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Becoming a CNA in Alaska

Steps to Become a CNA in Alaska:

Meet Alaska’s CNA Requirements: Ensure you meet the state’s qualifications before starting your training.

Attend a CNA School: Enroll in a state-approved CNA program in Alaska, and consider factors like costs and program format.

Pass the CNA Exam: Complete the required skills and written portions of the CNA exam.

Register & Maintain Your Certification: Get listed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry and ensure you meet the renewal requirements to keep your certification active.



1. Meet Alaska CNA Requirements

To work as a CNA in Alaska, you must first meet the following qualifications. These requirements ensure that all CNAs are well-prepared to provide essential care to patients in various healthcare settings:

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to begin CNA training in Alaska.

  • Training Program: Alaska requires CNAs to complete 140 hours of training, which includes:

    • 60 hours of classroom or online instruction covering CNA theory and essential skills.

    • 80 hours of clinical training in a healthcare setting, with 48 of those hours spent in a long-term care facility and 32 hours of supervised practice.

  • Skills You’ll Learn: During your training, you’ll gain skills in:

    • Communication and interpersonal skills

    • Infection control practices

    • Personal care techniques (bathing, grooming, feeding)

    • Safety and emergency procedures, including CPR

    • Caring for cognitively impaired patients, such as those with dementia or Alzheimer’s

  • Background Check: A criminal background check is required before certification.

Meeting these qualifications sets the foundation for your CNA training and eventual certification in Alaska.

2. Attend a CNA School in Alaska

After confirming that you meet the requirements, your next step is to enroll in a state-approved CNA program. Alaska offers two main paths for CNA training:

  • On-the-Job Training Programs: Some healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and nursing homes, offer “earn and learn” programs. These allow you to work as a nurse aide while completing your training. You’ll get paid while gaining hands-on experience, and your employer covers the cost of the training.

  • Traditional CNA Training Programs: These programs are offered by vocational training centers, community colleges, and universities. You’ll complete classroom and clinical instruction and then choose where you want to work after graduation. This option does not require an employment commitment during your training.

Featured CNA Programs in Alaska

Kodiak College

The Kodiak College CNA program stands out for its integration of classroom learning with 80 hours of supervised clinical experience in local healthcare facilities, providing students with real-world, hands-on training. Its focus on practical skill-building, combined with flexible scheduling options, Read more…
$1,640
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Considerations When Choosing a Program:

  • Cost: Training programs in Alaska vary in price, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Be sure to ask about what’s included—some programs may charge extra for textbooks, uniforms, or lab fees.

  • Schedule: Many programs offer flexible schedules with full-time, part-time, and evening class options, allowing you to work or manage other responsibilities while completing your training.

  • Financial Aid: Scholarships or financial aid options may be available to cover some or all of the costs. If you’re looking to minimize out-of-pocket expenses, inquire about these opportunities when selecting a program.

3. Pass the CNA Exam in Alaska

After completing your CNA training, the next step is to pass the Alaska CNA exam, which is administered by Credentia. The exam ensures you have the knowledge and skills to provide quality care.

  • Written Exam: This section includes 70 multiple-choice questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which covers the core knowledge you learned during your training. You may opt for an oral version if preferred.

  • Skills Test: The skills portion requires you to demonstrate five CNA tasks, such as taking a patient’s vital signs, transferring a patient safely, or providing personal care. These tasks are performed under supervision, and you’ll need to show proper techniques, including hand hygiene.

If you’re getting ready for the exam, check out our Free CNA Practice Test to help you prepare.

4. CNA Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you pass the Alaska CNA exam, you’ll be added to the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. Your certification allows you to start working as a CNA, but it’s important to keep your certification up to date.

  • Maintaining Active Status: To keep your certification active, you need to:

  • Work at least 160 hours in a paid CNA role every two years.

  • Complete 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) within each renewal period.

  • Renewal: Alaska CNA certifications are renewed every two years, and all certifications expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal notices are sent out 60 days prior to expiration. If you don’t meet the work or CEU requirements, you’ll need to retake the CNA exam to reinstate your certification.

For more information, you can contact the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry:

Address: 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500, Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Phone: (907) 269-8169
Email: boardofnursing@alaska.gov
Website: Alaska Nurse Aide Registry

FAQ Section

Q: How long does it take to become a CNA in Alaska?
A: CNA training programs in Alaska typically take 6 to 12 weeks to complete, depending on whether you’re attending full-time or part-time.

Q: How much does the CNA exam cost?
A: The written exam costs $55, and the skills test is $80.

Q: Can I take the CNA exam more than once?
A: Yes, you have up to three attempts to pass both sections of the CNA exam.

Q: What are the continuing education requirements to maintain my certification?
A: You must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) and work 160 hours as a CNA every two years.

For additional information or help with the process, visit the Alaska Board of Nursing website or contact the Nurse Aide Registry.

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
1 Prince William Sound College AF1QipNo96iTJwAJZCHFRAfPuRqHFzHOPnpGamROE_9U=w408-h271-k-no https://pwsc.alaska.edu/ 303 Lowe St Valdez AK 99686 (907) 834-1600 61.13 -146.35 61.1342191-146.3548797 College 11 4.9 10 1 0 0 0 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
2 Cordova Community Medical Center AF1QipOAVfcgmG-uvyDYX6LFYFPq5pqMy8A_Q5YSDaEp=w408-h272-k-no https://www.cdvcmc.com/ 602 Chase Ave Cordova AK 99574 G6RX+GQ Cordova, Alaska (907) 424-8000 60.54 -145.75 60.5413354-145.750531 Hospital 5 4.6 4 0 1 0 0 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
3 Denali Center AF1QipPviTDX8jTxoAlY7hfxI_jFVeBElJK-bFFv1FWc=w408-h272-k-no https://www.foundationhealth.org/services/assisted_longterm_care/dc 1510 19th Ave Fairbanks AK 99701 R7J5+99 Fairbanks, Alaska (907) 458-5100 64.83 -147.74 64.8309503-147.7415089 Nursing home 33 4.5 25 4 2 0 2 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM 9AM to 9PM More details
4 Alaska Job Corps AF1QipPHMf53cbnc6GL7mK7CDqCVFKkU-n9Mbx2ekzJx=w408-h544-k-no https://alaska.jobcorps.gov/ 800 Lynn Martin Dr Palmer AK 99645 HVQX+XV Palmer, Alaska (907) 861-8800 61.59 -149.10 61.589964-149.1002699 Technical school 28 3.2 11 3 4 1 9 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
5 Kodiak College AF1QipM9N7EfmABle5osTaX8lYRNuTSC4ERkBKg7ccPo=w408-h272-k-no https://koc.alaska.edu/ Benny Benson Building, 117 Benny Benson Dr #123 Kodiak AK 99615 RJ4P+XJ Kodiak, Alaska (907) 486-4161 57.81 -152.36 57.807421-152.3633977 College 7 5.0 7 0 0 0 0 8:30AM to 5PM 8:30AM to 5PM 8:30AM to 5PM 8:30AM to 5PM 8:30AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
6 Quyanna Care Center AF1QipOWFMqsmWn_EHbAqv2JWaCvRGdt1DlmU7gDHOLf=w408-h306-k-no https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/services/hospital-services/quyanna-care-center/ 1100 Greg Kruschek Avenue Nome AK 99762 FJXF+MG Nome, Alaska (907) 443-3311 64.50 -165.38 64.4991644-165.3762353 Nursing home 2 4.0 1 0 1 0 0 More details
7 PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center AF1QipP2X9dEbt66IGgRCpLURJxqMIKMoKTbHoZYg8sV=w428-h240-k-no https://www.peacehealth.org/hospitals/peacehealth-ketchikan-medical-center 3100 Tongass Ave Ketchikan AK 99901 9837+F8 Ketchikan, Alaska (907) 225-5171 55.35 -131.69 55.3536571-131.6866346 Hospital 41 3.3 19 4 2 1 15 More details
8 Petersburg Medical Center AF1QipP2YyDIM-w_hWaxEi4O5FD3ajAs7bYOmuXXvO7r=w426-h240-k-no https://www.pmcak.org/ 103 Fram St Petersburg AK 99833 R27V+4R Petersburg, Alaska (907) 772-4291 56.81 -132.96 56.8128691-132.9554619 Hospital 12 3.7 7 1 0 1 3 More details
9 South Peninsula Hospital AF1QipMnO8piGbBC8meb93l-SX5sgQR5XG9egsQ13aKl=w408-h306-k-no https://www.sphosp.org/ 4300 Bartlett St Homer AK 99603 MC3X+2W Homer, Alaska (907) 235-8101 59.65 -151.55 59.652592-151.5501469 Hospital 37 3.9 23 4 1 3 6 More details
10 University of Alaska Southeast AF1QipPxlphHs4ONtPJT2njNCgtzaToYKDj3tfs2b134=w408-h278-k-no https://uas.alaska.edu/ 11066 Auke Lake Way Juneau AK 99801 99P5+6P Auke Bay, Juneau, AK (907) 796-6100 58.39 -134.64 58.3855214-134.6407459 Public university 22 4.4 17 0 3 0 2 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details