Western Dakota Tech has enrolled the third largest number of students in a spring semester in the institution's history.
WDT has 1,092 students enrolled this semester, a 6.5 percent increase from spring 2012.
"This is great news for WDT and our students," President Mark Wilson said. "Our enrollment is growing because WDT provides students the education they need for the futures they want."
WDT continues to post strong career placement numbers as well. More than 96 percent of the WDT graduates most recently surveyed are working, continuing their education, or serving in the military, and 90 percent remain in South Dakota.
"Our mission is to create student, institutional, and community success," Wilson said. "These enrollment and placement numbers show we are accomplishing our mission."
WDT will expand its efforts in all three areas with new and expanded programs set to begin in the fall 2013 and fall 2014 semesters. For fall 2013, WDT has received approval to offer new, nine-month diploma programs in HVAC Technology, Plumbing Technology, and Computer-Aided Drafting. The Computer-Aided Drafting diploma program can be complete 100 percent online.
WDT will seek approval to begin offering the following options in fall 2013:
- A diploma program in Precision Machining Technology
- An associate of applied science degree in HVAC and Plumbing Technology
- An associate of applied science degree in Pharmacy Technician
- An associate of applied science degree in Drafting and Machining Technology
- An associate of applied science degree in Practical Nursing
Proposals for other programs, including Physical Therapist Assistant and Construction Technology, are being developed for fall 2014 starts. WDT also plans to offer an associate of applied science degree in Surgical Technology beginning fall 2014.
"WDT will meet the needs of students and the community," Wilson said. "We will build strong programs staffed by exceptional instructors that will provide students with the skills and experiences they need to be successful."
Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 20 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.
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, contact WDT at (800) 544-8765, (605) 718-2565, or admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.
