Jonathan BensonAlaska may not have a large number of traditional medical schools, but the state provides unique pathways for aspiring doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. From the WWAMI School of Medical Education to specialized programs in nursing, public health, and allied health, Alaska equips students with high-quality medical education.
Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 15 Medical and Health Professional Programs in Alaska, including estimated fees and key details for prospective students.
Top 15 Medical Schools In Alaska And Fees
1. WWAMI School of Medical Education (MD) – University of Alaska Anchorage
The WWAMI School of Medical Education is Alaska’s primary pathway to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. This program is a partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine, renowned for its focus on primary care.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: MD
- Program Overview: First 18 months at UAA for foundational studies; clinical rotations in Alaska and the WWAMI region; 8–12 weeks in Seattle required.
- Tuition & Fees: ~$56,287/year in-state; ~$99,347/year out-of-state.
2. Physician Assistant (PA) Studies – Out-of-State Pathways
Alaska does not currently have an in-state PA school. Students often enroll in programs in Washington, Idaho, or Montana, with clinical rotations available in Alaska.
- Degree: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Program Length: 24–27 months
- Estimated Cost: ~$190,000 total for tuition and living expenses
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – University of Alaska Anchorage
UAA offers a BSN program to prepare students for professional nursing practice and advanced clinical roles.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: BSN
- Tuition: $241–$841 per credit (varies by residency)
4. Master of Nursing – University of Alaska Anchorage
The MSN program trains students for advanced nursing roles, including Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator positions.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: MSN
- Tuition: ~$528 per credit for residents
5. Public Health – University of Alaska Anchorage
The MPH program focuses on public health practice, especially relevant for rural and underserved communities in Alaska.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: Master of Public Health
- Tuition: ~$528 per credit for residents
6. Medical Laboratory Science – University of Alaska Anchorage
This program prepares students to become medical laboratory scientists, essential in diagnostic testing.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: BS in Medical Laboratory Science
- Tuition: $241–$841 per credit
7. Respiratory Therapy – University of Alaska Anchorage
The Respiratory Therapy program trains clinicians to support patients with pulmonary and critical care needs.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: BS in Respiratory Therapy
- Tuition: Based on UAA undergraduate tuition
8. Biomedical Sciences – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Biomedical Sciences programs build foundational knowledge for students planning to enter medical or allied health fields.
- Location: Fairbanks, AK
- Degree: BS in Biomedical Sciences
- Tuition: ~$9,221/year for in-state students
9. Health Sciences & Pre-Medical Track – University of Alaska Southeast
This track prepares students for advanced health programs such as MD, PA, or nursing.
- Location: Juneau, AK
- Degree: Health Sciences / Pre-Medical
- Tuition: $241–$841 per credit
10. Radiologic Technology – University of Alaska Anchorage
Students learn diagnostic imaging skills to support medical teams in hospitals and clinics.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: BS or Associate in Radiologic Technology
- Tuition: UAA undergraduate rates
11. Diagnostic Medical Sonography – University of Alaska Anchorage
This program trains students to become ultrasound technicians, a crucial part of medical diagnostics.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree/Certificate: Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Tuition: Based on program credits at UAA rates
12. Medical Assisting – Alaska Community Colleges
Medical assisting programs provide entry-level clinical skills for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
- Location: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Southeast AK
- Degree/Certificate: Certificate or Associate
- Tuition: Lower than university programs, varies by college
13. Occupational Therapy – University of Alaska Anchorage Partner Programs
OT programs prepare students to help patients regain functional abilities after injury or illness.
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Degree: OT or related master’s programs (collaboration with partner universities)
- Tuition: Varies by partner program
14. Physician Assistant Pathway – Out-of-State Programs for Alaskans
Alaskan students frequently attend PA programs outside the state, returning home for clinical rotations.
- Degree: PA Studies Master
- Estimated Total Cost: $150,000–$230,000 including tuition and living expenses
15. Pre-Medical & Pre-Health Certificates – UA System
These foundational programs prepare students for MD, PA, DO, and allied health programs.
- Location: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
- Degree/Certificate: Pre-Medical or Health Sciences
- Tuition: UA system undergraduate rates
Summary of Fees for Top Medical Programs in Alaska
| Program | Degree | Approx. Tuition / Year |
|---|---|---|
| WWAMI MD | MD | $56k in-state / $99k out-of-state |
| PA Studies | MS | ~$190k total (out-of-state programs) |
| BSN UAA | BS | $241–$841 per credit |
| MSN UAA | MS | ~$528 per credit |
| Biomedical Sci (UAF) | BS | ~$9,221/year in-state |
| Allied Health Programs | Various | UA system tuition varies |
Conclusion
Alaska’s medical education landscape is unique, with WWAMI MD as the core pathway for doctors and numerous allied health programs filling the healthcare workforce gap. Prospective students should consider residency, tuition, and program pathways carefully to plan their careers in the Last Frontier.
From nursing to public health and physician assistant tracks, Alaska provides high-quality training and strong support for healthcare professionals — making it an excellent place to launch a medical career.