Eldean WalterAlaska has a range of nursing programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare across hospitals, clinics, and rural communities. Programs include associate, bachelor, and graduate degrees, as well as RN-to-BSN and online options. Nursing schools focus on hands-on clinical experience, community health, and culturally competent care, addressing the unique healthcare challenges of the state. Students gain foundational knowledge, practical skills, and leadership training to succeed in diverse nursing roles and advance in their careers.
Top 20 Nursing Schools in Alaska
1. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)
UAA’s School of Nursing offers both Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. The BSN program is the only traditional BSN in Alaska, with multiple locations statewide. UAA’s nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The school prepares students for roles in local, state, national, and worldwide healthcare settings, emphasizing culturally competent care and evidence-based practice.
2. Alaska Pacific University (APU)
APU provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that equips students with essential skills for providing culturally safe, holistic care to Alaska Natives, Indigenous peoples, and other underserved communities across Alaska. The program follows a cohort model, allowing students to progress through the curriculum together. APU emphasizes small class sizes, personalized instruction, and community engagement, preparing graduates for licensure as registered nurses and roles in diverse healthcare settings.
3. Charter College – Anchorage
Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) program designed to meet the high demand for nurses in Anchorage and throughout Alaska. The program includes clinical rotations at local healthcare facilities, providing hands-on experience. Charter College starts classes every 20 weeks, allowing students to begin their education without long wait times. The ASN program is designed to be completed in as few as two years, providing a pathway to a rewarding nursing career.
4. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
UAF, in partnership with UAA, offers a BSN program in Fairbanks. Students complete prerequisite courses at UAF before transitioning to UAA for nursing coursework. UAF also offers a Pre-Nursing Certificate to prepare students for nursing education. The program emphasizes rural and community health, aligning with Alaska’s healthcare needs. UAF provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty and access to clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings.
5. University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)
UAS provides a BSN program in Juneau, with options to complete coursework online. The program emphasizes community health and rural nursing, aligning with Alaska’s healthcare needs. UAS offers a Pre-Nursing Certificate to prepare students for nursing programs. The program accepts 8-10 students in Juneau and 8 students in Sitka on odd-numbered years, and 8 students in Ketchikan on even-numbered years. UAS provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty.
6. University of Providence – Anchorage
The University of Providence offers an accelerated 12-month BSN program combining online and in-person instruction. Clinical immersions are held in Anchorage, providing hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings. The program is designed for individuals seeking a fast-track path to becoming registered nurses. The University of Providence emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing education, integrating liberal arts with nursing theory and practice to prepare graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.
7. Wayland Baptist University – Anchorage
Wayland Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with a focus on nursing education. The program is designed for nurses seeking to advance their careers in teaching and leadership roles. Wayland Baptist University emphasizes small class sizes, individualized clinical experiences, and a student-centered academic environment. Faculty members are MSN or doctorate-qualified nursing educators dedicated to student success, providing a supportive and rigorous educational experience.
8. Capella University – Online
Capella University offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a focus on leadership. The program is designed for nurses seeking to influence healthcare policy and practice at the highest levels. Capella’s online nursing programs focus on career-ready skills and build on what students already know. The programs are accredited and designed to help students pursue their goals without putting life on hold, offering flexibility and support for working professionals.
9. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Bristol Bay Campus
The Bristol Bay Campus offers a Pre-Nursing Certificate, fulfilling half of the requirements for an Associate of Arts in Science degree in Nursing. This program is open to all students and can qualify them for financial aid. The certificate includes courses in communications, computation, human relations, and pre-nursing program requirements. The program prepares students to apply to professional nursing programs, providing foundational knowledge and skills for a career in nursing.
10. University of Alaska Anchorage – RN to BSN Program
UAA’s RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. The program offers online coursework, allowing flexibility for working professionals. The RN to BSN program builds on existing nursing knowledge and skills, preparing nurses for leadership roles in healthcare settings. UAA provides a supportive learning environment with experienced faculty and access to clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings across Alaska.
11. University of Alaska Anchorage – MSN Program
UAA offers a Master of Science in Nursing program with several specializations. The program is designed for registered nurses who want to pursue advanced practice roles, including leadership, education, and administration. Coursework covers advanced nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice. The program also includes clinical experiences to prepare students for real-world healthcare settings. Graduates are equipped to take on specialized roles in hospitals, community clinics, and public health organizations across Alaska.
12. University of Alaska Southeast – Pre-Nursing Certificate
UAS offers a Pre-Nursing Certificate to prepare students for entry into nursing programs. The certificate includes courses such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and lifespan development. It builds a foundation in essential sciences and health concepts required for nursing programs. Students gain the skills needed to succeed in rigorous BSN coursework. Completion of the certificate helps students meet prerequisites and enhances their readiness for clinical practice, ensuring a smoother transition into professional nursing education.
13. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Licensed Practical Nurse Program
UAF offers a Licensed Practical Nurse program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program prepares students for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Coursework includes fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and clinical skills. Students gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical rotations. The program emphasizes patient-centered care and professional ethics. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam, giving them licensure to practice as practical nurses across Alaska.
14. Charter College – RN to BSN Program
Charter College provides an RN to BSN program for registered nurses seeking to advance their education. The program combines online coursework with in-person clinical rotations. Students gain knowledge in nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health. The program is designed to fit the schedules of working professionals, offering flexibility and support. Graduates are prepared for higher-level roles in hospitals, public health, and administrative positions, allowing them to expand their career opportunities while maintaining employment.
15. Alaska Pacific University – RN to BSN Program
APU’s RN to BSN program is fully online, offering flexibility for working nurses. The program builds on prior nursing experience and education, focusing on leadership, research, and community health. Students learn to apply evidence-based practice in diverse healthcare settings and strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. The curriculum includes coursework in nursing theory, population health, and professional ethics. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which can open doors to leadership roles, advanced studies, or specialized practice areas.
16. University of Alaska Anchorage – Pre-Nursing Certificate
UAA offers a Pre-Nursing Certificate to help students complete prerequisite courses required for admission into nursing programs. The certificate includes courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and communication. It is available at multiple campuses across the state. This program helps students meet academic requirements, strengthen foundational knowledge, and prepare for the challenges of nursing school. Completing the certificate improves eligibility for the BSN and RN programs, providing a structured pathway for aspiring nurses in Alaska.
17. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Associate of Arts in Science Degree
UAF offers an Associate of Arts in Science degree that provides a foundation for students pursuing nursing education. Courses include biology, chemistry, mathematics, and health sciences. The program prepares students for BSN or ADN programs, giving them strong academic and clinical foundations. Students gain critical thinking, laboratory, and healthcare knowledge necessary for successful nursing careers. UAF provides guidance, support, and access to clinical experiences, helping students transition seamlessly into professional nursing programs.
18. University of Alaska Southeast – BSN Program
UAS offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with a focus on community and rural health. Students gain knowledge in nursing theory, leadership, patient care, and public health. The program includes classroom learning, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations in healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to work in hospitals, clinics, and rural communities across Alaska. The BSN program emphasizes patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practice to address the state’s unique healthcare challenges.
19. University of Alaska Anchorage – Nursing Education Program
UAA’s nursing education program focuses on preparing nurses to practice in diverse healthcare settings. Students learn advanced nursing theory, clinical skills, and leadership. The program combines coursework and supervised clinical experiences, enabling graduates to provide safe, competent, and ethical care. Graduates are prepared for roles in patient care, administration, and education. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competence, and professional development, ensuring that students are well-equipped to meet the needs of Alaska’s healthcare workforce.
20. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Community & Technical College
UAF’s Community & Technical College offers nursing programs including Pre-Nursing, LPN, and RN pathways. Students gain foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, preparing for licensure and advanced study. The college emphasizes hands-on experience, with clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities. Students develop practical nursing skills, critical thinking, and professionalism. The programs are designed to meet Alaska’s healthcare demands and prepare graduates to work as competent nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and rural communities.
Requirements For These Top Nursing Schools in Alaska
Requirements vary by school and program, but most include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and mathematics, and minimum GPA standards. Some programs require entrance exams, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and healthcare experience. RN-to-BSN or graduate programs require active RN licensure. Students may also need immunizations, background checks, and CPR certification prior to clinical placements.
Cost of These Top Nursing Schools in Alaska
Tuition and fees differ depending on the school and program. Associate programs typically range from \$7,000 to \$15,000 per year for in-state students, while bachelor programs cost between \$9,000 and \$20,000 annually. Graduate programs such as MSN or DNP can range from \$15,000 to \$35,000 per year. Additional costs may include books, uniforms, lab fees, and clinical supplies. Out-of-state students usually pay higher tuition rates, and financial aid or scholarships are often available.
Application Process for These Top Nursing Schools in Alaska
Applications generally require submission of official transcripts, completed application forms, and payment of application fees. Applicants must provide personal statements, letters of recommendation, and meet minimum GPA and coursework requirements. Some programs require standardized test scores or entrance exams. RN-to-BSN and graduate applicants submit proof of licensure and professional experience. Once accepted, students may be required to complete immunizations, background checks, and orientation before beginning coursework and clinical rotations.
Conclusion
Nursing schools in Alaska offer diverse pathways for students to enter or advance in the healthcare profession. Programs emphasize clinical experience, community health, and culturally competent care, preparing graduates for various nursing roles. By understanding requirements, costs, and the application process, prospective students can select programs that fit their career goals and personal circumstances. With strong support and opportunities for hands-on learning, these schools help prepare a competent, compassionate nursing workforce to meet the state’s healthcare needs.