WDT closed Tuesday, April 9
WDT will be closed Tuesday, April 9, due to the weather.
Western Dakota Technical College Learn. Do. Now.
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WDT adds diploma program: Precision Machining Technology; makes changes to another
Western Dakota Tech is addressing the needs of the workforce and students by starting a new diploma program in Precision Machining Technology and changing its popular Practical Nursing program into an Associate of Applied Science degree.
WDT is now accepting applications for the programs. Classes will begin in the fall 2013 semester that begins in August.
"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."
Both programs have been designed with industry input so the courses will provide the skills students need.
Graduates of the nine-month, two-semester Precision Machining Technology program will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and hands-on competencies in manufacturing/mechanical production, computers, machining instrumentation systems, and mechanical CAD
- Apply critical thinking to technical problems
- Understand a commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement
- Apply basic concepts of math, blueprint reading inspection, and knowledge of machining and manufacturing while producing quality products that meet customer specifications
- Work in a safe and efficient manner
Labor market information for South Dakota indicates that the demand for workers in the Machining field is strong now and in the future. Through 2020, the number of machinists is expected to grow by 13.8 percent, according to the South Dakota Labor Market Information Center.
The median hourly wage of machinists was $18.52 in May 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.59, and the top 10 percent earned more than $27.91.
Graduates of the 19-month, five-semester Practical Nursing program will be able to:
- Summarize patients' levels of wellness based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Analyze patient data and apply the nursing process in implementing and evaluating patient care
- Utilize effective communication techniques with patients, family and health care team members
- Demonstrate effective use of technology relevant to various health care settings
- Discriminate between effective and ineffective teamwork techniques in the health care setting
- Compare how cultural values, behaviors, attitudes, and psychosocial factors affect the implementation of the nursing process
- Practice professional nursing behaviors through appearance, conduct, attitudes, ethical and legal standards
Labor market information for the state indicates that the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses is strong now and in the future. Through 2020, the number of Licensed Practical Nurses is expected to grow by 16.2 percent, according to the South Dakota Labor Market Information Center (LMIC).
Nationally, the median annual wage of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses was $40,380 in May 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,680, and the top 10 percent earned more than $56,010.
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 96 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.
WDT Flight Night scheduled for April 9
Western Dakota Tech invites anyone interested in learning more about WDT and its more than 30 programs to WDT's Flight Night scheduled for Tuesday, April 9, at WDT in Rapid City. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
WDT faculty and staff will attend the event to discuss WDT's programs, give tours of classrooms and labs and discuss how WDT programs prepare graduates for in-demand careers in South Dakota. Also during the event, Admissions, Financial Aid and others will be available to answer questions about all aspects of the WDT experience.
"WDT's programs train students for growing career fields," admissions coordinator Jill Elder said. "Employers want workers with high levels of technical ability and experience, and WDT gives students those exact things."
To continue to meet the needs of the workforce, WDT will add and expand 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, Computer-Aided Drafting, and Precision Machining Technology. The Computer-Aided Drafting diploma program can be complete 100 percent online. WDT also will now offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in Practical Nursing.
WDT will seek approval to begin offering the following options in fall 2013:
- 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
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.
Western Dakota Tech is the only technical institute that serves the western South Dakota region. WDT offers more than 25 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 96 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.
Register for Flight Night at www.wdt.edu or by contacting Admissions at (800) 544-8765, (605) 718-2565 or admissions@wdt.edu.
Two WDT students awarded Pepsi scholarships
The following Western Dakota Tech students have been awarded the $500 Pepsi Scholarship:
- Celeste Magnusson, Spearfish, Practical Nursing
- Christina Culverhouse, Rapid City, Accounting
Eight graduate from WDT truck driving program
Eight students recently graduated from the Professional Truck Driving Program at Western Dakota Tech.
The graduates: Albert Beasley of Summerset, Brandon Gifford and Thomas Van Asma of Piedmont, John Ellsworth Jr. of Hermosa, David Herbel of Rapid City, Marty Mechaley of Custer, and Erik Whittenberg of Box Elder.
The students completed the six-week training program and earned their South Dakota Class A commercial driver's license.
The Professional Truck Driving Program is offered through WDT's Corporate Education Center. Learn more at www.wdt.edu/corporate-education-center.
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 96 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, contact Admissions at (800) 544-8765, (605) 718-2565 or admissions@wdt.edu. Visit WDT on the web at www.wdt.edu.
