Medical Assisting

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 approved by the SD Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. For more information about accreditation, click here.

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

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

1. Complete WDTC application online at www.wdt.edu
2. Submit high school transcript or GED scores.
3. Submit immunization records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations.
4. Submit official college transcripts if you have previously attended a post-secondary institution.
5. Schedule an Admissions Advising Session (can be completed on campus or by phone).
6. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15.00 fee). Call 605-718-2565 to schedule an appointment.

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.  

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

Western Dakota Technical College

Attn: Medical Assisting 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, TB Test, COVID-19)*
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 Learning Outcomes

Master Syllabi

Testing Results

Steps for Credential

Program Flyer