Various options are available for free or low-cost training to become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Alaska. Nursing homes and other long-term residential health centers offer training programs at little or no cost with the possibility of employment upon successful completion of the program. These are very attractive programs for individuals with economic challenges who desire a meaningful career change or for younger students just getting started. Be aware that these programs are not always open to the public and are often only available to new hires for positions at these facilities, though this is not true of every facility. Low-cost options exist with the U.S. Department of Labor and Workforce Development through various technical schools in the state of Alaska with affordable tuition rates and programs that meet state requirements for certification.
WIA-Approved Training Centers in Alaska:
Seward Providence/Seward Mountain Haven – Box 430, 431 First Ave. | Seward, AK 99664 | Phone: (907) 224-2900
AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology – PO Box 889 | Seward, AK 99664 | Phone: (907) 224-6150 or (800) 478-5389
Central Peninsula Hospital/Heritage Place – 232 Rockwell Ave. | Soldotna, AK 99669 | Phone: (907) 714-5000
Older Persons Action Group – 325 E. Third Ave, Ste 300 | Anchorage, AK 99501 | (No longer Offering)
Alaska Job Corps (*they accept high school students only)
Corinne Gaither – P: 861-8779 | F: 831-8782 | Palmer, AK 9965
Choose another State or continue reading below:
CNA Certification Guidelines
To become a certified nursing assistant in the state of Alaska, you must have obtained a high school diploma or GED, successfully complete a training program and pass the state-approved certification exam. Certification is required to work in long-term care and home healthcare settings and many hospitals and clinics also prefer to hire nursing assistants that hold a certification.
All Alaska CNA programs are required to provide a minimum of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 clinician hours of supervised clinical practice. Successful completion of a certification examination is required.
In Alaska, all approved certified nursing assistant training programs must provide students with comprehensive instruction on the requirements to work in all types of licensed healthcare facilities including nursing homes, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities.
Certification is also required to work as a nursing assistant in long-term care and home health settings in Alaska. Many acute care hospitals and clinics also prefer to hire nursing assistants who hold certifications, but certification is not always required.
A person transferring from another state must not provide hands-on care in a facility until he or she has been placed on the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. A nurse aide’s Registry employment eligibility status will be determined by the training provided by that state’s instructional program and must complete the Nurse Aide Registry Out-of-State Application.
CNA Training FAQs.
How old do I have to be to take the CNA Training?
You must be at least 17 years or older and provide a GED as well as a copy of a government-issued picture ID.
How much does it cost to renew my nursing license?
It costs around $60 and there can be an additional charge to renew an existing Alaska CNA license.
How do I transfer my CNA license to another state?
You will be required to complete a verification form and send it to the state you are moving from. The state will complete its section on the form and mail it directly to the state you are moving to.
Where can I find free CNA Continuing Education?
Through hospitals, nursing homes and colleges that provide seminars etc. Free CNA courses may also be found on: The Red Cross and The State Department of Health.
How do I become CNA certified?
CNA training programs are relatively short. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to complete a 6 to 12-week CNA certificate program at a community college or medical facility.
Can I transfer my CNA license to Alaska?
If you’re an out-of-state CNA, you can transfer your license to Alaska through filling an endorsement form and get it signed and notarized.
CNA Training in Alaska
Individuals can become certified nursing assistants in the state of Alaska after successfully completing state-approved coursework and certification exam. Training programs adequately prepare students to sit for this exam. Minimum training consists of 140 hours and ranges from 6 weeks to a full semester in length. The cost of these programs is between $1500 and $2500, though some long-term care facilities offer free training programs and technical institutes offer affordable programs through the U.S. Department of Labor. Payment plans are available to colleges and technical schools. In some locations that offer free training, students may receive payment during the clinical portion of the program with an established commitment to that facility. Below is a list of approved CNA programs in the state of Alaska:
Alaska Vocational Technical Center – 1251 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Offered in Anchorage, the Certified Nurse Assistant program requires 230 hours (38 training days) of classroom, lab skills practice and clinical experience. The first four weeks are classroom and lab skills, including Basic Life Support. Classes are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program costs $1840 inclusive of tuition and books. Additional fees may be required for a certification exam. For more details, contact the Admissions Recruiter at the Allied Health Department at (907) 334-2230.
Kachemak Bay Campus – 533 E. Pioneer Ave Homer, AK 99603
The Kachemak Bay Campus offers a 6-credit CNA program that includes 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of clinical application of knowledge and skills. The cost for the program is $1518 and includes tuition, books, supplies, background checks, and state certification fees. For more details on this program, call (877) 262-0330.
Kodiak College – 117 Benny Benson Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615
The Kodiak College CNA program meets the Certified Nurse Aide examination required by the State. Minimum of 140 hours are required for course completion. The required hours are divided as followed: 80 hours of supervised clinical experience and 60 hours of classroom instruction. The 80 hours of clinical experience will be a combination of weekdays, weekends and some additional evenings. The cost for this program is $1622 inclusive of tuition, books and other program-related fees including the state board exam. For more details on this program, call (907) 486-9218
Alaska Technical Center – P.O. Box 51 Kotzebue, Alaska 99752
The CNA program of the Alaska Technical Center provides training that includes classroom learning and clinical experience. This 12 week training will prepare students to take a State approved Certified Nursing Exam. The cost of this program is $2050 and includes tuition, books, and other fees and supplies. For more details on this program, contact Alaska Technical Center at (907) 442-3733.
University of Alaska Bill Ray Center – 1108 “F” Street Juneau,Alaska 99801
The University of Alaska CNA Training is a 9-credit course designed to train students in basic skills needed to assist nurses and to be efficient health care team members. Upon successful completion of the course, students qualify to take the State Certification Exam for Nursing Assistants. The 9 credits include a minimum of 75 lecture hours and 80 lab/clinical hours included. All lectures are at Wild flower Court. Clinics are at Wild flower Court and the Juneau Pioneers’ Home. Estimated total costs for the CNA program are $2620 including tuition, supplies and certification exam. For more information, call (907) 796-6128.
University of Alaska – 2600 Seventh Avenue Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
University of Alaska Ketchikan offers a 9-week Certified Nurses Aide Training course. The course is designed to run for nine weeks, with classes scheduled twice a week for full days (8:00am – 5:00pm). The first six weeks are spent in classroom and the following three weeks are spent in clinicals. A student must achieve a ‘C’ or better in the classroom setting to advance to the clinical portion of the class. Estimated total costs for the CNA program are $2620 including tuition, supplies and certification exam. For additional information, call (907) 228-4537.
Providence Extended Care – P: 212-0268 4900 | Eagle Street | Anchorage, AK 9950
Caregiver Training Academy – P: 258-0503 | 203 West 15th Avenue #104 | Anchorage, AK 99501
Fairbanks School District – P: 455-2876 | 520 5th Avenue Fairbanks, AK 9970
Providence Extended Care – P: 212-0268 | 4900 Eagle Street|Anchorage, AK 99504
COLLEGE REVIEWS:
Kodiak College:
The cost is also economical and I have found my learning experience challenging and enjoyable. Highly recommended!
Alaska Technical Center:
Flexible class hours, amazing teachers, affordable, helpful career services and positive environment.