In 2021, 29 boroughs in Alaska had no practicing physicians, and nine had fewer than 100 physicians per 100,000 people.
Part of this shortage is due to the fact that Alaska doesn’t have any in-state medical schools, making it necessary for facilities in the state to join educational partnerships and rely on recruiting and retaining providers for these positions. The increasing demand for healthcare workers has made provider shortages a significant issue in the state’s healthcare systems.
In Alaska, nurse practitioners (NPs) are uniquely positioned to fill these gaps. The state is one of the most liberal regarding the practice authority it gives NPs. In Alaska, people in this profession enjoy full practice, which means they can use their skills and competencies to diagnose and treat patients within their specialization. In Alaska, NPs can practice without physician supervision and prescribe medications after receiving a permit from the state nursing board. NP graduates can also practice independently under a temporary license while awaiting full certification.
The independence NPs experience in Alaska can be a tempting reason to practice there, but the state also offers a wide range of other opportunities for nurses. There are multiple professional organizations NPs can join, including the Alaska APRN Alliance, the Alaska Nurses Association, and the Alaska Nurse Practitioner Association.
Because of its size and uniqueness, it may be surprising to learn that Alaska only has 27 hospitals. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital in Fairbanks and Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage are the two largest in the state; others include Alaska Regional Hospital and Alaska Native Medical Center, also in Anchorage, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, and Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna.
If you’re considering pursuing your education and career in Alaska, the state has a lot to offer, particularly if you love adventure and the wilderness. You’ll see things here you won’t see in many places, like glaciers, the Northern Lights, and unique wildlife, from brown bears to whales. Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, the three largest cities in the state, are a little more urban than other areas, but not much!
Alaska offered one NP program and one post-graduate certificate program for those wishing to pursue their education in the Last Frontier.
Program Overview:
UAA has multiple campuses in the southwest region of the state. The School of Nursing at the College of Health sees itself as a partner in shaping Alaska’s healthcare. Every student has access to free tutoring services, advanced simulation technology, and clinical experiences that help them prepare for their future careers.
NP Programs in Other States
Hawaii
Washington
Oregon
California
New York
Florida