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
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science
Concentration: Nursing Leadership with a concentration in Nursing Education (NLDR-EDU) - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Alaska Anchorage's MSN in Nursing Science offers an exceptional pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced education in education, leadership, and specialized clinical practice. With a unique focus on Alaska's diverse urban and rural healthcare landscapes, this program empowers nurses to transform healthcare delivery. Students can specialize in nursing leadership with an educational emphasis, gaining cutting-edge skills in curriculum development, teaching technologies, and practical classroom experiences. The program's comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared to excel in academic and clinical settings, addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.
- 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
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with the University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. This comprehensive program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered primary care across diverse populations. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations, positioning themselves for leadership roles in healthcare. The hybrid program offers flexibility with online core courses and synchronous clinical experiences, allowing working professionals to advance their education. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN, the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.00 and one year of clinical experience.
- 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
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science offers a specialized Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for advanced nursing professionals. This rigorous hybrid program prepares students to provide comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license, the program combines online coursework with strategic clinical experiences throughout Alaska. Graduates are eligible to take national certification exams, positioning them for advanced practice roles in psychiatric and mental health nursing 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
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science
Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Education (NLDR-EDU) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Science in Nursing Science with a concentration in Nursing Leadership - Education (NLDR-EDU), designed for aspiring nurse educators and leaders. This hybrid program blends online coursework with on-campus intensives, providing flexibility for working professionals. It requires 36 credits, covering topics like curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered Alaska RN license, and one year of clinical experience. Costs vary, and the program is ACEN-accredited, ensuring high-quality education for diverse student backgrounds.
- 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
