Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 19, 2025
The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs enable registered nurses to improve their educational standing and develop nursing expertise. These programs function as a crucial solution for the healthcare requirements that are expanding in Alaska. BSN-trained nurses play a crucial role in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals throughout Alaska because they improve patient care and healthcare delivery. The education of BSN-trained nurses enables them to perform leadership positions together with advanced clinical work and administrative functions.
Alaska students who work as nurses can enroll in many RN to BSN programs that are delivered online to suit their schedules. The online format enables students to study most of their curriculum at home which enables nurses in remote Alaska to pursue their education while remaining in their current locations. Most online programs deliver their content through distance learning yet require students to participate in occasional clinical rotations or campus visits for hands-on training. Students participate in clinical training at local sites that allow them to gain practical experience without needing to travel far. Students have the option to enroll in hybrid programs which combine distance learning with limited on-campus classes.
| Certifying Board | Alaska Board of Nursing (ABN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate from an ABN‑approved BSN program, submit official transcript and fingerprint‑based background check, and pass the NCLEX‑RN |
| License Renewal Period | Licenses expire November 30 of even‑numbered years (biennial) with no grace period |
| Continuing Education | Complete two of the following each renewal cycle, 30 contact hours of CE, 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities, or 320 hours of nursing employment |
| License Application Fee | $100 application fee, $200 license fee, and $75 fingerprint processing fee |
| Clinical Hours | Verification of all required didactic and clinical practicum hours via direct transcripts from the BSN program |
| Application Processing Time | Initial review within 4–6 weeks, plus an additional 4–6 weeks if supplemental documentation is requested |
| ] License by Endorsement | $100 application, $200 license, and $75 fingerprint fees, submit verification of active out‑of‑state RN license, approved transcripts, and proof of continuing competency (30 CE hours/professional activities or 320 employment hours) |
RN to BSN graduates in Alaska have excellent employment prospects because the state needs more nurses to meet its healthcare demands. The average annual salary for registered nurses in Alaska reaches $97,000 to $110,000 making it one of the highest in the United States. BSN-prepared nurses earn higher salaries than associate-degree nurses regardless of their work location and healthcare setting experience. BSN-prepared nurses become qualified for senior leadership positions and education roles as well as specialized clinical work which leads to higher salary levels. The nursing profession in Alaska will experience an 11% growth rate in employment during the upcoming ten years which exceeds the country’s average employment growth rate. The healthcare industry’s expansion combined with worker shortages and demographic changes among Alaska’s population drives this positive job market outlook. BSN graduates can rely on job security because qualified nurses remain in high demand.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Alaska | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $94,200 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $45.30 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$115,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $94,200 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$68,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~120 | ~54,000 |
Nurses in Alaska who earn their BSN can access multiple paths for career advancement. A BSN qualification enables nurses to move into leadership positions such as charge nurse, nurse manager, and director of nursing roles. The BSN qualification makes nurses eligible for specialized work in public health, education, and case management fields. These roles often come with higher salaries and greater responsibility. A BSN stands as a fundamental requirement for nurses who want to pursue their path toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Anesthetist. The advanced positions along with specialized certifications become available to nurses who hold these positions. The BSN education provides nurses with the foundation to move into leadership roles and advanced practice positions while enabling them to obtain graduate degrees in nursing or healthcare administration. Nurses who achieve higher educational levels can assume consulting and policy-making positions which allows them to influence healthcare delivery in Alaska and across the nation.
Additional Nursing Programs in Alaska
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