Alaska, AK - LPN to BSN Nursing School Program

How to Do an LPN to BSN in Alaska

LPNs who are currently working can get a BSN in two and a half years of full time study, or longer if a part time option is chosen. A BSN does not lead to a higher level of licensure than an Associate Degree, Nursing—nurses in a BSN also take the national Registered Nurse licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN. It does, however, offer further opportunities for targeted learning in areas that are of particular interest to a student.

General ed courses are required at the beginning of an LPN to BSN, covering topics like biology, statistics, psychology and sociology. But, most of the program focuses on nursing-specific education in areas like clinical study and theory, and focused topics such as pediatrics, medication, assessment, legal issues in health care, even bioterrorism and more. Indeed, it is through the extra time allotted to a BSN that an LPN can pursue the areas of nursing that they find the most interesting towards an enjoyable and personally gratifying career path.

A large part of an Alaska LPN to BSN is that it qualifies students to take the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse. Pass rates are very high—above 85 percent—for students graduating from LPN to BSN programs in Alaska. The test costs $324 in application and processing fees paid to the Alaska Board of Nursing and an additional $200 to Pearson Vue, who administers the exam. And once the test is passed, students can begin working as RNs and pursue a world of opportunity for specialization in the workplace and high-paying jobs. From research to government positions, BSNs give access to a professional world that is hardly the realm of LPNs.

Once licensed, renewal is required every two years on even numbered years with proof of 320 hours of work as an RN and 30 hours of continuing education or “uncompensated professional activities”.

Alaska LPN to BSN Salary, Jobs and Wages

There are two reasons to do an LPN to BSN in Alaska: higher wages and a more interesting career. From rehabilitation to critical care to nurse management, typical RN occupations are available with a BSN—however, a BSN leads to opportunities outside of hospital and clinical settings as specialized research work in both public health and corporate settings typically recruit BSNs over ADNs. From Cancer and pharmaceutical research to the instruction of Certified Nursing Assistants, a BSN provides the opportunity to go beyond patient care and delve into any number of occupational streams. RNs in Alaska make an average salary of $77,000 per year (according to BLS.gov) plus benefits, and with a BSN, the opportunities for work in the private sphere can lead to salaries into six figures.