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In Alaska, sonography-trained individuals are in high demand, and although there’s no need for a certification in the field yet, it’s good to consider obtaining one.
These technicians can obtain a certificate, a diploma or even a degree, such as an associate’s or bachelors.
The training programs vary in length, based on which credentials a person wants to obtain.
Certificates and diplomas are earned in about one year of study, while the bachelor’s degree is awarded after 4 years of course work.
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Ultrasound Technician Salary
Depending on whether you possess a diploma or not, the type, your salary will vary greatly.
At a national level, an ultrasound technician earns on average $76,367 per year, while in Alaska, he earns about $85,607 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $85,012 |
| Juneau | $84,179 |
| Fairbanks | $84,859 |
| Wasilla | $83,866 |
| Sitka | $83,034 |
| Ketchikan | $83,034 |
| Kenai | $83,866 |
| Palmer | $83,866 |
| Bethel | $83,866 |
| Kodiak | $83,866 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 180 | $87,260 | $41.95 | $126,990 | $46,980 |
| Fairbanks, AK | ** | $84,980 | $40.86 | $105,520 | $49,530 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Ultrasound Technician Certification
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the body accrediting training programs for those who wish to work in sonography.
Passing the exam offered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the easiest way of obtaining this certification.
To qualify for this exam, an individual has to either work for 1 year in the field or to attend a dedicated training program.
There are several types of ultrasound technician specialties, such as MRI, cardiovascular sonography and radiology.
Alaska doesn’t have specific courses yet, but candidates can still enter the field and earn a certification in a different state.
Ultrasound Technician Training Programs
Each of the sonography specialties mentioned above uses specific methods and machinery to look at the inner organs of a person.
The images were taken to help doctors to decide upon a diagnose, monitor the evolution of pregnancy or how the body responds to the treatment.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Charter College | 2221 East Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 120 Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| University of Alaska | 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 |
| University of Alaska | 604 Barnette St Rm 401 Fairbanks, AK 99701-4526 |
Training as a Sonographer or Ultrasound Technician
The training programs for a sonographer last for under a year and award the student with a certificate.
This program must contain at least 500 hours of clinical practice.
It’s possible for some of the students to qualify for a scholarship to complete such an educational program.
The coursework for a sonographer must cover:
- Medical Biology and Terminology
- Patient Care and Ethical Issues
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Abdominal, Obstetrical, and Gynecological Ultrasound
As an ultrasound technician, the professionals will perform almost the same types of tasks as a sonographer.
The training program will cover pretty much the same topics as those for a sonographer, though the following might be more important:
- Medical Terminology and Career Development
- Ultrasound Physics
- Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
MRI Training
MRI technology is a new technique that is still developing.
The purpose of this technology is to create 3D images of the organ being investigated.
The courses should cover the following:
- Medical Imaging Physics
- Fundamentals of Medical Imaging
- MRI Practicum
- MRI Procedures
Echo Tech Training
In this specialty, the professional takes a closer look at the cardiovascular system, though the knowledge can be applied to other body parts as well.
The study topics should cover:
- Abdominal Vascularity and Diagnostic Tests
- Cardiac Fundamentals and Hemodynamics
- Patient Communication
- Medical Ethics
Vascular Sonography Training
This specialty is related to the previous one but focuses on the blood vessels of the patient.
Taking images of blood vessels requires specialized training, and the classes need to cover:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Principles and Instrumentation
- Pediatric Sonography
Radiology Tech Training
This field has higher chances of offering an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree to those interested.
The coursework needs to cover:
- Radiographic Procedures
- Radiographic Pharmacology and Drugs
- Radiobiology and Protection
Other Information
Those who become an ultrasound technician will easily find employment in a hospital, though other institutions are also willing to hire these professionals.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Ultrasound Technician
Ultrasound Technicians by State