2026 Best Alaska Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

As a nurse, you know how important it is to stay on top of your continuing education requirements. When you decide to work toward a post-graduate certificate in nursing in Alaska, you’re showing your employer that providing excellent patient care is your top priority. While it can be tough to decide to go back to school, many schools cater to a nurse’s busy schedule. Online and hybrid options are readily available to help you get the education you need in the time you have.

2027 Best Online Nursing Post-Master's Graduate Certificate Schools in Alaska

We at registerednursing.org have ranked the best online nursing post-master's graduate certificate schools in Alaska. Online programs are vital for nurses who need to keep working while advancing their education. Hybrid and partially online programs are considered online, giving even more flexibility. Distance learning options allow students to complete coursework from anywhere, and virtual classes make it possible to balance clinical practice with study. These programs help nurses gain specialized knowledge without relocating or sacrificing their careers. For a full breakdown of how these rankings were determined, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/

#1

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu

Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate is a hybrid program for nurses who already hold a graduate degree and advanced practice certification. It expands your role into primary family care through didactic, seminar, and clinical training. You’ll complete 750 clinical hours at Alaska-based sites, often near your home community, and can sit for national certification upon completion. Admission requires an Alaska RN license, advanced practice certification, and a graduate nursing degree. The curriculum ranges from 16 to 34 credits, with a gap analysis determining your specific coursework. The program admits once yearly and includes face-to-face intensives, plus requirements for immunizations, CPR, background checks, liability insurance, and health insurance. Distance learning options support remote students. No entrance exam is listed among admission requirements.

• Hybrid program format.
• 750 clinical hours required.
• Alaska clinical sites.
• Admits once per year.
• Graduate degree prerequisite.
• Alaska RN license needed.
• Advanced practice certification required.
• 16-34 credit hours.
• National exam eligibility.
• Family primary care focus.

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Alaska Anchorage offers a hybrid Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner for nurses with graduate degrees seeking to specialize in mental health care. This 24-credit ACEN-accredited program combines online coursework with brief on-campus intensives. You’ll complete 750 clinical hours within Alaska, focusing on psychiatric-mental health theory and family-centered practice. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams. Admission requires an Alaska RN license, an advanced practice nurse license, and national certification, along with a minimum 3.00 GPA. The program also mandates continuous enrollment, immunizations, CPR certification, a background check, professional liability insurance, health insurance, and transportation to clinicals. No entrance exam is listed among requirements. The curriculum aligns with Alaska licensure standards and includes face-to-face intensives with distance participation options.

• Hybrid program format.
• 750 clinical hours required.
• 24 credits total.
• For nurses with graduate degrees.
• Clinicals in Alaska only.
• National certification eligible.
• ACEN accredited program.
• Requires Alaska RN license.
• Advanced practice nurse license needed.
• National certification required.

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*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2025.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Admission Requirements in Alaska

To gain admission to a post-graduate nursing certificate program in the state, there are a few typical requirements that students should be aware of:

• Applicants should hold a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a related field, such as healthcare administration
• Certification as an APRN is often required
• Applicants will need to have an unencumbered RN license in Alaska
• Some schools, such as the University of Alaska Anchorage, require that you meet with a faculty advisor before the start of your graduate certificate program

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Classes and Courses

In some programs, your course of study will be chosen for you. In other programs, you’ll have elective options that allow you to choose your concentration. Depending on the certificate you choose, your classes may vary.

Regis College offers online programs to Alaska nurses, including a post-graduate certificate to take you from RN to nurse practitioner. As you learn more about becoming a nurse practitioner, you’ll choose from one of five specialization options: women’s health, adult geriatric, family, pediatric, or psychiatric mental health. If you’re not sure which specialty makes the most sense for you, the faculty of the program and your academic advisor will be able to work with you to help you decide which option makes the most sense for your chosen career path.

At Regis, all nurses in the post-masters certificate program take certain core courses, including:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Concepts in nursing leadership
• Health promotion-disease prevention
• Advanced clinical pharmacology
• Advanced health assessment
• Roles and issues for advanced practice nurses

In addition to these core classes, you’ll take classes in your chosen specialty field.

Program Length

Depending on the certificate that you choose, most post-graduate nursing certificate programs can be completed in one to three years. Your previous experience and education will play a role in how long it takes you to complete your program.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Many things will impact the cost of a post-grad nursing certificate program. While the cost of attendance will differ depending on the school you choose, it’s typical to spend approximately $1,100 per credit in Alaska. Students should be aware that additional expenses, including textbooks, required materials, and mandatory fees, will also need to be factored in to the total cost of the program.

Online Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Programs in Alaska

Due to the remote nature of most areas in Alaska, there are many online programs offered to nurses in the state. Schools in Alaska understand that many nurses in the area have enough trouble battling weather to get to and from work each day and offer many online programs that allow you to get your education from the comfort of your own home or your favorite coffee shop.

Featured Online School

Duquesne University School of Nursing offers many post-graduate certificate programs for nurses in Alaska. The courses are completely online, making it easy for you to get your education on your own time.

Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Career Pathways in Alaska

There are many post-master’s nursing certificate career options for RNs in Alaska. After you finish your specialized certificate, you may achieve the title of:

• Family nurse practitioner
• Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner
• Pediatric nurse practitioner
• Nurse educator
• Nurse administrator

Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate Salary & Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for nurse practitioners in the United States is $113,930. In Alaska, the average salary for a nurse practitioner is $107,030. The job outlook for nurses with post-graduate certificates is excellent, with an expected growth of 26% by 2026 (compared with 7% expected growth on average for other careers in the U.S.).

List of Alaska Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Programs

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, check out these popular Alaska post-graduate certificate nursing programs.