Degree Fit
Students interested in pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing must complete all pre-requisite coursework for admission to the program. Pre-requisite* coursework includes:
- Principles of Biology I
- Principles of Chemistry I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- Algebra for Health Sciences
- Lifespan Human Development
- Writing & Research I: Argumentation
- Culturally Safe Healthcare
*APU students who have successfully completed equivalent pre-requisite coursework at an accredited institution, may have their transcript(s) evaluated to determine coursework transferability. Pre-requisite coursework completed more than ten (10) years ago and any Nursing Major Courses are not eligible for transfer.
The eligibility criteria to apply for admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing are:
- ALL pre-requisite coursework must be listed on the Pre-Requisite Worksheet and completed, with a C, by the start of the first semester of the cohort
- Submit application for admission, when available, and all required documents by deadline to be considered
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Cover letter with education statement explaining interest in pursuing a career in Nursing
- Current Resume
- Applicants who meet the above eligibility requirements will be contacted for an interview with the APU Nursing Faculty
Career Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of all requirements of the APU ADN nursing program, the student will file a form in the state in which he/she wishes to take the national nursing licensure examination. These forms are available online. In Alaska: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/OnlineInstructionsRNbyExamination.pdf
- The APU Registrars’ Office sends the verification form to the Alaska Board of Nursing, assuring that the student has met all requirements to take the NCLEX examination.
- It will take at least six (4-6) weeks after graduation for the posting of the information necessary for the affidavit and testing attestation to be completed.
If a student is interested in licensure in another state, they are responsible for contacting that state’s Board of Nursing office for information. A list of state licensure requirements is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Website: https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm
Students requiring accommodations will refer to the State Board of Nursing for information.
Degree Roadmap
Associate Degree in Nursing Major Studies coursework includes:
- Foundations of Culturally Safe Nursing Practice
- Pathopharmacology I
- Mental and Behavioral Health in Nursing: A Culturally Safe Approach
- Med/Surg I: Care of the Client with Chronic and Acute Conditions
- Med/Surg II: Transition to Care of the Client with Critical Conditions
*For a full listing of the coursework required for the Associate Degree in Nursing, please visit the APU Academic Catalog
Completion & NCLEX Data
Coming Soon
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is tuition?
-
Semester 1 Semester 2 Estimated Cost
Tuition 10175 10175 20350
Mandatory Fees 205 205 410
Room 6650 6650 13300
Board 2100 2100 4200
Books/Supplies 600 600 1200
Transportation 1080 1080 2160
Personal/MISC 1125
1125
2250
Cost 21935 21935
43870
ADN Fee 1550
850
2400
ADN Off-campus Cost 23485 22785 46270
Are there additional fees associated with the program?
Yes. The Associate Degree in Nursing has a mandatory program fee of $3250, not including in the university “Mandatory Fees ($510.00)”, for identity verification, supplies, and the ATI (Assessment Technology Institute) nursing education platform. The fee is split over the three semesters ($1550.00, $850.00, $850.00 respectively) and charged as a non-refundable lab fee in three relevant courses. The program fee is subject to modification, and may be changed more than once if courses are repeated and/or program completion requires additional semesters.
What if I decide I don’t want to stay in Nursing?
If you decide that pursuing the Associate Degree in Nursing is not a good fit, you may pursue another concentration within the BS in Health Sciences program or another academic program at APU. It is imperative to work with your Academic Advisor to set up an updated course of study and degree plan.
What pre-requisite courses do I take in the program?
Pre-Nursing coursework is listed below:
Principles of Biology I
Principles of Chemistry I
Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/ lab
Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/ lab
Lifespan Human Development
Algebra for Health Sciences
Writing & Research 1: Argumentation
Culturally Safe Healthcare: Inquiry and Practicum
Is the ADN program accredited at APU?
APU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities (NWCCU) and authorized by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE). The Alaska Board of Nursing in keeping with statutes AS 08.68.100(a) and AS 08.62.290 and regulations 12 AAC 44.010 and 12 AAC 44.055, provides oversight and annual approval of nursing programs. Alaska Pacific University Nursing Program has submitted the required reports and has ACEN approval. All records were found to be in order. The Alaska Board of Nursing has issued full approval of APU’s ADN and RN to BSN programs. Provisional approval has been granted to the LPN program. The Board fully supports the continuation of the nursing education program at Alaska Pacific University.
Does APU accept/transfer Nursing courses from other Nursing programs?
No. Per the Nursing Department no transfer courses within the nursing curriculum will be accepted for courses required for the program.
When will the application period open for the Fall 2023 cohort?
This year the application for the ADN program will open on January 1 and will close on March 1. A complete application, including all required documents are due no later than 11:59 (AKDT) PM on March 1, 2023.
After processing, complete files will be sent to the nursing department for review. The nursing department
will reach out to selected students for an interview with the Nursing faculty. Applicants can expect a notification by the end of April. All decisions will be released at the same time.
On what is my application assessed?
Your application is assessed based on a holistic assessment of your GPA, transcripts, your résumé, statement, and
(if applicable) the interview stage. The résumé is evaluated by faculty based on a rubric that involves grammar and content, just like anything else you would submit to an instructor.
When will there be a cohort starting in the Spring?
It is our hope to start an entering Spring 2024 cohort in Anchorage.
How many students are admitted every year?
The current enrollment is 24 students every fall for the Anchorage cohort. A cohort will start in Spring 2023 in Juneau and a cohort will start in Utqiagvik in Fall 2023.
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 every week on either -Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday depending on which semester you are in from 8 am – 4 pm in February and March. This time is required for lab and clinical. In April you will need to 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.
I am not sure if one or more of my pre-requisite courses is over the 10-year requirement, what should I do?
For students applying to the Fall 2023 cohort no courses taken prior to the 2013 – 2014 academic year (August 2013 – present) will be allowed under the 10-year rule.
Are any College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP) exams accepted in-place of pre-requisite courses?
APU’s nursing faculty will accept up to 8 credits from CLEP exams, no science courses can be clep-tested out of.
Why do pre-requisite class have to be within the last 10 years?
Pre-requisite courses form the foundation of knowledge which nursing classes are built on. Having pre-requisites which expire is a way of setting you up to succeed by ensuring you have a current base of knowledge to build on.
I still need more information. Who can I contact about the program?
APU Office of Admissions – admissions@alaskapacific.edu or (907) 564-8248
Institute of Health & Wellness – healthandwellness@alaskapacific.edu or (907) 564-8225
Similar Programs
Licensed Practical Nursing
Undergraduate Certificate
Health Occupations
Undergraduate Certificate
Health Occupations
Associate of Applied Science
Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science
