2026 Best Nursing Schools in Alaska – Accredited ADN, BSN, MSN Programs

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Choosing a nursing school in Alaska is not the same as choosing a program in a densely populated state. Alaska’s size, rural communities, weather, clinical-site access, and healthcare workforce shortages all affect where students train, how quickly they can finish, and what kind of nursing work they may do after graduation. The state had an estimated population of about 730,000 residents in 2025, and its employment-to-population ratio was 60.9% in 2024, showing that a large share of working-age residents were employed despite the state’s geographic and seasonal labor-market challenges.

For future nurses, that context matters. Healthcare is one of Alaska’s most important employment sectors, and nursing students need programs that prepare them not only for exams and licensure, but also for practice in rural, urban, tribal, and remote-care settings. This guide explains the best nursing school options in Alaska, how long programs take, what they may cost, how licensure works, what financial aid may be available, and how to decide whether an Alaska nursing program fits your goals.

Quick Answer: What are the best nursing schools in Alaska?

The main nursing school options in Alaska include the University of Alaska Anchorage, Charter College, and University of Alaska Fairbanks through its partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage. The right choice depends on your degree goal, location, budget, preferred schedule, and whether you want an associate, bachelor’s, graduate, bridge, or advanced-practice nursing pathway.

Students should prioritize programs that are approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing, prepare graduates for the NCLEX when applicable, provide reliable clinical placement support, and offer coursework aligned with Alaska’s rural, cultural, and community-based healthcare needs.

Best Nursing Schools in Alaska Table of Contents

1. Is nursing a strong career choice in Alaska?
2. How do you become a nurse in Alaska?
3. How long are nursing programs in Alaska?
4. How much do Alaska nursing programs cost?
5. What financial aid and scholarships can nursing students use in Alaska?
6. Alaska nursing schools offering programs for 2026
7. How should you compare nursing programs in Alaska?
8. What are Alaska’s nursing license and renewal rules?
9. How fast can an RN complete a BSN?
10. What other healthcare careers can Alaska students consider?
11. How do Alaska programs teach rural practice and cultural competence?
12. How do healthcare policies affect nursing education in Alaska?
13. Can LPN programs be a good first step in Alaska?
14. Do online nursing programs work for Alaska students?
15. What options exist for nurse midwifery in Alaska?
16. What common mistakes should nursing students avoid?
17. How can nurses move into nurse practitioner roles in Alaska?
18. What advanced practice nursing opportunities are available in Alaska?
19. Should Alaska nurses add medical billing and coding skills?

Is nursing a strong career choice in Alaska?

Nursing can be a strong career in Alaska for students who want stable healthcare work, above-average earning potential, and the chance to serve communities where access to care can be limited. Registered nurses in Alaska earn an average annual salary of about $97,230, and other sources report typical annual pay often around $97,000 or more. The state is also listed among high-paying locations for registered nurses, with an average annual wage of $103,310 cited in the article’s key data.

Higher pay in Alaska is not only a reflection of clinical skill. It also reflects the difficulty of staffing hospitals, clinics, tribal health organizations, long-term care facilities, and remote care sites across a large and sparsely populated state. Employers may need to compete for nurses who can work in challenging environments, cover wide service areas, or adapt to travel, weather, and limited local resources.

The trade-off is cost and lifestyle. Housing, groceries, fuel, travel, and relocation expenses can reduce the practical value of a higher salary, especially outside larger communities such as Anchorage or Fairbanks. Nurses should also think carefully about shift structure, isolation, access to childcare, transportation, and whether they are comfortable working in rural or remote healthcare settings.

How do you become a nurse in Alaska?

The usual route to registered nursing in Alaska is to complete an approved nursing program, apply for licensure, pass the NCLEX-RN, and maintain the license through renewal requirements. Students can enter the field through an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a bridge pathway depending on prior education and career goals.

1. Choose an approved and accredited nursing program. Start by confirming that the school is authorized for nursing education in Alaska and that the program has appropriate nursing accreditation. This is essential for licensure eligibility, transfer options, graduate school admission, and employer recognition.
2. Complete the required nursing curriculum and clinical training. Nursing programs combine classroom instruction, labs, simulations, and supervised patient-care experiences. Students build skills in assessment, medication safety, clinical reasoning, communication, and care coordination. Some coursework may overlap with broader healthcare management career knowledge, especially for students interested in leadership roles later.
3. Apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing and register for the NCLEX. After graduation, candidates must begin the licensure process through the Alaska Board of Nursing. The board determines whether a graduate is eligible to take the licensing exam.
4. Pass the NCLEX-RN. ADN and BSN graduates who meet eligibility requirements take the NCLEX-RN. The exam is designed to assess whether a candidate can practice safely as an entry-level registered nurse.
5. Receive licensure and begin professional practice. Once licensed, nurses can pursue clinical roles and build experience in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, tribal health systems, and community-based care.
6. Plan for renewal and advancement. Alaska requires nurses to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Nurses who want faster advancement may consider bridge pathways such as online RN to MSN programs, especially if they want graduate preparation while continuing to work.

How long are nursing programs in Alaska?

Program length depends on the credential. An Associate Degree in Nursing is commonly a 2-year route and is often the shortest academic path to registered nurse eligibility. Students who complete an ADN can apply for NCLEX-RN eligibility if they meet the state’s licensing requirements.

In 2024, candidates with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.72%, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing generally takes about four years and includes classroom learning, labs, and clinical rotations across multiple areas of patient care.

A Master of Science in Nursing often takes about three years, depending on the program structure and student schedule. A Doctor of Nursing Practice usually requires three to five years of full-time study. Students moving from a bachelor’s degree directly into doctoral study should compare school-specific timelines because the length of a BSN to DNP program varies by institution.

How much do Alaska nursing programs cost?

Nursing school costs in Alaska vary by institution, residency status, degree level, course load, and whether the student attends a public or private school. For Alaska residents pursuing a two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing, annual tuition ranges from $3,500 to $6,500. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing tuition is higher, ranging from $7,500 to $9,500 per year.

Graduate study usually costs more than entry-level nursing education, so students considering an MSN should compare tuition, fees, clinical-placement costs, travel, books, technology requirements, and lost income if they reduce work hours. Budget-conscious nurses can also review affordable online MSN programs when a distance-learning format fits their goals and licensing needs.

What financial aid and scholarships can nursing students use in Alaska?

Financial aid can make a major difference for Alaska nursing students because tuition is only one part of the total cost. Students should file required aid forms early, compare institutional scholarships, and ask whether awards can be used for fees, books, travel, or living expenses.

• Federal and state grants: Students with financial need may qualify for federal aid such as the Pell Grant. Alaska’s State Education Assistance Grant also supports eligible students with exceptional financial need who attend qualifying colleges and universities in the state.
• Alaska Performance Scholarship: Alaska high school graduates with strong academic performance may be eligible for the Alaska Performance Scholarship, which can help cover tuition at in-state programs, including nursing pathways.
• Alaska Native and rural healthcare scholarships: Some organizations support Alaska Native students and students committed to rural or underserved healthcare work. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and local healthcare organizations are common places to research funding tied to community health needs.
• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program: This federal option may cover tuition and provide a stipend for nursing students who commit to work in underserved areas after graduation, which can align well with healthcare needs in remote Alaska communities.
• School-based scholarships: Institutions in Alaska, including the University of Alaska Anchorage, may offer nursing scholarships based on academic achievement, service, financial need, or professional commitment.
• Employer tuition support: Healthcare employers may provide tuition assistance or reimbursement to employees who pursue nursing education, often in exchange for continued employment after graduation.

Alaska nursing schools offering programs for 2026

Students comparing nursing schools in Alaska should check both state approval and program fit. Research.com’s review team has also evaluated related options such as the most affordable online RN to BSN programs, which can be useful for licensed RNs who want to continue their education after entering practice.

1. University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public university approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing to offer nursing education. Its School of Nursing provides both undergraduate and graduate nursing pathways.

At the undergraduate level, UAA offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The programs use simulation-based learning and supervised clinical experience to prepare students for professional nursing responsibilities. UAA also serves students in communities beyond Anchorage through its statewide nursing education model.

At the graduate level, UAA offers a Master of Science in Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner, a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, a Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. These options can support nurses who want to teach, specialize, move into advanced practice, or serve communities with limited provider access.

Tuition at UAA is set by the University of Alaska Board of Regents. According to UAA tuition information, undergraduate nursing courses taken by freshmen and sophomores fall under preparatory and lower-division tuition. In 2024, Alaska residents were charged $234 per credit hour, while non-residents were charged $800 per credit hour.

For graduate nursing study, Alaska residents were charged $513 per credit hour, while non-residents were charged $1,079 per credit hour.

2. Charter College

Charter College is a private, for-profit institution offering an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge and clinical skills needed for entry-level registered nursing roles.

Its nursing curriculum includes core topics such as:

1. Pharmacology
2. Anatomy and physiology
3. Pediatric nursing
4. Gerontological nursing and community health
5. Medical-surgical nursing
6. Mental health nursing
7. Clinical leadership
8. NCLEX review

The program can be completed in 80 weeks, or approximately 19 months. Charter College offers classes every 20 weeks, which may help students who need more flexible start options.

Charter College bills students by quarter based on the number of credit hours taken and the program’s cost per credit hour. Full-time enrollment requires at least 12 quarter credit hours and allows up to 19 quarter credit hours per term. Part-time enrollment is available, and financial aid is adjusted according to the actual number of hours attended.

The nursing cost per credit hour for on-ground study at the Anchorage campus is $544.50.

3. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public institution with many academic offerings, but students should note that UAF does not independently offer degree programs that lead directly to registered nurse licensure.

Instead, the University of Alaska Anchorage partners with UAF Community & Technical College to deliver a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Fairbanks. The BSN includes three semesters of prerequisite coursework followed by five trimesters of nursing courses that begin in September each academic year.

UAF also offers a pre-nursing qualification certificate that can help students become stronger applicants for the BSN pathway. This certificate does not guarantee admission because UAA’s nursing program is competitive. The Fairbanks cohort admits only 24 students each fall.

At the Bristol Bay Campus, students can pursue a pathway leading to an Associate of Arts in Science degree in nursing, and completion of the pre-nursing certificate satisfies 50% of the requirements, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

How should you compare nursing programs in Alaska?

The best nursing program is not always the cheapest, fastest, or closest option. In Alaska, students should compare programs by licensure eligibility, clinical access, accreditation, location, support services, and how well the curriculum prepares them for rural and culturally responsive care.

1. Approval and accreditation: Confirm that the program is approved for nursing education and accredited by a recognized nursing accreditor such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
2. Program length and pacing: Decide whether a full-time, part-time, accelerated, or bridge format matches your work schedule, family obligations, and financial situation.
3. Prerequisite requirements: Review every required science, math, English, and healthcare course before applying so you do not lose an admission cycle because of a missing class.
4. Degree level: Choose an ADN if you want a faster RN pathway, a BSN if you want broader long-term options, an MSN for specialization or leadership, or a doctoral pathway if advanced practice is your goal. Students exploring doctoral nursing education can compare the best DNP programs.
5. Admission standards: Check minimum GPA, required entrance exams, application deadlines, interview requirements, and whether preference is given to local or in-state applicants.
6. Clinical placement support: Ask where students complete clinical rotations, how placements are assigned, whether travel is required, and what happens if a clinical site becomes unavailable.
7. Exam preparation: Review NCLEX support, pass-rate transparency, remediation policies, and whether the program includes structured review before graduation.

Career advancement opportunities for nurses in Alaska

Alaska’s healthcare needs create advancement options for nurses who want to specialize, lead teams, teach, or practice at a higher level. Registered nurses can build toward advanced roles through graduate education, certifications, and experience in high-need care settings.

An MSN can support preparation for roles such as nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, educator, or leader. Working nurses who need flexibility may compare online MSN formats, including low-cost online MSN programs, while confirming that clinical and licensing requirements can still be met.

Professional certifications can also strengthen a nurse’s profile. Critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency care, public health, and behavioral health credentials may be especially useful when aligned with employer needs and community health priorities.

Advancement should be planned with a realistic budget. Graduate tuition, clinical placement requirements, certification exams, and time away from work can all affect return on investment.

What are Alaska’s nursing license and renewal rules?

Alaska nurses must meet state licensure requirements before practicing. For registered nurses, the usual process includes graduating from an approved nursing program, applying through the state board, passing the NCLEX-RN, and maintaining an active license through renewal requirements.

Renewal is not automatic. Nurses must keep documentation current, meet continuing education expectations, and follow rules set by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Students and licensed nurses should review the state-specific Alaska nursing license requirements before enrolling, relocating, or renewing credentials.

How fast can an RN complete a BSN?

The fastest RN-to-BSN route depends on transfer credits, course availability, clinical or practicum requirements, employer support, and whether the student can study full time. Accelerated RN-to-BSN formats can help working nurses move from associate-level preparation to bachelor’s-level education without stepping away from employment for an extended period.

Before choosing an accelerated path, compare workload, weekly time expectations, tuition, faculty access, and graduation requirements. For a deeper explanation of completion timelines, see this guide on how long RN to BSN programs take.

What other healthcare careers can Alaska students consider?

Nursing is a major healthcare pathway, but it is not the only option. Students who want patient care, medication expertise, operations, or administrative roles can compare nursing with allied health and pharmacy careers before committing to a program.

Pharmacy may appeal to students interested in medication therapy, patient counseling, and healthcare access in remote communities. Students evaluating that direction can learn how to become a pharmacist in Alaska and compare education, licensure, and career expectations with nursing.

How do Alaska programs teach rural practice and cultural competence?

Alaska nursing education must prepare students for care environments that can differ sharply from large urban hospitals in the lower 48 states. Programs may use simulation labs, rural clinical placements, community partnerships, and regional health center experiences to help students practice decision-making in settings with limited resources.

Cultural competence is also central. Nurses serving Alaska communities may work with Alaska Native patients and families, tribal health organizations, and communities with distinct histories, health priorities, and care preferences. Strong programs teach students to provide respectful, evidence-based care while listening to local perspectives and community needs.

Students who want an entry-level practical nursing route can also review LPN requirements in Alaska before deciding whether to begin with practical nursing or pursue an RN pathway directly.

How do healthcare policies affect nursing education in Alaska?

Healthcare policy affects nursing education in Alaska through funding, workforce programs, scope-of-practice rules, licensure systems, and public health priorities. Students do not need to become policy experts, but they should understand how these issues can influence clinical placements, advanced-practice opportunities, and career mobility.

Funding programs such as Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention initiatives can support nursing education by helping schools strengthen workforce preparation. Changes in state or federal funding can affect faculty development, simulation resources, and the number of clinical opportunities available to students.

Scope-of-practice rules also matter. Nurse practitioners in Alaska have one of the broadest scopes of practice in the nation, which makes graduate nursing education especially relevant for students interested in advanced clinical roles and rural access to care.

Licensure mobility is another factor. Alaska’s absence from the Nurse Licensure Compact means nurses cannot rely on a multistate license through the NLC, which can create additional administrative steps for nurses who want to move into or out of the state.

Public health priorities, including telemedicine and rural healthcare access, also shape curricula. Students may encounter coursework and clinical preparation focused on telehealth, care coordination, rural practice, and culturally competent care. If your goal is RN licensure, review how to become an RN in Alaska alongside individual school requirements.

Can LPN programs be a good first step in Alaska?

LPN programs can be a practical starting point for students who want to enter healthcare more quickly, build patient-care experience, and later bridge into registered nursing. They generally combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice and can help students confirm whether nursing is the right long-term field.

This route is best for students who want an incremental pathway rather than committing immediately to an ADN or BSN. However, students should compare job opportunities, scope of practice, bridge-program availability, and long-term goals before choosing practical nursing. To review options, explore the best online LPN programs in Alaska.

Do online nursing programs work for Alaska students?

Online nursing programs can be useful in Alaska, particularly for students who live far from campus or nurses who already hold a license and want to complete a bridge or graduate degree. Online coursework can reduce travel demands and make school more manageable for working adults.

However, nursing is never fully online when clinical training is required. Students must verify where labs, intensives, practicums, and clinical placements take place. Before enrolling in online nursing programs, confirm accreditation, state authorization, Alaska licensure alignment, faculty access, technology requirements, and clinical-site support.

What options exist for nurse midwifery in Alaska?

Nurse midwifery may be a strong specialization for nurses interested in reproductive health, pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and community-based services. In Alaska, this work may involve culturally responsive care and service to rural or Indigenous communities where access to maternal health services can be limited.

Prospective nurse midwives should look closely at graduate curriculum, supervised clinical experiences, certification preparation, and whether placements expose them to Alaska’s diverse care settings. For state-specific preparation details, review the guide to nurse midwife education requirements in Alaska.

What common mistakes should nursing students avoid?

Nursing school can be demanding anywhere, but Alaska adds extra planning challenges related to distance, clinical sites, weather, and cost. Avoiding common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration.

Students who need a more accessible starting point may compare LPN options, including the easiest LPN program pathways, while still checking licensure alignment and academic quality.

How can nurses move into nurse practitioner roles in Alaska?

Moving from RN to nurse practitioner requires graduate education, advanced clinical preparation, certification planning, and state licensure steps. Alaska nurses should first build a strong RN foundation, then choose a population focus such as family practice, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology, or another advanced specialty.

Students should compare accredited graduate programs, clinical placement support, certification pass preparation, and exposure to both urban and rural healthcare settings. A detailed pathway is available in this guide on how to become a nurse practitioner in Alaska.

What advanced practice nursing opportunities are available in Alaska?

Advanced practice nursing can be especially important in Alaska because many communities need providers who can deliver primary care, behavioral health support, chronic disease management, women’s health services, and care for older adults. Nurses interested in adult-gerontology practice may compare online AGNP programs that offer flexibility while allowing them to continue working.

Advanced practice is best for nurses who are ready for graduate-level coursework, greater clinical responsibility, certification requirements, and ongoing professional development. It can expand career options, but it also requires careful planning around tuition, clinical placements, and state practice rules.

Should Alaska nurses add medical billing and coding skills?

Medical billing and coding skills can be useful for nurses who want to move into care coordination, utilization review, documentation improvement, revenue cycle operations, compliance, or healthcare administration. These skills do not replace clinical credentials, but they can make a nurse more versatile in organizations that need both patient-care knowledge and administrative accuracy.

This path may fit nurses who want less physically demanding work, hybrid administrative roles, or broader knowledge of how healthcare services are documented and reimbursed. To compare requirements and career steps, review how to become a medical biller and coder in Alaska.

How to choose the right Alaska nursing school

Start with your end goal. If you want to become an RN as quickly as possible, an ADN may be the most direct academic option. If you want stronger long-term mobility, leadership potential, or future graduate study, a BSN may be a better fit. If you are already licensed, an RN-to-BSN, MSN, or advanced-practice pathway may provide a clearer return on investment.

1. Confirm licensure alignment. Make sure the program prepares graduates for Alaska licensing requirements and the NCLEX when applicable.
2. Check accreditation and approval. Do not rely only on marketing language. Verify the program’s status with recognized nursing accrediting bodies and state regulators.
3. Compare clinical logistics. Ask whether clinical placements are local, regional, rural, or travel-based and whether the school arranges placements.
4. Estimate total cost. Include tuition, fees, supplies, technology, uniforms, testing, travel, lost wages, and housing.
5. Ask about student outcomes. Review NCLEX preparation, graduation support, academic advising, and how the school helps students who fall behind.
6. Consider Alaska-specific preparation. Look for rural health, cultural competence, telehealth, community care, and simulation training.
7. Plan your next credential. If you may pursue a BSN, MSN, DNP, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife role later, choose a program with transferable credits and recognized accreditation.

Why nursing education matters for Alaska’s healthcare workforce

Healthcare remains one of Alaska’s most significant economic sectors. According to the Alaska healthcare workforce analysis, the sector employed more than 44,000 workers in 2024, represented about 11% of all jobs in Alaska, and generated roughly $3.4 billion in total wages, equal to approximately 13% of statewide wage earnings.

Workforce demand is not only a numbers issue. Alaska needs nurses who can practice across long distances, serve diverse communities, adapt to limited resources, and work effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Employment for registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Alaska is projected to grow by 14.31% and 14.57%, respectively, through 2030, which reinforces the importance of strong nursing education pathways.

A good Alaska nursing school should give students more than classroom knowledge. It should prepare them for licensure, clinical judgment, rural health realities, culturally responsive care, and long-term career growth. Whether you already live in Alaska or are considering relocating for school, compare programs carefully before enrolling.

If your interests extend beyond direct patient care into operations, staffing, finance, and leadership, Research.com’s guide to healthcare management degrees can help you explore related healthcare career options.

Key Insights

• Alaska nursing programs must be evaluated for more than location. Clinical placement access, rural training, cultural competence, accreditation, and licensure alignment are central to choosing the right school.
• Registered nursing can be financially attractive in Alaska, but costs matter. Average annual RN salary figures cited for Alaska include about $97,230 and $103,310, but students should weigh those wages against housing, travel, food, fuel, and relocation expenses.
• Program length depends on the credential. ADN programs are commonly 2-year options, BSN programs are approximately four years, MSN programs average about three years, and DNP study usually takes three to five years full time.
• Approval and accreditation are non-negotiable. Students should verify Alaska Board of Nursing approval and recognized nursing accreditation before applying, especially for online, hybrid, and bridge programs.
• Healthcare demand supports nursing opportunities. Alaska’s healthcare sector employed more than 44,000 workers in 2024, and registered nurse and nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow by 14.31% and 14.57%, respectively, through 2030.
• Online and accelerated programs can work, but only with careful verification. Students must confirm clinical requirements, state authorization, technology support, and whether the program meets Alaska licensure expectations.
• Advanced practice can expand impact. Nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, AGNP, MSN, and DNP pathways may be valuable for nurses who want greater responsibility in rural, primary care, behavioral health, women’s health, or older-adult care settings.

References:

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational employment and wage statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
2. Joint Economic Committee Republicans. (n.d.). Alaska Employment Report. https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/republicans/ak
3. nationsonline.org. (n.d.). Population of the US States and Principal US Territories. https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/us-states-population.htm
4. University of Alaska Fairbanks. (n.d.). Nursing. https://www.uaf.edu/bbc/academics/nursing
5. Alaska Beacon. (2025, January 28). Alaska health care industry needs more than 9,400 new workers each year, report says. https://alaskapublic.org/news/health/rural-health/2025-01-28/alaska-health-care-industry-needs-more-than-9-400-new-workers-each-year-report-says/
6. Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association. (2024). Alaska healthcare workforce analysis. https://www.alaskahha.org/_files/ugd/ab2522_8b7d0420679b4a0fa6ab549021aa44d7.pdf
7. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). 2024 NCLEX Pass Rates. https://www.ncsbn.org/publications/2024_NCLEX_Examination_Statistics
8. Incredible Health. (2026). Registered nurse salary in Alaska. https://www.incrediblehealth.com/salaries/rn/ak