally for nurses’ salaries.

Over the next decade, The Last Frontier is projected to require 6,500 new registered nurses or around 400 additional nurses per year. By 2030, 1 in 3 Alaskan nurses is expected to reach retirement age, driving an urgent need to expand the nursing workforce through new nursing graduates. To help fill this increasing shortage, finding and applying to one of the best nursing schools in Alaska is key to launching a rewarding and in-demand career.

• There are 3 nursing schools in Alaska.
• The CCNE accredits 1 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 1 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Alaska is between 86.63% and 86.63%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Alaska is between 90.93% and 90.93%.
• RNs currently employed in Alaska are 6,060.
• RNs in Alaska earn an average of $97,230 per year or $46.74 per hour.
• Alaska needs 6,500 new RNs by 2030 or 400 new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Alaska

Alaska provides quality nursing education through several types of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Here is a quick introduction to the main credentials:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When evaluating programs in Alaska, accreditation status, graduate outcomes such as RN licensure exam pass rates, clinical opportunities, and cost are all key factors to weigh. We’ll explore insights on finding the best fit. First, let’s spotlight notable schools and top programs statewide.

What Are the Best Nursing Programs in Alaska?

Both public and private schools across Alaska offer accredited nursing programs spanning from certificates to doctoral degrees. Here is an overview of noteworthy institutions:

Public Universities and Colleges in Alaska

The University of Alaska system provides excellent in-state options for earning an RN or advancing your nursing education.

Private University nursing programs

Beyond public schools, several private non-profit colleges in Alaska also hold nursing accreditations. Many out-of-state schools also offer online nursing programs that accept Alaska students or support distance coursework. 

Online Programs Accepting Students in Alaska

Can’t attend classes locally? Reputable online RN to BSN and MSN programs enroll students worldwide, including these Alaska nurses seek out:

Now that we’ve surveyed the nursing school landscape, let’s delve into specifics on finding the right degree pathway for your career aspirations and getting admitted to competitive programs.

Accelerated BSN Programs in Alaska

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into registered nursing practice quickly, an accelerated BSN (ABSN) efficiently prepares graduates in 12-18 months of year-round intense study.

The jam-packed curriculum squeezes all essential content into a fast-paced program involving:

• Rigorous science, health assessment and pharmacology coursework
• Hands-on clinical rotations across hospital and community settings
• Nursing skills labs and simulation training

Due to the compacted schedule, ABSN programs have selective admission based on:

• Holding a prior bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA
• Prerequisite courses completion
• GRE test scores
• Healthcare experience hours
• Essays and interviews

Carefully arranging your work schedule to accommodate clinical placements is also essential to succeed in ABSN programs. The good news is graduates enjoy high RN licensure exam pass rates and career placement after persisting through the short yet demanding track.

RN to BSN Degree Programs in Alaska

Licensed RNs can advance their practice and earning potential by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program. Today’s complex healthcare environment increasingly prefers BSN credentialed registered nurses for their expertise in:

• Care coordination
• Community health intervention
• Leadership and quality improvement
• Healthcare policy and systems management

Best RN to BSN Schools in Alaska

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Alaska

Many RN to BSN programs offer flexible online formats combined with local clinical intensives that allow working nurses to study while maintaining their patient care jobs. Credits can transfer from an accredited ADN program to lighten the course load as well.

When researching RN to BSN programs in Alaska, look for generous transfer credit allowance and dedicated nursing advisors to ease the application process. Also compare total program cost and availability of financial aid before enrolling.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Those ready for advanced specialty nurse practitioner roles pursue a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Common MSN tracks include becoming primary care or acute care nurse practitioners, certified nursing midwives, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse administrators.

Alaskan MSN programs blend online course delivery with occasional on-campus skills intensives over 2-3 years. Part-time programs allow practicing RNs to continue working. Expect master’s programs to challenge students with advanced clinical decision making, pharmacology knowledge, and research methodology expected of graduate-prepared nurses.

Prerequisites usually require a BSN degree, RN licensure, undergraduate statistics coursework, letters of recommendation, and other application materials highlighting nursing leadership experience. Competition can be stiff for coveted seats in NP specialties, so a high GPA and nursing honors help.

Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)

Pursuing a terminal degree leads nurses to the highest levels of clinical practice authority as advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) or nursing faculty roles through separate doctoral pathways:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs build interdisciplinary leadership skills to guide complex quality initiatives. The capstone DNP project allows students to implement evidence-based change within healthcare systems – greatly elevating practice impact.

PhD in Nursing programs focus more on academics by honing research appraisal, grant writing, and teaching credentials to develop theoretical nursing science frameworks. Dissertations add to the body of knowledge. The PhD pathway suits those eyeing professor positions and publishing prolific studies.

DNP graduates still typically provide direct patient care, while PhDs more commonly teach within universities. Both require a BSN and RN experience prior to pursuing doctoral specializations. Thoroughly research schools to find the best doctoral program fit aligned to your aspirations.

How to Find the Best Nursing Program Fit for You

With so many options on degree types and specializations, how do you narrow your search in Alaska? These insider tips help prospective nurses choose the right nursing program match.

• Get a head start: Take essential prerequisites to prove academic readiness even before applying like anatomy, physiology, psychology, and microbiology coursework. Maintain a strong GPA.
• Do informational interviews: Talk to program faculty and current students to get the inside scoop on nursing program culture right for you. Ask about advising, challenges, highlights and clinical sites.
• Clarify career goals: Know how each degree and specialty credential aligns to your dream nursing role before applying to inform program choice. An advisor can help assess gaps.
• Evaluate fit: Consider program location, flexibility, costs, teaching styles, length and accreditation against personal needs like work schedule, budget and learning preferences.
• Apply early: Meet early application deadlines for competitive programs. Have recommendation letters, test scores, transcripts and essays ready well beforehand.

Finding the right nursing program match takes time – but pays dividends towards securing your seat and ultimately excelling as you progress through nursing school. Next let’s look at why Alaska is a fantastic place to launch your career.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Alaska

What draws so many to the Last Frontier? The pros of launching a nursing career in the state’s spectacular wilderness settings with growing urban centers include:

• In Demand: Nurse job vacancies span diverse healthcare settings to fill essential community needs.
• High Salaries: Alaska pays registered nurses nearly $87,000 a year on average – much higher than most US states. Competitive wages help compensate for higher cost of living.
• Variety: Nurses enjoy varied roles ranging from remote telehealth to specialty hospital departments. Choose your adventures.

Now that you see the array of promising nursing pathways available within Alaska’s accredited programs and benefits of working in the state after graduation, let’s get into specifics on finding the perfect nursing school for you.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Alaska

How do applicants evaluate and compare different nursing programs in Alaska to find the one that best fits their needs? Use this advice on the key indicators of nursing school quality and outcomes to guide your selection process. Enrolling in the right program is the first step towards earning your nursing license in Alaska.

Accreditation

School accreditation validates Program quality by ensuring rigorous curriculum and student support standards are met. Relevant bodies include:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): Gold standard accreditor of BSN, MSN and DNP programs in Alaska and nationally that lead to APRN roles.
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): Oversees ADN, Diploma and Certificate nursing programs in Alaska. Confirms baseline standards met.

Always verify current accreditation status directly through the commission’s website when researching schools.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The NLCEX-RN exam tests nursing graduates’ readiness for licensure and safe registered nursing practice across essential competencies. Programs with higher pass rates have graduates better prepared for career success.

Tuition and Finances

Carefully weigh tuition costs against program quality and outcomes. Pursue all possible scholarships, grants and federal financial aid before taking out burdensome loans. Budget for additional expenses too like textbooks, uniforms, health exams, application fees and licensure dues.

Clinical Rotation Opportunities

Look for varied, high-quality hospital and community clinical rotation partnerships exposing students to diverse populations, specialties and direct nursing mentors. This experience proves invaluable for skills development by graduation.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Find an optimal student-to-faculty balance not too big or small. This ensures enough personalized support and attentive supervision for your needs. Also look at nursing tutoring, advising and other academic success services offered.

Thoroughly researching these key indicators helps identify which nursing school aligns best to your goals, learning needs and career aspirations in Alaska’s growing healthcare field.

Preparing for a Career as an RN in Alaska

After selecting the right nursing program comes completing your coursework, clinical rotations and ultimately passing the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nursing licensure in Alaska. Here’s an overview of final steps:

• Finish your accredited nursing program curriculum and required contact hours.
• Request an Authorization to Test letter from your nursing program director.
• Submit a licensure application with supporting documentation to the Alaska Board of Nursing.
• Register, schedule and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam at an approved testing center.
• Upon passing, you’ll receive an Alaska RN license number granting permission to begin applying for nursing positions!

Major health systems, specialty facilities and community clinics statewide regularly post job openings seeking registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. Play to your strengths and seek roles that align to your passions within diverse practice settings.

FAQ for Best Nursing Schools in Alaska

Still deciding on your ideal nursing pathway or Alaska school fit? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: Which nursing degree is best to start with in Alaska?

A: An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides the quickest initial pathway to become a registered nurse within 2 years. But a 4-year traditional BSN increasingly becomes the entry-level gold standard – with more career advancement options.

Q: How much does nursing school cost in Alaska?

A: On average nursing school costs between $6,000 – $24,000 annually for in-state public university tuition across degrees. Additional expenses add up too. Thoroughly research each program’s cost and financial assistance available through FAFSA, scholarships, loan forgiveness or employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Q: What is the highest paying nursing career in Alaska?

A: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) earn the highest Alaska nursing salaries – over $250,000 on average! Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and other advanced practice registered nurses also command higher wages than RNs or BSNs.

Q: Do I need to be an RN before getting my BSN?

A: Yes, ADN or Diploma nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam first to gain licensure as a registered nurse before backtracking to complete RN to BSN coursework. But many programs cater specifically to this pathway.

Q: My Associate Degree in Nursing was completed out-of-state. What steps do I need to take get my nursing license in Alaska?

A: Nurses with an ADN from an accredited nursing school can still qualify for nursing licensure by endorsement in Alaska. You’ll need to apply and submit transcripts, verification of licensure from your original state, pass a fingerprint background check and take the NCLEX-RN exam to receive multistate license authority.

Q: I’m just starting my nursing degree. What types of certificate programs or electives help Alaska nursing students stand out?

A: Beyond your main nursing coursework, consider adding certifications or supplemental coursework in specialized, in-demand areas like Gerontology Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Nursing Informatics, Holistic Nursing, or Telehealth Nursing. These certificates show expertise in settings Alaska desperately needs nurses.

We hope this guide illuminated key considerations for researching nursing programs, degrees, schools and career paths within the great state of Alaska. Best wishes with your application and studies ahead! Please reach out if you have any other questions.

More of the Best Alaska Nursing Schools

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Alaska Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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