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Ultrasound Technician Schools in Alaska

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Find Alaska’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs in 2024

Diagnostic medical sonographers use sound waves to take images of the organs inside the body, which are then used by physicians to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, as well as monitor the progression of a pregnancy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts strong growth in the medical imaging field, both in Alaska and nation-wide, as well as in related careers such as medical assisting, medical billing and coding, and medical transcription.

How to Become a Sonographer in Alaska

  • Choose your school. There aren’t a lot of sonography programs in the state, but the University of Alaska does offer one and they’re currently working towards accreditation by the CAAHEP. Learn about the prerequisites that the program requires and get everything in place so that you can submit your application.
  • Get your degree. Entry level sonographers require just an Associate of Science degree to get started.
  • Take the certification exam. Alaska does not require that practicing sonographers receive certification from the ARDMS, but most employers will. Ask any school that you’re considering attending whether their program qualifies you to sit for the exam.

Due to the high cost of setting up a sonography facility, some communities cannot offer a program specific to diagnostic medical sonography. In those situations, students may wish to pursue a related career as a good point of entry into the healthcare field. Read on and we’ll tell you about the economic outlook in Alaska, as well as certification requirements and earnings data.

Byers Lake Alaska Fall with Denali background

Connect with Educational Programs near You


Why is it Important to Choose an Accredited Program?

Ad for DMS career guide bookThere are many factors to consider when choosing your sonography program, and accreditation is one of the most important ones. The most widely recognized accrediting agency for medical sonography is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduating from a CAAHEP accredited sonography program automatically qualifies you to sit for the registration exam offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), as well as one of their specialty exams.

Accredited Ultrasound Programs in Alaska

Alaska does not currently have any sonography programs accredited by the CAAHEP. 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.

School Programs Prerequisites Apply
University of Alaska – School of Allied Health
3211 Providence Drive
AnchorageAK 99508
Associate of Science degree in diagnostic medical sonography Prerequisite course requirements with a grade of “C” or better, plus 12 hours observation in a sonography clinic Applications are accepted year-round.
University of Alaska – School of Allied Health
3211 Providence Drive
AHS 148
Anchorage, AK 99508
63 credit Associate of Science degree with a concentration in Surgical Technology Prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. Complete application procedure can be found here.
University of Alaska – Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
38 credit certified medical assistant prep with an articulated pathway that transitions students into 60 credit Associate Degree Prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better, or UAA-approved placement exams Applications are accepted year-round.
University of Alaska Fairbanks Community & Technical College
604 Barnette St
Rm 401
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting or a one-year certificate Prerequisites vary depending on educational pathway Applications are accepted year-round.

If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.

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Visit our student resource center for articles from some of the top sonographers around the country. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the career ladder, our experts can help.

Alaska Student Scholarships and Awards

Paying for college is understandably top of mind for most students. Below you will find just a few of the scholarships available to those who qualify in Alaska.  To learn more, visit our student financial aid center.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Requirements How to Apply
Ultrasound Schools Info $1,000 Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/ accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. Ultrasound Schools Info
Attn: Scholarship Committee
PO Box 3026
Bellingham, WA 98227
scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com
Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) Varies  Awards offered to students majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or STEM education, particularly minorities. Scholarship Committee
1764 Tanana Loop
Fairbanks, AK 99775-5919
uaf-spacegrant@alaska.edu
907-474-6833
Alaska Education Grant Varies Must be admitted into an undergraduate degree or vocational certificate program at a qualifying Alaska institution and be enrolled at minimum half-time status. Complete the FASFA.
MGMA Western Section Scholarship Up to $5,000 Students in select Western states studying for administrative careers in medicine such as health administration, business, management, public health, and related fields. Must be a current MGMA member. Complete the application.

Certification Requirements in Alaska

Alaska does not currently require their diagnostic medical sonographers to carry a specific license or credential. Many employers, however, do prefer or even require professional certification, typically from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by taking and passing the exams offered by the ARDMS. There are two locations in Alaska to take the exam, one in Fairbanks and one in Anchorage.

You can read about required testing prerequisites here.

Additional Certification Information

How Much do Ultrasound Techs make in Alaska?

On average, diagnostic medical sonographers earn significantly more per year in Alaska than those in the rest of the country. The mean annual salary for sonographers in Alaska in 2022 was $87,770, or $42.20 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Strong growth is predicted in the medical imaging field, both in Alaska and nation-wide. As the overall population ages, new healthcare job opportunities are created as positions open up and the demand increases. Take advantage of the positive employment environment for healthcare workers by pursuing your education at an ultrasound technician school in Alaska.

Medical Imaging Organizations for Alaska

Healthcare workers in Alaska have access to a vast network of societies and organizations to support them in their education and professional career.

If you are working as or considering becoming a sonographer in Alaska, we suggest that you contact the Alaska State Ultrasound Society (AKSUS) to connect with other local professionals.

You can find more information including several other state specific resources for AK medical imagers and healthcare workers below.

City Spotlight: Anchorage

Ultrasound Technician Schools in Anchorage

Significant growth is expected in the healthcare industry, both in Anchorage and Alaska’s other rural communities.

If you’re interested in pursuing your sonography degree in Anchorage, you may find that there is a shortage of available programs. However, the University of Alaska’s School of Allied Health does offer a program in Anchorage. If it’s not available to you, you may want to consider pursuing a career in one of the many other allied health programs that are also expected to grow in the future.

Resources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
O*Net
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Future earnings, employment data and other statistical information unless otherwise noted, are provided by:

* In some cases, salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location. Conditions in your area may vary.
* Unless otherwise noted, entry-level salary figures have been used for each respective vocation.