Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Alaska, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 140 hours, including 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the program, applicants must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. The licensing body is the Alaska Board of Nursing, and a criminal background check and fingerprinting are required as part of the application process. Alaska also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other U.S. states or Canadian territories.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Alaska
| Detail | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Alaska Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 140-hour state-approved training program |
| Experience Required | 80.0 hours |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($295) |
| Application Fee | $275 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age for some training programs is 16, though the Alaska Board of Nursing does not have a minimum age restriction. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. Renewal requires 24 hours of CE and 160 hours of paid work, with some exceptions for first-time renewals based on certification date. Applicants with child support arrears may receive a temporary license. Some training programs may also require a drug test, TB screening, and specific vaccinations. |
Source: Alaska Board of Nursing
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Alaska
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Alaska is $45,840 per year, which is 16.0% above the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,190 |
| 25th | $41,840 |
| 50th (median) | $45,840 |
| 75th | $50,700 |
| 90th (experienced) | $59,780 |
Alaska employs approximately 1,660 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Alaska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alaska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.