Alaska Nurse License: How to Get Licensed as a Travel RN

If you’re thinking about travel nursing in Alaska, congratulations! The Last Frontier offers unmatched adventure and critical care opportunities in a wide range of settings, from Anchorage to more peaceful remote healthcare settings. But before you can take that flight, you’ll need an Alaska nurse license. Here’s your state-specific guide to becoming licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Alaska.

Understanding Alaska’s Licensure Landscape

In Alaska, the Alaska Board of Nursing oversees RN licensing, standards, and practice regulations. They ensure every nurse practicing here meets education, competency, and legal requirements. 

Unlike many states, Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. That means even if you hold a multistate license from another compact state, you must obtain an Alaska RN license before practicing here. 

How to Apply for your Alaska RN License

1. Meet the education requirement

To qualify, you must graduate from a Board-approved nurse education program (Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing for RNs). 

2. Submit your documents

Apply through the myAlaska or mail your forms to the Board. You’ll need:

• Completed application (online or paper)

• Fingerprint card for criminal background check

• Official transcripts and NCLEX results

• Verification of any out-of-state licenses if applicable

• Notarized signature page

• Applicable fees (see below) 

3. Employer or work verification

If you’re applying by endorsement (i.e., already licensed elsewhere), you must show at least 320 hours of nursing employment in the past five years. 

4. Temporary permit (optional)

If all documentation is received except employment or English proficiency verification, you may receive a temporary permit valid up to six months, allowing you to work while your full license is processed.

License by Endorsement in Alaska

If you already hold an RN license in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement in Alaska rather than by exam. 

The benefits include:

✔ No need to retake NCLEX if already passed ✔ Quicker path once application is complete

To qualify, you must:

• Have an active, unencumbered RN license in another state

• Meet Alaska’s eligibility standards

• Provide employment verification (320 hours within five years)

• Submit fingerprints and all documentation to the Board 

Note: “Inactive” or lapsed licenses generally do not qualify for endorsement without additional steps, such as reinstatement. Visit, for more information. The State of Alaska website

Fees: Initial License and Renewal Costs

Initial License Fees:

Alaska RN license fees combine application, license, and fingerprint processing. 

Costs are approximately:

• Application fee: ~$200

• License fee: ~$100

• Fingerprint/background check: ~$75 ➡ Total ≈ $375 (subject to Board updates).

Renewal Fees:

Renewal is required every two years. Although the fees can change, expect renewal costs in a similar range.

Renewal: Keep your License Active

To renew, you must satisfy continuing competency requirements before the expiration date, which include completing two of the following during the two-year cycle:

• 30 contact hours of continuing education

• 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities

• 320 hours of employment as an RN 

There is no grace period for practice once the license lapses. Renew early to avoid disruptions. 

Quick Checklist for Alaska RN Licensure

• Accredited nursing degree
• NCLEX-RN passed
• Fingerprint/background check completed
• Work verification (for endorsement)
• Application & fees submitted
• Competency requirements tracked for renewal

Recommended Destinations for Your Days Off

Alaska offers a diverse range of escapes that are perfect for decompressing between shifts, whether you crave mountain solitude or coastal adventure. On your days off, you can stand in the shadow of North America’s tallest peak in Denali, witness the dramatic "calving" of tidewater glaciers in Kenai Fjords, or step back into Gold Rush history along the vintage rails of Skagway. For those stationed near Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier provides world-class hiking and photography just minutes from the city, while the pristine waters of Glacier Bay offer a serene sanctuary for spotting humpback whales and orcas. From the vibrant "Midnight Sun" festivals in the summer to the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights in the winter, these destinations ensure your time away from the unit is just as rewarding as your time on it.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Alaska nurse license may feel like a rigorous process, but it’s a meaningful first step toward a rewarding travel nursing experience in one of the most unique healthcare landscapes in the U.S. From remote clinics to advanced care centers, Alaska needs skilled RNs who are ready to serve and explore. If you follow the licensure steps, stay organized with your paperwork, and plan ahead for renewals, you’ll be well positioned to make your mark in the Last Frontier. 

Related Reading

• How to Strengthen Your Nursing or Allied Health Job Application

• Nurse on the Move? Your Guide to the New 60-Day Rule

• Why Magnet® Hospitals Matter & Why Travel Clinicians Want to Be There