State of Alaska
Alaska.
Updated 2026
Contact hours
For RN renewal, every 2 years
30
Mandatory topics
For RN renewal, topics
0
Online CE
For RN renewal, fully accepted
Yes
¶ 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.
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
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.
Renewal tips
01
While general CE is not required, complete any mandatory topic requirements before renewal.
02
Document any specialized training you complete for remote or emergency practice.
03
Consider courses in telehealth, as many Alaska facilities rely heavily on telemedicine.
04
Renew early to avoid practice interruptions if mail delivery is slow to your location.
The requirements, by license
Every license type,side by side.
Hours, cycles, mandatory topics, exemptions. Switch between RN, LPN, APRN and the four advanced-practice specialties.
License
RN
Registered nurse.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for RN renewal.
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.
License
LPN
LPN / LVN.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Exempt
CE waived
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for LPN renewal.
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.
License
APRN
APRN, general.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for APRN renewal.
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
NP
Nurse practitioner.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for NP renewal.
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNS
Clinical nurse specialist.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNS renewal.
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CNM
Certified nurse-midwife.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CNM renewal.
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
License
CRNA
Nurse anesthetist.
Contact hours
30
every 2 years
Renewal cycle
2
years
Online CE
Yes
fully accepted
First renewal
Required
Mandatory topics
No mandatory topics for CRNA renewal.
Notes
- APRNs must maintain national certification which requires CE.
Additional requirements
In context. Alaska requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared with neighbors, 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.
Continue.
Verify with the source
Alaska Board of Nursing.
Verify before relying on this
Nearby states