Find Alaska’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Programs for 2025
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. The University of Alaska, Anchorage offers the only CAAHEP accredited ultrasound program in the state. 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 an Associate of Science in DMS 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.
Why is it Important to Choose an Accredited Program?
There 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
The University of Alaska, Anchorage has the only CAAHEP accredited program in Alaska as of November 2024. Below we have also listed other accredited allied health programs that you may be interested in.
| 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. |
| * This information is obtained from a number of sources, is provided without charge, and is believed to be accurate. Please contact us with updates. | |||
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 2023 was $90,770, or $43.64 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.
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
