Online Nurse Practitioner Schools 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.

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

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