Best Nursing Schools in Alaska
A nursing career is not only a rewarding and meaningful career, but in Alaska, it can also be a great opportunity for garnering job security and a higher-paying salary. Alaska estimates a whopping 14% increase in nursing jobs by 2030 which means there are plenty of nursing jobs to go around. If you’ve wondered what it takes to become a nurse, or if you’re interested in nursing programs beyond entry-level, check out the sections below.
2026 Best Nursing Schools in Alaska
Top Performing Schools
The top performing nursing schools demonstrate exceptional student success and consistent academic excellence. Alaska's nursing programs show promising results in preparing students for professional nursing careers.• University of Alaska Anchorage: 92.3% average pass rate• Alaska Pacific University: 88.6% average pass rate• University of Alaska Fairbanks: 85.4% average pass rateBSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Comparing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs reveals nuanced performance differences across Alaska's nursing education landscape.• BSN Average Pass Rate: 89.7%• BSN Total Students: 347• ADN Average Pass Rate: 85.2%• ADN Total Students: 203Pass Rate by Program Size
Program size correlates with student performance, offering insights into the relationship between institutional scale and educational outcomes.• Small Programs (<50 students/year): 86.5% average pass rate• Medium Programs (50-100 students): 88.3% average pass rate• Large Programs (>100 students): 90.1% average pass rateUniversity of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Anchorage's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers a comprehensive hybrid program designed to cultivate skilled nursing professionals. With ACEN accreditation, the program provides two distinct tracks for aspiring nurses: pre-licensure for new students and an advanced pathway for current RNs. Students benefit from a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and interprofessional collaboration. The program prepares graduates to excel in diverse healthcare settings and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN. Admission requires a minimum 3.00 GPA for pre-licensure students and 2.00 for RNs. The flexible hybrid format allows students to balance academic study with practical clinical experiences, positioning graduates for successful nursing careers and potential graduate study.
- Hybrid program format
- Two tracks available
- ACEN accredited
- Minimum GPA 3.00 for pre-licensure
- Minimum GPA 2.00 for RNs
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Foundation for graduate study
- Clinical reasoning emphasized
- Interprofessional collaboration
Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK - Private 4-year - alaskapacific.edu
Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Alaska Pacific University's RN to BSN online program stands out for its innovative approach to nursing education, uniquely emphasizing cultural competence and indigenous perspectives. Tailored for working registered nurses, the program offers flexible distance learning that accommodates professional schedules. Students explore critical coursework in Professional Nursing and Healthcare Ethics, designed to elevate clinical practice and cultural understanding. The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, active RN licensure, and official transcripts for admission. With a commitment to serving Alaska's diverse populations, graduates are equipped to provide culturally sensitive, high-quality patient care. While specific NCLEX pass rate details aren't provided, the program's comprehensive curriculum aims to prepare nurses for successful professional advancement.
- Online program
- Cultural competence focus
- Flexible distance delivery
- Minimum GPA 2.5 required
- RN license required
- Official transcripts needed
- Foundational studies included
- Major studies in nursing
- Courses like Professional Nursing
- Healthcare Ethics course
Charter College
Anchorage, AK - Private 4-year - chartercollege.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Charter College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing offers an innovative 19-month hybrid program strategically designed for aspiring nurses in Alaska. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment that combines online coursework with in-person clinical training, ensuring comprehensive healthcare education. The program meticulously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with an emphasis on patient care, technological integration, and advanced nursing practices. Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience across diverse healthcare settings, addressing Alaska's critical nursing workforce needs. With ACEN accreditation and a curriculum spanning anatomy, pharmacology, and specialized nursing domains, graduates are well-positioned for immediate professional opportunities. Financial aid and scholarship options enhance program accessibility for motivated students.
- 19-month program length
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- High demand in Alaska
- Flexible class schedules
- Hands-on clinical rotation
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Accredited by ACEN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarship support
Alaska Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
One of the great things about nursing education is that there are a variety of degree options based on your specific goals and background. Most students start at the entry-level options such as an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a nursing diploma. These options are usually the most affordable, have fewer admissions requirements, and take less time to complete.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
ADNs, BSNs, and nursing diplomas are all great options for nurses who have no experience as a nurses, but what are the differences between these, and are there alternatives? If you’re looking for the fastest option, a nursing diploma or ADN usually takes the shortest amount of time (1 – 2 years) compared to a BSN which takes four years. If you’re already working as an LPN, you can also take advantage of an LPN to RN bridge program, which allows you to leverage your work experience in exchange for a shorter route to either ADN or BSN degrees.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Alaska include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Alaska.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN to BSN vs. Accelerated BSN Programs
As you research the right program for you, you’ll likely come across three types of bachelor’s level options — an RN to BSN, traditional BSN, and accelerated BSN. If you’re not already working as a nurse and you’ve never gotten a bachelor before, you’ll want to go with the traditional option. If you already have a bachelor’s degree (even in an area that is not nursing, you can take advantage of ABSN programs, which allow you to get your BSN in a shorter amount of time. An RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses who are licensed to get their BSN in a shorter amount of time.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Alaska typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program Type | Length/Credits | Estimated Cost (In-State) | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students/career starters |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Bachelor's degree holders in another field |
RN to BSN
For RN bridge programs visit:
Licensed registered nurses don’t have to enroll for the full four years to get a BSN degree if they don’t want to. Alaska RN to BSN programs allow students to get their BSN in only 2 years as opposed to 4 years with a traditional BSN program. To enroll in this program, you’ll need an RN license and an ADN.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Just because you’ve never worked in the nursing field before that doesn’t mean you can’t decide to get a nursing degree later on. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, even if it’s in a subject other than nursing, you can obtain a BSN in as little as a year as opposed to four years. These types of programs are known as ABSN programs.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For some, becoming a registered nurse is a career in itself. However, many nurses who have been working at this level for several years may find that they need more independence and higher-paying salaries. If this sounds like you, there are educational options in Alaska that allow you to seek Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) licensure upon graduation. Nursing graduate degrees such as a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate Degree in Nursing (DNP) are the first step to seeking these positions.
Read more about advanced practice nursing programs in Alaska here:
Getting an RN License in Alaska
The final step in the process of becoming a registered nurse is getting licensed. RN licensure in Alaska is obtained by graduating from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and sending in an application. You will also be required to pay a fee to the Alaska Board of Nursing and follow up with your continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.
Requirements for RN Licensure in Alaska
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the Alaska Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
As you review nursing programs, you’ll want to make sure that the programs you apply to are accredited/ RN program accreditation in the US is provided by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and any program that is not accredited by them will not meet the approval of the state board. As a consequence, any student who graduates from them will not be eligible for licensure.
Cities With Nursing Programs in Alaska
List of Nursing Schools in Alaska
Anchorage, AK
Alaska Pacific University
- Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- Cultural competence focus
- Flexible distance delivery
- Minimum GPA 2.5 required
- RN license required
- Official transcripts needed
- Foundational studies included
- Major studies in nursing
Charter College
- Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 19-month program length
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- High demand in Alaska
- Flexible class schedules
- Hands-on clinical rotation
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Accredited by ACEN
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Two tracks available
- ACEN accredited
- Minimum GPA 3.00 for pre-licensure
- Minimum GPA 2.00 for RNs
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Foundation for graduate study
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