Key Points
- Anchorage CNA training tuition ranges from $1,400 to $2,100.
- The metro area projects significantly faster job growth for CNAs.
- Two University of Alaska campuses offer approved nurse aide programs.
Launch Your Healthcare Career with CNA Training in Anchorage, Alaska
Compare Anchorage CNA programs: costs, schedules, certification steps, and job outlook.
Between a four-week campus-based program and a hybrid course that lets you complete theory work online while commuting for clinicals, Anchorage CNA training matches the pace you need, but the local job market moves even faster. Hospitals and long-term care facilities in the metro area consistently post more nursing assistant openings than there are newly certified applicants to fill them, and the Alaska Department of Labor projects steady growth in the field through the decade.
That mismatch creates a clear opening: pick a state-approved training path that fits your schedule, earn your certification, and step directly into a facility that’s already hiring. The variety of in-person and online-supported options means you can train in Anchorage itself or through a nearby extension without relocating.
Anchorage's Healthcare Landscape and Demand for CNAs
Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and, by a wide margin, its most active healthcare market. Nearly every major hospital, long-term care facility, and home health agency in the state either operates here or maintains a significant presence, which translates directly into steady, visible demand for certified nursing assistants.
The Employers Driving Demand
Providence Alaska Medical Center anchors the Anchorage healthcare economy as the largest private employer in the state, with roughly 5,000 employees and a consistent stream of CNA and patient care technician openings. Alaska Regional Hospital runs alongside it as a major acute-care employer, routinely posting CNA and PCT roles and hosting hiring events to fill positions quickly.
Beyond the hospitals, a growing network of post-acute and long-term care facilities keeps demand broad and steady:
- Centennial Post Acute: Hires CNAs on both permanent and contract bases, with hourly pay reported between $19.80 and $27.41.
- Polaris Extended and Transitional Care: Actively recruiting nursing assistants for skilled nursing roles.
- Baxter Senior Living: Filling multiple CNA positions across its senior care operations.
- Jewel Lake Assisted Living Home: Entry-level positions starting at $17.00 per hour.
Home health and hospice agencies add another layer of opportunity. Ancora Home Health and Hospice posts CNA wages in the $20 to $24 range, and TLC Care Services offers $19 to $25 per hour. Staffing firms including HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and TheraEx Staffing Services place CNAs across facilities on flexible contracts, while platforms like Nursa list per-diem shifts for those who prefer variable schedules.
Why the Need Keeps Growing
Three forces sustain CNA demand in Anchorage. First, Alaska's population is aging at a pace that outstrips available care workers, expanding the need for hands-on support in nursing homes and assisted living settings. Second, the state government itself posts nurse aide positions on an ongoing basis, adding public-sector jobs to an already active private market. Third, travel CNA contracts, some offering weekly pay around $1,000 to $1,200 plus housing, signal that facilities are competing hard to attract qualified workers.
The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation consistently identifies healthcare as one of the city's top job-producing sectors. For anyone considering a CNA credential, the local job market is one of the strongest arguments in its favor.
Online and Hybrid CNA Options for Anchorage Students
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Many Anchorage healthcare facilities, including hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health agencies, actively recruit CNAs to fill steady openings. The metro area projects employment growth for nursing assistants that is significantly faster than average, creating reliable job prospects for new graduates. This means most students find work quickly after earning their Alaska CNA certification.
In-Person CNA Classes in Anchorage and Nearby
Anchorage and the surrounding Mat-Su Valley offer several state-approved CNA training programs, each with its own schedule and structure. Whether you need a condensed timeline or prefer a semester-based approach, you can find a program that fits your life. Here is what is currently available in the greater Anchorage area.
Programs in Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a 6-credit CNA program that spans one full semester. This college-based option works well for students who want transferable credits or prefer an academic setting. You can reach the program office at 907-786-4346 for current enrollment dates and semester schedules.
Alaska CNA Program provides an accelerated in-person track that runs 5 to 6 weeks. The next skills lab session begins February 23, 2026, making it a practical choice if you want to complete training quickly and enter the workforce by spring. Contact them at 907-267-9113 for upcoming cohort information.
Caregiver Training Academy offers one of the shortest options at 4 weeks.1 This compact format appeals to students who need rapid completion without sacrificing quality instruction. Call 907-258-0535 to ask about day and evening availability.
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium runs a 5-week CNA training program with a structured schedule of four days per week, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program includes two weeks of dedicated clinical hours at partnered healthcare facilities, giving students direct patient care experience before graduation.2
Providence Alaska Medical Center and Providence Extended Care both offer nurse aide training courses. Contact Providence Alaska Medical Center at 907-261-2047 or Providence Extended Care at 907-562-2281 for schedule details and clinical site information.
For high school students, King Tech High School provides a CNA program designed specifically for younger learners preparing for healthcare careers early. Eligibility is limited to current high school students, and you can reach the program at 907-742-4136.3
Programs in Eagle River, Chugiak, and the Mat-Su Valley
Education CNA Program in Chugiak serves students north of Anchorage who prefer a shorter commute. Call 907-688-2609 for current session dates and enrollment requirements.
Mat-Su CNA in Palmer runs a 6-week program convenient for Valley residents.4 This location reduces travel time for students living in Wasilla, Palmer, or surrounding communities.
Alaska Job Corps in Palmer provides CNA training as part of its broader vocational programming. Contact them at 907-861-8800 to learn about eligibility requirements and program structure.
Mat-Su Career and Technical High School also offers CNA certification for high school students in the Valley. Reach their counseling office at 907-352-0426 for enrollment information.
With programs ranging from 4 weeks to a full semester, Anchorage-area students have genuine flexibility in how they pursue certification.
What You'll Pay: CNA Training Costs in Anchorage
Tuition for CNA training in Anchorage currently runs between $1,400 and $2,1001, depending on the school and program format. That range puts Alaska's largest city in line with national averages for short-term healthcare certificates, and several paths exist to reduce or eliminate that cost entirely.
Program Tuition at a Glance
Three programs give you a solid baseline for comparison:
- University of Alaska Anchorage: Roughly $1,605 total for a six-credit program, which includes approximately $201 in fees at a per-credit rate of $234.
- Alaska CNA Program: Around $2,070, with a $500 deposit required at enrollment.
- Caregiver Training Academy: Approximately $1,5002, making it one of the more affordable private options in the city.
These figures cover instruction and clinical supervision. Textbooks, uniforms, and supplies are sometimes separate, so ask each school for a complete cost breakdown before you commit.
State Certification Fees
Tuition is only part of the picture. Once you finish your coursework, Alaska requires you to clear several additional costs before you're officially certified:
- Application fee: $50
- Certification fee: $100
- Pearson VUE exam fee: $60 to $65
- Fingerprint and background check: $60 to $88.25
All told, budget $270 to $303.25 on top of your program tuition to cover the certification process.
Free and Employer-Sponsored Training
If paying out of pocket is a barrier, employer-sponsored training may be your best option. Providence Alaska Medical Center and Providence Extended Care both operate facility-based CNA training programs. Candidates who go this route typically pay nothing for the training itself1, covering only the state certification fees of $270 to $303.25. In exchange, new CNAs generally commit to working for the sponsoring facility for a set period after certification. Alaska Native Medical Center is another major Anchorage employer worth contacting directly about similar arrangements.
The Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association (AHHA) also offers scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers in the state, which can offset tuition costs at programs that do not provide employer-sponsored training.1
Financial Aid for Independent Students
Students enrolling through the University of Alaska Anchorage may qualify for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, since UAA is an accredited institution. Private programs like Alaska CNA Program and Caregiver Training Academy may offer payment plans, though federal aid eligibility varies. Check with each school's financial aid office and ask specifically whether they accept workforce development funds, which are sometimes available through Alaska's job training programs for in-demand healthcare occupations.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Are you comfortable with hands-on physical care like bathing, lifting, and repositioning patients?
CNA work is physically demanding and involves direct body care throughout every shift. If this feels outside your comfort zone now, shadowing a CNA for a day can help you decide before enrolling.
Can your body handle the physical demands of a full nursing shift, including extended standing and repetitive lifting?
Anchorage facilities often run 8- to 12-hour shifts where CNAs are on their feet most of the time. Musculoskeletal strain is a real occupational risk, so honest self-assessment matters before committing.
Are you prepared to work evenings, nights, weekends, or rotating schedules?
Most Anchorage hospitals and long-term care facilities need CNAs around the clock. Entry-level hires frequently start on less desirable shifts, so schedule flexibility strongly affects how quickly you can find full-time work.
Do you handle emotionally difficult situations, such as patient decline or end-of-life care, without becoming overwhelmed?
CNAs in Anchorage's senior care and hospital settings often form close bonds with patients who deteriorate over time. Emotional resilience is not optional and directly affects both your wellbeing and the quality of care you deliver.
How to Become a CNA in Alaska: Step-By-Step Certification Requirements
Becoming a certified nursing assistant in Alaska follows a structured pathway that combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical practice, and state testing. Understanding each requirement before you enroll helps you move through the process without delays or surprises.
Complete a State-Approved Training Program
Alaska mandates 140 hours of training through a state-approved program. This includes 60 hours of classroom instruction covering topics like infection control, patient rights, basic nursing skills, and communication techniques. The remaining 80 hours take place in a clinical setting, where you practice skills on real patients under supervision. Anchorage-area CNA programs typically complete this training in four to eight weeks, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Before enrolling, most programs require you to meet specific prerequisites:
- Age: You must be at least 15 years old to begin training in Alaska4
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is required for enrollment3
- Health clearance: Programs require documentation showing you can safely perform physical caregiving tasks3
- Immunizations: Current records for TB screening, Hepatitis B, MMR, and varicella are typically mandatory3
Pass the NNAAP Certification Exam
After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program exam. This test has two components: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills evaluation where you demonstrate competencies like taking vital signs, positioning patients, and maintaining proper hygiene protocols. You have three attempts to pass each portion. If you do not pass after three tries, Alaska requires you to retake a training program before testing again.
Submit to a Background Check and Apply for the Registry
Alaska requires a fingerprint-based background check that screens both state and FBI criminal databases.3 This step protects vulnerable patients in healthcare settings and is non-negotiable for certification. Once you pass your exam and clear the background check, you submit your application to the Alaska Nurse Aide Registry. Upon approval, your name appears on the registry, and you can legally work as a CNA in the state. Most applicants receive their certification within two to four weeks after completing all requirements.
What CNAs Earn in Anchorage
Top CNA Programs Serving Anchorage Students
Two University of Alaska campuses offer approved nurse aide training that meets state certification requirements. While only one is located right in Anchorage, both provide solid pathways into direct patient care jobs across the state.
Factors considered
- Program length and credit load
- Clinical placement accessibility
- Certification exam preparation quality
- Institutional support and student outcomes
Data sources
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
University of Alaska Anchorage
#1Anchorage, AK · $15,000/yr
Best for: Anchorage students wanting local hospital clinicals
University of Alaska Anchorage delivers a one-semester Certified Nursing Assistant program on its Anchorage campus, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training at local healthcare facilities. The program bundles CPR, first aid, and medical terminology into the curriculum, creating a cost-effective entry into healthcare. UAA reports a strong track record for both job placement and first-time pass rates on the state certification exam.
- One-semester, six-credit course that fits into a single term.
- 60 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- On-site clinical rotations at Anchorage hospitals and long-term care facilities.
- CPR, first aid, medical terminology, and basic anatomy included in training.
- Prepares students for both the written and skills portions of the state exam.
- High first-time pass rate on the Alaska Nurse Aide Certification Examination.
- Strong local employer demand and documented job placement success.
- Works directly with residents during clinicals, building real-world care skills.
University of Alaska Southeast
#2Juneau, AK · $12,000/yr (net price)
Best for: Southeast Alaska residents seeking UA system credential
University of Alaska Southeast operates nurse aide training at its Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka campuses, serving students from Southeast Alaska communities. As a UA system school, the occupational endorsement aligns with Alaska Board of Nursing standards and includes a rigorous mix of theory and clinical hours. This program is best suited for those who can relocate to or already live near a UAS campus site.
- Nine-credit occupational endorsement that stacks toward further health studies.
- Blends 60 hours of lecture with 80 hours of clinical training at each campus.
- Requires a 75 percent or higher average in coursework to progress.
- Clinical component demands a perfect score on all skill competencies.
- Available at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka locations for regional access.
- Graduates qualify to sit for the Alaska State Nurse Aide certification exam.
- Fingerprinting and background check integrated into admissions process.
- Approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing and listed on the state registry.
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Training in Anchorage
Prospective CNA students in Anchorage often have questions about program length, costs, and certification. Below are clear, practical answers to help you start your training with confidence.
CNA programs in Anchorage typically last between one and four months. Alaska requires at least 140 total training hours, including 60 classroom hours and 80 clinical hours. Full-time students can finish in as little as six weeks, while part-time options may take up to four months.
You'll typically need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 16 to 18 years old, and pass a background check. Some programs also request proof of immunizations and a negative TB test before clinical work.
Yes, some employers sponsor free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification.2 Hospitals and long-term care facilities in the Anchorage area occasionally offer these programs, covering all costs including exam fees.
The exam is the NNAAP, administered by Credentia. It has two parts: a written (or oral) test and a hands-on skills evaluation. The total exam fee ranges from $270 to $303. You must pass both parts to earn your CNA credential in Alaska.
CNAs in Anchorage find jobs in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. The strong demand for healthcare support staff means new graduates often secure positions quickly, especially in long-term care and rehabilitation centers.