Alaska Nurse Practitioner Programs
By earning a nursing degree and serving the people of Alaska as a registered nurse, you’ve likely contributed to your health care community and improved the lives of thousands of patients. However, you may be able to do even more by becoming a nurse practitioner in Alaska. Patients in rural areas often rely on these health professionals, as NPs may have shorter wait times in areas where there are few medical practitioners.
Nurse practitioners may take on a growing role in Alaskan health care as times change. The Peninsula Clarion notes that the population of Alaska is aging. This means that many residents may need more extensive health care in the future. Alaska Dispatch News notes that Alaska has a severe physician shortage. Since Alaska nurse practitioners enjoy full freedom of practice, pursuing this degree path may allow you to alleviate the care shortage in Alaska.
You may find quite a few opportunities in this field. The State of Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development notes that growth is robust for nurse practitioners. Similarly, the Division of Public Health offers numerous benefits to those who are willing to serve the state as a nurse practitioner. Find out more about earning a nurse practitioner degree in Alaska by contacting schools directly from our site.
Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum in Alaska
Alaska has multiple nurse practitioner programs across the state. However, admissions requirements tend to be similar between schools. You need a Bachelor’s degree in nursing unless you are considering RN-to-MSN programs. One to two years of full-time nursing experience are typically required. You may need a GPA of at least 3.0 to be considered, although some schools have more stringent requirements.
As an MSN student, you may tackle numerous learning goals that serve to broaden your knowledge base and make you a more competent nurse practitioner. You may learn how to use critical thinking in your clinical decisions, keep ethical and legal considerations in mind while practicing, and collaborate with other health care professionals. To reach these goals, you may take a variety of MSN courses. Core courses include Health Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing, Roles for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Biostatistics for Health Professionals. Later courses may include Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Pharmacology for Primary Care.
Consider spending some time applying for scholarships to save money on your degree costs. The Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association awards scholarships ranging from $100 to $1,000 each school year. The Alaska Nurses Association awards the David E. Knox Nursing Scholarship.
Working as a Nurse Practitioner in Alaska
Nurse practitioners may be able to look forward to a strong job outlook in this state. O*Net anticipates a 24 percent increase in job openings from 2012 to 2022.
As a nurse practitioner, you may earn a variety of salaries. The average salary for a nurse practitioner in Alaska is $106,300 per year (O*Net, 2013).
The Alaska Board of Nursing oversees licensure of nursing professionals in Alaska. To get your license, you must pay $260 in licensing fees, submit your application, and submit the official transcript from your MSN.
If you’re ready to reach more patients and use your nursing skills for the greater good, becoming a nurse practitioner may be the right choice for you. Dedicating yourself to a higher level of education can strengthen the entire nursing community of Alaska. Contact nurse practitioner schools in Alaska to get started.