Registered Nurse (RN) License in Alaska
Quick Answer
To become a registered nurse in Alaska, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and pay approximately $575 in fees including a $100 application fee, $200 license fee, and $75 fingerprint fee. Alaska is NOT an NLC compact state, requiring a separate license. The process takes 1-3 months after completing your education.
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination)
- Total Cost
- $575 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Registered Nurse (RN) registration in Alaska
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $200
- Renewal Fee
- $200
- Total Estimated Cost
- $575
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Nurse (RN) license in Alaska. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Alaska licensing board.
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary in Alaska
Entry Level
$82,400
Median
$110,690
Experienced
$137,400
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Alaska.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing).
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensing in Alaska: What to Know
Alaska explicitly lists its RN fees: Application $100, License $200, Fingerprint $75. The state is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so nurses must obtain a separate Alaska license to practice. Alaska's remote geography and shortage of healthcare professionals create strong demand for nurses, especially in rural and Native health facilities. The Indian Health Service (IHS) and tribal health organizations are major employers. Alaska offers some of the highest nursing salaries in the nation to compensate for the cost of living and remoteness. Travel nursing is particularly popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Nurse (RN) license cost in Alaska?
- The estimated total cost is $575, including application fees, exam fees ($200), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Nurse (RN) license in Alaska?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (education) + 1-3 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Nurse (RN) license in Alaska?
- You need to pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Nurse (RN) requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.