Overview
The purpose of the Practical Nurse (LPN) program at APU is to deliver a nursing program focused on cultural safety and quality care for rural and Alaska Native populations and aligned with opportunities advancing in the nursing profession, we are preparing paths for students to contribute to the health and wellbeing of their communities.
This nursing education program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000
http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp
Degree Fit
APU’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs work in partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat (Bethel) and Foundation Health Partners (Fairbanks). Our programs are designed to develop students to provide culturally safe, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care to restore, promote, and maintain physical and mental health throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings. We teach our students to demonstrate clinical judgment to make patient-centered care decisions within the scope of practical nursing practice.
Over the course of two semesters, using the integration of culturally relevant care activities to improve patient care, students will learn how to demonstrate patient advocacy, incorporate families and recognize groups in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and growth as human beings and to respect the diversity of individuals.
Incorporating principles of communication and collaboration students learn to work as part of health care teams in professional settings to promote movement toward optimal levels of health for patients. Utilizing evidence-based methods, assessments, technologies, and management systems to guide and communicate decisions that promote optimal outcomes, students utilize both traditional and academic knowledge to advance the health of Alaska native, indigenous, and underserved populations.
Career Outcomes

- Hospital Worker
- Hospice Care
- Private Clinics
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Degree Roadmap
SEMESTER 1
Course |
Total Credit Hours |
CS 20500: Culturally Safe Healthcare |
4 |
NUR 10100: Practical Nursing I – Culturally Safe Foundations of Practical Nursing |
7 |
NUR 10600: Pathopharmacology for Licensed Practical Nurses |
3 |
SEMESTER 2 |
|
Course |
Total Credit Hours |
NUR 10200: Practical Nursing II: Culturally Safe and Holistic Nursing Care of Adults |
6 |
NUR 10300: Practical Nursing III: Maternal Child Culturally Safe Care |
3 |
NUR 10600: The Nursing Profession – Quality, Ethics, Legalities, and Policy for Licensed Practical Nurses |
3 |
NUR 10400: Practical Nursing Clinical Concentration – Preceptorship |
1 |
*This is a sample schedule only and not meant to represent the program schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Licensed Practice Nurse and what can I do with this certificate?
The certificate program authorizes one to sit for a national examination, NCLEX -PN and achieve licensure. With licensure the LPN can provide direct care to patients, giving routine nursing care to all types of patients, and provide health teaching to clients in many settings. They often assist registered nurses in more complex, non-routine care. Typical duties include taking vital signs, administering prescribed medications, giving injections, preparing patients for medical examinations and surgical procedures, and recording information in the patient’s medical record.
What is this program?
This certificate program meets the requirements set out by the Alaska Board of Nursing for licensure as a practical nurse. Students develop these skills in the nursing skills lab, in the classroom and by participating in clinical observations and experiences in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
Are there any other LPN programs in the state of Alaska?
No, there are currently no other LPN programs in the state of Alaska.
When does the next cohort start in Bethel, and what is the application timeline?
The program only accepts students to begin every Fall semester. The next cohort will begin in Fall 2022. A timeline is provided below:
July 1: Application Deadline for Fall 2022 Cohort
July 15: Admissions review completed by Admissions and sent to nursing faculty
July 25: Notification of interview
July 26-August 5: Interviews conducted by nursing faculty
August 10: Cohort for Fall 2022 is notified
August 22: Fall 2022 starts
When does the cohort start in Fairbanks, and what is the application timeline?
The program will accept its first cohort of eight students to begin in Spring 2023. A timeline is provided below. After this, the Fairbanks program will only admit every Fall term beginning in Fall 2023.
Nov. 1: Applications due for Spring 2023 cohort
Nov. 15: Admissions review completed by Admissions and sent to nursing faculty
Nov. 23: Notification of interview
Dec. 2-10: Interviews conducted by nursing faculty
Dec. 15: Cohort for Spring 2023 is notified
Dec. 16: Background checks sent to the state by nursing faculty
Jan. 9: LPN Cohort 1 begins
How is the program structured? If you get in, what is the commitment? (classes, time required, schedule)
The program is 2 semesters long, a total of 27 total credit hours and will be offered in a hybrid format. Lectures will be offered online and recorded to offer student’s a flexible schedule. Students will be required to meet in person at the Yuut facility every other week, 3-weekdays to work hands-on in the simulation lab. Typically this will be from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday – Wednesday. However, APU Nursing faculty does not make the clinical schedule, it is dependent on our clinical partners and may include nights, weekends and overnight shifts.
Information on Fairbanks cohort coming soon!
I work full-time, can I still do the program?
This is a full-time program. Although it is offered in a hybrid format, you should expect to meet in-person at the Yuut facility for lab work (see question 7), be available for your clinical rotations—which may include nights, weekends, and overnight shifts. Lastly, every class hour in nursing correlates to 3 hours of homework, reading, and studying. Even when you are not meeting in person, you should be prepared to build self-study time into your weekly schedule.
Information on Fairbanks cohort coming soon!
What do I need to be eligible for the program?
The following pre-requisites are required:
- Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology Course: that includes the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on gross anatomy and all organic systems and their relationship to homeostasis.** (Additional courses, including Human Biology may be accepted to complete this requirement, if you have questions on a specific course, please reach out to admissions@alaskpacific.edu
- Clinical Experience: Show proof of completion of one of the following: Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA), Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Health Aid, ETT, CHAP (must be 2 or higher) Paramedic, EMT, or Dental Heath Aid. Other experience may be accepted dependent on Nursing Department review.
- Submit Official final High School Transcript or GED: Provide an official final transcript, including graduation date or an official copy of your GED score report to the Office of Admissions.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended: Postsecondary transcripts from all institutions attended. This requirement includes students who earned college credit at another institution while in high school. If you have less than 30 college credit hours you must submit your Official final high school transcript (must show the date of graduation) or official GED score report.
** Transcripts are considered official when received in an envelope that was sealed by the credit-awarding institution and arrive at APU unopened. Electronic transcripts are also accepted when sent directly to APU from the credit-awarding institution via a secured electronic transcript service.
Mail (Sealed) or Email (via secured site)
Office of Admissions admissions@alaskapacific.edu
Alaska Pacific University
4101 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
How do I apply?
Apply online with your $25 application fee. Click here to apply.
Do I need internet?
Computers at Yuut may be available for students to use. At home (or another location) the course will require the following:
i.A reliable computer & access to Blackboard
ii.A recent web browser
iii.An Internet Service Provider (ISP)
iv.An internet connection
v.Computer microphone, speakers, and camera
How much does the program cost?
For the fall 2022 cohort, tuition and fees are covered at no cost to students, who enroll in the program, due to scholarship assistance. Tuition is $475/credit hour. A sample tuition and fee schedule for a semester is below:
Tuition (13-14 credits/semester): 6650
Mandatory Fees: 130
LPN Fees (ATI): 1073
Cost: 7853
Are financial aid and scholarships available?
Yes. Students should begin the financial aid process first by filling out the Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, APU offers several other resources for scholarships and financial aid below:
- Tribal Health Systems Scholarship: Alaska Pacific University offers a scholarship for employees, board members, and dependents of the Alaska Tribal Health System, and a matching scholarship for ANTHC employees who are Alaska Native or American Indian. Click here for more details.
- Managed Scholarships: APU has several donor-funded scholarships that require a separate application to apply. For specific scholarship guidelines and awarding schedule, please use the above link.
Is housing available in Bethel?
Housing is available at Yuut on a space available basis. No spouses, partners, or pets are allowed. Please contact Walt Betz at wbetz@yuut.org. Students are responsible for food and lodging costs. Those costs are the responsibility of the student but may be factored into the Cost of Attendance for Federal Financial Aid grant, scholarship and, loan calculations.
How will COVID-19 impact the course?
We have a shared responsibility to keep the APU community safe by following public health protocols and guidelines to contain the COVID-19 virus. By participating in any on-campus or APU field-based courses or course-related activities, you agree to: (1) wear a mask indoors and at outdoor gatherings where distancing is not possible; (2) maintain social distancing in classrooms and other common spaces; (3) refrain from eating or drinking that requires removal of masks in class; and (4) clean your classroom workspace (e.g., desk, chair, equipment used) after each class. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to exclusion from the class. For more information on COVID-19 in Alaska, please visit the State of Alaska COVID-19 website.
I still have more questions, what should I do?
Contact Walt Betz at wbetz@yuut.org or APU Office of Admission at admissions@alaskapacific.edu
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Institute & Program Area
The Institute of Health & Wellness promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Counseling Psychology, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Honoring Alaska’s complex and distinctive histories, health care services, and systems of care, the Institute prepares students to address and engage in stewardship of our peoples and communities to promote community health and wellness for all.
The Nursing & Health Program Area is grounded in cultural competence and cultural safety, our nursing, community health, and health sciences programs provide pathways to professional goal attainment. We partner with care providers, health services, and Tribal organizations to ensure that our programs are relevant, respectful, and responsible. Join us now to meet the critical care needs of our communities.