University of Alaska Anchorage Nursing Program: A Guide for Prospective Students (2026)
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) School of Nursing offers ACEN-accredited BSN and RN-to-BSN options plus MSN and DNP programs that focus on Alaska’s urban and rural communities. This guide walks you through programs, NCLEX preparation, admissions requirements, costs, and what it’s like to study nursing at UAA in 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UAA’s School of Nursing is one of Alaska’s primary pipelines for BSN-prepared RNs and advanced practice nurses. The curriculum is tightly aligned with state workforce needs, from a competitive pre-licensure BSN and RN-to-BSN pathway to MSN (FNP, PMHNP, leadership/education) and post-master’s DNP options—designed to serve Alaska’s urban and rural communities rather than generic national templates.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing
Located in Anchorage with additional sites around the state, the University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing focuses on preparing nurses for practice in Alaska’s diverse settings—from large urban hospitals to remote rural clinics and tribal health organizations. The undergraduate BSN program is ACEN-accredited and serves as a primary entry-to-practice route for registered nurses across the state.
If you are comparing Alaska nursing schools, BSN admission requirements, and long-term pathways from RN to graduate study, UAA offers a full ladder of options: pre-licensure BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN with nurse practitioner and leadership concentrations, and a post-master’s DNP. This guide focuses on the BSN and RN-to-BSN while giving a high-level view of graduate options, nursing clinical hours, and how competitive the program really is.
Five reasons students choose UAA
💡 Alaska-focused curriculum
Undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are built around the realities of caring for patients in both Anchorage and rural/remote communities, including Alaska Native and other underserved populations.
🎓 Full pathway from BSN to DNP
Students can start in the pre-licensure BSN or RN-to-BSN and later pursue MSN (FNP, PMHNP, leadership/education) and DNP options at the same institution, aligning each step with Alaska’s workforce needs.
💡 Data-driven graduate programs
As stated on UAA’s School of Nursing graduate programs page (reviewed for this update), the school reports 100% job placement for nurse practitioners after they are certified—confirm the cohort scope and methodology with UAA. The same page links an Alaska nurse practitioner hourly wage figure to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development wage tool; verify current estimates there and with the program.
💡 Competitive BSN selection
BSN admission uses a transparent combination of TEAS scores, extracted prerequisite GPA, and a Kira assessment. This can help you gauge how to strengthen your application instead of guessing what matters most.
🏥 Clinicals across Alaska
Clinical experiences and internships take place with urban and rural communities throughout Alaska, exposing students to the settings where they are most likely to practice after graduation.
Nursing Programs Offered
UAA’s School of Nursing offers multiple undergraduate and graduate pathways. Only program details present in official UAA materials or other reputable sources are summarized here—no programs or requirements are inferred beyond what those sources state.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A four-year program that combines two years of prerequisites with upper-division nursing coursework and clinicals. Students complete anatomy and physiology, chemistry, nutrition, statistics, ethics, and general education before progressing into nursing courses such as pathophysiology, fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, mental and behavioral health, pediatrics, maternal-child, community health, leadership, and an NCLEX review and practicum immersion.
RN to BSN
For licensed RNs who already hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and want to complete a BSN. The catalog notes that RN-to-BSN coursework builds on prior clinical preparation; details on format and course sequence are available in the UAA catalog.
MS in Nursing Science
Graduate program with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Nursing Leadership with Education emphasis. The program explores advanced practice, theory, research, and healthcare delivery in Alaska’s communities.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A post-master’s DNP for APRNs that emphasizes advanced practice, leadership, and scholarly projects addressing Alaska’s urban and rural health needs. All clinical coursework is completed in Alaska.
Always confirm the latest BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP requirements, locations, and delivery formats in the official UAA catalog and School of Nursing pages before planning your academic pathway.
UAA updates MSN, DNP, and BSN options periodically. Cross-check RN-to-BSN, BSN, MSN, and DNP against official nursing program page and the Alaska Board of Nursing approved-program roster.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Unlike Alabama and some other states, the Alaska Board of Nursing does not publish a simple public school-by-school NCLEX pass-rate table on its main site. For this guide, primary school-level figures come from each institution’s official outcomes page (UAA Student Achievement Data or APU’s program dashboard). Use the Board’s NCLEX information page for Alaska licensure steps. For benchmarks, Alaska’s Board has cited an 80% NCLEX pass-rate expectation based on year-end NCSBN figures in its licensing advisory opinions (PDF). National context: NCSBN NCLEX Pass Rates and 2024 NCLEX Examination Statistics.
UAA’s BSN program includes a dedicated NCLEX review course (NS A473) and an integrative capstone/practicum sequence. According to the UAA School of Nursing Student Achievement Data page (accessed for this 2026 review), program-level first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for pre-licensure pathways were:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 2024: 89.19% (99 of 111 first-time test takers); 2023: 88.79% (103/116); 2022: 89.3% (58/65).
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS): 2024: 93.75% (75 of 80 first-time test takers); 2023: 89.71% (61/68); 2022: 84.62% (77/91).
Confirm the latest cohort year and methodology on the UAA page above and with the Alaska Board of Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (BSN, 2024) | 89.19% (99/111), per UAA Student Achievement Data |
| NCLEX-RN first-time (AAS, 2024) | 93.75% (75/80), per UAA Student Achievement Data |
| Graduate NP certification exams (summary) | UAA publishes FNP/PMHNP certification first-time pass tables by year on the same achievement page; confirm current rows with the school. |
| NP wage (Alaska context) | See Alaska Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development for current occupational estimates. |
| Source | UAA School of Nursing · Student Achievement Data (primary school data); Alaska Board of Nursing (approval/licensure); Board NCLEX information; Board licensing advisory opinions (80% benchmark, PDF); NCSBN pass rates; NCSBN 2024 statistics |
Use the UAA achievement page and Alaska Board of Nursing materials for the most current figures. Do not treat a single year’s percentage as a guarantee of future results.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
UAA admits international students across many programs, but nursing has additional requirements linked to clinical placement and Alaska RN licensure. If you are an international applicant or an internationally educated nurse, treat UAA admission and Alaska Board of Nursing licensure as two coordinated but distinct processes.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm which exams (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) and minimum scores UAA currently requires for international BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing applicants.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Ask whether foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a service such as WES or another approved agency before UAA can award credit or place you into nursing courses.
- Licensure path: If you already hold a non-U.S. nursing credential, contact the Alaska Board of Nursing about NCLEX eligibility, required documentation, and any additional steps separate from UAA admission.
- Visa & clinicals: Clarify which nursing programs and course loads are compatible with your visa status, and how clinical rotations are handled for international students.
Because policies for international students and internationally educated nurses change frequently, verify requirements directly with UAA’s International Admissions team and the Alaska Board of Nursing rather than relying on secondary sources.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission to UAA as an undergraduate does not guarantee admission to the BSN major. The School of Nursing describes BSN selection as competitive and capacity-limited, with a multi-step process that uses NursingCAS plus a set of academic and holistic factors.
What you need for BSN admission (high-level)
- Apply through NursingCAS by the stated deadline.
- Be admitted as an undergraduate degree-seeking student at UAA (or apply if you are currently a UAF/UAS student).
- Complete required prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology I’II with labs, introductory chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, writing, psychology (lifespan development), reasoning/ethics, and general education requirements with grades of C or better.
- Meet the minimum extracted prerequisite GPA of 3.0.
- Take the TEAS and achieve a minimum overall score of 58.7, with the highest score in the last 36 months used.
- Complete the Kira Assessment, which evaluates verbal and written communication and your fit for nursing and the program.
This summary is based on UAA’s BS in Nursing admission process page. For exact course lists and timelines, consult that page directly.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot (BSN)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum extracted prerequisite GPA | 3.0 |
| Minimum TEAS overall score | 58.7 |
| Holistic component | Kira Assessment (video + written responses) |
| Clinical experience preferred | Not publicly disclosed |
Because extracted GPA and TEAS scores are explicit selection factors, prioritize those early: map your prerequisites with an advisor, avoid withdrawing from or repeating key science courses if possible, and prepare for the TEAS with enough lead time to retest within the allowed 21-day intervals if needed. Use the Kira Assessment to tell a specific story about why Alaska-focused nursing—and UAA in particular—fits your goals.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 High school or first-time college student
Plan on at least a year of college-level science, math, and writing before entering the BSN full-major. Protect your prerequisite GPA, attend information sessions, and treat the TEAS as a key part of your application rather than an afterthought.
🎓 Second-degree / career-change student
If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, some general education may carry over, but you will still need UAA’s specific science and nursing prerequisites plus TEAS and Kira. Ask admissions to map how your previous coursework fits the BSN plan so you don’t repeat classes unnecessarily.
📊 Licensed RN (RN-to-BSN)
If you are already an RN, explore UAA’s RN-to-BSN option. Admission requirements differ from the pre-licensure BSN and place more emphasis on your RN license, previous nursing education, and completion of any remaining general-education requirements.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
UAA is a public university, and tuition varies by residency, program level, and course load. The exact BSN and graduate nursing tuition and fee schedules are maintained in the UAA catalog and are not reproduced in full here.
Because tuition and fees change by residency, program, and year, this guide does not reproduce full numerical tables. For current costs, start with UAA’s Financial Aid hub and the official catalog (tuition and fees links), then confirm figures with the bursar or financial aid office before you budget.
Beyond tuition and mandatory fees, plan for textbooks, uniforms, equipment, immunizations, background checks, transportation to clinical sites, and potential reduced work hours during upper-division clinical semesters. This guide does not estimate those expenses; instead, use UAA’s cost-of-attendance tools and speak with financial-aid staff.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Undergraduate outcomes: Specific job-placement percentages for BSN and RN-to-BSN graduates are not publicly disclosed in official sources reviewed for this guide. However, UAA emphasizes that its programs are designed around Alaska’s workforce needs, including hospitals, tribal health systems, long-term care, and community health settings.
Graduate outcomes: UAA’s Student Achievement Data publishes completion rates and certification-exam first-time pass rates for MS/GC nurse practitioner tracks by year rather than a single "job placement" headline figure. Review those tables and confirm current definitions with the School of Nursing.
Where alumni work: Not publicly disclosed in official sources reviewed for this guide. For examples of recent employers, review UAA’s School of Nursing stories and talk with advisors about typical career paths for BSN and MSN/DNP graduates.
Is University of Alaska Anchorage School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
UAA is a strong option if you want a public-university BSN rooted in Alaska’s own health-care system and the possibility of continuing straight into advanced practice or leadership roles. It may be less ideal if you prefer a small, private campus or a fully online experience from pre-licensure through graduate school.
Good fit for
- Students who want a public, ACEN-accredited BSN with a clear path to graduate study.
- Applicants interested in practicing in Alaska’s urban, rural, or tribal health settings.
- RNs who plan to complete an RN-to-BSN and later pursue NP or leadership roles.
- Nurses who value on-the-ground clinical work in Alaska during both undergraduate and graduate programs.
May not be ideal for
- Students looking for a small private college or heavily residential campus experience.
- Applicants who want a fully online pre-licensure BSN (UAA’s BSN includes required in-person labs and clinicals).
- Students who prefer to study and work outside Alaska immediately after graduation.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
UAA’s School of Nursing is based in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and a major medical hub, but its clinical reach extends to communities across the state. Graduate program materials emphasize work with both urban and rural populations and internships with a variety of health-care partners.
By studying at UAA, you gain exposure to the same mix of urban hospitals, regional centers, and community-based settings that employ many of Alaska’s nurses and nurse practitioners. When you speak with advisors, ask where recent BSN and MSN/DNP students have completed clinicals and how those placements connect to job opportunities after graduation.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students at UAA spend significant time in the Health Sciences Building on the Anchorage campus, balancing classroom instruction, labs, simulation, and clinical rotations. Beyond nursing, UAA offers the broader experiences of a public university—student organizations, campus events, and access to academic support resources—which you can layer onto a demanding clinical schedule as your time allows.
For specifics on simulation labs, cohort sizes, and student support structures within the School of Nursing, review UAA’s program pages and attend a School of Nursing information session.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Anchorage, AK (Health Sciences Building, 3795 Piper Street, Suite 101)
- Address
- 3211 Providence Drive, HSB 101, Anchorage, AK 99508
- Telephone
- (907) 786-4550
- Contact email
- nursing@alaska.edu
- Website
- uaa.alaska.edu/school-of-nursing
Official links
Your ‘Next 7 Days’ checklist
- Read the full BS in Nursing catalog entry, including prerequisites, sample plan of study, and course descriptions like NS A332, NS A388, and NS A472.
- Map your completed and planned coursework against UAA’s BSN prerequisite list and extracted-GPA requirements, then speak with an advisor about any gaps.
- Review the BSN admission process page for current TEAS expectations, Kira details, and application timelines.
- If you have not taken the TEAS exam, schedule it and build a study plan; if you have, consider whether retaking within the allowed window might improve your score.
- Attend a School of Nursing information session or NursingCAS workshop to get real-time answers about competitiveness, clinical sites, and support services.
- Talk with at least one current UAA nursing student or graduate (via LinkedIn or UAA networking events) about their clinical experiences and how they balanced coursework with life responsibilities.
- Check both UAA tuition/fee pages and your own budget to see how BSN or RN-to-BSN costs compare with your financial aid and timeline, and adjust your application strategy if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Alaska Anchorage a good school for nursing?
UAA offers ACEN-accredited undergraduate nursing programs and graduate options aligned with Alaska practice. UAA’s graduate programs page states a reported 100% job placement rate for nurse practitioners after certification (school-reported; confirm details with UAA). Its focus on Alaska’s urban, rural, and tribal communities makes it a strong choice for students who plan to practice in the state.
What GPA do you need for the UAA BSN program?
UAA uses an extracted GPA based on BSN prerequisite courses and requires a minimum of 3.0 in those prerequisites. Because admission is competitive, applicants often aim to exceed this minimum, especially in lab science and math courses.
Does UAA require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Yes. BSN admission factors include TEAS scores; UAA notes that applicants must achieve a minimum overall TEAS score of 58.7. Only the highest score from the last 36 months is used, and the exam can be taken every 21 days.
How competitive is admission to the UAA BSN program?
The School of Nursing explicitly describes the BSN as competitive and limited-access. Selection is based on prerequisite completion, extracted GPA, TEAS scores, and the Kira Assessment. A specific acceptance rate is not publicly disclosed.
Does UAA offer an RN to BSN program?
Yes. UAA offers an RN-to-BSN pathway for licensed RNs. This program builds on previous nursing preparation and focuses on baccalaureate-level coursework in leadership, research, and population health. Admission requirements differ from the pre-licensure BSN and are outlined in the catalog and School of Nursing website.
What graduate nursing programs does UAA offer?
Graduate options include an MS in Nursing with concentrations in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing Leadership with Education emphasis, as well as graduate certificates in FNP, PMHNP, and nursing education and a post-master’s DNP.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for UAA nursing graduates?
Per UAA’s Student Achievement Data (reviewed for 2026), first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates include: BSN — 2024: 89.19% (99/111); 2023: 88.79% (103/116); 2022: 89.3% (58/65). AAS — 2024: 93.75% (75/80); 2023: 89.71% (61/68); 2022: 84.62% (77/91). Confirm the latest year with UAA and the Alaska Board of Nursing.
References
-
UAA Catalog · Bachelor of Science in Nursing catalog.uaa.alaska.edu/undergraduateprograms/coh/bs-nursing
-
UAA School of Nursing · Student Achievement Data (NCLEX & outcomes) uaa.alaska.edu/…/student-achievement-data
-
UAA School of Nursing · BSN Admission Process uaa.alaska.edu/…/bs-admission-process
-
UAA School of Nursing · Graduate Programs overview uaa.alaska.edu/…/graduate-programs
-
UAA School of Nursing · Graduate Programs Admission Requirements uaa.alaska.edu/…/applicationprocedure
-
Alaska Board of Nursing · Education & licensure guidance commerce.alaska.gov/…/BoardofNursing.aspx
-
Figures marked “Not publicly disclosed” were not found in official school or board sources at the time of review. Confirm current data with the institution and the Alaska Board of Nursing.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Miguel Romero, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides focused on licensure outcomes, admissions clarity, and career readiness for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and relevant boards before making decisions.
Published: Mar 13, 2026 · Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026