Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs Online in Alaska

Alaska is aptly nicknamed “The Last Frontier” due to its large swaths of untamed wilderness. Alaska’s vast and isolating landscapes are one of many reasons many people are attracted to the state, but because of Alaska’s desolate population (steadily shrinking since 2017), there is also a substantial need for nurses to serve its rural and aging communities. If you’re a nurse in Alaska, you know too well that there is a lot of room for upward mobility, even more so if you’re able to get licensed as a nurse practitioner. Whether you live in Fairbanks or Anchorage, there is no shortage of specialized nurse practitioner positions to go around. Jump to program listings.

2026 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alaska

RegisteredNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best online Nurse Practitioner programs in Alaska, recognizing the critical role these distance learning opportunities play for nursing professionals seeking advanced education. Alaska's unique geographic challenges make virtual nursing education programs especially valuable, allowing nurses to advance their careers without relocating or interrupting current work commitments. These online programs provide flexible pathways for registered nurses to earn advanced practice credentials, ultimately improving healthcare access in remote and underserved Alaskan communities. Nurses can now pursue specialized training in family practice, pediatrics, and other critical specialties through comprehensive digital learning platforms that maintain rigorous academic standards. Learn about our comprehensive ranking methodology.

#1

University of Alaska Anchorage

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

BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Science (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage's online Master of Science in Nursing Science offers a specialized Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track designed for ambitious registered nurses. This comprehensive hybrid program blends online core coursework with synchronous clinical experiences, enabling working professionals to advance their careers. Requiring a minimum 3.00 GPA and one year of clinical experience, students gain advanced skills in primary care across diverse populations. The 33-credit program prepares graduates for national certification exams, emphasizing patient-centered care and leadership development. Clinical hours conducted in Alaska provide localized, hands-on training and meaningful professional networking opportunities.

• 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

The University of Alaska Anchorage's online Master of Science in Nursing Science with Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers advanced nursing professionals a rigorous pathway to specialized mental health care. This hybrid 33-credit program combines comprehensive online coursework with strategic clinical experiences throughout Alaska. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and active RN license, students develop advanced skills in mental health treatment across patient lifespans. The program prepares graduates for national certification exams, positioning them for leadership 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

Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Alaska Anchorage's Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner provides experienced advanced practice nurses an innovative pathway to expand their clinical expertise. This hybrid online program requires 15-33 credits and is strategically designed for nurses holding existing graduate nursing degrees. Featuring flexible learning with minimal campus visits and clinical experiences throughout Alaska, participants can enhance their professional scope while maintaining current employment. The certificate prepares nurses for national certification exams, focusing on comprehensive family healthcare delivery and advanced practice skill development.

• Hybrid learning format
• 15-33 credit program
• For advanced practice nurses
• Alaska clinical placements
• National certification preparation
• Existing graduate nursing degree required
• Minimum B grade requirement
• Clinical hours in students' communities

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UAA's online Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner presents a specialized training opportunity for licensed advanced practice nurses. This 23-credit hybrid program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences across Alaska, enabling professionals to deepen their mental health care expertise. Designed for working healthcare practitioners, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in psychiatric services across diverse populations. Graduates become eligible for national certification, gaining advanced skills to address complex mental health challenges while maintaining flexible, career-aligned learning.

• Hybrid learning format
• 23 total credit program
• Requires existing graduate nursing degree
• Clinical experiences in Alaska
• Prepares for national certification
• For advanced practice nurses
• ACEN accredited nursing program
• Specialization in mental health care

Show 3 More Programs ˅

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Many registered nurses looking to invest in their education and become nurse practitioners are typically looking for the cheapest and quickest graduate programs to fully take advantage of their studies and resume a new role in the medical field as quickly as possible. The good news is that there are plenty of remarkably fast and affordable NP programs available in Alaska if you know where to look.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

There are two graduate degrees that allow an individual to become a nurse practitioner — a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The shorter of these two options is an MSN. Most MSN programs take several years to complete; however, some MSN programs in Alaska allow students to graduate in as little as two years, following their bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). The University of Alaska, Anchorage, which offers the only graduate nursing program in the state, has a number of MSN tracks. The fastest of these is the Nursing Leadership in Education track, which takes two years to complete.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Because of how isolated Alaskan communities are, it is no secret that it is not the most affordable state to live in, but with a little research, you’ll find that there are plenty of cheap options for NP programs offered at the University of Alaska, such as the MSN programs, which are usually the cheapest way to get your NP license. The exact amount of money you’ll spend on your NP education will depend on things like room and board, whether you’re an Alaska resident, or if you’re taking classes online.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

If you’ve already researched nurse practitioner programs, you’ve likely seen many that offer specialized tracks. Enrolling in a nurse practitioner program with a specialized curriculum will allow you to narrow your focus to medical fields you’re passionate about, such as pediatrics or orthopedics. The University of Alaska offers several specialized programs such as the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

We’ve gone over MSN programs a few times in this guide, but beyond a typical MSN, there are a few other options for RNs and NPs that might make more sense with your specific background. Here are a few other alternatives you can find in the state.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If the speed at which you graduate isn’t a factor, you may be interested in a DNP program, the most prestigious level of NP degree you can obtain. These programs typically take between 4 and 6 years to complete, but once you do, you can expect very competitive wages. The University of Alaska, Anchorage offers the state’s only DNP.

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. The University of Alaska offers a Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education.

General Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements can vary from school to school, but generally speaking, you can expect some combination of the following requirements:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Alaska NP License and Certification Requirements

To become a licensed nurse practitioner (NP) in Alaska, candidates must meet the following basic requirements:

• Alaska RN License: Applicants need an active registered nurse (RN) license in Alaska.
• Educational Background: They must graduate from an accredited NP program that provides advanced clinical and specialized training.

The application process requires submitting proof of licensure, educational transcripts, and a completed form, along with a fee of approximately $100. Detailed application instructions are available through Alaska's nursing board website.

NPs must also obtain certification in their chosen specialty, typically through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Certification generally requires holding an RN license and completing a graduate program in a specialized field of nursing.

As of 2024, Alaska grants full practice authority to NPs, enabling them to work independently without the need for physician supervision. Additional resources and guidance can be found through the Alaska Nurses Association (AaNA).

List of NP Programs in Alaska