Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 23, 2025
The state of Alaska uses CNA programs to teach students the skills needed to become Certified Nursing Assistants who form an essential part of healthcare providers in Alaska. CNAs deliver patient care services while assisting licensed nurses by assisting patients with bathing, eating, moving around, and tracking patient condition variations. The role is crucial for Alaska because the state faces widespread nursing shortages particularly in rural healthcare facilities and long-term care centers.
The availability of online CNA programs in Alaska remains restricted because of clinical requirements set by the state. Schools throughout the state provide combination programs that enable students to study theory courses online while they complete their lab work and clinical training at healthcare facilities. The flexible learning options benefit students who live in remote areas and those who maintain full-time employment. Additional availability of evening and weekend classes in various locations enables working adults to access CNA training.
| Eligibility Prerequisites | Submit the initial application with proof of completion of a Board-approved CNA, LPN or RN training program, undergo a criminal-history background check, and meet all immunization and health requirements |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Alaska State Board of Nursing’s Nurse Aide Registry under the Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing |
| Training Program Requirements | Complete a Board-approved course totaling at least 140–145 hours, including a minimum of 60 classroom hours and 80 clinical/skills hours |
| Exam and Application Fees | Pay $30 for the written/oral exam and $30 for the skills evaluation, endorsement applicants pay a $330 processing fee |
| Certification Exam | Pass a 70-question written or oral test and a hands-on skills evaluation of five randomly selected tasks |
| Registry Activation Time | Exam results are entered into the official registry within seven days of testing |
| Renewal Requirements | Renew biennially by March 31 of even-numbered years via the MyAlaska portal, meeting employment or any continuing-education criteria |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs with active, unencumbered certification transfer via endorsement application and verification, with payment of the endorsement fee. |
The salary levels for Certified Nursing Assistants in Alaska exceed national averages because of both the state’s high cost of living and its healthcare worker recruitment needs. The starting hourly wage for CNAs reaches between eighteen to twenty dollars but experienced CNAs earn much higher wages. The workforce needs of hospitals along with long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies create numerous employment opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants. The most job opportunities exist in Anchorage and Fairbanks while rural areas have limited positions but might provide additional employment benefits.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Alaska | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $37,640 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $18.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$42,817 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $37,640 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$31,641 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,210 | ~54,000 |
The path to becoming a CNA in Alaska creates opportunities for future growth in healthcare careers. Many nursing assistants begin their careers as CNAs before using their experience to become Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses. Educational institutions that provide healthcare programs establish bridge courses which grant CNA students credits toward RN or LPN nursing education. Some employers provide educational assistance programs along with flexible work arrangements which help employees complete their studies. Employees who start as CNAs can develop their caregiving abilities while obtaining better compensation and expanded duties through career advancement. The field of healthcare provides additional career paths to CNAs who choose to transition into medical assisting, phlebotomy, or healthcare administration. The Alaska healthcare system encourages internal career advancement and CNA experience creates strong appeal to admissions committees for future program applicants. CNA certification provides immediate job opportunities along with future professional growth potential for driven individuals.
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