Nursing Schools in Alaska

The northernmost state of Alaska is known for its stunning coastland, thriving big cities, chilly inland temperatures and small population in comparison to its enormous size. A lot of people in the "Lower 48" states believe Alaska is nothing more than a freezing tundra, but few realize temperatures can be quite mild in the Panhandle, as well as in the Anchorage area, where most of the state's population lives. It is also beautiful, with scenic waterfalls, glaciers and other natural wonders, making it a great place to live. While the cost of living is high, professional salaries for nurses are also higher in Alaska as a result—few states pay their nurses more than Alaska does. Alaska is also a great place to launch a nursing career due to a persistent nursing shortage. Travel nurses are especially in demand to help meet staffing needs; these nurses can earn 20-30 percent more pay than the average staff nurse, because the demand for nurses is so high here. The unemployment rate in Alaska was also lower than the national average in April 2010.

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Alaska has a vibrant health care community, and qualified nurses are very much needed in hospitals, outpatient clinics and in health care centers for Native Americans in Alaska. The most in-demand jobs are concentrated in and around the major metropolitan areas at Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. The good news for nurses is that the largest private employer in Alaska was Providence Health & Services, which includes Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. The hospital and its associated health care centers keep a good many nurses in Alaska gainfully employed. Nurses in the state can get information about state licensure through the Alaska Board of Nursing. Alaska's nurses are represented by a professional organization called the Alaska Nurses Association, where nurses can search for jobs, find continuing education opportunities and even connect with other nurses.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oes/