Even though Alaska is a large state, nursing students are faced with limited options in pursuing their careers. This is mostly due to the relatively few colleges in the area that offer traditional BSN programs.
If you are looking for the best nursing program in Alaska, this guide has everything you need to know.
Requirements: How To Become An RN In Alaska
Apply To An Accredited Nursing Program
For you to be able to practice nursing, you need to learn clinical care and proper patient care techniques. And for that, you’ll need to start with the best nursing program in Alaska. This will let you secure either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
Most programs require applicants to take and pass their entrance exams. They may also require you to undergo a background check and drug
Pass NCLEX-RN
After getting your degree, you need to successfully pass this test. If you are currently preparing for it, you’ll find this guide quite handy.
Get Your License
After passing the exam, you’ll be able to get your nursing license from the state.
In Alaska, you’ll receive a temporary license within 10 to 15 days after you apply for it. This kind of license is issued to applicants who are still processing other documents for their permanent license.
To obtain your permanent license, you’ll be asked to submit the following:
- Completed application
- Most recent 2×2 photo
- Verification of original state license
- Verification of current active license
- Verification of employment (should show 320 hours of employment within 2 years)
- One fingerprint card
Once you have your license, you can legally practice nursing in Alaska. To keep your credentials active and current, you’ll be required to obtain regular continuing education credits. You can find more information here.
ADN Programs In Alaska
Most nursing students start their career by getting an ADN degree. This program generally takes 4 semesters to complete or 2 years. Once they finish the program, they can take the NCLEX right after graduation and become RNs.
To help you pick the best ADN program in Alaska, there are a few things you need to consider in your search.
The first one is accreditation. Once a program has been accredited, it means that it meets teaching practical standards. In Alaska, the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing is responsible for accrediting ADN programs in the region.
Next is licensing. Alaska has its own Board of Nursing. It oversees nurses’ licensure, making sure that they are capable and skilled to get the professional title.
When looking for a program, you’ll need to check its outcome. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
Take a good look at the following:
- NCLEX rates
- Number of graduates who succeeded
- Satisfaction rates from students and graduates
- Employment data of graduates
BSN Programs In Alaska
The number of BSN programs in Alaska is quite limited. They usually take about 4 years to complete and you’ll be required to go through clinical rotations and studying theories. They are designed to help you gain the experience you’ll need to succeed in your chosen career.
In general, BSN programs in the area require the following:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Meeting the university admission criteria
- Official transcripts
As for tuition and costs, the amount varies. Apart from the tuition fees, you’ll be required to pay for electronics, textbooks, student government fees, and more.
MSN Programs In Alaska
For registered nurses who want to advance their career, enrolling in an MSN program is ideal. This will help them prepare to take more advanced roles as clinical nurses, pediatric nursing specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.
Currently, there’s only one institution that offers an MSN program which is the University of Alaska in Anchorage. However, the limited option shouldn’t be an issue as there are dozens of online options.
MSN program requirements are tougher. Before an institution accepts you, there should be evidence that you’ve successfully completed a BSN degree with GPA that meets the entrance requirements.
An active RN status is also required to prove that you’re able to practice in the states. You will need to show your transcripts as well as professional reference letters, too.
Accelerated Nursing Programs In Alaska
The requirements for Accelerated BSN courses may include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree in any major.
Additionally, you’ll be required to take some prerequisite courses before getting accepted. Generally, the list includes microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, human growth and development, and statistics.
As for the cost, there are other things you’ll need to cover apart from the tuition fee. It may include the costs of uniforms, meal, parking passes, and more.
Best RN Programs In Alaska
| TRADITIONAL | ONLINE | ACCELERATED | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Charter College | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
A Closer Look At The Best RN Programs In Alaska
In Alaska, there are 2 main options for students looking for a nursing program. However, your options aren’t limited since there are online programs you can check out.
1. University Of Alaska Anchorage School Of Nursing
Located at 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, Alaska, this university accepts a limited number of nursing students every semester. This helps ensure that they learn as much as they can from its highly qualified faculty.
From associates to doctoral, the university offers different nursing programs. Its undergraduate programs are available in 15 different locations.
The RN-to-BSN track courses start in Summer. Take note that it’s only available once per year. If you already have an active and current RN license in Alaska, you may be given a maximum of 31-course credits after getting admitted. You can find out more about that here.
2. Charter College
The college offers an Associate in Nursing degree. It’s a 19-month program that qualifies students to take the NCLEX after its completion.
Charter College has an impressive NCLEX pass rate. Every student was able to pass the exam on their first try.
To know more about the program, click here.
