Alaska requires 140 hours of state-approved training before an aspiring CNA can sit for the certification exam, yet employers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and remote tribal health settings keep hiring cohorts before they complete training. That demand spans urban hospitals and roadless villages where a nursing assistant may be the only licensed caregiver within 150 miles.
Campus options typically charge $1,400 to $2,200, while employer-sponsored tracks in Anchorage and smaller hubs can lower out-of-pocket costs below $350; some cover the full tuition. Ranked programs differ mainly in schedule and clinical access.
The binding constraint for most Alaskans is not demand: it is finding a cohort that matches their schedule and clinical placement needs before the next session closes.
Best CNA Programs in Alaska: Ranked for 2027
The two University of Alaska schools featured below offer the most established CNA training options in the state, with distinct campus footprints in Southeast and Southcentral Alaska. Each program pairs classroom instruction with substantial hands-on clinical hours and prepares graduates for the Alaska State Nurse Aide exam. Graduation rates shown are university-wide figures rather than CNA program-specific outcomes.
How we ranked these
- Affordability and net price
- Student outcomes and completion
- Program quality and approvals
- Employment and earnings potential
- Original research on individual programs
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- In-house program catalog data
University of Alaska Southeast
#1Juneau, AK · $12,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Southeast Alaska students needing local campus options
For students in Southeast Alaska, this university offers a state-approved Certified Nurse Aide Training program through its School of Career Education. The nine-credit occupational endorsement combines 60 hours of lecture with 80 hours of skills and clinical training, with campus options in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka. Admission includes background check and placement assessment steps tied to Alaska Board of Nursing requirements. The institution's 28% graduation rate is a university-wide figure, not a CNA program-specific measure.
- 9 credit hour program combining 60 lecture and 80 clinical hours
- Available at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka campuses
- Requires 75% passing grade in coursework
- Requires perfect score on clinical training
- Qualifies graduates for Alaska State Nurse Aide exam
- Occupational endorsement approved by the Board of Nursing
- Fingerprinting background check required
- Basic nursing skills and healthcare team preparation
University of Alaska Anchorage
#2Anchorage, AK · $15,000/yr
Best for: Career changers wanting one-semester Anchorage training
This university offers a one-semester, six-credit Certified Nursing Assistant program designed for quick entry into healthcare. Students complete 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of hands-on clinical training, with CPR, first aid, medical terminology, and anatomy woven into the curriculum. The program is approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing and prepares graduates for the state certification exam, with clinical placements at local healthcare facilities. Its institution-wide graduation rate of 30% reflects all university students, not CNA completers.
- One semester, six credit program
- 60 classroom hours and 80 clinical training hours
- Includes CPR, medical terminology, basic anatomy, and first aid
- Prepares students for the Alaska State Certification Exam
- On-site clinical experience at local healthcare facilities
- Approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing
- Skills labs and hands-on care with actual residents
- Rural health job opportunities across Alaska
How We Evaluated Alaska's CNA Training Programs
A growing number of Alaskans now treat CNA Classes & Programs as a financial decision first, not just a credential step, so our evaluation starts with what students actually pay. We used federal College Scorecard information to compare net price, which estimates cost after grants, and gave extra weight to programs listed among the Best Nursing Schools in Alaska with stronger financial aid access. Affordability matters because many CNA students are working adults who cannot carry large upfront tuition bills.
What Else Shaped the List
Program format was factored in to reflect Alaska's geographic reality. Online and hybrid options can reduce commuting in rural areas, but clinical hours still require in-person attendance. A program in Anchorage may not work for a student in Bethel unless the theory portion can be completed online. We favored programs that are clear about which portions happen remotely and which must be completed at an approved site.
State approval status was verified before any program was included. Only programs that meet Alaska's 140-hour training mandate were eligible, so this page does not list short workshops that fall below state requirements.
A Note on Graduation Rates
Graduation rates shown in our comparisons describe the institution overall, not the CNA certificate specifically. It is a helpful signal of campus support, but it is not a CNA completion rate. Use it alongside cost, schedule, and clinical access rather than as a standalone measure.
Alaska CNA Training Requirements and the Certification Exam
Before you can work as a certified nursing assistant in Alaska, you need to complete a state-approved training program and pass the national nurse aide exam. Alaska's minimum is 140 hours total: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised lab and clinical practice. Programs may exceed these hours, but the Board of Nursing will not accept less unless you complete additional training or testing.
Training Hours and Program Structure
Alaska requires 140 hours of approved training. Classroom work covers basic nursing skills, infection control, safety, and communication; the 80 clinical hours give hands-on experience in a long-term care or similar setting. If you completed a program with fewer than 140 hours in another format, you may need extra clinical hours or retesting before sitting for the exam.
The Certification Exam
Once training is complete, you will take the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam. The test has two parts: a written or oral knowledge exam and a skills demonstration. You must pass both to be placed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. Although some states route testing through Prometric or Headmaster, Alaska sources currently list the NNAAP Nurse Aide Exam. Confirm the vendor with your program or the registry before scheduling. Fees are split between the written/oral and skills portions. Published national figures put the written/oral portion around $49 and the skills portion around $66, but Alaska's approved testing vendor can set different amounts, so confirm current fees when you schedule.
Registry Renewal
Alaska certifications are valid for 24 months and generally expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. To renew, you usually need 24 hours of continuing education and 160 hours of paid nursing-related work in the prior 24 months. Renewal fees are not uniform across certification numbers, so check your MyAlaska account for the amount or waiver that applies to you.
Moving an Out-of-State CNA License to Alaska
If you hold a current CNA certification in good standing from another state, you can apply for Alaska reciprocity through the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity Application. You will generally need proof of current certification, evidence of at least 160 hours of nursing-related employment in the previous 24 months, and a background check that meets state nursing board criminal record rules. Start the application in your MyAlaska account so the registry can verify your standing before you begin work.
Explore other Alaska related topics
From Application to Registry: The Path to Becoming a CNA in Alaska
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Alaska follows a clear sequence. Most aspiring CNAs complete the entire process in four to eight weeks, making it one of the fastest healthcare credentials you can earn.
How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Alaska?
CNA training costs in Alaska range widely depending on the path you choose. Traditional college programs typically run between roughly $1,400 and $2,200, while employer-sponsored programs can bring your out-of-pocket cost down to as little as $270 to $303 in state and exam fees. Below is a breakdown of current program costs across the state's major providers.
| Program / Provider | Location | Tuition + Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage | $1,404 base course cost (excludes student fees, textbooks, and parking) | One of the most established CNA programs in the state; additional supply and fee costs apply |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks | $2,169 | Program held at the Barnette Street campus location |
| Kenai Peninsula College, Kenai River Campus | Soldotna | $2,143 | Part of the University of Alaska system; tuition calculated at per-credit rates |
| Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Campus | Homer | $2,143 | Same curriculum as the Kenai River Campus offering |
| Kodiak College | Kodiak | $1,687 | 140-hour program; among the lower-cost options in the UA system |
| University of Alaska Southeast | Juneau (also Ketchikan and Sitka) | Varies; in-state annual tuition ranges from approximately $7,100 to $10,700 for the broader program | 9-credit program; costs reflect full institutional tuition rates, so actual CNA course expenses may differ from the annual figure |
| Foundation Health Partners CNA Trainee Program | Fairbanks area | $0 tuition (all class materials, licensing, and application fees covered by employer) | Trainees are hired into paid positions, making this an earn-and-learn option with no out-of-pocket training cost |
| Prince William Sound College (Providence partnership) | Valdez | Full tuition reimbursement available through Providence Valdez Medical Center | Students who become Providence employees and earn certification within 120 days of completing the class receive complete tuition reimbursement |
CNA Classes in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Beyond
Two distinct routes shape CNA training in Alaska: a semester-based college endorsement through a public campus, and an employer-run trainee pathway that pays you while you complete clinical hours. Anchorage-area students often face this choice first, but Fairbanks and rural communities have their own localized versions.
Anchorage-Area Options and Clinical Placement
Searching for CNA classes Anchorage or CNA training Anchorage usually starts with state-approved providers. Because program availability shifts by semester, use the How Can I Find Nursing Programs In My Area? resource to verify approval with the Alaska Board of Nursing before paying any deposit. Many Anchorage cohorts place students in hospitals and long-term care facilities around the municipality, giving you exposure to both skilled nursing and acute care settings.
Fairbanks: UAF Community and Technical College
UAF CTC offers a Nurse Aide Occupational Endorsement approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. It requires 9 credits and includes a 48-hour clinical practicum, with hybrid delivery mixing online instruction and in-person skills work. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, writing placement, ability to lift 50 pounds, immunizations, and a background check. The program runs fall, spring, and summer through two pathways: direct (HLTH F107) or progressive (HLTH F111 and F113).
Foundation Health Partners runs a paid CNA Trainee Program in Fairbanks. The hybrid format includes at least 60 classroom or online hours and 80 supervised skills and clinical hours at FHP facilities including Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and Denali Center. Denali Center also has a state-approved CNA program, though published details are limited. Fairbanks North Star Borough School District offers a CNA program for high school seniors through UAF/CTC, limited to 20 students in the second semester.
Rural and Mat-Su Pathways
In the Mat-Su Valley and nearby communities, short-term cohorts vary by employer and training provider, so checking current state approval matters. Rural Alaska, as described in the Guide to Rural Nursing, has fewer fixed seats. No fully distance-delivered CNA program was confirmed for remote villages because all approved options require in-person clinicals. Some rural students travel to Fairbanks or Anchorage for condensed clinical blocks. A historical listing for UAF Northwest Campus in the Nome region exists, but current operation is uncertain. Tribal health organizations such as ANTHC, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation may partner on training or host clinicals, but current 2025-2026 CNA training coverage could not be confirmed from available sources. Clinical placement sites vary: hospitals, long-term care facilities, and tribal health centers all host students.
Online and Hybrid CNA Training Options in Alaska
Several Alaska training providers now blend online theory with in-person skills labs and clinicals, giving students more control over when and where they complete coursework. However, because the state requires a minimum of 80 hands-on clinical hours at an approved facility, no fully online pathway to CNA certification exists in Alaska. Understanding the tradeoffs can help you decide whether a hybrid format fits your situation.
Pros
- Hybrid programs at providers like Alaska CNA Program in Anchorage, Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, and SEARHC in Sitka or Wrangell let you complete theory modules on your own time.
- UAF Community and Technical College and Foundation Health Partners in Fairbanks offer blended formats that cut the number of days you need to be physically on campus.
- Self-paced online lectures and reading assignments allow you to revisit difficult material as often as needed before moving into clinical rotations.
- Remote and rural students can finish up to 60 of the 140 required training hours from home, significantly reducing travel for the didactic portion of the program.
Cons
- You will still need to travel to an approved clinical site for all 80 required clinical hours, which can be a challenge if you live far from a training facility.
- Fewer face-to-face interactions with classmates can limit peer support, group study opportunities, and the professional networking that in-person cohorts naturally build.
- Not every employer views hybrid training the same way; some hiring managers may prefer candidates who completed a traditional, fully in-person program.
- A reliable, high-speed internet connection is essential for hybrid coursework, and connectivity gaps in parts of Alaska can interrupt your progress.
What CNAs Earn in Alaska: Salary and Employment Data
Alaska offers some of the highest CNA wages in the country, making the state an attractive place to launch a nursing assistant career. According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 data), the statewide median annual wage for nursing assistants in Alaska is $46,370, well above the national median of roughly $38,200. With approximately 2,060 nursing assistants employed across the state, demand remains steady, and competitive pay reflects both the higher cost of living and ongoing need for direct care workers in Alaska's healthcare facilities.
| Wage Measure | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th Percentile | $45,120 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $46,370 |
| Mean (Average) | $48,920 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,240 |
Picking the Right CNA Program for Your Situation
Only one Alaska program in the supplied data, Alaska CNA in Anchorage, is explicitly confirmed as accepting students for late 2026, with cohorts starting August 27 and October 15. Providence Transitional Care, also in Anchorage, is currently not accepting new students. That single snapshot is why how to choose a nursing program in Alaska starts with verification, not marketing copy.
Match the Schedule to Your Life
Before anything else, use a nursing school planning guide to decide whether a daytime cohort or an evening/weekend track fits your obligations. A compressed weekday program can finish in about six weeks but assumes you can step back from full-time work or childcare. Evening and weekend formats stretch longer but make working while in nursing school easier. Rural students should also ask about semester timing: UAF Community and Technical College, for example, has offered nurse aide training in the second semester only for the 2025-2026 school year.
Verify State Approval Before You Pay
Not every advertised course leads to certification eligibility. Cross-check any program against the Alaska Board of Nursing's approved list (last revised February 13, 2026). Confirmed approved options include Alaska Job Corps (Palmer), Alaska Technical Center (Kotzebue), AVTEC, UAA, UAF, UAS (Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka), Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, and Matanuska-Susitna College. If a program is not on that list, credits and clinical hours may not qualify you to sit for the exam.
Compare the Full Cost, Not Just Tuition
- Add-ons: Scrubs, a stethoscope, background check fees, fingerprinting, immunizations, and exam registration can add several hundred dollars on top of listed tuition.
- Clinical placement: Ask where clinicals happen. Programs with hospital or tribal health partnerships often convert clinical rotations into direct job offers.
- Employer-sponsored routes: Providence and Foundation Health Partners have historically offered paid trainee pathways that can eliminate tuition entirely in exchange for a post-training work commitment. If cost is the barrier, ask hiring managers before you enroll anywhere else.