DNP Programs in Alaska – 2025

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Alaska is a full-practice state for APRNs, and graduates of DNP programs in Alaska are frequently the only primary care providers in rural and other medically underserved parts of the Last Frontier State. Many DNP-educated RNs in Alaska also have the managerial skills to help run the clinics and community agencies that provide healthcare for so many in these areas. In the Last Frontier State, RNs with Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees earn $135,910 on average, and their employment opportunities are projected to increase by 10 percent within 10 years. Could getting a DNP be the right professional move for you? This list of the best DNP programs in Alaska can help you determine that.

WHAT ARE THE BEST DNP PROGRAMS IN ALASKA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Alaska (Online & Campus) for 2025.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage - Anchorage

Programs Offered: MSN-to-DNP

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you are a master’s-prepared nurse and you are considering earning a doctorate in nursing, the University of Alaska Anchorage offers a robust post-master’s DNP program in Alaska, which is an excellent option to consider. The program is ideal for nurses who aspire to become nurse leaders, educators, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in clinical and organizational settings.

The DNP program consists of a 32-credit curriculum, featuring a hybrid learning format which combines online instruction with periodic campus-based intensives. In this program, you will study Epidemiology for Advanced Practice, Health Economics, Advanced Practice Informatics, and Advanced Practice Ethics and Law. You may petition to waive up to seven credits from your MSN program. An analysis of your master’s transcripts must first be conducted by program faculty.

As a nurse educator, I encourage prospective students to consider several important factors when choosing a nursing school or program. One of the most crucial things to consider is the type of clinical practicum experiences a program offers. For example, the University of Alaska Anchorage emphasizes patient care in rural health areas among indigenous populations. Once you complete this program, you will be highly-qualified and prepared to serve Alaska’s diverse communities.

To earn the DNP degree, you must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Up to 700 clinical hours may be waived based on documentation of supervised clinical hours completed in your master’s nursing program (with approval from the program director). Your clinical experiences will be distributed across various healthcare settings, ensuring you have comprehensive exposure to diverse practice environments and patient populations. The DNP program culminates with the successful completion of a scholarly capstone project.

MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The MSN-to-DNP program at the University of Alaska Anchorage has a rolling admission policy, with completed applications reviewed each term. To be eligible for admission, you are required to have a master’s degree in nursing from an institutionally accredited APRN program with ACEN or CCNE accreditation, a registered professional nurse license authorizing practice in Alaska, and an active APRN license.

You need to complete an UAA Graduate School online application and submit a professional resume, copy of your RN license, APRN license, and APRN certification, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Additionally, you are required to provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Once your application is complete, you must contact the School of Nursing graduate program to schedule a mandatory faculty interview and advising appointment.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• At the University of Alaska Anchorage, clinical placements are coordinated by program faculty and clinical directors with healthcare partners across the state. You will have opportunities to provide direct patient care in settings, including clinics, hospitals, and tribal health organizations.
• As a student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, you will participate in simulation labs and virtual case studies designed to enhance your clinical reasoning and collaboration skills.
• One of the awesome things about the DNP program at UAA is that it is led by experienced faculty. You will learn from professional practitioners who are active clinicians, policy advocates, and researchers. The faculty members have expertise that spans specialties such as leadership, public health, informatics, and family practice. You will graduate from the program ready to step into new roles as a Doctor of Nursing Practice with confidence.
• The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UAA is among the top DNP programs in Alaska. The school offers a transformative educational experience for any nurse committed to advancing healthcare in Alaska and beyond. When you pursue the DNP at the University of Alaska Anchorage, you will be equipped to lead change, improve patient and organizational outcomes, and shape the future of nursing!


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

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3. What Is The Average DNP Salary In Alaska?

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7. Average DNP Salary In Alaska VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Alaska

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