Radiology Technologist Schools and Careers in Alaska

This overview of radiologic technologist and technician schools in Alaska provides you with key information so that you can make the right decision on where to attend school. The colleges and universities in Alaska offer a few radiologic technology programs that may be a match for your interests and career goals. For more options, look at programs in nearby states such as Washington. As an alternative to traditional on-campus programs, you may wish to consider online radiologic technology programs, which some students find offer advantages such as reduced travel time and greater flexibility. Read about the difference between radiologic technologists and radiology technicians. Continue reading this page to learn about rad tech schools in Alaska with a table of rad tech programs, profiles of the programs in the state, and more.

Quick Facts

• There are 2 not-for-profit universities with radiologic technology degree programs in Alaska.¹
• 1 school offers a certificate program in radiologic science.¹
• 1 school offers an associate’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in radiologic science.¹
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).²
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).³
• No schools have medical imaging programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT).⁴

Table of Contents

• Alaska Medical Imaging Schools Comparison
• Select Schools in Alaska with RT Programs
• How to Become an RT in Alaska
• Alaska RT Salary and Job Outlook

Alaska Medical Imaging Schools Comparison

We have designed the following table to allow you to easily compare the not-for-profit radiologic technology and medical imaging programs in Alaska on a variety of factors. Check with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that the program you are considering will meet professional certification requirements.

• — indicates none.
• N.Av. indicates no data available.

Schools in Alaska with Radiology Technologist Degree Programs

University of Alaska Anchorage

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology (RT). Applicants to the full-time, two-year program begin their studies in the fall semester. Twenty to 25 students are accepted into the program each year. Students in the 70-credit program will complete general education requirements, radiologic technology coursework, and clinical rotations at local medical facilities. Coursework includes Human Anatomy and Physiology; Radiographic Procedures; Medical Imaging Pathology; Radiologic Pharmacology and Drug Administration; and Fundamentals of Medical Imaging. UAA’s RT program offers classes at off-site locations throughout Alaska, including in Ketchikan, Soldotna, Homer, and Fairbanks. Distance students may be required to travel to Anchorage during the summer semester to complete a three- to four-week clinical rotation. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the ARRT certification exam and work in entry-level radiologic technologist positions.

University of Alaska Southeast

The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) offers a certificate in Pre-Radiologic Technology Qualifications. This certificate can be earned in community locations including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka as well as through e-Learning online. It requires at least nine classes with a minimum of 30 credits, 19 of which are general requirements. At least nine credits must be taken at UAS. [Program requirements include Human Anatomy and Physiology I; Human Anatomy and Physiology II; and Medical Terminology. The certificate prepares students to apply to professional medical imaging programs, including the UAA AAS degree in Radiologic Technology. All classes must be passed with at least a “C” (2.0 GPA) or better to achieve the certificate.

How to Become a Radiology Technologist in Alaska

The state of Alaska does not currently require radiologic technologists to be licensed to work in the state. However, many hospitals and medical facilities prefer radiologic technologists who are certified by the ARRT. The process to apply for ARRT certification is as follows:

1. Receive a diploma, certificate, or degree in your chosen practice area. The ARRT requires applicants to have an associate’s degree or higher. The associate’s program may or may not be the same as the program of your practice area.
2. Take and pass the ARRT certification exam. Current students can begin the application process for the exam up to three months prior to their intended date of graduation. They must pass with a score of 75 or higher.
3. Maintain your registration. ARRT-certified radiologic technologists must renew their certification every year and complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.

Alaska Radiology Tech Salary and Job Outlook

Radiology technologists in Alaska can anticipate a job growth rate estimated at 15.2% between 2020 and 2030.⁵ Forty new positions are expected to open annually, including both replacements and new positions.⁵ Radiologic technologist and technician jobs are expected to grow 8.6% nationwide over the same 10-year period.⁵ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, there were approximately 350 radiologic technologists working in Alaska, at an average annual salary of $81,940.⁶ Although the BLS does not provide employment data for limited-scope x-ray technicians, technicians typically earn less than radiologic technologists due to the lower educational requirements and scope of responsibility. Hospitals, clinics, private doctors’ offices, and imaging centers generally employ radiologic technologists and technicians. PeaceHealth, Alaska Regional Hospital, Bartlett Regional Hospital, and Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium are among the organizations that hire radiologic techs in Alaska.

Alaska Radiologic Technologist Salary by Metro Area

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data: https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/
3. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs: https://www.caahep.org/students/find-an-accredited-program
4. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology: https://www.jrcnmt.org/programs/
5. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292034.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm