CNA Classes in Alaska
Alaska offers some of the highest pay in the nation for Certified Nursing Assistants. To get started, you must complete a state-approved 140-hour training program and pass the Credentia competency exam to join the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry.
How to Become a CNA in Alaska
Complete 140 Hours of Training
Alaska requires a high training standard. You must complete 140 hours of instruction, including 60 hours of classroom time and 80 hours of clinical skills practice.
Pass the NNAAP Exam
Register through Credentia to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam. This includes a written/oral knowledge test and a manual skills evaluation.
Fingerprinting & Background Check
Submit a Background Check Control (BCC) application with fingerprints. Alaska requires state and federal clearance before listing on the registry.
State Registry Listing
Once certified, you are listed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. Federal law allows you to work for up to 4 months while awaiting final testing results.
Biennial Renewal
To renew every 2 years, you must work 160 hours for pay and complete 24 hours of continuing education. Alaska does not charge a renewal fee.
Alaska Certification Guide
Reciprocity & Transfers
To transfer your license to Alaska, you must submit a Verification of Certification from your current state. Alaska requires that your original training met the 140-hour standard. If it did not, you may be required to complete additional clinical hours or retake the exam.
The 120-Day Rule
Federal law allows you to work as a "Nurse Aide in Training" for up to 120 days while completing your state exams. In Alaska, you must be actively enrolled in a state-approved program and can only perform tasks you have been checked off on by an instructor.
Renewal & Continuing Ed
Alaska is strict regarding renewals every two years. You must prove 160 hours of paid work and 24 hours of continuing education. If your license lapses for more than two years, you must retake the full 140-hour training course.
CNA Salary & Career
Alaska is one of the highest-paying states for CNAs, with an average salary of $51,240. Demand is particularly high in Anchorage and Fairbanks, where specialized facilities often offer premium pay for night and weekend shifts.
CNA Skills & Exams
Prepare for the Credentia NNAAP exam, which Alaska requires for certification. Our guide covers both the written theory and the clinical skills evaluation, ensuring you can demonstrate competency in patient safety and clinical care.
Alaska Program Directory
Search by City, Area, or Institution Name
| City / Area | Institution Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Alaska CNA Program | PO Box 220553, Anchorage, AK 99522 | 907-267‐9113 |
| Anchorage | Prestige Care and Rehabilitation of Anchorage | 9100 Centennial Circle, Anchorage, AK 99504 | 907-333‐8100 |
| Anchorage | University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Dr AHS 148, Anchorage, AK 99508 | 907-786‐4310 |
| Bethel | Bethel CNA Program Kuskokwim Campus, UAF | PO Box 368, Bethel, AK 99559 | 907-543‐0996 |
| Cordova | Prince William Sound Community College | PO Box 1248, Cordova, AK 99574 | 907-424‐7598 |
| Fairbanks | Denali Center Facility CNA Program | 1510 19th Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701 | 907-458‐5100 |
| Fairbanks | UAF Community & Technical College | 604 Barnette Street Rm. 401, Fairbanks, AK 99701 | 907-455‐2876 |
| Juneau | University of Alaska Southeast | 1415 Harbor Way, Juneau, AK 99801 | 907-796‐6125 |
| Juneau | Bartlett Hospital | 3260 Hospital Drive, Juneau, AK 99801 | 907-796‐8438 |
| Homer | Kachemak Bay Campus - Kenai Peninsula College | 533 E. Pioneer Ave, Homer, AK 99603 | 907-235‐7743 |
| Soldotna | Kenai Peninsula College / KPSD | 156 College Road, Soldotna, AK 99669 | 907-262‐0379 |
| Soldotna | Heritage Place | 232 Rockwell, Soldotna, AK 99669 | 907-252‐7337 |
| Seward | Providence Seward Mountain Haven | 2203 Oak Street, Seward, AK 99664 | 907-224‐2984 |
| Ketchikan | University of Alaska Southeast | 2600 7th Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901 | 907-228‐4537 |
| Kodiak | Kodiak College | 117 Benny Benson Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615 | 907-486‐9218 |
| Kotzebue | Alaska Technical Center | PO Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752 | 907-442‐1502 |
| Palmer | Alaska Job Corps | 800 E Lynn Martin Dr, Palmer, AK 99654 | 907-861‐8808 |
| Wasilla | Mat‐Su Career & Tech High School | 2472 Seward Meridian, Wasilla, AK 99654 | 907-352‐0426 |
| Palmer | Mat‐Su CNA Training Program | 12130 E. Maple Springs Way Palmer, AK 99645 | 907-746‐9473 |
| Anchorage | UAA - Mat‐Su College Office | 3211 Providence Dr AHS 148, Anchorage, AK 99508 | 907-786‐4310 |
| Nome | UAF Northwest Campus / Norton Sound | PO Box 966, Nome, AK 99762 | 907-443‐8418 |
| Petersburg | Petersburg Medical Center | PO Box 589, Petersburg, AK 99833 | 907-772‐4291 |
| Sitka | University of Alaska Southeast | 1332 Seward Avenue, Sitka, AK 99835 | 907-747‐9476 |
| Valdez | Providence Valdez Medical / PWSC | PO Box 550, Valdez, AK 99686 | 907-834‐1801 |
| Wrangell | SEARHC Wrangell Medical Center | PO Box 1081, Wrangell, AK 99929 | 907-874‐7000 |
Alaska CNA Frequently Asked Questions
Alaska requires a minimum of 140 hours of state-approved training, which includes 60 hours of classroom theory and 80 hours of clinical practice.
The state uses Credentia to administer the NNAAP competency exam, which includes both a written/oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation.
The average salary for a CNA in Alaska is $51,240, making it one of the highest-paying states for nursing assistants in 2026.
You can complete the 60 theory hours online through approved hybrid programs, but the 80 clinical hours must be done in person at a licensed facility.
You must renew every two years. Requirements include proving 160 hours of paid work and completing 24 hours of continuing education.
Applicants must provide proof that their original training met the 140-hour standard. If it did not, additional testing or clinical training may be required.
Yes. All applicants must pass a state and federal background check (BCC) involving fingerprinting before being officially listed on the registry.
If your license has lapsed for more than two years, you must retake the entire 140-hour training course and pass both state exams again.