NURSE LICENSURE GUIDE 2023

Find Your Nursing Licensure Guide

Alaska, AK

eNLC: No
Walk-Through: No
Temp License: Yes
Nursys: Yes
P: (907) 269-8161

 

FEES

Endorsement Application fee: $100.00

Licensing fee:$200.00

Temporary permit: No extra charge

TIMING

Temporary License

Approximately 6-8 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

Permanent License

Within 7-8 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

License Renewal

  • Renewal cadence: Every 2 years. Renewal is due November 30 of even-numbered years.

    – If you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to your renewal window, you are still required to renew your license and begin the 2-year renewal cycle, UNLESS your license was issued within 90 days of the expiration date. These licenses will be issued effective through the next biennium. 

    – If you received your original license within 12 months of the expiration date, you will pay a prorated renewal fee (half of the current license fee) at your first renewal.

    – You must renew your license on or before the expiration date to continue to practice in Alaska. There is no grace period to practice on a lapsed license.

  • Renewal fee: $200
  • Required contact hours: Nurses must complete 2 of the following methods:

    – 30 contact hours 

    – 60 hours of participation in uncompensated professional activities 

    – 320 hours of employment as an RN or LPN 

    – Registered Nurses who receive their original license on or after December 1 of odd-numbered years are not required to provide proof of continuing competency for their first renewal.

Important Things to Know

  • If you paid for a temporary permit and one is not needed, a refund of the permit fee will be processed. 
  • All required forms and instructions can be found here.
  • Please note that the fingerprint card will be rejected for the following reasons: incorrect type of card, incomplete personal information/signatures, or improperly rolled prints.
  • If you do not have a social security number you must complete the “Request for Exception from Social Security Number Requirement” form located on the board’s website
  • Wait for your first status letter to reach you before calling the Division to ask for status updates.
  • Licensees are subject to a random mandatory audit of continuing competency. If you are selected for the audit, you will be notified in writing and given 30 days to submit proof of continuing competency claimed for the concluding licensing period.

Licensure by Endorsement

Process

Permanent License

  1. Complete an application online or submit a completed signed and notarized application for Licensure by Endorsement.
  2. Pay the associated fees.
  3. Provide a background check with fingerprints.

    1. One original 8″ x 8″ fingerprint card is provided by the State of Alaska, but you may also use this standard fingerprint card

    2. Take the instructions, the card/form and photo identification to local law enforcement or other authorized agency to have the fingerprints done. 

    3. After you have had your fingerprints taken, you will submit all the required documents to the Alaska Board of Nursing.

  4. Complete the Employment Verification form on page 7 of the application providing proof of at least 320 hours of employment in a nursing capacity within the two years. If you cannot document 320 hours of employment in the past two years, you must satisfy the continuing competency requirements of the Board or complete a Board-approved refresher course. 
  5. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state or Canadian province of licensure and the state or province where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state’s BON and request verification be sent to the Alaska BON.
  6. Verification of passing an English proficiency examination (if applicable).

Temporary License

  1. Once all items have been received by the BON except verification of English proficiency, you may be issued a provisional license.
  2. Temporary permits will be valid for six months and are nonrenewable.