Overview
Alaska is the largest state in the union with a huge land mass, equal to roughly a fifth of that of the Continental US. Its largest city is Anchorage, which boasts a population of nearly 300,000. Much of the interior is still wilderness, with rugged mountains, lush forests, magnificent glaciers, and active volcanoes. The landscape can pose a challenge for nurses serving the rural populations who may only be accessible by air, but for those looking for adventure, Alaska offers ample opportunity to find it.
Nursing Education in Alaska
The University of Alaska in Anchorage and Fairbanks offers RN and LPN programs as well as a master’s program. An LPN program is available through Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Anchorage and Seward. Online programs are also offered for students in rural areas. Several scholarships are available for Alaska residents. Many only require state residence and submission of an essay..
Outlook for Nursing in Alaska
Like the rest of the nation, Alaska is facing a shortage of nurses. If you are willing to travel into the rural interior of the state, some employers will offer signing bonuses and other incentives. That is why the mean income is over $47,000 a year with an average hourly salary of $22.65 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010 edition.
Some of the top employers of Registered Nurses in Alaska include Providence Alaska Medical Center, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital & Denali Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, and Central Peninsula General Hospital.
Nursing Degree Programs in Alaska
Transition programs for nurses:
Graduate programs for nurses:
- All Masters in Nursing Programs in AK
- All DNP and PhD in Nursing Programs in AK
- All Nurse Practitioner Programs in AK
Entry level nursing programs:
