Alaska Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing Guide
Pre-requisites
The general prerequisites to obtaining a nursing license in the state of Alaska are as follows:
- You must meet the education or licensing requirements set by the Alaska Board of Nursing.
- You must submit an online application with the required fees.
- You must provide citizenship or lawful presence documentation to the Alaska Board of Nursing.
- You must undergo a state and Federal criminal background check.
Remember, a permanent nursing license won't be issued until the background check results are received.
License by Exam
Getting licensed as a nurse by examination in the state of Alaska requires the following steps:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet Alaska licensure requirements.
- Confirm You Meet Education Requirements: Hold a Diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing for RNs, or Diploma/Certificate for LPNs from a program approved by the state Board of Nursing.
- Prepare Appropriate Documentation: Request official transcripts from your nursing program, upload citizenship/alien status documentation.
- Pay Fees: You must pay the associated application fees, testing fees, and background check fees.
- Submit to Fingerprinting/Background Check: Provide fingerprints for criminal record checks (if required).
- Pass the NCLEX Exam: Register and pass the NCLEX exam to demonstrate nursing competence.
- Respond to Deficiency Notices: Act promptly to avoid application withdrawal; otherwise, a new application and fee will be required.
After completing the above steps, you’ll be on your way to being licensed as a nurse by exam in the state of Alaska. Now you need to check your application status. Monitor updates through the online nurse portal provided by the state board for about 30 business days.
License by Endorsement
Licensure by endorsement is a process that allows nurses who hold an active license in another state to obtain a nursing license in Alaska without having to retake the licensing exam. This can be particularly beneficial for experienced nurses who are looking to relocate or start working in Alaska.
To apply for licensure by endorsement in Alaska:
- You must fill out the appropriate application form and pay the associated fees (includes application, license, and fingerprint processing).
- Confirm your residency status in the United States.
- Submit to a state and federal background check. (fingerprinting may be required)
- Verify your nursing license with the Alaska Board of Nursing (can be done through Nursys®).
- Have your nursing school send over your official transcripts to the Alaska Board of Nursing.
- You must also verify at least 320 hours of nursing employment within the past 5 years. Otherwise, you must fulfill competency requirements or take a Board-approved refresher course.
Follow the above steps, and you'll be on your way to getting a nursing license by endorsement in Alaska. Remember to double-check all the documents you provide for accuracy and start the process early to avoid any delays.
Getting a Multi-state (Compact) License
Alaska is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses cannot practice in Alaska using a multistate (compact) license. Travel nurses must apply for and receive an Alaska-issued nursing license before beginning practice.
Getting a Temporary License
If you need to work while your nursing license is being processed or you are unable to complete the entire licensing process due to a temporary situation, you may be eligible for a temporary nursing license.
To qualify for a temporary nursing license in Alaska, you must:
- Complete an online application via the state board provided portal.
- Pay the required fees.
- Provide documentation of your qualifications. (Passing of NCLEX Exam or providing verification of nursing license.)
- Meet any other requirements set by the Alaska State Board of Nursing.
You will not be able to practice while your application is being processed, but you will be able to work while your license is being evaluated.
Renewing your License
Renewing your nursing license in Alaska is a straightforward process that involves timely action and meeting the necessary competency requirements. Registered Nurses must renew their license by November 30th of even-numbered years, while Licensed Practical Nurses have until September 30th of even-numbered years. All licenses and authorizations expire on these dates, regardless of the issue date, except for new licenses issued within 90 days of expiration, which will be issued to the next biennium.
To renew your license, you will need to:
- Complete an online application through the state board’s online portal.
- Pay the required fees associated with the online application.
- Provide proof of continuing education credits. (For Alaska: 30 contact hours of continuing education from approved sources, 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities, or 320 hours of RN/LPN employment.)
Remember, licenses are only issued once all of the requirements are fulfilled and all paperwork is sent to the Alaska Board of Nursing and processed.
Contact Info
Robert B. Atwood Building
550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3567
(907) 269-8161
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or professional advice. Wanderly strives to keep this information up to date but does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness as nursing licensure requirements, renewal cycles, fees, and continuing education obligations vary by state and are subject to change without notice. Nurses are strongly encouraged to visit their state's official nursing board website or contact the board directly to confirm current requirements prior to submitting any application.
