Alaska
Non-CompactNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Alaska Nursing CEU Overview
Alaska requires registered nurses to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Alaska does not require specific mandatory topics. Nurses have flexibility to choose CE courses that align with their practice area and professional development goals.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Alaska Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in Alaska
Alaska has approximately 12,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 733,000 spread across 663,000 square miles. The state faces unique healthcare delivery challenges due to its vast geography, with many communities accessible only by air or water. Native health corporations, including the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, are major employers, providing care to Indigenous populations across remote villages.
Alaska does not require general continuing education hours for RN license renewal. However, the state mandates specific training on prior authorization processes for controlled substances and requires nurses to complete infection control education. This approach recognizes the challenges rural Alaska nurses face in accessing traditional CE programs while ensuring competency in critical areas.
Common Practice Settings in Alaska
Tribal Health Facilities
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and regional Native health corporations employ many nurses, often providing housing and travel benefits.
Critical Access Hospitals
Small rural hospitals throughout Alaska rely on nurses who can handle diverse patient needs with limited specialist support.
Travel Nursing
Many remote facilities hire travel nurses for seasonal coverage, particularly during winter months when permanent staff availability decreases.
Alaska License Renewal Tips
While general CE is not required, complete any mandatory topic requirements before renewal.
Document any specialized training you complete for remote or emergency practice.
Consider courses in telehealth, as many Alaska facilities rely heavily on telemedicine.
Renew early to avoid practice interruptions if mail delivery is slow to your location.
Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure on or after December 1 of odd-numbered years
Notes
- Alaska requires continuing competency via flexible system - must complete 2 of 3 options:.
- Option 1: 30 contact hours of CE.
- Option 2: 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities.
- Option 3: 320 hours of employment as RN.
- CPR/BLS courses do NOT count toward CE requirements.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Exemptions
- First renewal after initial licensure on or after October 1 of odd-numbered years
Notes
- Alaska requires continuing competency via flexible system - must complete 2 of 3 options:.
- Option 1: 30 contact hours of CE.
- Option 2: 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities.
- Option 3: 320 hours of employment as LPN.
- CPR/BLS courses do NOT count toward CE requirements.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Required
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Alaska requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Washington requires fewer (8 hours), while Hawaii has no general CE requirement. Alaska is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses need a separate license to practice here.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Alaska requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Alaska compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Alaska Board of Nursing
(907) 465-2550
550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Alaska Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.