Alaska requires nurse practitioners to hold both an Alaska RN license and an APRN license before practicing in the state. Because locum tenens NPs work as 1099 independent contractors, a business license is also required before starting an assignment. This guide walks through each step of the process, including timelines, fees, and additional requirements specific to locum work in Alaska.
Alaska Board of Nursing Contact Information
Alaska Board of Nursing (BON)
Phone: (907) 269-8161
Website: Alaska Board of Nursing
Alaska APRN Licensing: At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licenses Required | Alaska RN license + Alaska APRN license (applied simultaneously) |
| RN Application Fee | $375 (application fee, license fee, fingerprinting) |
| APRN Application Fee | $400 (application fee, license fee, controlled substances prescriptive authority) |
| Temporary License Fee | $0 |
| Initial Review Timeline | 8-12 weeks after receipt of completed application |
| Temporary License | Issued at initial review if application is complete; RN temp must be granted before APRN temp is issued |
| Compact State | No. All NPs must apply for both Alaska RN and APRN licenses regardless of other state licenses held. |
| Full Practice Authority | Yes. Alaska NPs practice under full practice authority. |
RN and APRN License Applications
Both the RN and APRN license applications are completed online through your MyAlaska account. Alaska requires NPs to hold an active Alaska RN license as a prerequisite for the APRN license, but you can submit both applications at the same time so they are processed concurrently.
- RN License by Endorsement: online application instructions
- APRN Initial Application: online application instructions
Note: Your RN temporary license must be granted before your APRN temporary license can be issued. If documentation is missing from your RN application, your APRN temporary license will not be issued even if the APRN application itself is complete.
Licensing Fees
- RN: $375 (application fee, license fee, fingerprinting)
- APRN: $400 (application fee, license fee, controlled substances prescriptive authority)
- Temporary license: $0
Licensing Timeline
The Alaska Board of Nursing processes applications in the order received. Initial review typically occurs within 8-12 weeks of a completed application being received. Check your MyAlaska licensing portal regularly starting around week 8 for updates.
If the licensing examiner finds items missing, you will be notified in your MyAlaska account. After you respond, allow an additional 3-4 weeks for the board to review your submission. Each round of back-and-forth adds to your overall timeline, so submitting a complete application upfront is the most effective way to minimize delays.
Temporary License
If your application is fully complete and valid, a temporary license will be issued at the initial review at no additional cost. The Board of Nursing then pursues state license verifications and reference checks before granting the permanent license.
Keep in mind that your RN temporary license must be granted before your APRN temporary license can be issued. A gap or deficiency in your RN application will hold up your APRN temporary license regardless of the status of that application.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is required for the RN license as part of a federal background check. Follow the steps below:
- Visit the Alaska Board of Nursing website
- Locate the “Fingerprint Request” section on the right-hand side of the page.
- Log into (or create) your MyAlaska account.
- Provide your address information. The board will mail you a fingerprint card to complete and return.
Important: The Alaska Board of Nursing has specific requirements for fingerprint cards. Follow their instructions carefully. Cards that are unclear or incorrect will cause delays in your RN license being granted.
DEA Registration
You will need an Alaska address registered on your DEA license before starting any assignment where you will be prescribing. This is not a prerequisite for the APRN license itself, but it is required before you can legally prescribe in the state.
Most locum tenens NPs transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska immediately before an assignment begins, rather than purchasing an additional license. Either approach is acceptable. Changes to your DEA registration can be made through the DEA Diversion Control Division website.
Note: Transferring an existing DEA license to a new state can take up to 5 business days. Plan accordingly.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Any NP with prescriptive authority is required to register with Alaska’s PDMP before prescribing in the state. Registration is free and completed online through the Alaska PDMP website.
Business License
Alaska locum tenens NPs working as 1099 independent contractors are required to obtain an Alaska business license before signing a WMS contract. While a business license is not required to practice medicine in Alaska, it is required to operate as an independent contractor.
Most NPs set up a simple Assumed Business Name (sole proprietorship). Some choose to form an LLC or register an existing LLC in Alaska as a foreign entity. If you have questions about which structure is right for your situation, consult a CPA before registering.
Registering a Sole Proprietorship (Assumed Business Name)
- Visit the Alaska business license registration website
- Line of business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance
- NAICS code: 621999
Registering an LLC in Alaska
The first step is selecting a registered agent, a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. WMS and many of the NPs we work with use the law firm Baxter Bruce & Sullivan as their registered agent.
Step 1: Get a Registered Agent
- Call Stefanie Wolter at Baxter Bruce & Sullivan (907-789-3166) and let her know you’d like to register your LLC in Alaska using them as your registered agent.
- Sign an engagement letter and pay their fee ($265 + tax, annual). You’ll need to provide your LLC name and member information.
- Once complete, they will provide an entity number needed for the LLC application.
Step 2: Register Your LLC in Alaska
- Register your LLC online through the Alaska business entity registration portal.
- NAICS code: 621999
Step 3: Register for an Alaska Business License
- Once your LLC is registered, use the entity number provided to register for an Alaska business license.
- Owner Type: Entity | Line of Business: 62 – Health Care and Social Assistance | NAICS code: 621999
Registering a Foreign LLC: If you have an existing LLC formed outside Alaska, register it as a Foreign Entity using the same registered agent and NAICS information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaska a compact state for NP licensing?
No. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. All NPs must apply for both an Alaska RN license and an Alaska APRN license to practice in the state, regardless of licenses held elsewhere.
Is Alaska a full practice authority state for nurse practitioners?
Yes. Alaska grants NPs full practice authority, meaning nurse practitioners can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications without physician oversight.
Can I apply for my RN and APRN licenses at the same time?
Yes. WMS recommends submitting both applications simultaneously to minimize overall processing time. The RN license must be granted before the APRN license is issued, but the applications can be processed concurrently.
Does Alaska issue a temporary APRN license?
Yes. If your application is fully complete and valid, the Alaska Board of Nursing will issue a temporary license at the time of initial review at no additional cost. Your RN temporary license must be granted first; if there are any issues with the RN application, your APRN temporary license will not be issued even if the APRN application is complete.
How long does it take to get an Alaska NP license?
The board performs an initial review within 8-12 weeks of receiving a completed application. If no additional documentation is needed, your license will post within a few weeks of that review. Any requests for additional information add 3-4 weeks per round of back-and-forth. Submitting a thorough, complete application is the best way to keep the process on track.
When can I expect a response from the Alaska Board of Nursing?
The board processes applications in date order. They typically will not review your application until approximately 6-8 weeks after receipt, so reaching out before that point is unlikely to produce a response. Once your application is reviewed, response times from your licensing examiner can range from same-day to about 7 days.
What is the best way to follow up with my licensing examiner?
Monitor your MyAlaska account for updates rather than reaching out proactively. When you do need to contact the board, email is the primary channel. You can find your assigned examiner by last name on the Board of Nursing contact page. Including boardofnursing@alaska.gov on your message is also recommended, as examiners occasionally cover for one another. Phone contact is not currently available.
Do I need to complete a Consultation and Referral Plan?
No. As of January 2022, the Consultation and Referral Plan is no longer required for Alaska APRN license applications.
Do I need a DEA license registered in Alaska before starting an assignment?
Yes, if you will be prescribing. You do not need an Alaska DEA address for the APRN license itself, but you must have one before prescribing in the state. Most locum tenens NPs transfer their existing DEA license to Alaska just before an assignment begins. Transfers can take up to 5 business days.
Why do I need a business license for locum tenens work in Alaska?
Alaska requires independent contractors to hold a state business license to conduct business in the state. Because WMS NPs work as 1099 independent contractors rather than employees, a business license is required before a contract can be signed. Most NPs register a sole proprietorship, though an LLC is also an option.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
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.
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