Best Online MSN Programs in Alaska
There are many opportunities to work in healthcare in Alaska. Like anywhere else, it needs a constant supply of high-quality nurses. Registered Nurses in the state regularly re-enter education to take their skills to the next level with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Such a graduate degree opens doors with greater opportunities and higher pay. In short, if you are an RN and want to take on more responsibilities, an MSN is your best gateway.
Alaskan universities have a variety of choices for you to study an MSN, with both standard pace study and accelerated programs. There are also some RN/BSN to MSN options.
2026 Best Online MSN Programs in Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Science (Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Nursing Education (NLDR-EDU))
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Alaska Anchorage's online MSN in Nursing Science with a Nursing Leadership concentration in Nursing Education prepares nurses for educator roles through curriculum development, teaching technologies, and practical classroom experiences. This 100% online program focuses on Alaska's diverse healthcare needs and includes a teaching practicum. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which emphasizes urban and rural clinical perspectives and boasts a 100% job placement rate.
- Nursing Leadership with Education focus
- 100% job placement rate
- Urban and rural clinical experiences
- Specialization in NLDR-Educ concentration
- Teaching practicum included
- Advanced nursing theory courses
- Curriculum development training
- Diverse community healthcare perspective
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Science (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at University of Alaska Anchorage prepares registered nurses for primary care roles across diverse populations. This part-time, six-semester program combines online core courses with clinical experiences in Alaska and requires a 3.00 GPA and one year of RN clinical experience. No entrance exam is specified for this master's-level program, which focuses on advanced pathophysiology and prepares graduates for national certification examinations.
- Part-time, six-semester program
- Hybrid online/campus format
- 33 total credit hours
- Minimum 3.00 GPA required
- One year RN clinical experience
- National certification preparation
- Clinical hours in Alaska
- Advanced pathophysiology focus
- Primary care specialization
- Clinical courses include hands-on training
BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Science (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Alaska Anchorage's hybrid MSN with a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses to provide comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. This rigorous program requires a 3.0 GPA, active RN license, and one year of nursing experience, combining online coursework with clinical experiences throughout Alaska. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's-level program, which prepares graduates for national certification and advanced practice roles in psychiatric settings.
- Hybrid program delivery
- ACEN accredited nursing program
- Clinical experiences in Alaska
- National certification eligible
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year nursing experience needed
- 33 total credit hours
- Online and face-to-face options
- Advanced practice focus
RN to BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Science (Nursing Leadership - Education (NLDR-EDU))
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid MSN in Nursing Leadership - Education at University of Alaska Anchorage prepares nurse educators through 36 credits covering curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and evidence-based practice. This program blends online coursework with on-campus intensives and requires a BSN, 3.0 GPA, Alaska RN license, and one year of clinical experience. No entrance exam is specified for this ACEN-accredited master's-level program, which prepares graduates for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam.
- 36 credits required.
- Hybrid program format.
- Online coursework available.
- On-campus intensives required.
- Focus on nursing education.
- Eligible for CNE exam.
- BSN degree required.
- 3.0 minimum GPA.
- Alaska RN license needed.
- One year clinical experience.
RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs
Students entering an MSN have usually followed one of two pathways: the first is from working as an RN having studied an ADN. The second is the more academic BSN to MSN route. Both types may be fully online, fully on-campus, or hybrid – often at the same universities. Fully online provides more flexible study, but the hybrid is ideal for those who want flexibility while retaining campus elements. You will find that RN to MSN and BSN to MSN have similar curricula, though the former will be longer as the student will need to learn more and do more without the bachelor's background.
Typical Program Length
- RN/ADN to MSN programs usually take six semesters at full-time pace
- Four full-time semesters for BSN to MSN
Typical Admission Requirements
- A current and in date RN license
- Accredited ADN or BSN
- Minimum entry GPA is usually 3.0
- A resume detailing clinical experience and/or three letters of recommendation from relevant referees
- CPR certification
- All prerequisite courses completed to a minimum stated grade