Master’s Degree in Nursing Schools in Alaska

With its huge variety of rural communities that have little or no access to medical care, Alaska can benefit greatly from more nurses that hold Master’s degrees. If you currently have an RN or BSN degree, you could expand your scope of practice and explore other areas of nursing with a Master’s in Nursing, while improving the health and wellness of Alaska residents.

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Alaska Nursing Schools

There are three main educational tracks you can follow to earn a Master’s in Nursing in Alaska: family nurse practitioner, mental health nurse practitioner, and nursing education. If you want to work directly with patients, you can follow one of the nurse practitioner paths and work as an independent practitioner in clinics or hospitals all over Alaska. If you would prefer to teach the next generation of registered nurses, you can take the nurse educator track.
The average Alaska Master’s in Nursing program requires you to complete about 48 credits. Since these programs are generally intended for working nurses, they are often meant to be completed on a part-time basis. You can plan on spending between three and four years in school.

While high-level courses vary from specialty to specialty, some courses are required for all Master’s in Nursing students. These courses include Biostatistics for Health Professionals, Roles for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Nursing Research Methods. If you take the nurse practitioner track, you may take courses like Pharmacology for Primary Care and Advanced Pathophysiology. On the nurse educator track, you can complete courses like Teaching and Learning in Nursing and Curriculum Development. Both of the nurse practitioner tracks require you to complete clinical hours on top of your classroom hours.

There are quite a few scholarship opportunities that you can look into as you begin your Master’s-level education. If you belong to the Alaska Native population, the IHS Scholarship program gives funds to students pursuing graduate nursing degrees. The Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association also awards a $2,500 scholarship at their annual conference. You can also check into federal programs for loan repayment and forgiveness through the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Working With Your MSN in Alaska

Alaska is a unique state that attracts many different people due to its beautiful wildlife and scenery, as well as many other reasons. As a masters prepared RN in this state there are many career options, such as a nurse practitioner and a nurse midwife.

As a nurse practitioner in the state of Alaska you have the opportunity to work in many different settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and urgent care centers. Nurse practitioners can provide routine care to patients, as well as diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases.

As a nurse midwife in Alaska you will have the option to work in a hospital, clinic, or birthing center setting. You will follow women of childbearing age to help improve their pregnancies and health outcomes.

Choosing the graduate nursing program that is right for you involves comparing costs, graduation rates, admissions and graduation requirements as well financial aid information. We have taken the time to give you a listing of program specifics to make this process as simple as possible for you. Once you have an idea of which programs interest you, contact the schools to speak with admissions and nursing representatives who can guide you on the next steps of your journey.

To get more information on either of these careers or learn more about earning your MSN degree, contact Alaska nursing schools listed on this page.

What You Can Expect From Your MSN Program

Alaska has very challenging problems delivering quality nursing care due to its diverse population and large expanses of rural areas. The Alaska Action Coalition is working to transform health care to meet the unique needs of the state’s residents, and they want to encourage nurses to be better prepared by seeking higher education. This is a good time to enter a master’s level nursing program in Alaska and to become better prepared to provide nursing services in a healthcare system that is becoming increasingly complex.

You can find all of the Master’s in Nursing programs in Alaska listed on our site, and we encourage you to request information from all of those you are interested in.

The Alaska Senate has recently signed into law Senate Bill 166. This bill modernizes the statutes of the Board of Nursing. The Board has also approved nursing education programs, making it easier for Alaska nurses to continue with educational endeavors. Alaska is also a nurse compact state, which means you may use your Alaska nursing license in other compact states.

There are several accredited universities in Alaska with master’s level nursing programs, including online MSN programs that can provide flexibility in your schedule.

The criteria for admission is similar between colleges and typically includes:

Completed application for nursing and fee
Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university
Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
Unencumbered RN Alaska RN license
Minimum of one year of half-time clinical experience as a registered nurse

The curriculum for most nursing master’s courses begins with the CORE courses, which typically comprise about 18 credits. The remainder of the Master’s in Nursing courses are specific to your chosen specialty.

CORE course (18 Credits) include:

Roles for Advanced Practice
Health Policy for Advanced Practice
Nursing Research Methods
Knowledge Development for Advanced Nursing Practice
Biostatistics for Health Professionals

Family Nurse Practitioner (32 credits plus clinical hours) courses include:

Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced Health Assessment in Primary Care
Pharmacology
Family Nurse Practitioner III, III, IV
Elective

You may attend on a full-time or part-time basis, and it will take from six to eight semesters to graduate. While Nurse Practitioner degrees in Alaska are quite popular, there are several different Master’s routes to choose from including education, policy-making, leadership, midwifery and more.

Reach out to the Alaska nursing schools that offer MSN programs today to learn more about how you can continue to improve healthcare in the state by expanding your nursing education.

Alaska RN to MSN Bridge Programs

While working as a nurse in Alaska, you’ve probably realized the great variety of nursing specialties that keep this field running. As a nurse, you may provide direct care to patients, work underneath nurse practitioners, and carry out care plans. Completing an RN-to-MSN bridge program in Alaska may be the next step in your career. As you work toward a master’s degree, you can study high-level nursing specialties and develop the skills needed to work in your chosen field. As more and more Alaska nursing facilities receive Magnet certification, this may be a great time to get advanced standing as a nurse. Contact the schools on our site that offer RN-to-MSN programs in Alaska to learn more about your options for graduate nursing study.

Earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is a major accomplishment that requires quite a bit of hard work. RN-to-MSN bridge programs in Alaska tend to last approximately three years, though you may spend slightly more time in school if you work full-time while attending school. The first third of your degree may cover bachelor’s degree material, while the latter two years of your MSN may delve into graduate-level training.

One of the main decisions you have to make as an MSN student is which nursing career you’d like to pursue. If you are interested in leadership or administration, consider a nurse leadership degree. Nursing education is another important specialty that may put you in charge of educating undergraduate nursing students. Patient care is of the utmost importance in specialty routes like nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, and nurse anesthesia.

As you begin your Master’s-level nursing courses, you may take general classes that give you basic training in all areas of advanced nursing. These courses may include classes like Health Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing, Nursing Research Methods, Roles for Advanced Practice Nursing, and Biostatistics for Health Professionals. In a nurse practitioner program, you may take classes like Pharmacology for Primary Care and Advanced Pathophysiology. In a nursing leadership program, you may take classes like Leadership Policy in Nursing and Administration in Health Care.

Alaska has many scholarships available for graduate nursing students, particularly since the state has a growing need for advanced practice nurses. Apply for scholarships early on to maximize the amount of opportunities you have. The Alaska Nurses Association is a popular source for nursing scholarships. The Alaska Community Foundation offers scholarships to students in many different fields, including nursing. Through the National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, you can look into grant opportunities.

Since you already work in registered nursing, you likely have an RN license through the Alaska Board of Nursing. You must keep your registered nursing license valid at all times, and if you work in a clinical specialty, you must also maintain an advanced practice license. This involves passing exams in your chosen specialty and maintaining your license through continuing education hours.

You may earn a wide range of salaries as a nursing professional in Alaska. However, generally speaking, salaries in this state are significantly higher than the national average.

Obviously, nursing is a growing field that may have plenty of opportunities for dedicated graduates. If you’re interested in changing your future and improving the state of Alaskan health care at the same time, an RN-to-MSN program may be just what you need.

Alaska Direct Entry MSN

Lots of people who enter the nursing profession do so after starting a career in another field. It’s obvious why so many people enjoy nursing—this career can give you great personal satisfaction, allow you to make a change in your community, and bring you a more secure job outlook. If you already have a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you don’t have to backtrack to a BSN or ADN to become a nurse. Direct entry MSN programs in Alaska let you complete graduate-level nursing coursework in a reasonable time frame.

You can find all of the Direct Entry and Accelerated Master’s in Nursing programs in Alaska on our site. We suggest comparing multiple programs to determine which can best prepare you for a role as nursing faculty. These degree programs tend to last between 15 and 24 months. Accelerated MSN programs are designed for motivated, academically-proven students, so you’ll likely need a high GPA to be accepted. Furthermore, you must meet the school’s prerequisite class requirements. The school’s general education requirements may vary from the requirements of the school you graduated from, so make sure you don’t need to take any additional math, science, or English courses before applying.

Though there are multiple degree path options for MSN students, including nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse educator, you don’t typically have to select your specialty path in the first part of your degree program. The early months of your education are spent gaining a Bachelor’s-level understanding of nursing, so you can plan on spending hundreds of hours in a local nursing home, hospital, or clinic. This part of your degree may be extremely demanding on your time, so working may be difficult while you complete these courses. Classes you may take include Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Professionalism in Nursing Practice. Once you complete enough general clinical hours, you may move into specialties like pediatrics and surgery.

Once you move into graduate-level courses, your course load may lighten considerably. However, clinical hours are still important. Courses required at this level include Leading and Managing in Healthcare Systems, Competencies for Complex Health Problems, and Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice.

Earning a graduate degree may cost more than an undergraduate degree, but planning ahead and applying for financial aid can be a great way to save money. Since nurses are in such high demand, there are also many scholarship and grant funds available for nursing students. If you want to become a nurse practitioner or Certified Nurse Midwife, you can apply for scholarships through the National Health Service Corps. The Alaska Nurses Association, which is a great professional resource as well, offers the David E. Knox Nursing Scholarship each year. If you take out loans while earning an MSN, you may qualify for the NHSC Loan Repayment Program if you work at an NHSC-approved site.

Once you complete your training, you will need to get a nursing license to practice legally. Some direct entry MSN programs allow you to get your RN license partway through your degree. In that case, you just need to complete additional testing to get an advanced practice license. All testing and licensing goes through the Alaska Board of Nursing. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and Certified Nurse Midwives must meet advanced licensing standards in Alaska.

Job growth rates in Alaska vary from profession to profession, which you may want to keep in mind as you choose a nursing specialty.

If you feel like nursing is your calling, an MSN in Alaska can be hugely beneficial to you, both personally and professionally. You may have more freedom in your practice options and take a more serious leadership role in your workplace. Not only that, you can go to work each day knowing that you are helping patients get the care they deserve.

Request information from the schools you are interested in today to get started!

Alaska CRNA Programs

Specialized nursing personnel play a prominent role all across the country. However, they are especially important in Alaska, where residents may live in areas that make travel to medical facilities unlikely or impossible. Here, advanced nursing professionals may provide many of the same services offered by doctors at a fraction of the price. As a registered nurse, you may have looked into a career in nurse anesthesia. This field can give you the skills you need to provide a highly-valued service and improve outcomes for patients.

Nurse anesthesia is a field that has existed for many years in the United States. Improperly-administered anesthesia was often linked to high morbidity and mortality rates for patients, leading to a demand for skilled professionals that could focus solely on anesthesia. Since trained RNs already have the patient interaction and care skills that are needed for an advanced health care career, nurses were the natural choice.
By becoming a nurse anesthetist, you can learn about different types of pain relief, the best anesthetic for a variety of situations, and how anesthetic must be administered for maximum efficacy. Since this career path requires you to work with patients at particularly risky points in their lives, you need extensive training and education before you can begin working as a CRNA. Learn more about CRNA programs in Alaska to find out if this is the right career move for you.

Admissions and Curriculum for CRNA Programs in Alaska

Prior to starting a career in the field of nurse anesthesia, you must graduate from an accredited CRNA program. This is a master’s-level nursing degree that requires a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. However, a few select schools to have RN-to-MSN programs that permit you to earn this degree with just an Associate’s degree in nursing.

To be considered for admission into a CRNA program, you must meet a set of requirements. Many programs require at least one year of full-time nursing experience, although quite a few schools require two to three years of work experience. Furthermore, you must have completed your BSN with at least a 3.0. Since this can be a fairly competitive specialty, a higher GPA may be helpful as you navigate the admissions process. In addition, you should plan on taking the GRE with a score in the top 50th percentile in both sections.

The curriculum for a CRNA program is comprised of two parts. First, you complete your theoretical training in the classroom, learning from skilled nurse anesthetists and developing an expansive knowledge of pain relief and pharmacology. Courses you may take in this program include Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, Pharmacology of Anesthetic Agents, Principles of Anesthesia Practice, and Pharmacology of Anesthetic Agents. As you complete these courses, you may also start working on the clinical requirements laid out by your school. You may see over 500 patients throughout the duration of your program. In the early part of your time as a student, this may involve watching CRNAs carry out anesthetic procedures. As you progress, you may take on more and more physical responsibilities until you work with only the supervision of a CRNA or instructor.

As a CRNA student in Alaska, you may be interested in applying for scholarships to minimize your out-of-pocket costs. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program, hosted by the Health Resources and Services Administration, may be available to you if you’re willing to work in an in-demand location after graduation. The Alaska Nurses Association also awards scholarships to nursing students.

Working as a Nurse Anesthetist in Alaska

When you start approaching the end of your CRNA program in Alaska, you can prepare for licensure as a CRNA. This process goes through the Alaska Board of Nursing. You must pay a number of fees, including a $50 application fee, a $60 authorization fee, a $50 prescriptive authority fee, a $50 controlled substances application fee, and a temporary permit fee. Before you receive your license, you must also pay a $60 fingerprint processing fee. The Board of Nursing may look at your transcripts and your clinical hours to ensure that you meet the requirements of the state of Alaska. After you receive your license, you must renew it every other year during even-numbered years to keep practicing.

For most RNs, completing a CRNA degree may lead to an increase in earning potential.

Earning a Master’s degree in nursing and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist may have a positive impact on your nursing career and your professional satisfaction. Not only can you enjoy working more independently, your extensive knowledge of anesthesia can make you an important resource at your place of employment. It may also assist you in being a nursing professional that patients can rely on. Furthering your education in nursing may enrich the field of nursing by encouraging others to learn more, contribute to research, and meet the standards of evidence-based practice.

The nursing community is full of opportunities for those who want to take their career to the next level and help patients receive high-quality care. If a career in nurse anesthesia sounds like it might be a good fit for you, contact Alaska CRNA schools today to find out what options you have.

Forensic Nursing in Alaska

Nurses have long been responsible for a variety of tasks, ranging from healthcare to patient communication and education. The field of forensic nursing takes that one step further. Forensic nurses may work in crime scenes or crime labs, collecting evidence from victims, perpetrators, and cadavers. However, a significant amount of nurses with forensic training go on to become sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). This is a crucial service in Alaska, where the sexual assault rate is 2.5 times higher than the national average (STAR Alaska).

If you’re a licensed registered nurse interested in earning your forensic nursing degree, there are many resources in Alaska that are available to you. The Alaska Forensic Professionals Networking Group serves forensic nurses and others in this industry with conferences, networking events, and training options. Local groups for the interior, south central, southeast, far north, southwest, and Kenai Peninsula regions allow nurses to get information that is directly relevant to their region. Take the first step in your new career by contacting forensic nurse programs below.

Master’s Degree Programs in Forensic Nursing in Alaska

It’s crucial to finish your Bachelor’s degree in nursing before beginning your forensic nurse training. Many nursing programs also have experience requirements, generally starting at one year of full-time nursing experience. A Master’s of Science in Nursing is a two-year program that leads to specialized certification options in forensic nursing. However, the other option for forensic nurse degrees in AK is the post-Master’s certificate.

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The Role of Forensic Nurses in Alaska

Upon becoming a forensic nurse, you may start to work in a variety of settings. Many hospitals now have SANEs on staff 24 hours per day, but you may find a greater demand for SANEs in sexual assault centers and victim resource centers. Providence Health & Services has forensic nurses available at any time of day to help victims. If you’re interested in working in a criminal justice setting, you may look for employment with government agencies and crime labs. Your forensic nurse salary may be influenced by which specialized work environment you choose.

Sexual assault nurse examiners provide a service that is crucial for Alaska residents (UAA). SANEs work on the healthcare side of assault by providing treatment for injuries, and they work on the human side of assault by helping victims work through the physical and emotional effects of assault.

If you’re ready to get started in this field, contact schools below to learn how to become a forensic nurse.

Alaska Clinical Nurse Leader Degrees

As the role of the nurse evolves in modern health care, the need for additional nursing specialties has become abundantly clear. With a Master’s degree in nursing, you can address some of the main challenges and recurring issues in Alaskan health care.

One significant area of growth for Clinical Nurse Leaders in Alaska is the state’s large American Indian population. Nurse leaders may study culturally appropriate nursing care and teach new nurses about health care needs in this area (Indian Country Today Media Network).

Alaska has a number of clinics and hospitals with a history of strong performance. For the third year in a row, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center has been recognized as a Top Performer by The Joint Commission (Frontiersman). The chief nursing officer at this medical center notes that their success comes from a focus on effective care and collaboration across specialties and departments.

If you would like to find out how you can use your passion for nursing to impact change throughout Alaska, learn more about nurse leadership graduate programs in Alaska below.

How Can I Become a Clinical Nurse Leader in Alaska?

The duties and responsibilities of a nurse leader are extremely diverse, so your nursing education at the graduate degree level should reflect the multifaceted nature of this role. A graduate degree in nursing leadership should prepare you to work as a provider and manager of health care, a proponent of evidence-based practice, and a contributor to continued improvement in nursing procedures and policies.

On average, this in-depth program requires you to complete 42 credits. Depending on the school you attend, you may be able to complete some or all of your courses online. Clinical practice may be completed at a variety of local clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Curriculum requirements vary from school to school. Some of the courses that are commonly required in this type of study include Care Coordination and Outcomes Management, Global Health and Diversity, Healthcare Quality and Improvement, Leadership in Clinical Microsystems and Processes, and Systems Leadership & Collaborative Practice. Each semester, you build on your knowledge of practical nursing procedures, your understanding of policy and management, and your ability to direct patient care.

Throughout your education and your entire career, you are legally required to maintain your registered nursing license through the Alaska Board of Nursing. This involves renewing your license by November 30 of every even-numbered year. During each two-year cycle, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education.

A valid registered nursing license is the first step to becoming certified as a Clinical Nurse Leader. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which approves CNL programs across the country, also oversees the licensing process. Upon passing the licensure test, you get the certification you need to work as a Clinical Nurse Leader. You maintain this title by renewing every five years and completing 50 hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle.

What Does a Clinical Nurse Leader Do?

Alaska often suffers from nursing shortages at all levels of education, so your nurse leadership role may allow you to serve in many different capacities. Nurse executives and clinical leaders are often hired at local hospitals and clinics, including Alaska Regional Hospital, Providence Health System, and Central Peninsula Hospital.

Your tasks may run the full gamut of what is expected of nurse executives, from addressing staffing needs and managing the work and attitudes of nurses to creating patient care plans and utilizing research to find ways to improve patient outcomes.

Due to the relatively young age of this nursing specialty, getting involved now may put you in a position of fostering the growth and education of aspiring nurse leaders. The American Organization of Nurse Executives hosts the Emerging Nurse Leader Institute in Anchorage. This event explores the roles of nurse leaders and prepares nurses at different educational levels to step into high-level roles.

Your efforts may also contribute to the evolving role of nurse leaders. The AACN notes that its goals include defining the scope of practice for CNLs, making graduate-level education more accessible to nurses at different levels of training, and increasing the hiring of the nurse managers throughout the United States.

One of the most exciting parts of working in the nursing field is the opportunity you have to shape the future of this field. Find out if you meet the qualifications of a nursing leadership program by requesting information from clinical nurse leadership programs in Alaska.

Alaska Research Nursing Graduate Programs

As a nurse, you already know that the field of nursing is never stagnant. In fact, the health care industry is always looking at research and data to make sure that procedures and protocols are based in the latest evidence. If you would like to be part of the team that develops nursing standards and expectations for Alaska, a nursing research degree may be the next step for you. Contact the schools you see below for more details about getting started.

The research carried out by specialists in this field is often used to shape procedures and legislature in Alaska. For example, research into preventative care and medical coverage led Alaska Governor Walker to increase Medicaid throughout the state.

Nursing research is a field that really has the potential to substantially improve health care in Alaska. The National Institute of Nursing Research reports that nursing research is used to prevent disease, control symptoms, and improve the quality of life of patients.

As a nurse researcher, you can change the face of health care in Alaska. Reach out to nursing research programs in Alaska to find out more about your options.

Alaska Graduate Degree Programs in Nursing Research

As you look into different nursing research programs in Alaska, you may notice that there are two types of programs to consider. The shorter option is a Master’s degree. Typically, this degree requires the completion of 30 to 50 credits. The other option is a PhD. Since this path requires a dissertation, you should plan on completing 70 or more credits.

The goals of these two programs in Alaska tend to be fairly similar. Programs only graduate students who display a strong understanding of research procedures and ethics, an expansive knowledge of Alaska’s nursing community and standards, and the ability to conduct research efficiently and appropriately.

To reach these goals, you may take many science-heavy courses. During your time as a graduate student, you may take courses like Quantitative Methods in Nursing Research, Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research, Advanced Health Care Statistics, Philosophy of Science in Nursing, and Nursing Knowledge Development.

As you near the end of your degree, you may need to prove your skills in different practical settings. Many Alaska schools require a teaching rotation as well as a research rotation. This prepares you for whichever path your career may follow.

Scholarships and grants may help you offset the costs that come with a graduate degree. The Alaska Community Foundation is a good source for scholarships all across the state.

The Role of Clinical Nurse Researchers in Alaska

The nursing industry of Alaska is growing rapidly, leading to a need for more research. With your graduate degree, you may be able to develop and carry out research that is published in publications like Alaska Nursing Today. Your research may look at a specific clinical specialty in nursing, staffing and education patterns in the industry, public beliefs of nursing, or many other areas of study.

If you want to use your passion for nursing to positively impact this field for years to come, check out nursing research programs in Alaska below and request information from nearby schools.

Alaska Certified Nurse Midwife Programs

Certified nurse midwives play an important role in women’s health. They may practice autonomously or work in collaboration with the team. A graduate degree and certification is required, and you will learn to safely and competently care for women from puberty to menopause.

Some of the responsibilities of a nurse midwife in Alaska can include conducting physical examinations, providing prenatal care, delivering babies and ordering and managing diagnostic tests and procedures.

Contact the schools on our list to learn more about your options for becoming a nurse midwife in Alaska today.

Certified Nurse Midwife Programs in Alaska

Alaska has two accredited online programs for CNMs. Frontier Nursing University and Georgetown University are online nurse midwife programs that allow you to take classes at home and complete your clinical hours at a variety of healthcare settings. This is ideal for a working student or someone who is taking care of their family.

Becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife in Alaska

The admission criteria is similar between the two online programs. You must be a licensed RN, submit a curriculum vitae or resume, a sealed official transcript of al academic institutions you have attended, a 1-2 page personal statement addresses your intellectual interests, relevant clinical experiences and three letters of recommendation.

The 49 didactic credits and 15 clinical credits at Frontier Nursing University of curriculum includes:

Communication
Principles of Health Promotion
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Evidence Based Practice
Advanced Pathophysiology
Advance Health Assessment
Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Across the Lifespan
Primary Care of Woman
Role of the Nurse Midwife
Midwifery Care during Labor and Birth
Midwifery Care during Pregnancy
Midwifery Care during Postpartum
Advance Midwifery Care of the Childbearing Woman
Women’s Health
Principles of Independent Practice
Skills for Advanced Practice
Skills for Nurse–Midwifery Care
Nurse-Midwifery Clinical I-i

Following graduation you may take the credential exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board. This credential sets the standard in all 52 states as it protects and serves the public. It is considered the gold standard for midwifery. The cost of the exam is $500.

If you need tuition assistance, complete the FAASA application, which can be found in the Financial Aid Office. It is a federal government grant based on your income. Frontier Nursing University has several scholarships available, and there are also several financial aid programs available through the federal government. Nurse Corps is a program where you work for two years in one of their facilities, and they will pay 60 percent of your outstanding student loan at the conclusion of the two years.

Working as a Certified Nurse Midwife in Alaska

This job allows the nurse a measure of independence, but also a satisfying relationship with their patients.

If you want to make a difference in the lives of Alaskan women and children, contact the schools listed below to learn more about entering a CNM program today.

Alaska Clinical Nurse Specialist

The professionals who are responsible for running hospitals and clinics know very well how important nurses are. Nurses are the backbone of patient care, health care research, and teamwork in health care. If you have used your Bachelor’s degree in nursing to get at least one year of experience in this field, you may be ready to become a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in Alaska.

To learn about CNS programs in Alaska, contact the schools listed below for details about admissions, costs and curriculum.

The Society for Clinical Nurse Specialist Education reports that expert nurses fill a variety of roles in a clinical setting. They develop an extensive understanding of nursing research and theory, particularly in one area of interest. CNSs may use this information in many different practice roles, from patient advocate and liaison to care consulting and care management.

Becoming a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Alaska

Clinical nurse specialist programs tend to be fairly rigorous, so you must meet a strict set of admissions requirements before getting accepted to your program of choice. You must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and at least one year of full-time nursing experience.

After getting accepted to a CNS program, you can choose your specialized area of study. Sample areas of study include pediatric, elderly care, home health, and psychiatric/mental health care. This choice determines where you conduct research and which population you work with, so it’s important to choose the focus that you are most interested in.
Typically, Alaska CNS programs require between 30 and 40 credits of study, which typically takes about one to two years of full-time study. In the beginning of your education, you may complete courses like Applications of Research to Practice, Context of Healthcare for Advanced Practice Nursing, Reasoning in Nursing Research, and Ethical Basis for Nursing.

Advanced courses in this area of study include Clinical Pharmacology, Health Assessment and Measurement, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Human and Family Development, Evaluation in Health Care, and Pathophysiological Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing.

As a CNS student, you will likely get plenty of clinical experience. Most programs in Alaska include at least 500 hours of clinical practice. This is less than what’s required for many clinical nursing programs, since clinical nurse specialists have a greater focus on research and leadership.

When you get accepted to a clinical nurse specialist program, you can begin applying for different scholarships and grants. These grants may help you avoid adding to your student loans and give you funds for your graduate nursing program. The Alaska Nurses Association is a good source of nursing scholarships for graduate students.

The Health Care Professions Loan Repayment and Incentive Program rewards those who work in an underserved area of Alaska after graduation. Through the Alaska Community Foundation, you may be able to apply for several different nursing scholarships.

Working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Alaska

Becoming a clinical nurse specialist may give you the chance to enjoy a great job outlook in Alaska and earn a competitive salary. CNN lists clinical nurse specialist as one of its best jobs in America.

Upon completing your education, you must get CNS certification through the ANCC Certification Program. After passing a rigorous exam in this field, you can become certified to work as a CNS and earn your license through the Alaska Board of Nursing. With an advanced practice license, you may work to the full extent of your scope of practice.

If you love learning more about new procedures, updating staff on procedure changes and research updates, and improving patient care, a career as a CNS may be very rewarding for you. Learn more about your options by contacting CNS programs in Alaska today.

Alaska Public Health Graduate Programs

Becoming a nurse is one of the most rewarding and challenging career paths to choose. Helping and making a difference in the lives of others is a calling that many choose to follow. However, you may soon find that you not only want to interact with your patients but actually advocate for them and work towards positive changes in healthcare.

If this sounds like you, consider a graduate degree in public health nursing. Public health nursing programs will prepare you to not only become a major source of active change in the healthcare field, but to also be a leader who can devise and deliver programs in many different diverse communities.

Alaska has a growing need for healthcare workers as well as leaders in the industry who can work towards positive growth and change. Consider looking into graduate public health care college programs in Alaska by contacting the schools below for more information.

Master’s Degree Programs in Public Health Nursing in Alaska

Alaska has a unique range of educational opportunities simply because of the diverse landscapes and populations that live there. The public health nursing college programs that are there concentrate on providing the best educations possible. With the growing demand in public health care, graduate programs in public health nursing prepare much needed health care leaders who can assess the needs of the communities and plan to deliver programs that will help to stop the spread of illness and disease.

Graduate programs in public health nursing in Alaska will require candidates to hold undergraduate degrees in nursing that can be built upon. Admissions will also be influenced by current and previous work experience, volunteer experiences, strong GPA’s and well-written entrance essays. Candidates will also likely have to take the GRE and make acceptable scores as well.

Students who undertake a graduate program in public health administration will take courses that will prepare them not only for public health and social policies, but will also further prepare them in the healthcare field. With a strong knowledge base in both areas, you will have a strong foundation that will fully prepare you to not only care for your patients but to also act as an advocate in the public forum.

Classes that are generally required for this degree program will include classes like health management, biostatistics, social and behavioral sciences, epidemiology (the study of disease), as well as many other areas specific to administration.

If completing your graduate degree in public health nursing sounds appealing, be assured that there are many different grant and loan options available through many different resources including the American Association of Nursing.

The Role of Public Health Nurses in Alaska

Earning a graduate degree in public health nursing can help to put nursing in the forefront of healthcare and position you as both a leader and caregiver. Graduates from graduate nursing programs in public health will not only personally deliver quality patient care but will also act as advocates with communities. You may be able to design and deliver successful outreach programs into communities designed to help inform communities and prevent the spread of illness and disease.

Public health nurses may work in a wide variety of settings including government positions, hospitals, public health clinics, military establishments, and many more. By earning a graduate degree in public health nursing, you will help to strengthen the nursing profession as a whole.

Why wait any longer? Consider a graduate program in public health nursing now by requesting information.

Graduate Programs in Healthcare Policy in Alaska

Working in the field of nursing requires a strong voice. While working as a registered nurse, you may have advocated for your patients by standing up to doctors, providing recommendations and accurate information to families, and ensuring that your patients are fully educated on their conditions or treatment plans.

However, there is a limit to what you can do as a registered nurse. Federal, statewide, and institutional policies effectively tie your hands and limit what healthcare providers can do for patients. If you’ve ever looked at a law or policy and thought about how it could be improved or how it negatively impacted the people of Alaska, a Master’s degree in healthcare policy may give you the chance to give a voice to those concerns.

There are plenty of areas where healthcare policy can be improved in Alaska. The Health Policy Conference examines healthcare needs, areas of deficiency in Alaska, long-term goals, and how new policies can be created or existing policies can be changed to improve outcomes (State of Reform).

To have an impact on Alaska healthcare policy, you need the right education to back up your views and experience. Explore the next step by checking out healthcare policy graduate programs in Alaska below.

Master’s Degree Programs in Healthcare Policy in Alaska

As a nurse that affects policies and laws in Alaska, you are expected to be the voice for other nurses throughout the state. That’s a huge responsibility, and it’s part of why educational requirements are so strict in this specialty. To complete a Master’s degree in health policy and reform, plan on earning at least 36 credits.

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How Do Nurses Impact Healthcare Policy in Alaska?

When you learn how to look at nursing from a legislative viewpoint, you’ll see many ways in which the field can be improved, assessed, and strengthened. The Alaska Department of Public Health notes that nurses in this area look at performance measures for different programs and legislative efforts while comparing the return on investment for programs that utilize government funds.

While working in healthcare policy, you’ll be expected to keep many groups of people in mind. The statements and suggestions you make should benefit specific populations, be supported by evidence, improve patient outcomes, and be practical for healthcare workers. This often involves working with lots of different people, including community groups, healthcare providers, lobbying groups, associations, and businesses.

You got into nursing to make a difference, and with a Master’s degree in health policy, you have the rare opportunity to improve healthcare for people outside your own clinic or hospital.

Take the next step in your education now and contact admissions professionals at Alaska healthcare policy graduate programs.

Hospice Nursing in Alaska

Healing is a significant area of focus within the field of healthcare, but there is much more to the field of nursing. Nurses don’t just heal; they provide comfort, respect, and support. This is exemplified by the role of hospice nurses. Hospice nurses work with patients who have terminal illness or patients who have chosen to stop treatment of an illness and live out their final days in comfort. Nurses in this position follow the belief that terminally ill or injured patients deserve the right to die without pain and with dignity. They also serve the patient’s family members, who may be confused, grieving, and struggling to provide support to their dying family member.

Hospice nurses are an essential part of a patient’s care team, so you must be ready to meet patients’ needs in a variety of ways.

Master’s Degree Programs in Hospice/Palliative Care Nursing in Alaska

If you have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing and you would like to provide hospice services to patients, you may have several training options to consider. By attending a Master’s degree program and becoming a nurse practitioner, you can expand your scope of care and provide essential services to hospice patients. This path requires a Master’s degree in advanced nursing practice. You may focus your studies on adult care, pediatric care, or gerontological care. From there, you can select a secondary specialty in hospice and palliative care. Some of the courses you may take in this area of study can be found below.

Sample Courses for Applicants for ACHPN and CHPN Certification

Foundations of Palliative Care
Palliative Care for Pain and Suffering
Chronic Illness Care
Leadership and Management in Palliative Care
Palliative Care Practicum

Clinical experience is a core part of any advanced care degree. For the initial part of your Master’s degree, you need at least 500 clinical hours. For palliative care certification, you may complete extra clinical rotations to gain the experience necessary to succeed in this field. This is an important requirement for certification, as well. After graduating, you must complete 500 hours of hospice advanced nursing practice in one year or 1000 hours in two years before applying for the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse examination. If you pass this examination and provide proof of your Master’s degree, you may apply for certification through the Hospice & Palliative Credentialing Center. This is the primary way to become a certified hospice and palliative nurse.

When you accepted to school, look into scholarships and grants provided by local nursing organizations. You should also consider scholarships specifically intended for hospice care nursing students. The Hospice & Palliative Nurses Foundation awards scholarships of $2000 to Master’s degree students.

The Role of Hospice/Palliative Care Nurses in Alaska

Upon graduating and earning a certification, you should be ready to step into the world of palliative care nursing. Alaska employers include hospitals, home care centers, and federally licensed hospice centers. The Alaska Home Care and Hospice Association is a thorough resource for nurses working in this field, helping new and experienced nurses provide physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients and their families. While these aspects of care are present in other types of nursing, the knowledge that a family member will die shortly and the aftermath of that event calls for specific knowledge and experience. As a hospice care nurse practitioner, you may work with a healthcare team to ensure that the needs of patients are fully met at all times.

Palliative care nursing is an important service for families and terminally ill patients. By focusing on a patient’s comfort and pain levels, nurses can ensure that a patient is at peace during their last days.