Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alaska

Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alaska
Jake Flannigan, NP

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.

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2026 Top Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alaska

When it comes to advancing your nursing career in the Last Frontier, finding the right Nurse Practitioner program is crucial. TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the best Nurse Practitioner programs across Alaska, taking into account factors like academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis helps aspiring nurse practitioners navigate the educational landscape and find programs that will prepare them for successful healthcare careers in Alaska's unique medical environments. Whether you're looking to specialize in family practice, pediatrics, or acute care, our rankings provide valuable insights into the top educational pathways for nursing professionals in the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK - Public 4-Year - uaa.alaska.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science

Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with the University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track. This comprehensive program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered primary care across diverse populations. Graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations, positioning themselves for leadership roles in healthcare. The hybrid program offers flexibility with online core courses and synchronous clinical experiences, allowing working professionals to advance their education. Designed for registered nurses with a BSN, the program requires a minimum GPA of 3.00 and one year of clinical experience.

  • Part-time, six-semester program
  • Hybrid online/campus format
  • 33 total credit hours
  • Minimum 3.00 GPA required
  • One year RN clinical experience
  • National certification preparation
  • Clinical hours in Alaska
  • Advanced pathophysiology focus
  • Primary care specialization
  • Clinical courses include hands-on training

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Master of Science in Nursing Science offers a specialized Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for advanced nursing professionals. This rigorous hybrid program prepares students to provide comprehensive mental health care across the lifespan. Requiring a 3.0 GPA and an active RN license, the program combines online coursework with strategic clinical experiences throughout Alaska. Graduates are eligible to take national certification exams, positioning them for advanced practice roles in psychiatric and mental health nursing settings.

  • Hybrid program delivery
  • ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Clinical experiences in Alaska
  • National certification eligible
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • One year nursing experience needed
  • 33 total credit hours
  • Online and face-to-face options
  • Advanced practice focus

Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner offers experienced nurses an opportunity to expand their clinical expertise. Designed for nurses with existing graduate nursing degrees, this specialized program enables practitioners to enhance their scope of practice and provide comprehensive family healthcare. Tailored for advanced practice nurses, the certificate requires 15-33 credits and prepares students to take national certification exams. Flexible hybrid learning with both online and limited campus visits allows working professionals to advance their career. Clinical experiences are conducted in Alaska, with coursework strategically scheduled to accommodate professional schedules.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • 15-33 credit program
  • For advanced practice nurses
  • Alaska clinical placements
  • National certification preparation
  • Existing graduate nursing degree required
  • Minimum B grade requirement
  • Clinical hours in students' communities

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Alaska Anchorage's Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers advanced nurses an opportunity to expand their clinical expertise. Designed for licensed advanced practice nurses, this specialized program provides comprehensive training in mental health care. Nurses can enhance their professional skills through a rigorous curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experiences. The program prepares graduates to take national certification exams, enabling them to provide specialized psychiatric and mental health services across diverse populations. Tailored for working healthcare professionals, the hybrid format allows flexible learning with minimal campus visits.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • 23 total credit program
  • Requires existing graduate nursing degree
  • Clinical experiences in Alaska
  • Prepares for national certification
  • For advanced practice nurses
  • ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Specialization in mental health care
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*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

Program Curriculum & Length

Length

Curriculum

Advanced Health Assessment
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Pharmacology
FNP Roles & Issues
Clinical Readiness & Practicum Courses

Clinical Rotations

Are Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Available in Alaska

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.

2026 Fastest NP Program Options in Alaska

Navigating the landscape of nursing practitioner education in Alaska requires understanding program efficiency and speed. With healthcare demands growing across Anchorage, Fairbanks, and other key regions, students seek the quickest pathways to enter professional practice. Advanced nursing programs now offer streamlined routes that help professionals transition faster into critical healthcare roles. These condensed educational tracks not only accelerate career progression but also address urgent workforce needs in remote and urban Alaskan communities. By focusing on efficient curriculum design, these programs reduce time investment while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Prospective students can explore various options that balance speed, quality, and comprehensive training to launch their nursing practitioner careers swiftly.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Hybrid program delivery
  • ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Clinical experiences in Alaska
  • National certification eligible
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • One year nursing experience needed
  • 33 total credit hours
  • Online and face-to-face options
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
*Source: IPEDS 2023 postsecondary education data, NCES.

Admission Requirements

BSN Degree, Competitive GPA
From accredited institution, generally around 3.0
Active RN License
Unencumbered and current
Application Materials
Official transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation
Insurance and Health Requirements
Liability coverage, proof of immunizations
Background Check, Drug Screening
Criminal history and substance testing required
Clinical Experience
Minimum RN experience before placement

Certification and Licensing

Certifying BoardAlaska Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice Section
CertificationNational APRN certification (e.g., AANP or ANCC) in the NP specialty, with direct verification to the board
License Renewal PeriodAPRN licenses expire November 30 of even-numbered years (biennial renewal)
Continuing EducationEvery 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 HoursSubmit official graduate transcripts documenting the clinical practicum hours mandated by the accredited NP program
Application Processing TimeInitial review within 4–6 weeks, if additional documentation is requested, allow an additional 4–6 weeks
License by EndorsementOut-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

Salary and Job Outlook

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 OutlookAlaskaUSA
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

2026 Affordable NP Program Options in Alaska

Nursing professionals seeking advanced education in Alaska have multiple affordable pathways to expand their careers. With options spanning from Anchorage to Fairbanks, nurses can find cost-effective graduate programs that meet diverse professional goals. These programs offer critical opportunities for healthcare practitioners to enhance their skills without overwhelming financial burden. Selecting the right educational route involves careful consideration of tuition ranges, program highlights, and specific degree objectives. Whether pursuing a Master's, Doctorate, or Graduate Certificate, nurses can find accessible educational tracks that support career advancement while maintaining financial practicality. The following table highlights several Alaska-based nursing education opportunities that balance quality instruction with reasonable pricing strategies.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Hybrid program delivery
  • ACEN accredited nursing program
  • Clinical experiences in Alaska
  • National certification eligible
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • One year nursing experience needed
  • 33 total credit hours
  • Online and face-to-face options
  • $8,500 - $12,700 (Graduate In-State)
  • $16,900 - $25,400 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Advancement Pathways

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.

List of Nurse Practitioner Programs in Alaska

Alaska offers unique educational opportunities across its diverse landscapes, from urban centers like Anchorage to remote rural communities. Students can explore specialized programs in fields ranging from marine biology and environmental science to indigenous studies and arctic engineering. These programs leverage Alaska's rich natural environment and cultural heritage, providing distinctive learning experiences that connect academic study with real-world contexts.
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Anchorage, AK

University of Alaska Anchorage

  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time, six-semester program
    • Hybrid online/campus format
    • 33 total credit hours
    • Minimum 3.00 GPA required
    • One year RN clinical experience
    • National certification preparation
    • Clinical hours in Alaska
    • Advanced pathophysiology focus
  • Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Science

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program delivery
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • Clinical experiences in Alaska
    • National certification eligible
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • One year nursing experience needed
    • 33 total credit hours
    • Online and face-to-face options
  • Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 15-33 credit program
    • For advanced practice nurses
    • Alaska clinical placements
    • National certification preparation
    • Existing graduate nursing degree required
    • Minimum B grade requirement
    • Clinical hours in students' communities
  • Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 23 total credit program
    • Requires existing graduate nursing degree
    • Clinical experiences in Alaska
    • Prepares for national certification
    • For advanced practice nurses
    • ACEN accredited nursing program
    • Specialization in mental health care
*Information from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 dataset.