Our nursing undergraduate programs prepare students to deliver
excellent patient care in a wide variety of settings. They will also
explore the unique challenges and opportunities for nurses in Alaska.
From advanced simulation technology to real-world clinical learning experiences, the
nursing undergraduate program offers the skills and resources to become a successful
nursing generalist. The curriculum provides a strong foundation of theories and skills,
training to think on your feet and apply your learnings to different situations. As
a nursing major, you’ll explore important health care topics, including community
care, population health, and clinical research. You will become part of an active,
dedicated community of peers working to improve health and well-being in Alaska and
around the world.
The School of Nursing offers potential students interested in becoming qualified to
practice as a registered nurse theAAS in Nursingand theBS in Nursing. The programs areoffered through UAA and are based in Anchorage but admit students in a growing number
of other communities throughout the state. A baccalaureate completion program (RN to BS) is available for individuals who already hold the RN license in Alaska.
*The BS in Nursing and AAS in Nursing programs are designed to meet the educational
requirements for professional licensure or certification in Alaska. However, the program
might not meet the educational requirements for other states' professional licensure
or certification. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
WHY CHOOSE nursing undergraduate programs AT UAA?
Qualify to sit for the National Certification and Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses.
Access thousands of medical references for in-depth research in the Alaska Medical
Library.
Learn from expert faculty and collaborate with other healthcare disciplines in interprofessional
exercises.
The AAS in Nursing and BS in Nursing are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission
for Education in Nursing.
Jessica Ross, an alumni of UAA's dental hygiene program and current assistant professor in the Department of Human Services, was recently honored with the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. The award recognizes emerging leaders in higher education who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, equity, and community engagement.
Human Services alumna Billie Slaikeu knows a thing or two about what it means to start over. A retired certified nursing assistant, Billie returned to school in her sixties after being inspired by her daughter’s experience with mental illness. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2025.
When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she’s not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. “Culturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,” said Pook. “Looking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.”
After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to UAA.