How to Become a Medical Assistant in South Dakota

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more commonly referred to as the BLS, positions for medical assistants (MA) are expected to grow rapidly from 2020 until 2030.

The U.S. will see an 18-percent increase in these jobs.

Before you rush out to get the necessary credentials, it helps to know which schools offer the program, and what your anticipated salary will be.

5 Medical Assistant Schools in South Dakota

These are some of the schools that provide medical assistant training in South Dakota and a brief synopsis of each to aid in finding a school that is right for you.

Western Dakota Technical College

At this particular college, you may complete a medical assisting program that will educate you about basic laboratory testing, medical conditions, and other aspects of healthcare to help you address a patient’s needs under the direct supervision of a physician.

During your education, you will learn about medications and proper administration techniques.

You will learn about the clerical end as well.

This is a nine-month program that will provide you with 30 credit hours.

At the end of the program, you will be eligible to receive your MA certificate and work in any of the 50 states.

The tuition for a program at this college as of 2020/21 is $3,388.

Lake Area Technical College

The program at Lake Area Technical College provides you with the education you need to fulfill your duties as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office or other location.

You will learn the basics about the human body and healthcare and will gain skills to help you complete the administrative duties required of you accurately.

Part of your training will include learning how to prepare patients for examinations and sterilize the equipment properly, among other aspects.

This program is a 20-month course, consisting of competency-based learning as well as a 240-hour, supervised externship.

Upon completing this program, you will be able to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam.

You will be eligible to work anywhere in the U.S. because the program meets the requirements for every state.

We should note that after completing the program, you will have an associate of applied science degree in medical assisting.

The price of tuition for the program is $6,862.

Mitchell Technical Institute

This particular program will prepare you to work underneath a physician to help run testing and treat patients, among other aspects of healthcare.

You will learn about everything from treatment preparation to administrative duties.

By the end of the program, you will know how to administer medication, conduct testing and specimen gathering, document medical information, and more.

It is a fully accredited program and will prepare you to sit for either national exam and practice anywhere in the U.S.

At the end of the program, you will have completed 70.5 credit hours and will have earned an associate’s degree in medical assisting.

The cost of the program as of 2022 is $16,538, but the program has a 100-percent job placement rate.

Southeast Technical College

The program at Southeast Technical College prepares you for both the clinical and clerical responsibilities held by a typical medical assistant.

You will learn how to take a patient’s vitals, draw blood, give injections, and assist patients in preparing for certain testing.

Upon completing the class, you will know how to record medical information, schedule appointments, and more.

After you complete this one-year program, you will have 40 credits and will earn a diploma, and be able to sit for the AAMA exam for medical assistants.

This program prepares you for working as a medical assistant in any of the 50 states.

The estimated cost to complete this program is $6,448.00.

Keiser University

Keiser University is an accredited online school offering South Dakota an option for a medical assisting program.

It is an associate’s of science degree.

During the program, you will learn how to take vital sciences and prepare people for surgery and other procedures.

Upon completing the course, you will be able to take X-rays and perform electrocardiograms, along with other medical skills.

You will also learn how to keep up with the administrative duties as well, including maintaining patient records and appointment booking.

‘The program is a 24-month course.

Once you complete it, you will be eligible for the RMA examination.

The cost for the program is $14,112 per semester.

Medical Assistant Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table

Salary

The salary for this position depends on your location.

For example, in Aberdeen, the median annual salary is $30,900, with the top earners getting $35,612.

In Pierre, the median is $31,469, with top earners making $36,267.

Regional Salary in South Dakota