Alaska Registered Nurse (RN) Continuing Education Requirements
Requirements Overview
Alaska uses a unique continuing competency model requiring nurses to satisfy any two of three methods: 30 CE contact hours, 30 hours of uncompensated professional activities, or 320 hours of nursing employment. Nurses who meet two non-CE methods (employment plus professional activities) can renew without any formal CE hours.
For those choosing the CE pathway, at least 20 of the 30 hours must come from accredited providers such as ANCC, ACCME, or ACPE. The remaining 10 hours may be earned through in-service education at a licensed health care facility.
RN licenses expire November 30 of even-numbered years. The Board conducts random audits, and licensees should maintain CE documentation for at least four years.
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continuing education content areas | — | Every renewal | CE must be earned in at least one of: nursing practice areas and special health care problems; biological, physical, or behavioral sciences; legal or ethical aspects of health care; management or administration of health care personnel and patient care; subjects approved by the board more advanced than those completed for original licensure. |
Renewal Pathways
Exemptions
- Alternative Methods (12 AAC 44.640) — Licensees may qualify through completing a Board-approved refresher course, taking the NCLEX, or attaining a degree or certificate in nursing (or progress of at least 6 academic credits) beyond original licensure education requirements.Must be documented before renewal.
- Certification In Lieu Of CE Contact Hours — Approved certifications may be used in lieu of CE contact hours as one of the two required competency methods.Only A credits accepted for CRNAs; B credits not accepted.
How You Can Complete Your CE
Provider Requirements
CE must be from programs accredited by: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist certifying bodies, or Board-approved sponsors. Also accepted: ANA, AMA, other Boards of Nursing. At least 20 of 30 hours must be from accredited providers; up to 10 hours may be from in-service education at a licensed health care facility.
Tips for Alaska RNs
- Map out which two of the three competency methods you'll use before starting your renewal cycle — this determines whether you need any CE hours at all.
- CPR and BLS courses are not accepted for CE credit in Alaska, though ACLS and PALS courses are. Plan accordingly if emergency certifications are part of your routine training.
- Keep all CE certificates and documentation for at least four years. Alaska conducts random audits and you'll need proof of completion.
- In-service education at your facility can cover up to 10 of your 30 CE hours — check with your employer about qualifying programs.