The Best Nursing Schools in Alaska

Alaska's best nursing schoolsThe state of Alaska has a high demand for individuals who are seeking how to become a nurse and other workers in the medical field. From Fairbanks to Juneau to Anchorage and beyond, cities big and small have a need for qualified professionals to take care of their citizens. If you are searching for the following educational and career opportunities: 1) Certified medical assistant programs, 2) Possible online associates degree in nursing, 3) The nursing salaries for different types of nurses, 4) potential options for accelerated nursing programs, and 5) potential scholarship programs , then please take a moment to review what the best nursing schools in Alaska can do for you.

How to Become a Nurse in Alaska

The first decision to become a nurse will be what the type of nursing career you want to pursue. There are multiple career opportunities that will lead a person to this desired outcome, as different degrees are required for different nursing career paths.

Once you have decided on the nursing career that meets your desired schooling, work options, and salary, then choosing the school that is correct for your desired path is your next choice. No matter where you choose to go, make sure the school’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). This will ensure that you get a good education.

Here is a look at some of the most common nursing programs in Alaska available today, along with the amount of time you’ll spend in each of them:

  • Diploma of Nursing (DN): 1 year
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN): 2 years
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 4 years
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 6 years
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): 8+ years

Once you have completed your degree program, you will need to think about becoming a licensed or certified nurse. The specific license and/or certifications that you need will be based on the line of work you go into. You can learn more by contacting the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Tuition for Alaska Nursing Schools

Tuition rates in Alaska vary considerably between public universities, private universities, and community colleges. You may use the chart below combined with the educational timeframes in the section above to get a feel for how much you may pay for your education. Note that you always have the option to go to school online if you would prefer learning at home. This will also have an impact on your expenses. Average tuition rates in Alaska include (College Board):

  • Public Two Year College: $4,032 per year
  • Public Four Year University: $5,885 per year
  • Private Four Year University: $28,369 per year

Job Prospects for Alaska Nursing Programs

Nursing jobs Alaska is one of the few professions that remain in high demand at every level. No matter how far you go with nursing schools in Alaska, you should have no trouble finding a job. The list below shows approximately how much money you may make as a nurse in Alaska. (BLS)

  • Nursing Assistant: $34,590 per year
  • Licensed Practical Nurse: $52,300 per year
  • Registered Nurse: $83,950 per year
  • Nurse Practitioner: $112,130 per year

Make a plan for your future today, and then find a school to help you get there.


Browse the Top Nursing Schools in Alaska

University of Alaska – Anchorage

The University of Alaska — Anchorage is located in Anchorage, Alaska, and is the largest university in Alaska offering satellite campuses in Homer, Kodiak, Soldotna, Valdez and Mat-Su. The schools efforts is to provide students with a gateway of learning, innovative thinkings, and exploration that will help jumpstart successful careers for its students.

UAA is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. In addition, many of the colleges and academic programs are individually accredited through professional licensure organizations.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Anchorage, AK
Student Enrollment: 14,200
Type of School: Public
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: No
Tuition: $5,475
UAA Nursing Programs: Associate, BS/BSN, LPN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner


University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast is located at three different campuses in Junea, Katchikan, and Stika, Alaska. If you are ready for a new challenge, new adventures, and new places to learn then this school is the right school for you. This university will challenge students to explore themselves and potential opportunities with their newly acquired educational skills and knowledge set. The school offers smaller class sizes which provide more meaningful interaction with the instructor who is determined to help you succeed in your chosen field of study.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, Alaska
Type of School: 4-year Public University
Online Courses: Yes
Tuition: $6,360
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
UAA Nursing Programs: 1-year certificate, 2-year certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post baccalaureate certificate, Master’s degree
Student-to-faculty Ratio: 12 to 1


University of Alaska —Fairbanks

The University of Alaska — Fairbanks is definitely located in Faribanks, Alaska. This university offers the following tagline representing their mission: “Inspiring Discovery. Inspiring Greatness.Inspiring, naturally.” The University of Alaska — Fairbanks emphasis is for students to discover who they truly are: their strengths, their knowledge, and their capability as they increase in knowledge, wisdom, and confidence in their field of study. This schools offers licensure and certificates, associates, bachelors, masters, and doctorates.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Fairbanks, AK
Faculty: 633
Student Employees: 2,784
Student Enrollment: 11,000+
Type of School: University
College Accredited: Yes
Offers Online Programs: Yes
Tuition (in-state): $3,588
Tuition (out-of-state): $11,216
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes


UAF Community and Technical College

The University of Alaska —Anchorage (UAA) offers this outreach program to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree. This program is possible due to the combined work of UAA and UAF Community and Technical College and the program is administered locally. Student who are pursuing this baccalaureate degree are taught nursing theory and skills through multiple facets:

Face-to-face instruction
Clinical base to assess
Planning and implementing proper procedures
Evaluating current needs and the necessary care to meet the growing needs within communities that vary qualitatively and quantitatively.

The nursing program is approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Fairbanks, AK
Type of School: Community and Technical College
College Accredited: Yes
Tuition (in-state): $3,588
Tuition (out-of-state): $11,216
Financial Aid: Yes
Scholarships: Yes
Online Offered: Yes
UAA Nursing Programs: Bachelors of Life Science, Medical Assistant, Nurse Aide, Registered Nurse, RN to BSN, and Dental Assistant


AVTEC-Alaska’s Institute of Technology

AVTEC is located at the headwaters of the Resurrection Bay, in Seward, Alaska. AVTEC’s mission for its Medical Administrative Assistant training is by providing students with the necessary professional work habits and skill sets that will help them to be successful in a growing economy. This mission is accomplished through committed and effective classroom atmosphere teaching, which is offered by well-qualified instructors.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Seward, AK
Nursing/Medical Career: Business & Office Technology Medical Administrative Assistant
Financial Aid: Yes
Supported by: full-fledged Department of Residence Life
Type: Public
Tuition: $2,955
Distant Learning: Yes


Ilisagvik College

Iḷisaġvik College is located in Barrow, Alaska. This college offers education opportunities for students who are pursuing post-secondary education. Iḷisaġvik strongly endorses learning to be continuing, a life-long process that we continue after earning our degrees. The majority of its courses are able to be applied towards a certificate or degree as one pursues further education.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Location: Barrow, AK
Tuition: $3,480
Financial Aid: Yes
Type: Public
Students Enrolled: 620
Programs: Allied Health, Business, Information Technology, Liberal Arts, Teaching