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Medical Assistant Schools in South Dakota

If you are planning on becoming a medical assistant in South Dakota, you may have second thoughts after seeing the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data on the state. According to the Bureau, South Dakota is in the lowest tier for both the employment and salaries of medical assistants. Currently, there are between 40 and 2,080 medical assistants working in South Dakota. In addition, those working in this field earn average salaries of between $23,310 and $28,450 a year. While this is lower than the national average, it does not mean that South Dakota is a bad place to become a medical assistant. In fact, with a predicted industry-wide growth rate of over 30% in the next decade, now is the ideal time to get medical assistant training so you can be in on the ground floor of this career expansion.

Before you can become a medical assistant, you must get the proper education and training. Look for a program that includes both clinical and administrative training as well as an internship or externship that allows you to gain experience in a real-world setting. In addition, it is beneficial to attend a program that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Graduation from a program with one of these accreditations means you are eligible to sit for the national certification examination. Although medical assistants are not required to become certified, doing so helps ensure that you will receive first consideration in hiring and that you may earn higher salaries. This is especially important in a tough job market, like the one in South Dakota.

Globe University

  • Accreditation: ABHES
  • Tuition: $26,130 (diploma); $35,880 (degree)
  • Program: Diploma, Associate’s degree
  • At Globe University, students can earn either a diploma or an associate’s degree in medical assisting through part- or full-time study. The diploma program takes 15 months to complete, while the associate’s degree takes two years. Students who choose to attend school part-time will take longer to complete these programs. Students who choose to attend this school, located in Sioux Falls, will receive exceptional instruction that includes small class sizes, applied learning projects, and innovative use of technology. In addition, the school provides a full complement of student support services and activities to create a satisfying higher education experience.

Lake Area Technical Institute

  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Tuition: $6,980
  • Program: Diploma, Associate’s degree
  • At Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, students can earn a diploma or an associate’s degree in medical assisting. The diploma takes 12 months of study, while the degree program takes 16 months. Both programs also require a supervised externship at the conclusion of classroom instruction. The school has been in business since 1969 and has provided higher education services to nearly 18,000 graduates. The school offers students exceptional support services that include help in locating housing and transportation, personal and career counseling, and much more.

Mitchell Technical Institute

  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Tuition: $13,613
  • Program: Associate’s degree
  • At Mitchell Technical Institute, students have a jump start on a bright future due to the school’s 100% job placement rate. The school offers an accredited associate’s degree in medical assisting that provides clinical and administrative training as well as hands-on experience through a supervised externship. Students who choose this two-year degree program have access to on-campus housing, a wide range of student life activities, and a full range of support services that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. If you would like to learn more about Mitchell Technical Institute, or simply have questions before you make a decision, contact the school to speak with a representative or to schedule a campus tour.

National American University

  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Tuition: $35,900
  • Program: Associate’s degree
  • National American University, located in Sioux Falls, offers students a CAAHEP-accredited associate’s degree in medical assisting that can be completed in two years of full-time study. National American University prides itself on working with individual student needs. As such, the school offers flexible scheduling, possible credit for past experience, learner and career services, and excellent student support. National American University started in 1941 as the National School of Business and has since expanded to offer a wide range of degrees in eleven states. Now one of the most popular technical schools in the United States, NAU goes the extra mile to make sure its students are successful during school and after graduation.

Presentation College

  • Accreditation: CAAHEP
  • Tuition: $17,500/academic year
  • Program: Associate’s degree
  • With campuses throughout South Dakota, Presentation College offers an accredited associate’s degree in medical assisting that can be completed in only two years of full-time study. Students who choose this program have an 82% first-time pass rate on the national certification examination and are eligible to sit for both the CMA and RMA national examinations. Presentation College has on-campus housing and dining services along with a full suite of student support services and activities to help students be the best they can be. The school also offers intramural sports, personalized counseling, a campus ministry, a wellness center, and much more. If you are looking for a school that has it all, contact Presentation College today to see if it is the right fit for you.
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