A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Alaska
Navigating Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Alaska
Alaskans enjoy a high quality of life, thanks to their stunning surroundings, abundant job prospects, and the unique benefit of financial incentives to reside there. This article will discuss:
- Obtaining an Alaska nursing license through examination - Acquiring a license via endorsement - Renewing your Alaska nursing license - Licensing costs - Continuing education prerequisites - Contacting the Alaska Board of Nursing
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What's your present role? - Staff Nurse - Manager - Other
Securing Your Alaska Nursing License by Exam
Step 1: Education For those living in Alaska or contemplating a nursing degree there, the Board of Nursing offers a list of accredited local programs. Whether you attend an in-state institution or study elsewhere, an associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing is essential for advancing in a rewarding RN career.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated BSN for graduates with a bachelor's degree seeking RN qualifications
Step 2: Application Alaska's Board of Nursing allows for online and paper application submissions for licensure by exam. Simultaneously, register with Pearson VUE to schedule the NCLEX exam and pay the $200 fee, either online or over the phone.
For paper applications, ensure the Board has: - Completed, notarized application and fees - Authorization for Release of Records - Fingerprint and background checks - Nursing Program Verification form from your nursing school - Official academic transcript
Fees, totaling $375 ($100 application, $200 license, and $75 fingerprint processing), can be paid via credit or check to the State of Alaska. Online applicants must meet the same criteria through the state's portal, with some documents mailed separately to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
Step 3: Transcript Submission Nursing Program Verification and an official transcript must be sent directly from your educational institution to the Board, including graduation date and degree type.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC) Your RN application must include a completed fingerprint card from the State of Alaska or FBI Form FD-258. Get fingerprinted at a law enforcement or authorized agency, using your ID.
Step 5: NCLEX Exam After 48 hours of application completion and approval, the Board will notify Pearson VUE that you're eligible for the test, and you'll receive an email to schedule the exam. Passing the NCLEX is the final step to becoming an RN, covering topics like: - Safe and Effective Care Environment - Care Management - Safety and Infection Control - Health Promotion and Maintenance - Psychosocial and Physiological Integrity - Basic Care and Comfort - Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies - Physiological Adaptation
Passing the NCLEX grants a permanent license. Failing candidates can re-register with Pearson VUE for $200 to retake the test after 45 days. Up to eight attempts are allowed annually, but passing must occur within three years post-graduation.
Find job opportunities nearby + get solutions to your nursing career queries
Begin Now
What's your present role? - Staff Nurse - Manager - Other
Licensing by Endorsement (for existing RNs) Already a licensed RN elsewhere? Apply for Alaska licensure by endorsement online or via paper. For paper applications, submit: - Notarized application and fees - Authorization for Release of Records - Fingerprint and background checks - License and Employment Verification
Fees, totaling $375 ($100 application, $200 license, and $75 fingerprint processing), can be paid via credit or check to the State of Alaska. Online applicants must meet the same criteria through the state's portal, with some documents mailed separately to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
License Verification: If your original license is from a NURSYS-participating state, request verification via NURSYS. Non-participating state nurses must acquire a certified true copy of their license.
A notary public certifies true copies by comparing originals to photocopies, signing, and notarizing them.
Criminal Background Check: Your endorsement application needs an Alaska fingerprint card or FBI Form FD-258. Get fingerprinted at a law enforcement or authorized agency, using your ID. Completed cards go to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
Upon receiving a complete application, fees, Release Records Authorization, Fingerprints, and License Verification, a non-renewable six-month temporary permit is issued.
Renewing Your Alaska Nursing License
Step 1: Renewal Application Timing Alaska RN licenses last two years, expiring on November 30 of even-numbered years unless issued within 90 days of expiration, extending to the next biennial date. The two-year renewal fee is $200, with a prorated $100 for post-December 1st odd-year issuances. Renewal notices are mailed 60 days prior to expiration to the last recorded address.
Step 2: Continuing Competency Fulfillment Alaska offers options for maintaining competency. Nurses choose two of these activities: - 320 paid nursing hours + 30 contact education hours and 30 professional nursing activity hours (Dec 1, 2020 - Nov 30, 2022) - Completion of a Board-approved refresher course - Earning a nursing degree/certificate or completing six credits toward the degree
Nurses passing the NCLEX in the previous period or licensed post-Dec 1 of the odd year are exempt from competency requirements.
Step 3: Renewal Application Submission Alaska nurses renew on paper by the expiration date without a grace period. Renewals go to:
Alaska Board of Nursing
Alaska Nursing Licensing Fees Below are the fees for new or relocating Alaska nurses. For details, visit the licensing page.
Exam-based Licensing (new nurses): - NCLEX: $200 - Application: $100 - License: $200 - Fingerprint: $75
Endorsement Licensing (existing RNs): - Application: $100 - License: $200 - Fingerprint: $75 - Temporary Permit: $0 - License Verification: $30 - APRN Fees: $500 (total)
Fees may change.
Continuing Education Requirements RN/LPN/APRN need two of these every two years: - 30 contact hours; 320 employment hours; 30 professional/volunteer hours
APRNs with prescriptive rights need 12 pharmacology and 12 clinical management hours, counting toward the 30 contact hours. To renew a federal DEA registration, two hours on pain management and opioid issues are required.
