Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$45,840

trending_up +16.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering

1,660

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Stable

+2.3%

10-yr job growth

payments

$570

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Alaska

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 140 hours, including 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the program, applicants must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. The licensing body is the Alaska Board of Nursing, and a criminal background check and fingerprinting are required as part of the application process. Alaska also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other U.S. states or Canadian territories.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $41,190

25th percentile $41,840

50th (median) $45,840

75th percentile $50,700

90th (experienced) $59,780

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing body	Alaska Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	140-hour state-approved training program
Experience	80.0 hours
Exam	National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($295)
Application fee	$275
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age for some training programs is 16, though the Alaska Board of Nursing does not have a minimum age restriction. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. Renewal requires 24 hours of CE and 160 hours of paid work, with some exceptions for first-time renewals based on certification date. Applicants with child support arrears may receive a temporary license. Some training programs may also require a drug test, TB screening, and specific vaccinations.

Source: Alaska Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.3%

Average

Annual openings

204,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

1,441,500

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlaska license required — clearer credential signal to employers

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a certified nursing assistant in Alaska? expand_more

In Alaska, becoming a certified nursing assistant requires you to complete the required education (140-hour state-approved training program), gain 80.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia, and submit your application ($275 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a certified nursing assistant in Alaska? expand_more

A state license is required in Alaska. Alaska Board of Nursing handles certified nursing assistant licensing — the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia is part of the process.

What is the average certified nursing assistant salary in Alaska? expand_more

Alaska certified nursing assistants bring home a median salary of $45,840. That's 16% above the national median of $39,530. New certified nursing assistants start around $41,190; seasoned professionals can reach $59,780.

What are the fees to become a certified nursing assistant in Alaska? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($295) and application fee ($275) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Alaska? expand_more

The typical timeline in Alaska is 6-12 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do certified nursing assistants need in Alaska? expand_more

License renewal in Alaska requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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