Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Nurse practitioner programs in Alaska prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical practice, emphasizing primary and mental health care across urban and rural settings. The University of Alaska Anchorage offers CCNE‑accredited MS in Nursing Science tracks with FNP and PMHNP specialties, blending rigorous coursework with extensive hands‑on training. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and Alaska licensure, which includes prescriptive authority. These programs equip NPs to serve diverse populations throughout the state.
Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science Family Nurse Practitioner track is a dynamic hybrid program targeting registered nurses seeking advanced primary care expertise. Spanning six semesters with 33 total credit hours, the program combines online core coursework with immersive clinical experiences throughout Alaska. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and possess one year of clinical experience. The curriculum emphasizes advanced pathophysiology and comprehensive patient-centered care, preparing graduates for national certification examinations and leadership roles in healthcare delivery across diverse populations.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a comprehensive hybrid program for advanced nursing professionals. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and active RN license, this 33-credit curriculum delivers extensive mental health care training across patient lifespans. Strategic clinical experiences throughout Alaska complement online coursework, preparing graduates for national certification and advanced practice roles. The program offers flexible learning options, emphasizing professional development in psychiatric and mental health nursing settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alaska Anchorage's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate provides experienced nurses with a targeted pathway to expand clinical capabilities. Specifically designed for nurses holding existing graduate nursing degrees, this 15-33 credit hybrid program facilitates advanced practice specialization. Featuring flexible learning formats and clinical placements within Alaska, the certificate prepares participants for national certification exams. The program strategically accommodates working professionals, enabling seamless integration of advanced educational pursuits with current healthcare responsibilities.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
UAA's Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers advanced practice nurses a specialized pathway to enhance mental health care expertise. This comprehensive 23-credit hybrid program combines rigorous theoretical training with hands-on clinical experiences across Alaska. Designed exclusively for licensed advanced practice nurses, the curriculum prepares graduates for national certification exams and provides in-depth training in psychiatric service delivery. ACEN-accredited and strategically structured, the program enables healthcare professionals to expand their scope of practice in mental health specialization.
Alaska NP programs often employ a hybrid model that delivers core lectures and discussions online, supplemented by on‑campus intensives for simulation labs and hands‑on skills workshops. Asynchronous modules and live webinars allow flexibility for working nurses, while required clinical rotations are arranged locally under qualified preceptors. This format enables students statewide to pursue NP training without relocating.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage |
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| Certifying Board | Alaska Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section |
|---|---|
| Certification | National APRN certification (e.g., AANP or ANCC) in the NP specialty, with direct verification to the board |
| License Renewal Period | APRN licenses expire November 30 of even-numbered years (biennial renewal) |
| Continuing Education | Every two years complete two of the following, 30 CE contact hours, 320 hours of nursing employment, or 30 hours of professional activities, with 15 pharmacology CE hours required for prescriptive authority |
| License Application Fee | $100 application fee, $100 APRN license fee, plus $100 for legend-drug authority or $200 for controlled-substance authority |
| Clinical Hours | Submit official graduate transcripts documenting the clinical practicum hours mandated by the accredited NP program |
| Application Processing Time | Initial review within 4–6 weeks, if additional documentation is requested, allow an additional 4–6 weeks |
| License by Endorsement | Out-of-state APRNs must hold (or concurrently apply for) an Alaska RN license and submit direct verification of their existing APRN license to apply by endorsement |
Nurse practitioners in Alaska earn an average annual salary of about $126,000, with entry‑level wages near $70,000 and experienced practitioners earning up to $180,000 depending on specialty and location. Urban centers like Anchorage and Fairbanks tend to offer higher pay and additional benefits such as housing stipends or retention bonuses. Advanced certifications and leadership roles can further boost compensation.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Alaska | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual NP Salary | $126,435 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $61.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$141,503 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $126,435 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$110,846 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~360 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage |
|
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After initial NP certification, many professionals pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for leadership or faculty positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs allow NPs to add specialty credentials, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or academia may enroll in PhD programs, while others move into healthcare administration, informatics, or policy-making roles.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Alaska
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Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
