Online Medical Assistant Programs in South Dakota: Top Schools & More
Ready to start down the path toward your medical assistant career in South Dakota? Explore online and on-campus programs for this in-demand field, which offers quick training and diverse opportunities. This guide will serve as your one-stop-shop for all the information you need to start your career as a medical assistant. You’ll find the right school and online courses to fit your needs and give you the jump-start to success by continuing on below.
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Understanding Online Medical Assistant Programs in South Dakota
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.
Black Hills State University — Certificate
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.
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Hybrid with hands-on externship opportunities
Cost: $2,795
Admissions Requirements:
- High School diploma or equivalent
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Assisting Foundations
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- The Art of Communicating
- Medical Office Environment
- Patient Scheduling and Managing Records
- Health Insurance
- Pharmacology and Pathophysiology
- Body Measurements and Vital Signs
- Examinations
- Specimen Collection and Processing
- Administering Medication
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Herzing University — Certification/Diploma or Associate Degree
Herzing University offers an online Medical Assisting program designed to prepare students for professional positions in private or public health facilities. The aim of the certification program is to help students like you prepare for certification exams such as the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the NHA or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). As a bonus, the website says that your first attempt taking the certification exam will be paid by them. For further advancement, you may also be possible to transfer the credits you accumulate during your program towards an associate or bachelor’s degree.
With flexible options especially suited for non-traditional students, day and evening classes are available for your courses. Furthermore, virtual services such as advising, tutoring programs, academic support, and library aids are available for your success. The program offers lifelong support and coaching after graduation to support your career growth even after your studies are complete.
Duration: 10 Months for the Diploma program, or 20 Months for the Associate Degree program
Mode: Online with in-person elements including an externship
Cost: Can be calculated here
Admissions Requirements:
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- Submission of ACT/SAT scores
- Drug testing
- Immunization/health records
- Background check
Curriculum:
- Medical Terminology
- Administrative Skills for the Medical Office
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Insurance Claims, Processing and Adjudication
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Clinical Assisting I and II with Lab
- Externship and Credentialing
Southeast Technical College — Diploma
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.
Duration: 12 Months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,981, which includes all tuition, fees, and estimated books and supply costs.
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the application
- Submit SAT or ACT scores
- Submit transcripts—high school or college
- Complete background check and drug screening
- Make sure you’re up-to-date on immunizations
Curriculum:
Fall Semester
- Medical Assistant Natural Sciences Requirement
- Student Success Seminar
- Medical Language
- Medical Assisting I
- Medical Assisting I Lab
- Medical Office & Electronic Records
Spring Semester
- Medical Assistant Communications Requirement
- Pathophysiology
- Insurance/Billing/Coding
- Medical Assisting II
- Medical Assisting II Lab
- Medical Laboratory Techniques
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Lab
Summer Semester
- Medical Assistant Social Sciences Requirement
- Medical Assisting Review/Practicum
FAQs for South Dakota Medical Assistant Students
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. Having a certification will also help your earning potential and may help with career advancement as well, and it is generally recommended. Fortunately, many programs also offer CMA or RMA certifications as part of course-completion.
Keep in mind that certification isn’t a one-time deal. After you certify, you’ll need to complete continuing education units (CEUs) or plan on retaking the certification test every few years. Each certifying body has its own rules, timeline, and required amount of CEUs for recertification.
How much does a CMA make in South Dakota?
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. As mentioned above, obtaining your CMA or RMA certification will help increase your pay in your medical assisting career. South Dakota is ranked 34th in the nation for medical assistant average salaries.
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 helpful to ensure national recognition and qualification for certification exams. If a program doesn’t have accreditation from the two groups above, make sure the school itself is at least regionally or nationally accredited. Alternatively, if the school promotes preparation for the NHA-CCMA exam, then the program doesn’t require accreditation from CAAHEP or ABHES. It is vital that you receive your education from an accredited institution to ensure that you receive quality training that will help you better serve the patients and medical teams you’ll be working with.
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 or less to complete, requiring focus and studying. Some programs offer part-time programs that may better fit your schedule if your situation does not allow full-time coursework. 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?
Your career can take you to a wide variety of offices and clinics where you will have a range of roles and responsibilities. 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, preparing and cleaning up exam rooms, assisting with exams, and administering medications—all under a physician’s supervision. This variety keeps the role interesting and allows medical assistants to contribute directly to patient care.
Continuing Education and Certifications in South Dakota
As mentioned previously, as part of your education you will want to become CMA or RMA certified (the only difference being in title: Certified vs. Registered, otherwise both qualifications have equal value). In order to receive either of these certificates, you will have to pass the Certified Medical Assistant exam. These are typically offered at a Prometric testing center, which are located in both Sioux Falls and Rapid City. After passing the exam, you will also need to register with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
After taking these steps, you can begin your exciting career as a medical assistant. Your opportunities will only increase from there. Perhaps you want to further your career by becoming a registered nurse, or maybe pursuing opportunities in management and administration. No matter what you decide, becoming a medical assistant in South Dakota will be a great launching point to your success.
Keep in mind that your certification is not evergreen. You’ll need to take continuing education units (CEUs) and often pay recertification fees to keep up your status as a certified medical assistant. You can find more specific details about the recertification process on your certifier’s website.
Overview for Medical Assistant Salary & Career Potential in SD
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $33,500 | $42,000 | $56,480 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $29,140 | $35,770 | $46,160 |
| Rapid City, SD | $29,170 | $35,770 | $45,180 |
| South Dakota | $28,920 | $36,280 | $46,040 |
Source: Medical Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 1,000 | 1,160 | 160 | 16.00% | 150 |
| 1 – United States | 764,400 | 870,200 | 105,800 | 13.80% | 114,600 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
