CNA Classes & Programs in Alaska
- CNA Programs in Alaska: At-a-Glance
- Why Become a CNA in Alaska?
- Alaska CNA Training & Certification
- CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Alaska
- 2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Alaska
- 2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Alaska
- Alaska CNA Employment & Wages
- How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Alaska?
- Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Alaska?
- How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Alaska
- CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Alaska
- 2026 Updated List of Alaska Schools Offering CNA Classes
- Latest Articles & Guides
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska is a meaningful way to enter the healthcare workforce while providing essential support to patients across the state, especially in rural and remote communities. Alaska’s unique healthcare needs, driven by a geographically dispersed population and increasing demand for long-term care, make trained CNAs especially valuable.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Alaska’s official CNA training and certification requirements
- What CNA coursework and clinical training look like in Alaska
- How long it takes to complete training and become certified
- Whether online CNA programs are available
- How to choose the right CNA program for your goals
CNA Programs in Alaska: At-a-Glance
| Category | Alaska CNA Information |
| Minimum training hours required | 140 total hours (60 classroom + 80 clinical) |
| Clinical requirement | 80 hours supervised clinical training required |
| Certification exam | Alaska Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written/oral + skills) |
| State registry | Alaska Nurse Aide Registry |
| Typical program length | ~4–12 weeks depending on schedule |
| Typical total cost | Varies by program |
| Average CNA salary in Alaska | Around $44,000 – $48,550 annually (higher than the national average) |
Why Become a CNA in Alaska?
Alaska's healthcare sector presents meaningful opportunities for certified nursing assistants. CNAs (sometimes called “nurse aides”) support patient care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, and home health settings; roles that are especially critical in communities with limited access to healthcare providers.
With Alaska's aging population and emphasis on expanding care services statewide, trained CNAs help fill vital workforce gaps. According to state and national job trend data, healthcare support occupations (including nurse aides) are projected to grow as health systems focus on comprehensive care delivery even in remote regions.
Alaska CNA Training & Certification
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska, you must complete a state-approved training program and pass the Alaska Nurse Aide Competency Exam to earn certification and be listed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry.
Training Requirements
Alaska requires a minimum of 140 total training hours, consisting of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical/skills training.
Certification Exam
After completing training, candidates must take and pass the state's nurse aide competency exam, which includes:
- A written or oral knowledge test
- A hands-on skills evaluation demonstrating essential CNA tasks
Both portions must be passed to earn Alaska CNA certification. Learn more about CNA certification.
Registry and Renewal
Once certified, CNAs are placed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. Certification generally must be renewed periodically, and renewal may include continuing education and documented work hours.
CNA Curriculum & Clinical Training in Alaska
CNA Classes & Clinical Overview
| Training Component | What Students Learn |
| Nursing Fundamentals | Basic patient care, safety, infection control |
| Personal Care Skills | Bathing, feeding, dressing assistance |
| Vital Signs & Monitoring | Taking and recording vital signs |
| Communication & Professionalism | Patient interaction, workplace communication |
| Clinical Training | Supervised hands-on practice |
Clinical training in Alaska occurs in approved healthcare settings such as nursing homes, clinics, or hospitals. Students practice real-world caregiving skills under supervision as part of the 80 clinical hours included in the state's minimum training requirement.
2026 Fastest CNA Training Program Options in Alaska
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Southeast |
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| University of Alaska Anchorage |
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2026 Affordable CNA Training Program Options in Alaska
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage |
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| University of Alaska Southeast |
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Alaska CNA Employment & Wages
CNA salaries in Alaska can be competitive based on employer type, location, and experience level.
CNA Salary in Alaska
| Location | Total Employment | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,388,430 | $39,530 |
| Alaska | 1,660 | $45,840 |
Table data taken from 2024 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes311131.htm)
How Long Does it Take to Become a CNA in Alaska?
Most Alaska CNA programs are structured to be completed in approximately 4–12 weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Program scheduling, clinical site availability, and test dates can all influence the timeline.
Do Online CNA Programs Exist in Alaska?
Fully online CNA programs are not approved for Alaska certification because the state requires hands-on clinical training. However, some Alaska training providers offer hybrid coursework where classroom instruction can be delivered online or in a flexible format, but students must still complete all required clinical hours in person to qualify for the competency exam.
How to Choose the Right CNA Program in Alaska
When comparing Alaska CNA training options, consider:
- State approval: Ensure the program is approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing and meets the 140-hour minimum for certification eligibility.
- Clinical placements: Look for strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities for your clinical experience.
- Schedule flexibility: Choose a program that fits your full-time/part-time needs.
- Transparency: Clear information on tuition, materials, and exam preparation support.
- Support services: Programs with career advising or job placement support can help you transition to work after certification.
CNA vs Other Healthcare Roles in Alaska
Many students in Alaska begin their healthcare careers as CNAs before advancing into other clinical roles. Understanding how CNA training compares to other entry- and mid-level healthcare positions can help you choose the right path.
| Role | Typical Education & Training | Scope of Practice | Common Alaska Work Settings |
| CNA | Short-term training program (minimum 140 hours in Alaska) | Basic patient care, daily living assistance, vital signs | Nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities, rural clinics |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | Certificate or diploma program (9–12 months) | Clinical and administrative tasks (non-nursing role) | Clinics, physician offices, outpatient centers |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Diploma or certificate (about 12 months) | Direct nursing care under RN/physician supervision | Long-term care, hospitals, community health centers |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Associate or bachelor's degree (2–4 years) | Comprehensive patient care, care planning, supervision | Hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, rural health systems |
For students seeking the quickest entry into healthcare, CNA training offers the shortest timeline and lowest upfront cost. Those looking for expanded responsibilities, higher pay, or long-term advancement may later pursue LPN or RN education after gaining hands-on experience as a CNA.
Learn more about CNA to RN programs, or research nursing schools in Alaska.
2026 Updated List of Alaska Schools Offering CNA Classes
Anchorage, AK
University of Alaska Anchorage
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Assistant/Aide
Campus Based - Website
- One semester program length.
- Six credit course.
- 60 hours classroom instruction.
- 80 hours clinical training.
- On-site clinical experience.
- Prepares for state exam.
- High job placement rate.
- Cost-effective training included.
Juneau, AK
University of Alaska Southeast
- Certificate/Diploma - Certified Nursing Aide Training
Campus Based - Website
- 9 credit hour program.
- 60 lecture hours required.
- 80 clinical training hours.
- Campus-based program format.
- Available in Juneau location.
- Also in Ketchikan and Sitka.
- 75% minimum passing grade.
- 100% clinical pass required.
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