Medical Assisting

This three-semester degree program will help prepare students for the medical field. 

Administrative duties may include using computer applications, answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, coding and filling out insurance forms, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping in a medical office setting.

Clinical duties may include taking medical histories, taking vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patient for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, instructing patients about medication and special diets, preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, and taking electrocardiograms.  Medical Assisting is a rapidly growing and expanding career.

This program is fully accredited by the SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. For more information about accreditation, click here.

To gain acceptance into the WDT Medical Assisting program, applicants must:

1. Complete Western Dakota Tech Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted if you have attended other post-secondary institutions or universities.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

(The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading, or a SAT sub-score of at least 440 in Verbal and Math.  The scores must be within the last five years.)

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

To continue into Medical Assisting clinical, students must submit the following to:

Western Dakota Tech

Attn: Healthcare Technician Instructor

800 Mickelson Dr.

Rapid City, SD 57703

1. Provide a copy of current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification*

2. Provide a copy of immunization records (Hepatitis B Series and annual TB Test)*

3. Annual Flu shot*

*Students are responsible for additional costs.

The program lead instructor will assist students with any clinical or internship site requirements.

Note: If you are or have been convicted, pleaded guilty or no contest to, or received a suspended imposition of sentence for a felony or certain misdemeanors, you are advised that you may not be able to complete all course requirements for your chosen program, you may be prevented from taking required certification/licensure examinations in your chosen program field, and you may be prevented from gaining employment in your program field.

Students that sit out for a spring or fall semester or longer, will return under a new Catalog and may be required to repeat courses or successfully complete new or revised skills or competency assessments. Before readmittance, the program may need to determine if a student is eligible to continue in technical courses. Program sequencing and cohort size may prevent enrollment in technical courses.

Clinicals, practicums, and internships may include, but are not limited to, differential shifts (evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays) to meet industry expectations. This may require travel outside the Rapid City Area.

Download Application Process Checklist

A Medical Assistant is a professional multi-skilled person who assists in all aspects of medical care and is primarily employed in a medical office setting. Medical Assistants help the physician with patient care management, execute administrative and clinical procedures, and perform managerial functions.

Administrative duties may include using computer applications, answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, coding and filling out insurance forms, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping in a medical office setting.

Clinical duties may include taking medical histories, taking vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing the patient for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, instructing patients about medication and special diets, preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, and taking electrocardiograms.

Program Requirements - Diploma

Program Requirements - Certificate

Program Learning Outcomes

Master Syllabi

Testing Results

Steps for Credential

Program Handbook