Meat Processing

Associate of Applied Science, 63-Credit Hours, 18-Month Program

This 5-semester Associate of Applied Science program will prepare students who desire a career in the meat processing field. In this degree program, students will learn enhanced essential skills in proper meat processing, gain an understanding of the importance of food safety, and will be introduced to accounting, management and marketing skills. This program includes classroom theory and hands-on experience that allows students to practice what they learn in the classroom. Students will visit local meat processing facilities and complete two internships throughout the associate degree program.

Diploma, 35-Credit Hours, 11 Month Program

This 3-semester Diploma program will prepare students who desire a career in the meat processing field. Students will learn essential skills in proper meat processing, and understanding the importance of food safety. This program includes classroom theory and hands-on experience that allows students to practice what they learn in the classroom. Students will visit local meat processing facilities and complete a 240-hour internship.

Location

Classes will take place on the Rapid City Western Dakota Tech campus, located at 800 Mickelson Dr. Meat Processing labs and retail training will take place at Wall Meat Processing in Rapid City located at 3850 Eglin St. Internship sites can be arranged with existing processing facilities throughout the region.

The Meat Processing program is on hiatus and not enrolling students for the 2024-25 academic year.

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College 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.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

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

Meat Processors perform a wide range of tasks including handling, harvesting, and processing livestock, operating processing and rendering equipment, custom butchery and development of consumables, dispatching products, and keeping records. Meat Processors handle all beef, poultry, swine, wild game, and fish products that are available at retail stores. Meat Processors work in a variety of settings, ranging from processing facilities, to grocery stores and markets. Meat Processors bridge the gap from farm-to-table for consumers. Meat Processors can work in a variety of settings as employees, and even start up or operate their own processing facilities or market spaces. Meat processors have ample opportunity to build a business by offering quality products to consumers regularly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Meat Processors typically do the following: perform non-routine or precision functions involving the preparation of large portions of meat; cut standard or premium cuts of meat for retail; create variety cuts and value-added products; wrap and package products; and might conduct specialized slaughtering.

Program Requirements - AAS

Program Requirements - Diploma

Program Flyer

Program Requirements - Diploma

Program Learning Outcomes

Master Syllabi