LPN Programs in Alaska 2026
Alaska currently offers practical nursing education through AVTEC, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University, which operates at three locations. All programs prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam for practical nurses. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so graduates must hold an Alaska-specific license to practice in the state.
Sponsored School(s)
Practical nursing options in Alaska are limited compared to most states, but the programs that exist are substantial. All three board-approved programs lead to the same outcome: eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN and apply for Alaska LPN licensure. For prospective students outside of Anchorage, housing arrangements and clinical partnerships across the state expand access beyond what the program count suggests.
Use the links below to jump to program listings, admission prerequisites, licensure steps, and salary data for Alaska LPNs.
- Approved LPN programs in Alaska
- Prerequisites and admission requirements
- Getting your Alaska LPN license
- Considering out-of-state programs
- LPN salary and job outlook in Alaska
Approved LPN Programs in Alaska
The Alaska Board of Nursing approves practical nursing programs in the state. Three institutions currently offer LPN education in Alaska: AVTEC, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University.
AVTEC (Alaska Vocational Technical Center)
AVTEC operates an 11-month practical nursing program at its Anchorage learning center. The program has two features worth noting for out-of-area students. First, AVTEC provides dormitory and family housing for students who need to relocate, with a separate housing application required. Second, graduates earn credit that articulates into the Associate Degree in Applied Science Nursing program at the University of Alaska, which makes AVTEC a practical starting point for students who plan to advance to RN later.
Admission requires a current CNA certification. That training can be completed at AVTEC or another school and does not require the applicant to be in Alaska first. Prerequisite coursework includes anatomy and physiology, microbiology, human development, nutrition, and composition. Candidates must also score at an acceptable level on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Waitlists are possible. Contact the program director for current enrollment availability.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
UAF’s Community and Technical College offers a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate program. Prerequisites include a health occupations foundational course, placement in college-level writing and math, and formal admission into the LPN program. Applicants must provide an immunization record, current AHA CPR and first aid certification for healthcare providers, and a background check completed through the Alaska State Troopers. Additional requirements may be imposed by clinical rotation facilities. Students must earn a C+ or better in each LPN course to progress through the program.
Alaska Pacific University
APU runs LPN programs at three locations across the state, each in partnership with a major healthcare system: Anchorage in partnership with Alaska Native Medical Center, Fairbanks in partnership with Foundation Health Partners, and Juneau in partnership with Bartlett Regional Hospital. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), requires a minimum of 27 credits, and uses a hybrid format with online coursework and required in-person clinical rotations. APU’s curriculum emphasizes culturally safe care for rural and Alaska Native populations. The Alaska Board of Nursing granted full program approval to APU in 2025 and approved development of an LPN to RN bridge program.
Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
Each program sets its own admissions criteria, but several requirements are common across all three. Applicants will generally need a high school diploma or GED, current CPR and first aid certification for healthcare providers, proof of required immunizations, and a background check. Typical immunization requirements include hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, and tuberculosis screening.
AVTEC adds CNA certification in Alaska and a passing score on the TABE to its requirements. UAF requires demonstrated readiness in college-level writing and math. APU requires specific prerequisite coursework, including a culturally safe health care course completed at APU. These requirements can change, so confirm current criteria directly with each program’s admissions office before applying.
Getting Your Alaska LPN License
Completing a board-approved program qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN but does not automatically issue a license. After graduation, candidates register with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) to receive an Authorization to Test, take the NCLEX-PN, and then submit a license application to the Alaska Board of Nursing.
The application typically requires an official transcript sent directly from the nursing program, a recent passport-style photograph, a completed fingerprint card, and proof of NCLEX registration. Administrative requirements are subject to change. Confirm the current application checklist with the Alaska Board of Nursing before submitting. Alaska LPN licenses expire on September 30 of every even-numbered year.
Alaska is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Legislation to join (HB 131 and SB 124) was introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session and had not passed as of the most recent session. Until Alaska joins, LPNs licensed in other NLC states who relocate to Alaska must obtain a separate Alaska license. Nurses already licensed in another state can review Alaska nursing license requirements and apply for endorsement through the Alaska Board of Nursing.
Considering Out-of-State Programs
With three programs and potential waitlists, some prospective students look outside Alaska for their LPN training. A graduate of a board-approved program in another state can apply for an Alaska license through the endorsement process. Programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are generally considered a strong indicator of program quality.
When comparing programs, first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates are one of the more useful data points available. Most state boards of nursing publish those figures for each approved program. If you plan to return to Alaska after completing an out-of-state program, verify the endorsement requirements with the Alaska Board of Nursing before enrolling to confirm your program will qualify.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Alaska
Alaska LPNs earn some of the highest wages in the country. BLS May 2025 wage data puts the median annual wage at $80,800 and the mean at $80,000. The 75th percentile reaches $87,380, and the 90th percentile is $96,700. These figures reflect both the elevated cost of living in Alaska and the ongoing demand for healthcare workers in rural and remote communities.
Employment projections from Projections Central show 12.5% growth in LPN employment in Alaska between 2022 and 2032, with approximately 30 average annual job openings statewide. Those openings account for both new positions and turnover from retirements and other departures.
| Metric | Alaska LPN |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $80,800 |
| Mean annual wage | $80,000 |
| 75th percentile wage | $87,380 |
| 90th percentile wage | $96,700 |
| Statewide employment | 290 |
| Projected job growth (2022–2032) | 12.5% |
| Avg. annual openings | 30 |
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPN programs does Alaska have?
Alaska currently offers practical nursing education through three institutions: AVTEC in Anchorage, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University. APU operates at three locations, in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, each in partnership with a local healthcare system.
Do I need a CNA to apply to LPN programs in Alaska?
AVTEC requires current CNA certification as an admission prerequisite. The University of Alaska Fairbanks and Alaska Pacific University do not list CNA certification as a requirement, though both have their own prerequisites. Confirm current requirements directly with the program before applying.
Is Alaska a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. Alaska is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Legislation to join (HB 131 and SB 124) was introduced in the 2025-2026 session but had not passed as of the most recent session. Until Alaska joins, an Alaska-issued license is required to practice in the state, and nurses licensed elsewhere must apply through the endorsement process.
Can I complete an Alaska LPN program online?
Fully online LPN programs are not available in Alaska because clinical training must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities. APU offers a hybrid format with some online coursework, but requires on-site clinical rotations at partner hospitals. AVTEC and UAF are primarily in-person programs.
How much do LPNs earn in Alaska?
According to BLS May 2025 wage data, Alaska LPNs earn a median annual wage of $80,800 and a mean annual wage of $80,000. Alaska consistently ranks among the top-paying states for LPNs nationally.
Key Takeaways
- Three active LPN programs — AVTEC, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Alaska Pacific University currently offer practical nursing education in Alaska.
- AVTEC requires CNA certification — Admission to AVTEC’s LPN program requires a current CNA credential, which can be earned before relocating to Anchorage.
- Alaska is not an NLC member — Graduates need an Alaska-specific license to practice in the state. Legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact was pending as of the 2025-2026 session.
- High earning potential — BLS May 2025 data shows a median annual wage of $80,800 for Alaska LPNs, placing the state among the top payers nationally.
- Out-of-state graduates can endorse in — Graduates of board-approved programs in other states can apply for Alaska licensure through the endorsement process.
Select your state to compare LPN program options, licensing requirements, and application links for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.