Online Nursing Schools in AK: Your Guide to Leading Programs

Inside Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Alaska

In today’s world, many aspiring nurses look for online programs because of the flexibility they offer. While there are many programs that offer online components, a unique field like nursing often requires hands-on training to properly prepare students for their future careers. That’s why many programs offer hybrid learning options, meaning that coursework will be available online but will still require students to participate in clinicals and fieldwork in person.

Most of the fully-online programs are reserved for nurses who already hold their RN license but are working towards an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

When choosing a nursing program in Alaska, consider what your goals are for your nursing career. For example, there are many programs that lead to an RN license, but earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) instead of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can lead to higher pay and more career opportunities. To get a better understanding of all your prospects, read on to discover your different options.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degree programs are for students who are just starting out in their nursing career. Some programs are only a semester long while others are two years in length. Through undergraduate nursing programs, you can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA,) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or an RN with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

The benefit of being an RN is you don’t have to stay where you’re at for long. Many RNs choose to gain experience in the healthcare field and then move on to pursue more advanced degrees to specialize in a particular area of nursing. Some of the possible graduate and post-graduate degree paths include MSN, DNP, and PhD programs.

Bridge Degree Programs

When you already have experience in the healthcare field, you don’t have to start from scratch to pursue a new license or degree. Bridge programs offer current LPNs, RNs, and other healthcare professionals the opportunity to pursue other roles by transferring their current education to a new nursing program.

Licensing Information & Requirements for Registered Nurses in Alaska

Before you can become an RN in Alaska, you’ll have to complete the necessary steps and requirements to obtain your nursing license. From applying for licensure through the Alaska Board of Nursing to preparing your license for renewal, we’ve outlined the steps you’ll need to take below.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

The first step to gaining your RN license is enrolling in a properly accredited and state-approved RN program. Proper nursing school accreditation and state approval are necessary for you to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

You can choose a program based on factors such as flexibility, cost, and required time spent in classes. While Alaska does offer some hybrid programs, remember that you’ll have to fit in-person clinicals into your schedule to gain your license.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

After completing an RN program, the next step is to take the NCLEX exam. First, you’ll register and pay the fee to take the exam with Pearson VUE. Although you can register anytime during the application process, you can’t take the exam until your application has been approved by the ABN.

Once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), you can schedule an appointment to take your test at the Pearson center in Anchorage. Be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX, essential study skills guide for healthcare students, and test taking strategies guide to prepare.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

Once you meet the registered nursing licensure requirements for the state, you can begin the official license application process by submitting the following:

• Application form and fees. Submit your notarized application online or by mail. The total fee to apply is $375.
• Fingerprint card and criminal background check. You must have your fingerprints taken by a service approved by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
• Nursing program and official transcripts. These must be sent directly from your nursing school to the ABN.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Once you receive your license, it will be active for two years. In Alaska, RN licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years, unless you received it less than 90 days prior. To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete a refresher course, continuing education hours, or approved academic credits.

Then, you’ll send your renewal application and proof of continuing competency requirements to the ABN for approval. The full list of renewal requirements can be found on their website.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Although it’s not required as an RN, you might choose to specialize in a certain area after gaining your license. As an RN in Alaska, you can specialize in areas such as ambulatory care or you can become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

Most programs require you to take a course and pass an exam before receiving your certification, and some of these courses are offered online for working nurses.

Career & Salary Outlook for Registered Nurses in Alaska

Once you’ve completed the above discussed steps and are ready to enter the world of nursing in Alaska, you can expect both a high salary and a large number of open jobs. The job growth rate over the next decade in Alaska sits at just over 10% — about double the national average growth rate for RN jobs, which is 5.6%. You’ll also find that Alaska offers higher median salaries to RNs than many, many other states in the contiguous U.S. Statewide, the median RN salary is $106,410, with RNs in the 10th percentile making just under $83,000 and RNs in the 90th percentile making over $132,000 per year. Compared to other states like Alabama, where the statewide median RN salary is $40,000 less, you could absolutely do worse than pursuing an RN career in The Last Frontier. See the tables below for more data related to what you can expect.