Getting licensed to work locum tenens in Alaska requires a separate state license for each profession. Alaska does not participate in interstate license compacts for physicians or advanced practice providers, so every provider working in the state needs an Alaska-issued credential regardless of how many other state licenses they hold. Timelines are longer than most states, typically 8 to 14 weeks depending on the profession, which makes starting early one of the most important steps a provider can take. Temporary licenses are available for NPs, PAs, and physicians and are issued at the initial review, allowing providers to begin working before the permanent license posts. CRNAs may also obtain a nonrenewable temporary permit, though with specific practice conditions that differ from other professions.
This page provides a licensing overview for each profession WMS places in Alaska, along with links to the detailed guides for each. If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska, use the profession-specific guide for step-by-step instructions, checklists, and frequently asked questions.
The table below summarizes the key licensing details for each profession. Follow the links in each section below for complete guidance.
| Profession | Issuing Board | Timeline | Temp License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Alaska Board of Nursing | 8-10 weeks | Yes |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Alaska State Medical Board | 10-14 weeks | Yes |
| Physician (MD/DO) | Alaska State Medical Board | 10-14 weeks | Yes |
| CRNA | Alaska Board of Nursing | ~4 weeks (after RN) | Yes (with conditions) |
Nurse practitioners working locum tenens in Alaska must hold both an Alaska RN license and an Alaska APRN license, both issued by the Alaska Board of Nursing. Applications for both can be submitted simultaneously, but the RN license must be granted before the APRN license will be issued. Alaska is a full practice authority state, meaning NPs practice and prescribe independently without a required physician collaboration agreement. Initial review takes 8 to 10 weeks from receipt of a complete application. A temporary license is issued at the initial review at no additional cost, allowing NPs to begin working while the permanent license is processed. Fingerprinting for a federal background check is required and is one of the most common sources of delay, so starting that step early is important.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Alaska NP Licensing Guide.
Physician assistants practicing in Alaska must hold an Alaska PA license issued by the Alaska State Medical Board. Initial review takes 10 to 14 weeks from receipt of a complete application. A temporary license is issued at the initial review, carrying the same privileges as a permanent license. A collaborative plan with a supervising physician is required for PA practice in Alaska. WMS coordinates the collaborative plan setup with the facility after your first assignment is confirmed, so no action is needed from the provider before licensing is complete.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Alaska PA Licensing Guide.
Physicians practicing in Alaska must hold an Alaska medical license issued by the Alaska State Medical Board. Initial review takes 10 to 14 weeks from receipt of a complete application. A temporary license is issued at the initial review. Alaska accepts the FSMB Uniform Application, including the Alaska Addendum, which is a useful option for physicians applying in multiple states. One step unique to Alaska is a DEA Clearance Report, which must be requested directly from the DEA as part of the application. DEA registration must also reflect an Alaska address before a physician begins prescribing in the state.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Alaska Physician Licensing Guide.
CRNAs practicing in Alaska must hold an Alaska RN license followed by an Alaska CRNA authorization, both issued by the Alaska Board of Nursing. The RN license must be granted before the CRNA application can be submitted. Once the RN license is in place, a properly completed CRNA application typically processes in approximately four weeks. Fingerprinting for a federal background check is required as part of the RN application and is a common source of delay. A nonrenewable temporary permit is available for CRNAs who hold a current Alaska RN license and are either currently certified as a CRNA in another state or jurisdiction, or are awaiting national certification results. One important distinction from other professions: a CRNA holding a temporary permit may practice only under the medical director of an anesthesia service, an anesthesiologist, or another CRNA. Providers planning to work under a temporary permit should confirm the supervision arrangement with the facility before their assignment begins.
For complete instructions, fees, and a step-by-step checklist, visit the Alaska CRNA Licensing Guide.
Several requirements apply to all providers working as independent contractors in Alaska, regardless of profession.
Alaska Business License. All providers working as 1099 independent contractors in Alaska must hold an active Alaska business license. This is a straightforward process through the State of Alaska’s online portal, but it is a step that providers new to Alaska frequently overlook. WMS will walk you through this as part of onboarding.
For instructions, visit the Alaska Online Business License Guide.
DEA Registration. Providers who prescribe controlled substances must have DEA registration reflecting an Alaska address before beginning work. Providers can either transfer an existing DEA license to Alaska or obtain an additional DEA registration for locum work. Transfers can take up to five business days, so planning ahead is important.
Collaborative Plan (PAs). PAs practicing in Alaska are required to have a collaborative plan with a supervising physician at each assignment location. WMS coordinates this with the facility after your first assignment is confirmed. No action is needed from the provider before licensing is complete.
The following resources may be useful as you prepare for your Alaska locum tenens assignment:
Browse current and upcoming locum tenens opportunities across Alaska below.
06183J – Embark on a truly unique adventure while practicing medicine in rural Southwest Alaska — all while earning great compensation! We are seeking skilled Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to provide essential primary […]
06220B – We’re seeking dedicated Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants for ongoing rotational assignments across several remote, underserved villages in Northwest Alaska. Earn $33k+ per month! This is an amazing opportunity to […]
06154M – If you're looking for a Permanent position in rural AK – this is an amazing opportunity! We're seeking a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) for this role. This position is Monday – Friday, no […]
06016C – Join a dedicated care team in Northwest Alaska, where your clinical expertise in pediatric primary will serve a community in need. This is a permanent position with 50% clinical responsibilities and 50% and either full-time […]
05885S – We are seeking two Family Medicine Physicians to join a multi-disciplinary practice in a central hub community in Southcentral Alaska. These are permanent W2 roles within a highly collaborative outpatient setting serving a […]
05852C – Join a dedicated care team in Rural, Arctic Northwest Alaska, where your primary care expertise will serve communities in need. We are seeking a highly qualified Family Medicine Physician (MD/DO) to fill a permanent roll in […]
05839A – Perm Physician – Pediatric Endocrinology – Urban AKLocation: Urban AlaskaJob Type: W2, Permanent PositionDate Range: Start Date is ASAPThis position is posted as a Vendor Management System bid opportunity and is subject to […]
05751S – We are seeking up to three committed and experienced Advanced Practice Providers to join a Family Medicine clinic in a central hub community in Southcentral Alaska. These are permanent W2 roles within a highly collaborative […]
05753D – This position offers the flexibility to create your own schedule and lock in rotations far in advance so you can plan your personal life. Two week rotations are accepted for this high paying position in Southwest Alaska. […]
06144S – We’re seeking an experienced NP or PA who is able to offer a 3-6 month commitment for primary care assignments in Southcentral Alaska. Here, you’ll provide primary care, to an urban community on the road system with the full […]
06143C – We’re seeking an Optometrist (OD) for Locum Tenens opportunity in Northwest Alaska where you’ll serve both a central hub city and surrounding villages. With no call, no weekends, and flexible scheduling options, this role […]
06170A – Locum Physician (MD/DO) – FM – CAH in Southcentral AKLocation: Rural, Southcentral AKJob Type: 1099 Locum Tenens PositionDate Range: July & August Coverage (potential to extend)This position is posted as a Vendor […]
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
If you are preparing to work a locum tenens assignment in Alaska and have questions about the licensing process, our team is here to help. We work with providers through every step of credentialing, from initial application through your first shift.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
