Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alaska (Become a Sonographer)

Being that the first step towards a new sonography career is actually the enrollment in an ultrasound technician schools in Alaska, we have gathered a list of ultrasound schools and all the necessary data related to this profession, so that you have the ability to know if it will meet your individual needs and interests prior to making a final decision.

Diagnostic medical sonographers are professionals who are educated on how to use sound waves to take images of the organs inside the body.

They are the most important helpers of physicians as they together manage to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, as well as monitor the progression of a pregnancy.

Most Ultrasound Technicians work in hospitals,  in physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, medical laboratories, and government agencies.

Besides having technical education, they need to possess other skills as well, as they spend long hours working on their feet and assisting with ill or disabled patients, and can expect to work evenings, overnight, and weekends.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts strong growth in the medical imaging field, both in Alaska and nation-wide, and that is a reason good enough to consider pursuing this career.

Accredited Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alaska

Having in mind that there is a number of accredited Medical Imaging Schools in Alaska and that it is difficult to choose one, we suggest that you first get acquainted with programs, costs, and accreditation and only then determine which one is the best for you.

There are many factors to consider when choosing your sonography program, and when we speak of accreditation, the most widely recognized accrediting agency for medical sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

This accreditation means that the program is of the highest quality and that students, after graduation from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program is automatically qualified to sit for the registration exam offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), as well as one of their specialty exams.

Unfortunately, Alaska does not currently have any sonography programs accredited by the CAAHEP, but still, there are well known and prominent schools to choose from.

The University of Alaska has regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is working towards CAAHEP accreditation.

We have included the sonography program offered by the University of Alaska, along with other Allied Health fields that do have CAAHEP accreditation and they are the following:

• The University of Alaska – School of Allied Health – Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• The University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College Medical Assisting
• The University of Alaska – School of Allied Health Surgical Technology
• The University of Alaska – Anchorage Medical Assisting

Another frequent concern of prospective sonographers is how long it takes to finish the studies, so they should know that most degree programs can be completed within two years if your aim is to earn an Associate’s Degree.

However, in case you want to receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary, you will need to devote more time and effort, as this advanced education can be longer.

Ultrasound Tech Certification Requirements in Alaska

When it comes to certification requirements in Alaska, some people would be glad to know that this state does not currently require their diagnostic medical sonographers to carry a specific license or credential.

However, having in mind the fact that many states are starting to require licensure, it may be a good idea to get one.

Furthermore, more and more employers prefer or require professional certification, typically from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) when hiring new workers.

And those with a license will certainly be given preference.

The ARDMS offers ultrasound certificates in Abdomen, Breast, Echocardiography, Neurosonology, OB/GYN, Vascular Technology, Musculoskeletal Sonography, and having a certification proves that you have specific knowledge or skills.

The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing the exam which can be done in two locations in Alaska, in Fairbanks and in Anchorage.

So as to qualify to sit for this exam, you can either graduate from a CAAHEP accredited school or get 12 months of full-time clinical experience.

To acquire and maintain this ultrasound license, candidates must also abide by the ARRT’s Rules of Ethics, which have the aim to promote and maintain patient welfare.

Medical Imaging Organizations for Alaska

Upon becoming a healthcare worker in Alaska, it is important to have access to a vast network of societies and organizations which are designed to support both new and well-established sonographers in their education and professional career.

Those individuals who are already working as sonographers or consider becoming a sonographer in Alaska should contact the Alaska State Ultrasound Society (AKSUS) to connect with other local professionals.

If you take a look at the following websites, you can find more information about other state-specific resources for AK medical imagers and healthcare workers:

• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
• Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologists (AKSRT)

Ultrasound Techs Salary And Job Outlook In Alaska

Once you obtain proper education and qualification, it is expected that you want to find a job and that you are interested in how much Ultrasound Techs make in Alaska.

On average, diagnostic medical sonographers earn significantly more per year in Alaska than in some other states, and the median annual salary is $86451, according to the BLS.

Those with the highest level of education and experience can expect to earn up to $98474 per year.

Another factor that affects your salary is the type of sonographer you are:

• Ultrasound Technician Salary in Alaska – $78,840
• Echo Tech Salary in Alaska – $78,550
• Vascular Sonographer Salary in Alaska  -$78,550
• MRI Technologist Salary in Alaska — $75,290
• Cardiac Sonographer Salary in Alaska – $78,550
• Radiology Tech Salary in Alaska — $69,870

What is even more significant for novice sonographers is that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong growth in the medical imaging field, both in Alaska and nation-wide, considering the fact that the overall population ages.

This means that new healthcare job opportunities will be created and now is the right time to take advantage of the positive employment environment for healthcare workers and pursue your education at an ultrasound technician school in Alaska.

Annual Salary Range:

Regional Salary in Alaska