Pediatric Nursing Colleges in Alaska - AK

By Susan Maphis, allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 10 2011

Find the right school for you

Degree:

Subject:

Program:

Pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Alaska, as in other states, are at the graduate level of education. Registered nurses who choose to pursue graduate nursing training may attain a master’s degree, certificate post-master’s (for candidates who already have a master’s degree) or doctoral degree. As graduate nursing programs are limited in the state of Alaska, many students in Juneau, Sitka, Anchorage and Fairbanks decide to pursue their studies through online and distance learning. Just make sure that whatever institution you choose is accredited and approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing.

Programs that train pediatric nurse practitioners typically combine classroom time with clinical, practical experience. These practicums are usually held in medical facilities throughout Alaska, such as Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, Providence Alaska Medical Center, Central Peninsula Regional Hospital and Alaska Regional Hospital.

Clinical experience may also be gained through working with physicians and other nurse practitioners who have established practices. A graduate PNP program will usually take one to two years to complete. For RNs who do not have an undergraduate degree and want to go straight to a master’s degree, programs exist to help them achieve this goal in about three years. Following graduation, PNPs must pass a national certification examination recognized by the Alaska Board of Nursing.