News Western Dakota Tech

WDT adds five new diploma and degree options

May 20, 2013

Western Dakota Tech is addressing the needs of the workforce and students by starting five new diploma and associate of applied science degree programs. The South Dakota Board of Education approved the new programs Monday, May 20. The new programs begin in the fall 2013 semester that starts in August. WDT is accepting applications for all the degree options. The new programs:

Bookkeeping diploma
- Program length: 2 semesters
- Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 9.1 percent
- Average salary (Rapid City): $14.26/hour
Healthcare Technician diploma
- Program length: 2 semesters
- Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 12.9 percent
- Average salary (Rapid City): $11.78/hour
Pharmacy Technician associate of applied science degree
- Program length: Five semesters
- Growth in number of positions (South Dakota): 26.4 percent
- Average salary (Rapid City): $15.49/hour
HVAC and Plumbing Technology associate of applied science degree
- Program length: 4 semesters
- Growth in number of HVAC positions (South Dakota): 23.3 percent
- Average HVAC salary (Rapid City): $19.02/hour
- Growth in number of plumbing positions (South Dakota): 10 percent
- Average salary (Rapid City): $20.28/hour
Drafting and Machining associate of applied science degree
- Program length: 4 semesters
- Growth in number of mechanical drafting positions (South Dakota): 12.8 percent
- Average mechanical drafting salary (Rapid City): $18.11/hour
- Growth in number of machining positions (South Dakota): 13.8 percent
- Average machinist salary (Rapid City): $17.61/hour

All the programs have been designed with industry input so the courses will provide the skills students need. "Skilled employees are needed in these fields," WDT President Mark Wilson said. "These programs will give students the skills they need to be successful in careers that are growing and in demand." Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 30 programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction Trades, Health Services, Legal and Public Services, Manufacturing and Mechanical Trades, and Science and Technology. More than 98 percent of WDT's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota. WDT faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, WDT students graduate ready to make real and immediate contributions to their employers and their communities. For information about WDT, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.

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WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE MISSIONWestern Dakota Technical College prepares students to be highly-skilled professionals through accessible, career-focused programs to improve their lives, while adapting to community workforce needs and positively impacting our economy.

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WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE MISSION
Western Dakota Technical College prepares students to be highly-skilled professionals through accessible, career-focused programs to improve their lives, while adapting to community workforce needs and positively impacting our economy.