Lake Area Technical Institute

During the first year expect to get active, hands-on training in basic diesel engines, small engines, truck/industrial gas engines, power trains, hydraulics, electrical systems, welding, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) shop management, and related computer skills. You will also be immersed in effective shop practices including safety, CPR/first responder and hazardous waste management.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can decide between the ag/industrial or truck option.

2nd Year Ag/Industrial Option If you choose to specialize in agricultural/industrial diesel, you will get training and experience in diesel engine overhaul, hydraulic system diagnostics, HVAC system diagnostics, tractor electrical system diagnostics, fuel injection systems, diesel engine tune up, GPS, and combination electrical/hydraulic systems.

Expect to diagnose and repair customer-owned equipment in our spacious, brand new diesel facility. You could be hired at a farm equipment dealership, an equipment repair shop, a construction company, a farm or industry maintenance shop—and more!

2nd Year Truck Option If you choose to pursue the heavy truck option, you will receive comprehensive training in the areas of diesel engine overhaul, diesel fuel systems, diesel engine tune-up and troubleshooting, truck electrical systems, electronic diesel engine controls, truck drive lines, air brake systems, suspension and steering, and preventative maintenance.

Be a part of the exciting field of aviation! Students of our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified program can look forward to: excellent pay, unique travel privileges, attractive fringe benefits, and the ability to work anywhere in the world.

As a graduate of our 20-month Aviation Maintenance program, you will be a certified A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) Mechanic. You will be eligible to test for your FAA Airframe certification at the end of your first year and Powerplant certification at the end of your second year.

Our Basic Diesel Technician program will prepare you for entry-level careers in the diesel technician industry.

Our programs are designed to prepare you to enter the workforce as an entry-level service technician.

The Diesel Technology program at St. Philip's College is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skill set to pursue a career in today's highly technical and competitive field of diesel technology. There is a large demand for Diesel Technicians in many areas such as Construction

Building a bright future in the construction and carpentry world begins right here at Lake Area Tech! Do you have a flair for design? A way with a hammer? An eye for detail? Then our Building Trades Technology program might be just what you’re looking for. In only 18 months, your new and diverse career could be a reality!

Our students gain a solid foundation in residential design, site preparation, concrete work, floor/wall/roof construction, ventilation, interior finishing, cabinetry, and building codes. Yes, you’ll hit the books, but much of your time will be spent building a custom-made home from start to finish. This on-site experience will escalate your skills and give you the upper hand once you hit the job market.

Speaking of the job market, occupations in the construction field are expected to grow at a faster than average pace! Jobs with commercial contractors, maintenance shops, woodworking shops, sash and door companies, furniture manufacturers, and home contractors are waiting for you. Want to be your own boss? Consider our Entrepreneurship program after completing your AAS degree in Building Trades and you’ll be well on your way to printing business cards with the word ‘Owner’ behind your name!

But wait, there’s more! In the classroom, you’ll also learn about light commercial construction, estimation, and working in a green industry. And, you’ll be exposed to the latest in construction technology like blower door testing. Out of the classroom, you’ll get the chance to sharpen your leadership skills and interact with a network of professionals by joining trade organizations like the Home Builders Student Chapter, the Associated General Contractors of SD, and Skills USA.

Building a bright future in the construction and carpentry world begins right here at Lake Area Tech! Do you have a flair for design? A way with a hammer? An eye for detail? Then our Building Trades Technology program might be just what you’re looking for. In only 18 months, your new and diverse career could be a reality!

Our students gain a solid foundation in residential design, site preparation, concrete work, floor/wall/roof construction, ventilation, interior finishing, cabinetry, and building codes. Yes, you’ll hit the books, but much of your time will be spent building a custom-made home from start to finish. This on-site experience will escalate your skills and give you the upper hand once you hit the job market.

Speaking of the job market, occupations in the construction field are expected to grow at a faster than average pace! Jobs with commercial contractors, maintenance shops, woodworking shops, sash and door companies, furniture manufacturers, and home contractors are waiting for you. Want to be your own boss? Consider our Entrepreneurship program after completing your AAS degree in Building Trades and you’ll be well on your way to printing business cards with the word ‘Owner’ behind your name!

But wait, there’s more! In the classroom, you’ll also learn about light commercial construction, estimation, and working in a green industry. And, you’ll be exposed to the latest in construction technology like blower door testing. Out of the classroom, you’ll get the chance to sharpen your leadership skills and interact with a network of professionals by joining trade organizations like the Home Builders Student Chapter, the Associated General Contractors of SD, and Skills USA.

Building a bright future in the construction and carpentry world begins right here at Lake Area Tech! Do you have a flair for design? A way with a hammer? An eye for detail? Then our Building Trades Technology program might be just what you’re looking for. In only 18 months, your new and diverse career could be a reality!

Our students gain a solid foundation in residential design, site preparation, concrete work, floor/wall/roof construction, ventilation, interior finishing, cabinetry, and building codes. Yes, you’ll hit the books, but much of your time will be spent building a custom-made home from start to finish. This on-site experience will escalate your skills and give you the upper hand once you hit the job market.

Speaking of the job market, occupations in the construction field are expected to grow at a faster than average pace! Jobs with commercial contractors, maintenance shops, woodworking shops, sash and door companies, furniture manufacturers, and home contractors are waiting for you. Want to be your own boss? Consider our Entrepreneurship program after completing your AAS degree in Building Trades and you’ll be well on your way to printing business cards with the word ‘Owner’ behind your name!

But wait, there’s more! In the classroom, you’ll also learn about light commercial construction, estimation, and working in a green industry. And, you’ll be exposed to the latest in construction technology like blower door testing. Out of the classroom, you’ll get the chance to sharpen your leadership skills and interact with a network of professionals by joining trade organizations like the Home Builders Student Chapter, the Associated General Contractors of SD, and Skills USA.

Did you like to play with tractors, bulldozers, and shovels as a kid? Get paid for it now! Graduates from Lake Area Tech’s new Heavy Equipment Operator program will enter into a field that has a high-demand for qualified workers in commercial and industrial construction, heavy equipment operation, and earthmoving equipment operation.

Students entering our new Heavy Equipment Operator program will choose from a diploma in Excavation Operations after 11 months or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Operations after completing the entire 20-month curriculum.

First year students will learn:

To maintain and repair tracks, wheels, brakes, operating controls, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, and engines
Basic skills in excavating, digging, ditching, grading, and backfilling
Second year students will learn:

To operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment such as crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks
Basic skills in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, backfilling, clearing, crane operation, and excavating

A profession known for its versatility, welding and fabrication can be applied in countless industries. Welders—especially those trained in the latest technology—are in constant, nation-wide demand. In preparation for your awesome future career, we offer exciting, hands-on training in the following areas:

Brazing
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Short Circut Transfer
Spray Transfer
Pulse Arc
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Ultrasonic Testing Equipment
Job Safety
Blueprint Reading
Metallurgy
Machining
Stainless Steel Welding
Aluminum Welding
Metal Fabrication

Training on metal forming equipment:

Steel Plate Rolling
Tube and Pipe Rolling
Tube and Pipe Bending
Notching

Make a difference. This unique option will prepare you to work with youth who have been removed from their homes/communities because of behavioral or mental health concerns. You could be a youth counselor in a group home, or work in behavioral education as a paraprofessional.

You will graduate from this two year option with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

1st year: you’ll have the chance to specialize in either Mental Health or Developmental Disabilities. You will complete a valuable 4-week internship at the end of your second semester.
2nd year: you’ll receive specific training to work with youth offenders. Expect interactive, experience-based learning to prepare you for care and support situations.

Be that essential person. Human Resource professionals help companies find, hire, and keep the most effective employees. As an HR associate, you might specialize in a specific HR department (payroll, benefits, safety, etc), work with a small HR team, or (depending on the size of the company) you might manage HR all on your own! You could:

Explain company procedures and benefits to new employees, including details on vacation and sick leave
Develop training presentations
Initiate, organize, maintain and store personnel records for a business or corporation
Manage issues, problems, and/or crisis situations in the workplace

Make a difference. This unique option will prepare you to work with youth who have been removed from their homes/communities because of behavioral or mental health concerns. You could be a youth counselor in a group home, or work in behavioral education as a paraprofessional.

You will graduate from this two year option with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

1st year: you’ll have the chance to specialize in either Mental Health or Developmental Disabilities. You will complete a valuable 4-week internship at the end of your second semester.
2nd year: you’ll receive specific training to work with youth offenders. Expect interactive, experience-based learning to prepare you for care and support situations.

Lake Area Tech is now offering an exciting new Community Healthcare Worker program. After completing the program, graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to be employed in medical positions such as a community health adviser, social and human services assistant/specialist, community health advocate, eldercare advocate, addictions counselor assistant, and casework specialist.

Community healthcare workers are often responsible for the health of community members who may not be cared for by traditional medical institutions including culturally diverse populations and underserved community members. Community healthcare workers often provide some basic direct services as well, such as first aid and some health screenings.

Dental assistants are the “extra hands” of the dentist, and vital members of the dental health care team. Dental offices are usually clean, friendly, interesting places to work. As a dental assistant, you will perform a variety of tasks, including:

Assisting general and specialty dentists during procedures
Recording patient medical histories and taking vital signs
Taking x-rays
Administering nitrous oxide/oxygen to patients
Polishing teeth
Fabricating casts for dental procedures
Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment for the dentist’s use
Performing office management tasks

Dental assistants are the “extra hands” of the dentist, and vital members of the dental health care team. Dental offices are usually clean, friendly, interesting places to work. As a dental assistant, you will perform a variety of tasks, including:

Assisting general and specialty dentists during procedures
Recording patient medical histories and taking vital signs
Taking x-rays
Administering nitrous oxide/oxygen to patients
Polishing teeth
Fabricating casts for dental procedures
Preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment for the dentist’s use
Performing office management tasks

Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings performing administrative and clinical duties. The practice of medical assisting directly influences the public’s health and well-being, and requires mastery of a complex body of knowledge and specialized skills requiring both formal education and practical experience that serve as standards for entry into the profession.

The administrative duties of a medical assistant include:

Receiving patients in a professional and friendly manner
Performing numerous office duties and public relations functions
Administering first aid.
The clinical responsibilities of a medical assistant include:

helping patients prepare for examinations
assisting the doctor
cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment
assisting in emergency situations

Medical Laboratory is a rewarding, stimulating field that is absolutely vital to the world of healthcare. Physicians determine treatment from objective clinical data-over 70% of which comes from tests that Medical Laboratory Technicians perform on the patient’s samples. As a Medical Laboratory Technician you might:

Use sophisticated lab equipment to perform analysis of various chemicals in blood and body fluids.
Isolate bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms for identification and determine appropriate treatment options.
Diagnose viral diseases in blood specimens using immunological techniques.
Observe urine, bacteria, body fluids, and blood slides through a microscope to aid in diagnosis of various conditions.
Use hematology analyzers to count and identify various blood cells.
Determine kidney health and metabolic problems through chemical analysis of urine.
Type, screen and cross match blood for transfusion.
Test drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment.
Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) often interact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals to explain test results and answer specific questions. You could be employed in a hospital lab, physician’s office, clinic, commercial firm, research facility, the armed forces, public health center, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratory, or veterinary clinic.

Nursing—few career fields are as rewarding—or as challenging. Nurses must be able to utilize the latest medical technology at the direct and critical level of patient care. In addition to having knowledge, the best nurses are also responsible, compassionate, and ultimately motivated by a sincere desire to help people.

There are three paths or opportunities for a student looking to complete the LPN nursing diploma. There is a full-time campus option, a full-time online option and part-time online option. Full-time campus and online begin each fall in August. The full-time options are 11 months in length. The part-time option only starts in January of each year and takes 22 months to complete.

The Professional Registered Nursing Program at Lake Area Tech is an Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. The AAS Nursing Program prepares students who are Licensed Practical Nurses to complete a program of study in professional nursing that incorporates theory, clinical, lab, and simulation experiences. The program lasts 11 months over three semesters that builds off of the student’s LPN degree. The program is a campus based option and is only available to start each fall. Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the NLCEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses). Graduates of this program may apply to another college or a university to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in nursing after completing their AAS degree and becoming a registered nurse.

Occupational Therapy promotes health by enabling people to fully engage in the activities of life. Under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) help people learn to overcome physical, mental, and emotional barriers to meaningful, daily occupations. When helping individual patients, OTAs commonly use what is individually familiar and enjoyable to:

Teach injury prevention
Improve functional ability
Adapt equipment/environment to improve quality of life
Program: Lake Area Tech’s rigorous 20 month program emphasizes lecture, laboratory experience, discussion, demonstration, and off-site fieldwork experiences. To graduate, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA, completing all courses with a grade of “C” or higher (a single grade of “D” will be allowed in a general or related course).

You can help. Patients suffering from various physical disabilities, movement dysfunctions, and pains go to Physical Therapist Assistants to implement their treatment plans, which might include:

Therapeutic Exercises
Rehabilitation
Therapeutic Heat and Cold
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Ultrasound
Electrical Stimulation
Traction
As a student of our 20-month nationally accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program, you’ll get the latest and most effective classroom instruction, as well as important clinical experience.

Experience the rewards. This option will prepare you to assist people with developmental disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, etc.). You could work with individuals in their homes, in a group home or in a developmental training center. Make a difference by helping people to:

Practice independent living skills
Choose healthy, positive activities
Participate in social activities
Engage in meaningful employment
Communicate their needs with family and medical professionals

Earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Med/Fire Rescue and receive a solid foundation in the medical and fire-fighting aspects of this career. If you’re interested in a job where life-saving decisions are made every day, this fast-paced field might be for you! Or, after the first year of MFR coursework, move to the Emergency Medical Specialist option and focus on patient care and “behind the scenes” processes like billing and coding for insurance claims and using electronic health records. If you consider yourself highly detailed and organized, then check this option out!

There are two online options available in the Med/Fire Rescue program: 1. Online Emergency Medical Technician – Certification Only and 2. Online Paramedic Diploma. The Online Emergency Medical Technician – Certification Only option can be completed online in one semester. Students in this option will complete most of the coursework online, but will visit campus for testing, skill practice, and hands-on learning. Click to view the EMT application form. This is a separate application process.

The second online option is the Online Hybrid Paramedic Diploma. If attending class every day isn’t an option for you due to work or family obligations, consider these online options! In only 20 months, you could obtain your diploma and begin work in this exciting field! To apply, complete the Lake Area Tech application form and select the (MFRO – or the actual program menu drop down name on the application). This program starts in the spring semester each year (January).

Are you looking for variety and action? Do you consider yourself fair, confident, and inquisitive? Then read on to learn more about our 18-month Law Enforcement program!

Lake Area Tech values the partnership it has with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies as its mission is to graduate students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be employed in the law enforcement field including positions as police officers, sheriff deputies, corrections officers, highway patrol troopers, criminal investigators, tribal officers, crime scene specialists, communications officers, conservation officers, probation, parole, and juvenile officers.

At Lake Area Tech, Law Enforcement students will be offered training in areas not limited to but including Constitutional Law, Criminal Law & Procedures, Criminal Investigations, Crime Scene Evidence Collection, Juvenile Justice, First Responder, Patrol Procedures, Firearms, Mechanics of Arrest, Street Survival Tactics, Corrections, and Emergency Vehicle Operations. Students will also learn how the legal and criminal justice systems work in tandem with local, state, and federal government agencies. After successful completion of the program, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement.

Our mission is fundamental: To recruit, educate, train, and develop outstanding law enforcement leaders who will remain true to the principles of Law Enforcement – service, justice, and fundamental fairness. Our vision is predetermined by our profession: to become noble guardians of democracy!

Our Basic Diesel Technician program will prepare you for entry-level careers in the diesel technician industry.

Our programs are designed to prepare you to enter the workforce as an entry-level service technician.

The Diesel Technology program at St. Philip's College is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skill set to pursue a career in today's highly technical and competitive field of diesel technology. There is a large demand for Diesel Technicians in many areas such as Construction

The Diesel Technology program at St. Philip's College is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skill set to pursue a career in today's highly technical and competitive field of diesel technology. There is a large demand for Diesel Technicians in many areas such as Construction

The energy industry is full of opportunity! Power plants (coal, hydro, wind turbine, nuclear) and process plants (ethanol, oil refineries, bio-diesel, etc) need skilled operations technicians.

As a graduate of our 20-month Energy Operations program, you will know how to monitor/control power and process plant production, as well as isolate and identify process problems in the energy industry. Developed at the industry’s request, Lake Area Tech’s Energy Operations program is unique to South Dakota. Start your journey here. Be a part of the new technology powering our world!

The energy producing industry (see wind, coal, ethanol, agricultural by-product, petroleum pipeline) has a desperate need for technicians who can maintain and repair their production equipment.

As a student of our 20-month Energy Technology program, you will receive both classroom theory and hands-on lab and internship experience. You will be instructed in mechanical maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as alignment techniques, metallurgy,pneumatics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, combustion, vibration analysis and dynamic balancing.

The energy producing industry (see wind, coal, ethanol, agricultural by-product, petroleum pipeline) has a desperate need for technicians who can maintain and repair their production equipment.

As a student of our 20-month Energy Technology program, you will receive both classroom theory and hands-on lab and internship experience. You will be instructed in mechanical maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as alignment techniques, metallurgy,pneumatics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, combustion, vibration analysis and dynamic balancing.

The energy producing industry (see wind, coal, ethanol, agricultural by-product, petroleum pipeline) has a desperate need for technicians who can maintain and repair their production equipment.

As a student of our 20-month Energy Technology program, you will receive both classroom theory and hands-on lab and internship experience. You will be instructed in mechanical maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as alignment techniques, metallurgy,pneumatics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, combustion, vibration analysis and dynamic balancing.

The Diesel Technology program at St. Philip's College is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skill set to pursue a career in today's highly technical and competitive field of diesel technology. There is a large demand for Diesel Technicians in many areas such as Construction

Be a technician in a high-demand field! Computers, test equipment, robots, circuit boards, displays and medical machines—all these and more form the working system of electronic technology that powers our daily lives.

The industry is seeking skilled technicians to design, manufacture and support this technology. Our online program begins by teaching electronics at the component level. Next, expect to move beyond the basics learning surface mount soldering, microprocessors, motor controls, programmable logic controllers, circuit board design, troubleshooting, robotics and more!

Our 20-month Networking and Cyber Security Specialist option allows you to perform actual network intrusions, so you can anticipate and defend against future threats. You will also learn how to install and manage information security systems, as well as how to gather and analyze data for computer crime investigation.

You can expect to gain maximum experience in networking and security. As a student, you will spend approximately 80% of your time doing the work of a security specialist. To make sure you have the job experience you’ll need, we also require a 180-hour internship.

All the software we now use wouldn’t exist without the work of programming specialists. A programmer “writes” programs – or converts the design of a software program into a logical series of instructions that computers can follow. Recently, programming specialists have also been working in software design and identifying user need.

What can I expect?
As a student in our 18-month option, you will learn the latest techniques in software design, creation, and maintenance. Expect to become fluent in current programming languages and databases.

We teach mobile app development for a variety of devices using jQuery Mobile and Android Studio. While taking programming classes, you’ll also take classes in web design and maintenance, security and system analysis and design among other option-related courses. This option features “learning by doing.” Expect to spend about 80% of your time honing the skills of a programming specialist with hands-on projects. To make sure you have the job experience you’ll need, we also require a 240-hour internship.

Do you have a flair for creativity? Do you think of yourself as ‘techy’? Then our Graphic Design and Digital Communications Specialist option just might be for you. As a student, you’ll learn the skills needed to work in a fast-paced, creative environment. Graphic Design and Digital Communications Specialist students will work with illustration, image manipulation and compositing, video, animation, and other editing programs that give them an edge in the world of web development, graphic design, and multimedia production. Graphic Design and Digital Communications Specialist students also spend a significant amount of time learning traditional art principles and photography tools and techniques that can be integrated into future design projects

What can I expect?
Businesses everywhere need media creators to develop the most up-to-date graphics, product and service promotions, social media marketing material and communication creations. At Lake Area Tech, expect a solid foundation in graphics, multimedia production, animation, visual FX, web development and database design, networking, hardware and more to prepare you for your dream career. During this 18-month program, you will spend around 80% of your time working on projects and you’ll also gain real-world experience during your 240-hour internship. Job opportunities are waiting for you in design studios, advertising and marketing agencies, newspapers, magazine and book publishers, and even interactive media and web design firms. Let us help you get there!

Imagine building, fixing, trouble-shooting and revving up a high performance engine! As a graduate from Lake Area Tech’s High Performance Engine Machining program, you will find job opportunities in many different settings including the automotive, diesel, and precision machining industries. There’s a growing demand for High Performance Engine Machinists, let us help you jump start your exciting new career!

Students entering our High Performance Engine Machining program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in HPEM after completing the entire 18-month curriculum. Lake Area Tech graduates with an existing AAS degree in Diesel, Auto, or Precision Machining can enroll in the 9-month HPEM diploma program to gain additional engine machining skills.

A purposeful American career— machinists are respected, capable and well paid. Virtually everything manufactured in the U.S. today—in the automotive, space, medical, green, or any other industry—can be traced back to the work of a machinist. Even today’s gunsmiths use precision machining to create custom-made firearms. As a result, there is a constant and unmet need for these “Surgeons of Steel” in American manufacturing.

In our 18-month Precision Machining program, we offer students two shifts during the day (7:00 -1:00 and 12- 6:00) to provide more options and a better in-lab experience with one-on-one instruction. In the lab, you’ll learn the working properties of metals, and how to use both manual and computer-controlled methods to fabricate machined products. To give you the maximum experience-edge, we focus on practical, project-based learning, as well as plenty of close interaction with live industry to prepare you for a machining career. Machinists work in a variety of highly technical fields as machine operators, machinists, CNC machinists, tool and die makers, mold makers, quality control inspectors, machine assemblers, machine tool designers, CNC programmers, or field service representatives.

You’ll be impressed by Lake Area Tech’s state-of-the-art precision machining lab and equipment—featuring 23 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. CNC machines are used in most machine shops and high-tech production facilities. To be on top of the hiring game, as well as qualify for better pay and a specialized job title, machinists must be able to program and monitor the work of a fully automated machine. As a graduate of Lake Area Tech’s Precision Machining program, you’ll have the programming knowledge and experience to land a career in an exciting and diverse machining field.