Alaska LPN to RN Guide
Requirements, Programs, Salary & Career Pathways
📋 Quick Summary: Alaska LPN to RN Path
- Bridge Program Duration: 12 months to 2 years
- Average Cost: $10,000 - $28,000
- LPN Salary: $74,580/year
- RN Salary: $97,000/year (Potential increase: $22,420/year)
- Board of Nursing: Alaska Board of Nursing
1. Why Advance from LPN to RN in Alaska?
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Alaska who advance to Registered Nurse (RN) credentials can expect significant career benefits:
- Higher Salary: RNs in Alaska earn an average of $97,000/year compared to $74,580/year for LPNs (a $22,420 increase)
- Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret test results, and create patient care plans
- Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to management, specialization, and advanced practice roles
- Job Security: 5% projected job growth for RNs in Alaska through 2034
- Remote Healthcare Opportunities: Alaska's unique geography creates high demand for skilled RNs in rural and remote communities
2. Alaska LPN to RN Bridge Program Requirements
2.1 Prerequisites
To enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program in Alaska, you typically need:
- Active, unencumbered LPN license in Alaska
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA: 2.5-3.0 (varies by program)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Psychology, English Composition
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
- Minimum 1 year of LPN work experience (recommended by some programs)
2.2 Program Options
| Program Type | Duration | Format | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN to ADN (Associate Degree) | 12-18 months | Campus, Hybrid | $10,000 - $22,000 |
| LPN to BSN (Bachelor's Degree) | 2-3 years | Hybrid, Online | $18,000 - $40,000 |
| Accelerated LPN to RN | 12-15 months | Intensive, Full-time | $15,000 - $28,000 |
3. Top Accredited LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Alaska
3.1 Recommended Programs
- Alaska Pacific University - LPN to RN Bridge Program – Anchorage, Alaska
Duration: 12-18 months | Format: Hybrid | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.alaskapacific.edu/academics/nursing - University of Alaska Fairbanks - Community and Technical College – Fairbanks, Alaska
Duration: 18 months | Format: Campus | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.ctc.uaf.edu/programs/nursing - Charter College - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing – Anchorage, Alaska
Duration: 19 months | Format: Hybrid | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.chartercollege.edu/nursing
4. Alaska LPN vs RN Salary Comparison
| Experience Level | LPN Salary | RN Salary | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $66,000/year | $85,000/year | +$19,000 |
| Mid-Career (3-5 years) | $74,580/year | $97,000/year | +$22,420 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $80,000/year | $105,000/year | +$25,000 |
💰 Return on Investment: With an average salary increase of $22,420/year, most LPN-to-RN bridge programs pay for themselves within 1 year. Alaska's high cost of living is offset by significantly higher nursing salaries.
5. How to Apply to LPN to RN Programs in Alaska
5.1 Application Timeline
| Step | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Programs | 6-9 months before | Compare programs, costs, formats, accreditation |
| 2. Complete Prerequisites | 6-12 months before | Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology courses |
| 3. Submit Application | 4-6 months before start date | Transcripts, LPN license, references, work history |
| 4. Entrance Exam | 2-3 months before | TEAS or program-specific entrance exam |
| 5. Acceptance & Enrollment | 1-2 months before | Secure funding, register for classes |
6. Financial Aid for LPN to RN Students in Alaska
Funding options for Alaska LPN-to-RN students include:
- Federal Financial Aid: Complete FAFSA for Pell Grants, Direct Loans
- Alaska Nursing Education Loan Program: State-sponsored loan forgiveness for nurses who work in underserved areas
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: Scholarships for Alaska Native students pursuing nursing degrees
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many Alaska hospitals offer $3,000-$6,000/year
- Health Professions Scholarship: For students committed to working in rural Alaska
- Private Scholarships: Alaska Nurses Association, AACN, National League for Nursing
7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Alaska
After completing your LPN-to-RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed in Alaska.
7.1 Alaska NCLEX-RN Requirements
- Application Fee: $150 (Alaska Board of Nursing) + $200 (Pearson VUE exam fee)
- Pass Rate: 85% first-time pass rate in Alaska
- Exam Format: 75-145 questions, adaptive testing
- Scheduling: Test within 90 days of authorization
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks for initial application review
8. Alaska Board of Nursing Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing |
| Phone | 907-269-8161 |
| BoardofNursing@alaska.gov | |
| Mailing Address | Alaska Board of Nursing P.O. Box 110806 Juneau, AK 99811-0806 |
| Physical Address | Robert B. Atwood Building 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501-3567 |