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.
06181J – Imagine working in a primary care clinic nestled in a stunning Southeast Alaskan community, where your skills as a Family Nurse Practitioner will make a direct impact on the lives of patients. You’ll be working with all ages, […]
06004B – We're looking for Locum Tenens Physician for an assignment on a Rural Southeast Alaskan island. You'll have the chance to experience this scenic island across multiple seasons and will find that it has no shortage […]
06214C – We are seeking a highly skilled Emergency Medicine Physician (MD/DO) to join the Emergency Department team at a Critical Access Hospital in Northwest Alaska. This role requires strong clinical judgment, flexibility, and the […]
06138D – Bring a family member or friend with you! Experience remote interior Alaska while providing high-quality medical care to a community that needs you. This is a solo-provider site with office support staff and most often one […]
06153M – Make a meaningful impact in a small, rural community on the Road System in beautiful Southcentral, Alaska. We’re seeking a dedicated Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant for a long Locum assignment (6-months to 1-year […]
06207J-Embark on a truly unique adventure while practicing medicine in rural Alaska, all while earning great compensation! We are seeking skilled Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants to provide essential primary care in this […]
06172B – We're recruiting a Family Medicine Physician for a 3+ month Locum Tenens assignment based in beautiful Southeast Alaska. This is an outstanding opportunity to provide meaningful outpatient family medicine and prenatal […]
06003B – We're recruiting Nurse Practitioners for a Locum Tenens assignment on a Rural Southeast Alaskan island. This scenic island has no shortage of rich culture, outdoor activities, and amazing wildlife. This is a […]
06057B – Escape the ordinary with this Alaskan Primary Care Physician opportunity – excellent compensation for a 3-month rotation and the option to extend. In this Southeast Alaskan role, breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and […]
06076C – Experience the adventure of a lifetime in Alaska, all while making a meaningful impact and earning excellent compensation! We’re seeking highly skilled Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners who excel in emergency […]
05798J – Create your own schedule and practice medicine as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in SW Alaskan Villages – meaningful work paired with excellent compensation – make 25k+ per month! This is an Emergency […]
06052J – Practice Medicine Where Your Skills will make a Lasting Difference. We are seeking Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) to provide Primary and Emergency care in some of the most remote villages in […]
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.
