The Alaska Board of Nursing is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in Alaska. The Board administers nursing licensure, approves nursing education programs, oversees license renewals, and enforces the state’s nursing laws and professional standards.

Alaska operates under Alaska Statutes (AS) 08.68 and 12 AAC 44. Unlike many U.S. states, Alaska is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a result, nurses licensed in other states must obtain an Alaska nursing license before practicing in Alaska or providing nursing care to Alaska residents through telehealth.

Key Takeaways

22,324 active RN licenses: Alaska has approximately 22,324 active Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, representing about 0.38% of the total U.S. RN workforce.

No Nurse Licensure Compact participation: Alaska is not an NLC state. All nurses whose primary license is issued elsewhere must obtain an Alaska nursing license before practicing or providing telehealth services to patients located in Alaska.

Two-year renewal cycle: Alaska nursing licenses are renewed biennially, with all licenses expiring on November 30 of every even-numbered year.

Continuing competency requirements: License renewal requires completion of two of the following three options during each renewal cycle:

  – 30 continuing education (CE) contact hours

  – 30 hours of qualifying professional service or volunteer nursing activities

  – 320 hours of nursing practice or employment

Licensure by endorsement: Nurses licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction may apply by endorsement. Once a complete application has been received, processing commonly takes four to six weeks. Eligible applicants may also qualify for a temporary permit, which is generally valid for up to six months while the application is under review.

Planning to Practice Nursing in Alaska?

If you’re relocating to Alaska or accepting a nursing position in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, or anywhere else in the state, you’ll need to obtain an Alaska nursing license, as Alaska does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses applying by endorsement should allow approximately four to six weeks for processing after submitting a complete application.

To help avoid delays, ensure that your fingerprint card and all required supporting documents are completed accurately before submission. Once your license is issued, remember that Alaska nursing licenses expire on November 30 of every even-numbered year. Setting a renewal reminder well in advance can help you maintain an active license and avoid unnecessary interruptions to your nursing practice.

Alaska Board of Nursing at a Glance

The Alaska Board of Nursing is the state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the nursing profession and protecting public health. Established under Alaska’s Nurse Practice Act, the Board licenses qualified nursing professionals, adopts and enforces nursing regulations, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action when necessary to ensure safe and ethical nursing practice.

The Board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor of Alaska and holds regular public meetings throughout the year. It also publishes disciplinary actions, advisory opinions, and regulatory updates to promote transparency and keep licensees informed of changes affecting nursing practice.

The Alaska Board of Nursing issues and regulates the following nursing credentials:

– Registered Nurse (RN)

– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

– Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

– Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)

In addition to licensing nurses, the Board approves nursing education programs, monitors compliance with state nursing laws, and investigates complaints involving licensed nursing professionals across Alaska.

Alaska Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Alaska Board of Nursing operates under the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Applicants and licensees can contact the Board by phone, email, mail, or through the official online licensing services for assistance with applications, renewals, license verification, and other nursing-related matters.

Contact| Details

• Physical Office| Robert B. Atwood Building, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
• Mailing Address|O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
• Main Phone| (907) 269-8161
• Licensing Office| (907) 269-8160
• Fax| (907) 269-8196
• Email| [email protected]
• License Verification| Alaska Professional License Search
• Official Website| Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Governing Laws| Alaska Statutes (AS) 08.68 and 12 AAC 44

The Board’s administrative office is located in Anchorage, while official correspondence and many licensing documents are processed through its Juneau mailing address. Before submitting forms or supporting documents, verify which address is required for your specific application to help avoid processing delays. Official contact information and licensing resources are available through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

Scam Alert

The Alaska Board of Nursing has warned licensees about phishing and impersonation scams involving individuals who falsely claim to be Board investigators or licensing officials. These scammers may request personal information, licensing documents, or immediate payment by phone, email, or text message.

If you receive a suspicious communication, do not click any links, share personal information, or send payment until you have confirmed that the request is legitimate. Instead, contact the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing directly using its official fraud verification line at (907) 269-8124 or another verified Board contact. Taking a few minutes to verify a request can help protect your personal information and professional license from fraud.

Alaska Nursing Workforce

Alaska has approximately 22,324 active Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, representing about 0.38% of the nation’s active RN workforce. Although the state has one of the smallest nursing workforces by total number of licensed nurses, demand for qualified healthcare professionals remains strong because of Alaska’s vast geography and dispersed population.

Most nursing positions are concentrated in urban centers such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. However, a significant portion of Alaska’s nursing workforce serves rural communities, tribal health organizations, Alaska Native healthcare systems, community clinics, schools, and remote medical facilities, many of which can only be reached by air or water.

Healthcare employers across the state continue to recruit nurses in high-demand specialties, including critical care, emergency nursing, obstetrics, behavioral health, and rural healthcare. Travel nurses and nurses relocating to Alaska are often needed to help address workforce shortages, particularly in remote regions.

Alaska Nursing Workforce at a Glance

With approximately 22,324 active RN licenses, Alaska has one of the smallest registered nursing workforces in the United States by total license count. However, the state’s unique geography and widespread healthcare needs create consistent demand for licensed nurses across both urban hospitals and remote communities, making Alaska an important destination for nurses seeking diverse clinical and rural practice opportunities.

Initial Licensure in Alaska: RN and LPN by Examination

Graduates of approved nursing education programs may apply for an Alaska RN or LPN license by examination. To qualify, applicants must complete an approved nursing program, submit the required application to the Alaska Board of Nursing, pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN, and satisfy the state’s criminal background check requirements.

To obtain your first Alaska nursing license, you will generally need to:

1. Graduate from a Board-approved nursing education program.
2. Submit a completed and notarized application to the Alaska Board of Nursing.
3. Provide a recent passport-style photograph.
4. Complete state and FBI fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
5. Arrange for your nursing program to verify your graduation or send official transcripts to the Board.
6. Register with Pearson VUE and successfully pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.

Applicants should follow the Board’s submission instructions carefully, as initial application documents may require original signatures and supporting documentation.

Temporary Nursing Permit

Eligible applicants may request a temporary nursing permit while waiting to complete the licensing process. The temporary permit requires an additional fee and is generally valid for up to 6 months.

– It Allows qualified applicants to begin practicing before final licensure.

– Cannot be renewed once it expires.

– Automatically becomes invalid if the applicant does not pass the NCLEX examination.

Processing Time

Once the Alaska Board of Nursing receives a complete application, processing generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. Applications that are missing documents, contain incomplete information, or require replacement fingerprint cards may take additional time to process.

Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state may apply for licensure by endorsement. Because Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, every nurse relocating to Alaska or providing nursing services to Alaska residents must obtain an Alaska nursing license before practicing. Applicants typically must:

– Submit a completed and notarized endorsement application.

– Pay the required licensing fees.

– Complete Alaska’s state and FBI criminal background check.

– Provide verification of their current nursing license.

– Meet Alaska’s recent practice requirements.

If the original licensing state participates in Nursys, license verification can usually be completed electronically. Applicants licensed in non-Nursys states may be required to provide certified documentation directly from their licensing board.

Recent Practice Requirement

Applicants seeking licensure by endorsement must demonstrate at least 320 hours of licensed nursing practice within the previous five years.

Nurses who cannot meet this requirement—such as those returning to practice after an extended career break—may be required to complete a Board-approved refresher or re-entry program before an Alaska nursing license can be issued.

Meeting all documentation requirements before submitting your application can help reduce processing delays and speed up the endorsement process.

Alaska Board of Nursing Fees, Renewal, and Continuing Competency

The Alaska Board of Nursing maintains a biennial renewal system for all nursing licenses. Unlike many states that renew licenses based on a birth month or anniversary date, all Alaska RN and LPN licenses expire on November 30 of every even-numbered year. To continue practicing without interruption, nurses must complete the renewal process before the expiration date. Renewing on time helps avoid additional fees, reinstatement requirements, and any lapse in licensure. If a license expires, the reinstatement process is typically more time-consuming and costly than a standard renewal.

Alaska Nursing License Fees (2026)

Service| Approximate Fee| Notes

• RN/LPN Application by Examination| $284| NCLEX registration fee is paid separately to Pearson VUE
• Temporary Permit| $50| Valid for up to six months; non-renewable
• RN/LPN Application by Endorsement| $334| Includes application processing and license verification requirements
• Biennial License Renewal| $200| Completed online through the Alaska licensing portal
• License Reinstatement| Varies| Additional fees may apply depending on the license status

Note: Licensing fees are subject to change.

Always verify the current fee schedule with the Alaska Board of Nursing before submitting your application.

Continuing Competency Requirements

To renew an Alaska nursing license, applicants must complete two of the following three continuing competency options during each two-year renewal cycle:

– Complete 30 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CE).

– Complete 30 hours of qualifying professional or volunteer nursing activities.

– Document at least 320 hours of licensed nursing practice or employment.

Meeting these requirements before the renewal deadline helps maintain an active license and ensures continued eligibility to practice nursing in Alaska.

Why Alaska’s Non-Compact Status Is Important for Nurses

Alaska is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As a result, nurses must obtain a separate Alaska nursing license to practice in the state, even if they already hold a multistate license from a compact state. This affects nurses in several ways:

Telehealth Practice: Any nursing care provided to a patient who is physically located in Alaska, including telehealth or telephone services—requires an active Alaska nursing license unless a temporary emergency waiver is in effect.

Travel Nursing: Travel nurses must receive their Alaska license before beginning an assignment. A multistate compact license alone does not authorize practice in Alaska.

Cross-State Practice: Nurses who work between Alaska and another state must maintain an Alaska single-state license in addition to any license held elsewhere.

If you plan to accept a nursing position in Alaska, begin the endorsement process at least 4–6 weeks before your start date. Applying early, completing fingerprinting, and submitting all required documents can help prevent delays and ensure you are licensed before your employment begins.

Will Alaska Join the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Alaska is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). While legislation to join the compact has been introduced and debated in recent years, the state has not yet enacted a law making Alaska an NLC member.

Because legislative changes can occur, nurses should always verify Alaska’s current compact status before accepting employment or providing telehealth services. The most reliable source for updates is the “National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Nurse Licensure Compact page and the Alaska Board of Nursing

Alaska APRN Licensure Requirements

Alaska is a full practice authority state, allowing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to independently assess patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications, including Schedule II–V controlled substances, once all state and federal requirements are met.

To obtain an Alaska APRN license, applicants must:

1. Hold an active Alaska Registered Nurse (RN) license.
2. Graduate from an accredited graduate-level APRN program in an approved population focus, such as Family, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatrics, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Women’s Health, or Neonatal.
3. Maintain current national certification through a recognized certifying organization, such as ANCC, AANPCB, NCC,
4. AACN, or PNCB, depending on the specialty.
5. Complete a state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check, even if fingerprinting was previously completed for RN licensure.
6. Register with the Alaska Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) before prescribing controlled substances.
7. Obtain a valid DEA registration to prescribe Schedule II–V controlled medications.

Keep in mind that your national certification and Alaska APRN license are renewed on separate schedules. Most national certifications require renewal every five years, and both credentials must remain active to maintain APRN practice authority in Alaska.

Alaska Board of Nursing Complaints and Disciplinary Actions

The Alaska Board of Nursing investigates complaints involving licensed nurses and takes disciplinary action when violations of state nursing laws or professional standards are found. Disciplinary decisions are publicly available through the Board’s records.

Common reasons for disciplinary action

– Practicing beyond the authorized scope of nursing.

– Abandoning a patient assignment without notifying the appropriate supervisor.

– Failing to exercise the knowledge, clinical skills, or professional judgment expected of a licensed nurse.

– Violating professional or ethical standards of nursing practice.

If you are contacted by the Alaska Board of Nursing regarding a complaint, investigation, or request for information, respond promptly and carefully. Pay close attention to all deadlines, provide accurate documentation, and consider seeking legal guidance from an attorney experienced in professional licensing matters. Timely and well-prepared responses can help protect your nursing license throughout the investigation process.

Common Documentation Errors That Delay Alaska Nursing Licensure

Many Alaska nursing license applications are delayed because of incomplete or incorrect documentation. Reviewing your application carefully before submission can help avoid unnecessary processing delays.

1. Incorrect Fingerprint Card: Submit the board-approved original FD-258 fingerprint card. Using an incorrect or previously issued fingerprint card may result in rejection.

2. Poor-Quality Fingerprints: Smudged, incomplete, or unreadable fingerprints often require resubmission. Have your fingerprints taken by an experienced agency to reduce the risk of rejection.
3. Improper License Verification: If your original licensing state does not participate in Nursys, any required certified copy must include the proper certification statement, signature, and notary seal.

4. Incomplete Notarization: Ensure every required signature is completed and that the notary has signed, dated, and applied the official seal where required. Missing notarization details can delay application review.

5. Insufficient Employment Verification: Applicants using recent nursing practice to meet licensure requirements must provide documentation verifying the required number of nursing practice hours. If sufficient hours cannot be verified, additional education or a board-approved refresher course may be required.

most of these errors are caught silently after weeks of review, not at intake. Front-loading the paperwork audit before you mail is the cheapest insurance you can buy on the process. Carefully reviewing all forms, supporting documents, and notarizations before submitting your application can significantly reduce processing delays and help your Alaska nursing license application move through the review process more efficiently.