Best Medical Assistant Programs in South Dakota: Online and Campus

Are you organized and detail-oriented? Do you have a passion for helping others and making a difference? If so, a career in medical assisting might be the perfect fit for you. Medical assisting is a particularly attractive option for those seeking a fulfilling role in healthcare with a relatively quick time to entry.

Medical assistants possess a diverse set of administrative and clinical skills that allow them to work in clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers. Medical assistants ensure the smooth operation of medical practices and provide direct patient care, making for a well-rounded role.

So how do you become a medical assistant in South Dakota? Medical assistant programs typically take about one year to complete, allowing you to enter the workforce more quickly than other healthcare professions. With both online and in-person options available, these programs will provide you with administrative skills, clinical experience, and knowledge of key medical concepts to help you thrive. Plus, many medical assistant programs can prepare you for national certifications like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), which can enhance your resume.

In this guide, we’ll explore medical assistant programs in South Dakota and answer some of the most frequently asked questions you may have about getting started in this field. Keep reading to learn more.

Inside Insights: Popular Medical Assistant Programs in South Dakota

South Dakota offers a variety of medical assistant programs catering to different learning preferences and schedules. We’ll explore three popular programs in this section, highlighting their curriculum, delivery format, and any standout features. By comparing these programs, you can gain valuable insights and find the perfect fit to launch your rewarding career as a medical assistant.

Black Hills State University

Ideal for busy, working professionals, Black Hills State University’s online Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program offers a flexible and accelerated path to launch your medical assisting career. This 12-month, self-paced program features a comprehensive curriculum that blends online coursework with a hands-on externship experience. Led by experienced professionals passionate about educating the future of healthcare, the online medical assistant program builds a strong foundation in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, administrative procedures, and clinical skills. Plus, you’ll finish the course prepared to sit for the CMA exam offered by the National Healthcare Association (NHA), for which you’ll receive a voucher as part of your $2,795 program fee.

The program at Black Hills State incorporates unpaid clinical experience into the program, allowing you to gain practical, hands-on experience in a real-world medical setting. You’ll also have the opportunity to become CPR-certified, further enhancing your resume.

Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Technical College (LATC) offers a Medical Assisting program designed to prepare students for professional positions in private or public health facilities. This program is geared towards those seeking a traditional, on-campus learning experience. As a student at LATC, you’ll receive 11 months of competency-based instruction as well as spend 240 hours in a supervised, non-paid externship, where you’ll gain deeper insight into the role, learn what’s expected of you, and refine your skills.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, LATC’s medical assisting program offers a well-rounded curriculum that incorporates skills, knowledge, and behavior. Once you’ve completed the in-person program, you’ll be eligible to sit for either the CMA or RMA national certification exams. The school points to a five-year average of over 90% job placement and nearly 85% exam passage rate as evidence of strong outcomes.

Total cost of the program, including fees and supplies, is approximately $10,421.

Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College (STC) offers a diploma program in Medical Assisting, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares you for a fulfilling career as a medical assistant. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning options, including online and evening classes, that allow you to finish in as few as 12 months. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers administrative tasks, medical terminology, coding and billing, and patient scheduling. You’ll also gain real-world, hands-on experience with vital signs measurement, assisting with examinations, medication administration, and phlebotomy. STC’s medical assistant program boasts a 100% placement rate for 2023 graduates. All in-person classes are taught in the college’s high-tech Sullivan Health Science Center, which features state-of-the-art technology to maximize your learning. Plus, you’ll benefit from small class sizes and expert instruction to ensure you are job-ready once you graduate.

Medical Assistant Salaries in South Dakota

So, what can you earn as a medical assistant in South Dakota? Compared to the national average of $43,350, South Dakota medical assistants earn slightly less, with a mean annual wage of $37,760. However, it’s important to note South Dakota generally has a lower cost of living compared to the national average. This means that your salary in South Dakota might stretch further than it would in other parts of the country.

While the statewide figures provide a general idea, salary variations exist within South Dakota. Sioux Falls boasts the highest average salary among the locations listed below, followed by Rapid City. These differences may be due to factors like the cost of living or specific industry needs within each city.

Although the data provides a starting point, several factors can influence your actual salary as a medical assistant in South Dakota. Some key factors to consider when evaluating salary potential include experience, location, employer, and certification.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

Employment Trends and Outlook for Medical Assistants in SD

South Dakota offers a strong job market for medical assistants. The job growth rate in the state is well above the national average, indicating a consistent demand for qualified medical professionals. South Dakota’s job growth rate suggests a stable and promising career path for those looking to become a medical assistant.

Source: Projections Central, 2022 – 2032

Answers to Your Questions About South Dakota Medical Assistant Programs

You likely have questions about the specifics of medical assistant programs in South Dakota — about program options, certification requirements, and maybe even salary expectations. This section tackles some of the most frequently asked questions regarding medical assistant programs within the state, providing the key information you need to make informed decisions about your career journey.

Does South Dakota require medical assistants to be certified?

Although South Dakota does not require certification for medical assistants, the state does require you to register with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. Additionally, while it’s not required, earning national certifications — like the previously discussed CMA or RMA — demonstrates your skills and knowledge to employers, which may help you land a job.

How much does a CMA make in South Dakota?

Accurately determining a medical assistant’s salary depends on experience, location, and employer. However, the mean salary for a medical assistant in South Dakota is $37,760, with those in the 90th percentile making about $46,040. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual salary will depend on your education, experience, and community demand.

What state pay medical assistants the most?

While not always the case, states with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher wages for medical assistants. According to Zippia, medical assistants in Alaska currently have the highest average annual salary, which is about $49,000. Medical assistant salaries in South Dakota currently rank 34th in the country.

Who accredits medical assistant programs in South Dakota?

South Dakota itself doesn’t have a specific accrediting body for medical assistant programs. However, accreditation from a reputable organization like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) is crucial to ensure national recognition and qualification for certification exams.

Is it hard to become a medical assistant in South Dakota?

If you’re passionate about the field and your future career prospects, becoming a medical assistant in South Dakota isn’t necessarily hard; however, attending these programs can be stressful, as they do require a high level of commitment and dedication. The programs themselves typically take one year to complete, requiring focus and studying. In order to be successful, it’s important to make the program a priority and ensure it can fit into your busy schedule.

What are the primary responsibilities for medical assistants in SD?

In South Dakota, a medical assistant’s daily routine involves a mix of administrative and clinical tasks. They manage patient records, schedule appointments, and handle billing/coding. Clinical duties include taking vital signs, assisting with exams, and preparing medications — all under a physician’s supervision. This variety keeps the role interesting and allows medical assistants to contribute directly to patient care.