CNA Classes in Alaska | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Alaska Board of Nursing Approved

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Alaska

Launch your healthcare career in the Last Frontier with state-approved certification programs. Earn some of the highest CNA wages in the nation.

Find Programs Near You How to Get Certified

140

Training Hours Required

$157

State Exam Fee

$46,200

Average Annual Salary

6-10

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Alaska

High Wages & Unique Healthcare Opportunities

Alaska offers exceptional opportunities for Certified Nursing Assistants, with some of the highest wages in the nation and a critical need for healthcare workers in both urban and rural communities. The Alaska Board of Nursing oversees CNA certification, requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation exam administered by Prometric.

Working as a CNA in Alaska provides unique experiences unavailable elsewhere—from major hospital systems in Anchorage and Fairbanks to tribal health organizations serving remote villages accessible only by air or water. The state's healthcare workforce shortage means CNAs are highly valued, often receiving premium pay, relocation assistance, and housing benefits, particularly for positions in rural Alaska.

Highest CNA wages in the nation ($22+ per hour average)

Significant demand in tribal health and rural facilities

Training available through University of Alaska system

Many employers offer relocation and housing assistance

Alaska CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 140 hours minimum

Classroom/Lab 80 hours

Clinical Hours 60 hours

Exam Format 60 questions + skills test

Exam Fee $157 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body AK Board of Nursing

Registry AK Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Alaska

Browse Alaska Board of Nursing-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available throughout the state, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and regional communities.

Browse CNA Schools in Alaska

Explore our directory of Board of Nursing-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Alaska

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Alaska.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Alaska requires a minimum of 140 total training hours, which exceeds the federal minimum—80 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 60 hours of supervised clinical experience. Training is available through the University of Alaska system (UAA, UAF), community colleges, regional health corporations, and some long-term care facilities. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and other tribal organizations often offer training opportunities that may include financial assistance for Alaska Native and American Indian students.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, you must pass the Alaska Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected clinical competencies. The combined exam fee is $157. Testing sites are available in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and other locations. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a state and federal background check, including fingerprinting, as required by Alaska law. The background check is processed through the Alaska Background Check Program (BCP) and typically costs around $55-65. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. The Board of Nursing issues a certificate, and employers must verify your active status before hiring. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Alaska.

Alaska requires 140 hours of training—more than many other states—which typically takes 6-10 weeks to complete depending on program format. Full-time accelerated programs offered through institutions like the University of Alaska Anchorage can be completed in as little as 5-6 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 10-12 weeks. After completing your training, you'll schedule your Prometric competency exam, which includes both written and skills components. Exam results are typically available within a few business days, and once you pass both portions, your certification is processed by the Board of Nursing. The background check process can take 2-4 weeks depending on processing times. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Alaska within 8-12 weeks. Some healthcare facilities, particularly those in rural areas experiencing critical staffing shortages, may hire you conditionally while you complete the certification process, allowing you to work under supervision while finishing your requirements.

CNA training costs in Alaska typically range from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on the institution and program type. University of Alaska system programs generally cost $1,500-$2,500 including tuition, lab fees, and some materials. Private training schools may charge $2,000-$3,500 but often offer more flexible scheduling or accelerated timelines. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $157 for the state competency exam (combined written and skills), $55-65 for the mandatory background check, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks ($50-$150), and any required immunizations or health screenings. However, Alaska offers significant opportunities to reduce or eliminate these costs. Many tribal health organizations, including the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), offer free or subsidized CNA training for Alaska Native and American Indian students. Additionally, several hospitals and long-term care facilities offer "earn while you learn" programs where they pay for your training in exchange for a work commitment—particularly valuable given Alaska's high wages. Workforce development grants through the Alaska Department of Labor may also be available for qualifying students.

Alaska permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. Given Alaska's vast geography and limited road access to many communities, distance learning options are particularly important in this state. The didactic portion of your training—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy, medical terminology, and documentation—can often be completed through online coursework. However, Alaska Board of Nursing regulations require that clinical training hours be completed in person at an approved healthcare facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component typically involves 60 hours of clinical practice. For students in remote Alaskan communities, some programs coordinate with local healthcare facilities to provide clinical experiences closer to home, reducing the need for extended travel to Anchorage or Fairbanks. When searching for programs, look for Board of Nursing-approved hybrid options that clearly specify how clinical requirements will be met for your location. Be cautious of any program claiming to be entirely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Alaska certification.

Alaska uses Prometric as its sole testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that can be taken on the same day. The written knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit, covering essential CNA topics including infection control, safety procedures, patient rights and privacy, basic nursing skills, personal care, restorative services, and psychosocial aspects of care. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected clinical skills, such as handwashing, taking vital signs, positioning patients, assisting with ambulation, or providing perineal care. You must complete all critical elements correctly and achieve at least 80% accuracy on each skill to pass. Testing is available at Prometric sites in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and periodically in other locations. The combined exam fee is $157. Detailed study guides and practice tests are available through the Prometric website. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months of completing your training program.

Yes, Alaska accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Alaska Board of Nursing before working in Alaska. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Application for Nurse Aide by Endorsement along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Additionally, you'll need to complete Alaska's background check requirements, including fingerprinting through the Alaska Background Check Program. The endorsement application fee is approximately $50, and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot work as a CNA in Alaska unless you hold a temporary permit (if available). Note that if your previous state required fewer than 140 training hours, the Board may require additional training to meet Alaska's standards, though this is evaluated case-by-case. Once approved, your Alaska certification will be valid for 24 months. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the Board of Nursing at (907) 269-8161.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Alaska

Alaska CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be actively renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—typically in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, or similar facilities. Alaska does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond the employment requirement, though employers may require additional in-service training. The renewal application must be submitted to the Alaska Board of Nursing before your certification expires, along with the renewal fee of approximately $50. You can renew online through the Board's licensing portal. If your certification lapses due to not meeting the work requirement or failing to renew on time, you will need to retest—passing both the written and skills portions of the competency exam—to regain active status. If your certification has been expired for more than 24 months, you may be required to complete a new training program before retesting. The Board recommends beginning the renewal process at least 60 days before your expiration date to ensure continuous certification. Alaska employers are required to verify nurse aide certification through the registry before hiring, so maintaining active status is essential for employment.

Renewal Fee

~$50

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None required

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Alaska

Highest Wages & Exceptional Opportunities

Alaska consistently ranks among the top-paying states for CNAs in the nation. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Alaska earn a median salary of $46,200 per year, or approximately $22.21 per hour—significantly higher than the national average. In Anchorage, the state's largest healthcare market, wages can reach $24-28 per hour for experienced CNAs, while rural and remote positions often pay even more due to the critical shortage of healthcare workers in these areas.

While Alaska's cost of living is higher than the national average, the substantial wage premium often outweighs increased expenses, particularly since many rural healthcare employers offer housing allowances, relocation assistance, travel stipends, and other benefits. The state's tribal health system, including organizations like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Southcentral Foundation, and regional tribal health corporations, employs thousands of healthcare workers and offers competitive compensation packages.

With an aging population and limited workforce pipeline, Alaska's demand for CNAs continues to grow. Major employers include Providence Alaska Medical Center, Alaska Regional Hospital, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, and numerous skilled nursing facilities throughout the state. Many CNAs use their experience as a foundation to pursue LPN or RN degrees through the University of Alaska system's nursing programs.

Average Annual Salary

$46,200

per year

$22.21/hour • Top 5 nationally

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Other States

Looking for CNA programs in other states? Alaska's geographic isolation means no bordering U.S. states, but here are popular comparison states.

Resources

Official Alaska CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Alaska Board of Nursing

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

Visit Website

Alaska Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry system.

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Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

Background Check Program

Alaska Background Check Program for healthcare workers—required for CNA certification.

Learn More

Board of Nursing Contact

550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1500
Anchorage, AK 99501

Call: (907) 269-8161

Board Email Support

Contact the Alaska Board of Nursing for certification questions and assistance.

boardofnursing@alaska.gov

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