South Dakota Medical Assistant Courses – SD

There are five South Dakota medical assistant training programs that are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). All five programs require completion of an internship to graduate, and qualify the student to sit for the national CMA exam and certification process. Students can complete diploma and certificate programs that are approved by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. Interested applicants should contact the Board to determine which programs are acceptable before starting a course of study.

There are several online programs as well for medical assisting training in South Dakota, although some do not include an internship component. Students can locate their own internships or access on-the-job training in a medical practice or hospital after they have completed their coursework. They cannot be employed as medical assistants, however, until they register with the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.

There are medical technology programs that award a bachelor’s degree. Medical assistants can earn supervisory positions within medical practices or hospital wards by completing higher degrees or accessing continuing education in both clinical and administrative tracks.

According to a recent salary survey by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), medical assistants in South Dakota are earning around $29,836 (2009), which falls in line with national averages. Those working in more urban areas can expect to make slightly more than that.