What Medical Imaging Careers Are in Demand in Alaska?

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Medical imaging careers like MRI Technologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, and Radiologic Technologist, are all in high demand in Alaska. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry across the country has experienced worker shortages, but Alaska has seen higher demand for many healthcare workers. And imaging professionals are in especially high demand due to a shortage of skilled workers, an aging population, and the challenges of the vast Alaskan geography. If you’re looking for a rewarding medical career with competitive pay in the Last Frontier, consider a medical imaging path.

MRI Techs are in Demand in Alaska

Demand for MRI Technologists in Alaska is double the national average. By 2034, Alaska could have more senior citizens than at any other time in its history. And because seniors require more MRIs due to age-related diseases and conditions, there will be significant demand for professionals who know how to administer the tests. Post pandemic, many MRI Techs in the state left the industry, and still others are reaching retirement age. Demand is high in cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, but also in rural areas where MRI Techs often serve as mobile imaging professionals.

As an MRI technician in Alaska, you will probably work in a hospital setting such as Providence Alaska Medical Center or Alaska Regional. But you may also find work in outpatient centers and diagnostic laboratories.

Among the responsibilities you may have include:

  • Prepare patients for MRIs
  • Position patients correctly to capture accurate images
  • Operate MRI equipment and adjust imaging settings
  • Monitor patients during scans for safety and comfort
  • Review images for quality and clarity
  • Maintain patient records and scan documentation
  • Follow safety protocols, especially around magnetic fields
  • Collaborate with radiologists and other healthcare staff

There are many benefits to being an MRI Technician in Alaska, including its competitive salary. Alaska is ranked No. 2 in the nation for MRI tech salaries, with an annual mean wage of more than $100,000.

Is There Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alaska?

There is strong demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers throughout the state, but especially in cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks and in rural areas such as Bethel, Kotzebue, and Barrow. There’s also significant demand for travel Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Because of the state’s vast geographic makeup, patients often cannot get to healthcare facilities in large cities, but sonographers can come to them—particularly with portable equipment. Your responsibilities as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer would be similar to those of an MRI Technician but using much different equipment. MRIs use powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images, while sonography machines use high frequency sound waves. The patients you’re likely to serve include as a sonographer include:

  • Pregnant patients
  • Adults with abdominal or organ concerns
  • Cardiac patients
  • Patients with vascular conditions
  • Breast imaging patients
  • Pediatric patients
  • Emergency or trauma patients
  • Outpatient and routine screening patients

Sonographers in Alaska are among the highest paid in the country, with an average annual salary of more than $100,000.

DMS Specialty: Mammography

Demand for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers who specialize in mammography is also on the rise. Because breast cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer in women in Alaska, it’s critical for patients to get early diagnoses. That’s why facilities like the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska in Fairbanks (BCDC) often look for qualified mammographers. However, those in rural areas may not have the ability to make trips to these centers. Many care centers like the BCDC hire travel mammography techs as well to help those who live in more rural areas.

Radiologic Technologist Demand in Alaska

Rad Techs are also in Alaska’s top 20 demand jobs list, with projected growth three times the national average. You could find work as a Radiologic Technician in Alaskan hospitals, outpatient centers, mobile imaging units, physician offices, and specialty clinics or in travel or contract positions.

Alaska also pays its Rad Techs more than the national average, with an average salary of more than $85,000 and top earners in the profession making more than $110,000.

Are you ready to consider a career in medical imaging in Alaska? Charter College offers a variety of medical imaging training programs that can prepare you for careers in radiography, sonography, and more. Our faculty have years of experience in the field and are dedicated to your success. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.