LPN Programs in Alaska
PLEASE NOTE: Alaska has no official or accredited LPN programs offerings available to students at this time.
Alaskans looking for a reliable career pathway are increasingly turning to licensed practical nursing. With the state pushing for better patient outcomes and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a nearly 11% nationwide increase in LPN employment through 2028, it’s easy to see why nursing has become a hot career choice. LPNs in Alaska earn approximately $32.07 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $66,710. This is roughly $10,850 per year more than the national average.
Details on Alaska LPN Schools & Classes
While Alaska does not currently offer any LPN programs, there are many out-of-state opportunities across the United States. Those enrolled in an LPN program can expect to complete 1-2 years of coursework, which will consist of specialized nursing, science, and elective courses, such as:
- Foundations of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Medical Surgical Nursing
- Maternal and Child Nursing
- Mental Health/Geriatric Nursing
- Anatomy & Physiology
Upon graduating from the program, students must take and pass the NCLEX-PN in order to become licensed.
Accreditation
Students searching for an LPN program outside of Alaska should ensure that the one they’ve chosen is properly accredited. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is the gold standard of accrediting organizations to watch for, but regional accreditations are also available, and you can also check to see if your school’s program is recommended by the state’s board of nursing.
Admission Requirements
While admission requirements may vary from state to state and school to school, most LPN programs require the following:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.0-3.0
- Completion of any prerequisite courses
- TEAS exam scores may be required
Tuition and Costs
The cost of an LPN program is determined by many things, including location and type of school. Students can expect to pay for tuition, mandatory school/program fees, course materials such as textbooks, and more. For prospective students who may have financial difficulty paying for LPN school, student loans and financial aid are regularly available, and most schools will be happy to discuss these options with you.
Learn more about becoming an LPN in Anchorage.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Alaska LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Alaska LPN Licensing Requirements
Alaska requires its nurse-hopefuls to attend a Board-certified nursing program as well as take the NCLEX examination. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit a notarized application to the state, including:
- Official transcript and Verification from state-approved nursing program sent directly from the school Registrar.
- Headshot (passport-style) photograph taken within the last 6 months.
- Fingerprint cards.
- Proof of registration (ATT) for the NCLEX.
Applications for licensure can be found here.
Alaska LPN licenses expire September 30th every even-numbered year.
NCLEX Exam Information
The NCLEX-PN is the official licensure exam that students must pass after completing their LPN program. This examination contains roughly 100 questions in a variety of nursing-related categories. Read more about the NCLEX-PN exam here, and don’t forget to take our practice exam to prep before taking the real test.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
Alaska is not moving forward with the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), so the rules imposed by the NLC regarding multistate licensure are not applicable to those in this state.
Nurses from other states, looking to take advantage of increasing LPN jobs in the region, can apply for their license in the state of Alaska by endorsement. The applicant must submit the appropriate form and include:
- Verification of licensure sent directly from current state.
- Verification that applicant has worked 320 hours within the last 2 years.
- Fingerprint cards.
- Proof of having passed the NCLEX-PN.
- Foreign applicant: English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).
- Foreign applicant: Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation of their official transcripts and completed a full course-by-course review.
For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Alaska check out this form.
Additional AK Nursing Resources
- Alaska Board of Nursing
550 West Seventh Avenue Suite 1500
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone: (907) 269-8161
- Alaska Nurses Association
3701 E Tudor Road, Suite 208
Anchorage, AK 99507
(907) 274-0827
LPN Salary in Alaska
The table below lists career information organized by the BLS for licensed practical nurses in Alaska. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 220 | $31.62 | $65,770 |
| Fairbanks | 60 | $31.12 | $64,730 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)