Medical Assisting in South Dakota
Demand for medical assistants in South Dakota is predicted to grow significantly over the coming years as healthcare services expand to meet the needs of an aging population. Currently there are 1,030 people working in medical assistant roles across the state, which has a population below 1 million.
State law in South Dakota requires medical assistants to register with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners before they are allowed to work in the field. They need to have a high school diploma or GED and to have completed their medical assisting training on a CAAHEP accredited program. The state also provides a scope of responsibilities for medical assistants, outlining what clinical duties they can perform.
South Dakota has no requirements for medical assistants to be certified, but gaining this credential after graduation can make you a more desirable applicant when applying for entry level jobs at physicians’ offices or other facilities. You will need to complete your education on a CAAHEP accredited degree, certificate or diploma program in order to be able to take the nationally recognized certification exam.
Pay for medical assistants in South Dakota is on average $13.73 per hour, or a salary of $28,550. Earnings are slightly higher in the Sioux Falls area compared to nonmetropolitan areas across the state.
The South Dakota Society of Medical Assistants (SDSMA) is the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) affiliated professional body in South Dakota and there are local chapters in:
- Northern Plains
- Sioux Empire
South Dakota Medical Assistant Schools and Programs
Mitchell Technical Institute
Mitchell Technical Institute runs a medical assisting degree program at its campus in Mitchell, where students will be taught the various skills and theory needed to work in the medical assisting field, including medical terminology and laboratory procedures. This program includes hands on practical experience at a healthcare facility through a clinical externship.
Degree
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $12,277
- Job Placement Rate: 100%
Globe University
Globe University offers a medical assistant degree program at its Sioux Falls campus that gives students the opportunity to get practical externship experience. Students have the choice of studying on day, evening or online classes. The focus of this career oriented program is on hands on learning of both clerical skills and clinical procedures that will be performed in entry level medical assistant positions.
Degree
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $35,880
- Job Placement Rate: 76%
