Get Information on Certification & Learn About Job Trends
Medical assisting is a rewarding career path for those interested in the health care field and having direct relationships with patients. These professionals work under the supervision of doctors to deliver specific elements of patient care, such as taking vital signs and preparing patients to be examined. Not all states offer guidelines or rules on medical assisting, but the South Dakota Board of Nursing has offered clearly defined guidelines for how medical assistants perform their jobs in the state. First and foremost, working as a medical assistant in South Dakota requires specific training. For more information about this career-including programs available, the state-mandated scope of work and the salaries that can be earned-read on.
Best Medical Assisting Schools in South Dakota
Students interested in beginning a career may be up against some tough employment competition, but with a degree in medical assisting, students will be able to greatly increase their chances of post-graduation employment. A good medical assisting program will prepare students for both the clinical and the administrative side of working in a medical setting, making them a well-rounded asset to any employer. By looking at overall tuition cost and student graduation rate, we've put together a list of South Dakota's best programs to make finding the best schools a bit easier for students. Check out below for the best medical assisting programs offered in South Dakota for 2017.
South Dakota Medical Assistant Certification & Training
1 How does South Dakota define "medical assistant?"
The state defines a medical assistant as a multi-skilled worker that contributes to all aspects of patient care under the supervision and responsibility of a licensed medical doctor. They assist with patient care and practice administrative and clinical procedures.
2 Is certification required?
South Dakota does not require certification for medical assistants, but they do require registration with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.
3 Is certification available?
Medical assistants can earn a certification voluntarily. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is provided by the American Association of Medical Assistants and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is issued through American Medical Technologists.
4 a formal education and/or training required?
To become registered in South Dakota, medical assistants must have graduated from an accredited school or a school that can meet similar standards to an accredited school.
5 What tasks are medical assistants in South Dakota allowed to perform?
South Dakota law delineates the specific tasks that medical assistants are allowed to perform. The following is a sample of those duties.
- Obtaining routine laboratory specimens
- Helping doctors with patient examinations
- Taking patients' vital signs
- Using office medical equipment
- Giving basic first aid
- Administering medications by unit dosages
- Phlebotomous blood withdrawal and nonintraveneous injections
Salaries for Medical Assistants in South Dakota
The table below compares salary information for medical assistants in South Dakota to the national averages. This information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $24,460 | $27,570 | $30,680 | $13.26 |
| National | $25,500 | $29,960 | $36,070 | $14.41 |
Source: BLS, 2014
South Dakota Medical Assistant Salaries: City and Area Salaries
The amount of money that medical assistants earn depends in part on what geographic area they work in. The following includes information about salaries in different parts of South Dakota.
| Area | Annual Wage 25th percentile | Annual Wage Median | Annual Wage 75th percentile | Hourly Wage Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD | $25,510 | $28,350 | $30,440 | $13.63 |
| Eastern South Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $23,420 | $27,080 | $30,370 | $13.02 |
| Rapid City, SD | $22,860 | $26,620 | $30,440 | $12.80 |
| Central South Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $22,610 | $26,680 | $29,820 | $12.82 |
| Western South Dakota nonmetropolitan area | $22,660 | $25,790 | $28,720 | $12.40 |
Source: BLS, 2014
South Dakota Medical Assisting Employments Trends
South Dakota medical assistants can expect to see an increase in job openings in the next several years. The following table provides information on the projected growth in the state, as well as the national averages.
Medical Assistant Estimated Employment Growth 2012-2022
| Average Annual Openings | Current Employment | Projected Employment 2022 | Jobs Added | Growth Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 40 | 1,100 | 1,270 | 170 | 16.1% |
| National | 26,990 | 560,800 | 723,700 | 162,900 | 29% |
*Source: Projections Central, 2012-2022
South Dakota Medical Assisting Schools Spotlight
Enrolling in a medical assisting program in South Dakota provides the training professionals need to find a job at hospitals, clinics, or doctor's offices. The following are examples of schools where students can gain the knowledge and skills they need to enter the field.
Lake Area Technical Institute
School Type:
Technical school
Accreditation:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
North Central Association of Colleges and Universities
School highlights:
This program teaches students both the administrative and clinical aspects of the medical assisting profession. From an administrative perspective, students learn how to complete office work in a health care setting and greet patients professionally. The clinical component teaches how to complete tasks like cleaning medical instruments and preparing patients for their doctor examinations. Students are required to complete a 240-hour externship.
Programs offered:
Associate degreeLake Area Technical Institute
Mitchell Technical Institute
School Type:
Technical school
Accreditation:
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
The Higher Learning Commission
School highlights:
This program provides classroom instruction and hands-on training through simulation labs and internships. Coursework includes topics such as medical terminology, laboratory procedures, basic life support, and medical office procedures. In addition, students can take electives in subjects such as English and social science.
Programs offered:
Associate degree
Presentation College
School Type:
Private college
Accreditation:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
School highlights:
Students who enroll in this associate's degree receive competency-based training that focuses on clinical and administrative skills. The program covers subjects such as patient interviews, phlebotomy, transcription and coding, and maintaining patient records. A supervised externship is also required.
Programs offered:
Associate degree
South Dakota Medical Assistant Resources
American Association of Medical Assistants
This is the body that provides certifications to medical assistants around the country.
American Medical Technologists
Those who want to earn a registered medical assistant credential obtain it through this organization.
SD Nursing Board - Medical Assistants
The South Dakota Department of Health provides comprehensive information about the medical assisting profession.
South Dakota Society of Medical Assistants
This association provides support for medical assistants around the state.