Nursing Programs in Anchorage, AK

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Anchorage

Rankings are invaluable tools for prospective nursing students, helping them compare program quality and make informed decisions. Registerednursing.org is creating these rankings to identify the Best Nursing Schools in Anchorage based solely on NCLEX pass rates. High pass rates indicate strong preparation for licensure. For more details, see our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

#1

Alaska Pacific University

Anchorage, AK - Private 4-year - alaskapacific.edu

Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Alaska Pacific University's RN to BSN program is designed for licensed registered nurses ready to take the next step in their careers. This flexible, online program allows you to continue working while earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The curriculum builds on your existing experience, deepening your clinical judgment and leadership abilities. You will explore topics like healthcare ethics, evidence-based research, pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing leadership, and population health. A unique focus on cultural safety prepares you to serve Alaska's diverse communities, incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing. With ACEN accreditation, the program meets high standards. Most courses are delivered in 7-week modules with synchronous online classes, and you can start in fall or spring. Graduates gain a competitive edge, with greater job placement opportunities and increased earning potential across the country.

• ACEN accredited
• 128 total credit hours
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• Synchronous online classes
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• For licensed RNs seeking advancement
• Flexible for working nurses
• Culturally safe care focus
• Indigenous ways of knowing

#2

University of Alaska Anchorage

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers two pathways: a pre-licensure option for aspiring registered nurses and an RN-to-BSN option for current RNs. The curriculum blends theory, skills labs, and clinical practicums in medical-surgical, psychiatric, child, family, and community health settings. Students build clinical reasoning through evidence-based practice and complete a capstone immersion. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and public health. ACEN accreditation ensures quality education. Anchorage's location provides unique opportunities to serve Alaska's diverse populations.

• ACEN accredited
• 2 concentration options
• Entrance exam required
• 120 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical practicum immersion
• NCLEX review and career coaching

#3

Charter College

Anchorage, AK - Private 4-year - chartercollege.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Kickstart your nursing career with Charter College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) program in Anchorage, Alaska. This blended learning program combines online and on-campus classes, offering flexibility for your busy life. In as few as 19 months, you'll build skills in anatomy, pharmacology, pediatrics, medical-surgical nursing, mental health, and clinical leadership. The curriculum includes NCLEX-RN review to prepare you for licensure as a registered nurse. Through clinical rotations at local hospitals and clinics, you'll gain hands-on experience. Graduates are ready for entry-level roles in hospitals, physicians' offices, and long-term care facilities. With high demand for nurses in Alaska, this ACEN-accredited program sets you up for a rewarding career.

• ACEN accredited
• 19-Month program
• Complete in In as few as two years
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Blended learning format
• NCLEX review included
• Clinical rotation required
• Available in Anchorage, Alaska
• High demand for nurses in Alaska
• Prepares for RN licensure

*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2025 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Anchorage, AK

It's predicted that healthcare will have a number of openings for high-paying jobs in the near and distant future. For those who have thought about making a living caring for others, colleges in Anchorage, AK have made it easy to enroll in nursing programs such as ADN and BSN. Students can complete their training and start caring for patients in as few as two years of study, depending on the program.

ADN Programs

Nurses comprise the most significant number of healthcare workers and spend the most time with patients. Registered Nurses are also equipped to earn a competitive salary for themselves and their families. Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage offers a two-year ADN that teaches students nursing fundamentals, including clinicals, hard sciences, and behavioral sciences. It also covers cultural-specific topics, such as providing care for underserved populations such as Alaska Natives and Indigenous peoples. The program prepares graduates to attain RN licensure.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Registered Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are sought-after by top-rated hospitals and medical centers. Staff nurses can move into leadership roles more quickly and have high job security. If you want to begin your nursing career with a BSN, the University of Alaska Anchorage, a state school, offers an accelerated 2-year BSN. The program, broken down into five trimesters, covers Technology & Nursing Informatics, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessments, Nursing Therapeutics, and nursing fundamentals.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Anchorage, AK

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Anchorage, AK

In the vast and remote state of Alaska, Nurse Practitioners are granted full practice authority, which means they can perform most of the high-level job duties as medical doctors. That is, they can prescribe medication, perform patient evaluations, and provide treatments. Recognizing the healthcare gap caused by the nursing shortage, Anchorage-area universities have created working nurse friendly education tracks that allow nurses to earn their advanced degree in convenient formats.

MSN Programs

Nurses with Master of Science in Nursing degrees are taking charge at hospitals and outpatient centers. In both clinical and classroom settings, nurses are stepping up to train and educate the next generation on core nursing competencies. Wayland Baptist University, which has a campus in Anchorage, Alaska, offers an MSN for nurses who are ready to teach. The MSN offering includes teaching strategies, curriculum development, evaluation and assessment, and research methods. All coursework for the program can be completed online, however, the final project must be completed in a clinical setting.

Find out more about Alaska MSN Programs and Alaska Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Nurse practitioners in Alaska are granted the highest authority in terms of patient treatment, evaluation and prescribing. APRNs who already hold master’s degrees can become NPs with cost-effective, fast-moving certificate programs designed to get skilled NPs into practice in the shortest time possible. The University of Anchorage Alaska now offers Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner programs. Courses are delivered in distance learning formats (synchronous or asynchronous) with a handful of required, on-campus clinicals.

Find out more about Alaska Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Advanced Practice Nurses exhibit leadership every day in their jobs both when working with patients and interacting with staff nurses and other healthcare professionals. Those seeking to enter administration roles can improve their chances by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Capella University, which serves nurses in Anchorage, Alaska, offers an online-only leadership-focused DNP. The non-clinical program prepares students for leadership roles in nursing and the larger healthcare sector.

Find out more about Alaska DNP Programs.