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
