LPN Programs in AK

Completion of an accredited LPN program is one of the required steps for practical nursing licensure in the state of Alaska. The LPN program will take about 12 months to complete and graduates are at that time awarded a certificate or diploma in most cases. Applicants for LPN licensure in Alaska that have completed an LPN program in another state will have to provide verification from the nursing school they attended as part of the licensure application process. This just means that you can complete an accredited LPN program in another state and be eligible for licensure as a practical nurse in Alaska. Accredited LPN programs in Alaska along with contact information can be found below.

Admission requirements for an LPN program in Alaska are an important factor to consider as the selection process is quite competitive. Some of the more common and critical requirements include being a certified nurses assistant – CNA (find CNA programs in Alaska), passing a reading skills test, Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers certification (CPR), current immunizations, TB test and a background check (any felony convictions may inhibit your completion of the clinical portion of the program). You will want to contact the LPN program you are selecting to get their most current admission requirements. Excel in your high school classes and all other requirements areas as well as other areas that will set you apart from other applicants.

LPN program curriculum is pretty similar in most states. Students are exposed to classroom instruction, laboratory time and clinical conference hours or working in an actual nursing facility with patients under the supervision of an instructor. Graduates of an LPN program will have experience in adult health nursing, maternal and child nursing, nursing ethics and related nursing topics. After completion of an LPN program, graduates apply for licensure with the Alaska Board of Nursing and will register on the Pearson Vue website to take the NCLEX-PN examination. Students must receive an acceptable score on the NCLEX-PN for the Alaska Board of Nursing to approve the licensure application and award a license to the practical nurse. This application process is termed licensure by examination. The application form for licensure by examination can be found on the Alaska Board of Nursing website as well as a wealth of additional information regarding practical nursing in Alaska.

LPN Salaries, LPN job Outlook and LPN Employers in Alaska

Will the time and financial investment be worth it once you become an LPN in Alaska? That is a tough question and one that you’ll have to evaluate for yourself. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development released their 2009 occupational wage data, which showed that an LPN in Alaska makes an average annual salary of $47,860 and an average hourly wage of $23.01. This data also reported entry-level LPN salaries in Alaska which would be of more interest at this stage. An entry-level LPN reportedly made an annual average salary of $38,260 and an average hourly wage of $18.40. Salaries for entry-level as well as experienced LPNs will vary by geographic location, facility type and work experience so keep that in mind.

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development also released their job growth projections for all occupations. Their job growth projections for the LPN profession is 18% through 2016. There is also great opportunity for LPNs in Alaska to pursue LPN to RN programs or enter associate’s degree nursing programs in advanced standing, meaning that career advancement could be an exciting and tangible direction to take with your nursing career. Based on job growth, career advancement opportunities and earnings potential it is fair to assume that the time and financial investment would be worth becoming an LPN in Alaska. However, this is a decision you will have to make.

Some of the agencies hiring LPNs in Alaska are Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel, Onward Healthcare in Homer, Department of Veterans Affairs, Maxim Healthcare Services, Salvation Army in Anchorage, South Peninsula Hospital in Homer and Providence Seward Medical and Care Center. This is just a sampling of what agencies hire LPNs in Alaska and there are many others.

If the LPN pathway does not end up being a good fit for you or you become wait listed at an LPN school, another popular entry-level health care career with similar earnings and job growth projections is medical assisting. Check out the Medical Assistant programs in Alaska to learn more.

LPN Programs in AK

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