Western Dakota Technical Institute

Students entering healthcare diploma programs such as Dental Assisting, Phlebotomy/Laboratory Assistant or Practical Nursing also have the option of pursuing an Associate of Science in Allied Health. Diploma program requirements must be met, along with General Education and technical electives to meet a minimum of 60 credit hours.

The Medical Laboratory Technician program is a four-semester Associate of Applied Science program that will prepare students for the increasing number of career opportunities in the medical laboratory technician field.

Students in the Medical Laboratory Technician program will complete classes in phlebotomy, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, hematology, chemistry, immunohematology, serology, and more.

The dental assistant is an integral, valued member of the dental team. Graduates of the diploma program will be highly trained dental assisting students who have the skills required to be competent members of a dental healthcare team, deliver quality dental healthcare to the public, and have the knowledge necessary to become a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) in the state of South Dakota. Dental assisting tasks include providing direct patient care, assisting during a variety of dental procedures, obtaining medical/dental histories, vital signs, dental radiographs, and impressions for dental models, teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies, applying preventive agents, placing pit and fissure sealants, developing, coordinating, and serving as an infection control officer, and performing office management tasks. The dental assistant may work in a private or group practice setting specializing in general dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, or pedodontics. Dental sales and marketing of products is another career opportunity for the dental assistant. Dental assistants must have strong communication skills, a desire to work with their hands, and a passion for a challenging career with responsibilities that increase the efficiency and quality of oral health care delivery.

The Health Information Management program opens doors to a variety of careers in healthcare facilities. Careers may include Coding Specialists, front desk personnel, billers, electronic health record editors and reviewers, surgery schedulers, health unit administrative coordinators, claims processors, medical records management, release of information technicians, and other positions throughout healthcare facilities. That makes you important and vital to the success of healthcare providers and organizations.

The primary objective of the Health Information Management program is to prepare students with the necessary skills to work in the medical field maintaining a patient’s health information. Students in both the diploma option and the degree option will take coursework in anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, medical office software, records management, electronic health records, billing/reimbursement, and level one transcription.

The Health Information Management program opens doors to a variety of careers in healthcare facilities. Careers may include Coding Specialists, front desk personnel, billers, electronic health record editors and reviewers, surgery schedulers, health unit administrative coordinators, claims processors, medical records management, release of information technicians, and other positions throughout healthcare facilities. That makes you important and vital to the success of healthcare providers and organizations.

The primary objective of the Health Information Management program is to prepare students with the necessary skills to work in the medical field maintaining a patient’s health information. Students in both the diploma option and the degree option will take coursework in anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, medical office software, records management, electronic health records, billing/reimbursement, and level one transcription.

This three-semester degree program will help prepare students for the medical field.
Administrative duties may include using computer applications, answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, coding and filling out insurance forms, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping in a medical office setting.

Clinical duties may include taking medical histories, taking vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patient for examination, assisting the physician during the exam, collecting and preparing laboratory specimens, performing basic laboratory tests, instructing patients about medication and special diets, preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician, and taking electrocardiograms. Medical Assisting is a rapidly growing and expanding career.

WDT offers a diploma in Pharmacy Tech.

Students in the Pharmacy Technician program combine classroom learning and hands-on lab experience. Students will learn prescription fulfillment, basic compounding, and the importance of customer service skills. These skills will prepare them for positions in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other medical facilities working as pharmacy technicians assisting registered pharmacists in all aspects of pharmaceutical care.

The Phlebotomy program is a one-semester certificate program that will prepare students for entry-level positions as a phlebotomist in the medical field. The program provides the didactic and clinical training necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for the national certification examinations.

The Lab assistant diploma is a two-semester diploma program that will prepare students for career opportunities as a laboratory assistant in the healthcare field. The program also provides the basic foundational skills for continuation into the Medical Laboratory Technician Program.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) are an important component of the healthcare team. The nursing program stresses the importance of clinical experience by providing 480 clinical hours of actual supervised clinical. LPN’s work in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, long-term care, and office/clinic environments. The role of licensed practical nurses has expanded to include IV therapy and supervision in some settings. Upon successful completion of the program, nursing graduates take the NCLEX (National Certification Licensure Exam). Job placement for nursing program graduates is excellent for graduates in Rapid City, the Black Hills, and across South Dakota.

Western Dakota Tech is committed to preparing nurses to meet the demands of diverse populations across the lifespan. This Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Registered Nurse (RN) program is designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking to further their education and career path. The program provides a track for graduates who currently have a LPN license to prepare to become RNs. LPNs will expand on their technical skills gained through their LPN licensure and work experience. As a graduate of this program, you will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to earn your RN license.

The goal of the Surgical Technology Program is to prepare competent, entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), 25400 U.S. Highway 19 North, Suite 158, Clearwater, FL 33736, which allows graduates to take the national certifying examination sponsored by the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). For more information about accreditation, click here.

The Western Dakota Tech Automotive Technology program, through the use of effective teaching techniques, clear student learning outcomes, and effective assessment, strives to enable students the ability to acquire the latest technology and training. With the students’ efforts, we help prepare them for entry-level placement in the automotive service industry and provide them the skills for lifelong learning.

Today a shortage of diesel technicians and mechanics has the potential to cripple the truck-freight industry. To help reduce the technician shortage

The Bookkeeping program is a two-semester, one-year diploma program designed to give you the skills you need for the growing number of entry-level bookkeeping positions available.

All of the classes in the Bookkeeping program transfer directly into WDT’s associate of applied science degree program in Accounting. These two programs give you options so you can prepare for the exact career you want.

The three semester, 11-month Hospitality diploma program provides students with technical understanding and skills development in the hospitality field by integrating theory with practical experience. Through the program, students will develop skills in hospitality management principles, finance, and more. Students will learn about varying duties of someone working in the hospitality field and will complete a minimum of 240 internship hours. Working with local industry representatives, this program is designed to provide students with the necessary education and training consistent with current industry practices while also incorporating foundational courses in Western Dakota Tech’s Business and Accounting programs.

This diploma is available through classes on campus, online, or a combination of both.

The Computer-Aided Design program at Western Dakota Tech equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to produce accurate technical drawings using industry standard CAD systems.

Graduates of the 18-month program receive training in a full range of knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the diverse and varied field of drafting and design. This degree is widely accepted as the industry standard in qualifying for an entry level position in the architectural, civil, and mechanical CAD fields.

The Construction Technology program will prepare students who plan to enter the growing construction field. This program will include classroom theory, hands-on experience, and internship experiences that allow students to practice what they learn in the classroom. The program will prepare students for a challenging field that is full of opportunities.

Students in the Construction Technology program will acquire the skills necessary for employment in the areas of residential, commercial, industrial and public works projects. Students will gain basic experience in the areas of framing, cabinet-making, concrete and masonry work, steel frame construction, modular construction, architectural print reading, and welding. Students will also complete an internship to gain additional hands-on industry experience.

The Construction Technology program will prepare students who plan to enter the growing construction field. This program will include classroom theory, hands-on experience, and internship experiences that allow students to practice what they learn in the classroom. The program will prepare students for a challenging field that is full of opportunities.

Students in the Construction Technology program will acquire the skills necessary for employment in the areas of residential, commercial, industrial and public works projects. Students will gain basic experience in the areas of framing, cabinet-making, concrete and masonry work, steel frame construction, modular construction, architectural print reading, and welding. Students will also complete an internship to gain additional hands-on industry experience.

The Construction Technology program will prepare students who plan to enter the growing construction field. This program will include classroom theory, hands-on experience, and internship experiences that allow students to practice what they learn in the classroom. The program will prepare students for a challenging field that is full of opportunities.

Students in the Construction Technology program will acquire the skills necessary for employment in the areas of residential, commercial, industrial and public works projects. Students will gain basic experience in the areas of framing, cabinet-making, concrete and masonry work, steel frame construction, modular construction, architectural print reading, and welding. Students will also complete an internship to gain additional hands-on industry experience.

Electrical Trades is a four-semester Associate of Applied Science degree program. Our program is hands-on. There is some classroom time, but you will spend most of your day learning by doing. During your first year, you will earn a solid foundation in electronics and electrical technology. In your second year, you will focus your studies on learning advanced electrical trades skills.

Electrical Trades is designed to do more than just train you for a career as an electrician. This is an industry where traditional electrician skills interface with the high-tech world of solid-state controls, programmable controls, and computerized networking. You will graduate with skills in all these areas.

The Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program prepares students with the necessary skills to be successful in the career field. Students will take coursework in theory, HVAC electrical applications, installation practices, low, medium, and high-temperature commercial refrigeration and other technical skills.

The HVAC graduate will be able to work on residential heating, air conditioning, heat pump, low, medium, and high-temperature commercial refrigeration systems. Install, troubleshoot, and repair equipment using copper tubing, PVC, and other accepted materials. The graduate will install a wide range of gas and electrical forced-air furnaces. Students will install, troubleshoot, test, and repair electrical components on heating, air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration systems. Learn to troubleshoot and repair various types of commercial ice machines, water coolers, and common domestic and commercial HVAC/R appliances. They will be introduced to commercial air conditioning, chilled water, hydronic heating, and numerous unique refrigeration systems found in the HVAC/R industry. Students will study indoor air quality, air distribution and balancing methods used in the field. In addition, basic Direct Digital Controls (DDC) and electronic control circuits will be explored. Many of the theory lessons will be applied in lab settings and scenarios commonly found in the HVAC/R field. This program also will provide education and training in soft skills such as communication and math.

The Plumbing program will provide students with technical understanding and skills development and integrates theory with practical experience. Through the program, the student develops skills in piping techniques and procedures, plumbing and piping systems, residential and commercial system installations, blueprint reading and isometric interpretation. The successful graduate is eligible for one years' credit on his or her apprenticeship card and employment at an advanced apprenticeship level in a variety of businesses found in rural and metropolitan areas.

The program is designed to prepare the students as entry-level technicians in many industrial sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, and repair.

Students will receive training in the processes most commonly used by industry in the region. Welders and fabricators require a wide variety of skills that will continue to grow because of the increase in sophisticated fabrication tasks and repair work.

Students can choose a nine-month Diploma option that includes training is basic welding and fabricating skills or a 20-month Associate of Applied Science Degree option that includes basic and advanced training.

The program is designed to prepare the students as entry-level technicians in many industrial sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, and repair.

Students will receive training in the processes most commonly used by industry in the region. Welders and fabricators require a wide variety of skills that will continue to grow because of the increase in sophisticated fabrication tasks and repair work.

Students can choose a nine-month Diploma option that includes training is basic welding and fabricating skills or a 20-month Associate of Applied Science Degree option that includes basic and advanced training.

The four-semester Associate of Applied Science degree program combines lecture with hands-on experience so you apply classroom theory to real-world problems. Students also can choose a two-semester diploma option.

The Computer Science program strikes a balance between theory and application. Students will learn about real-life networking and security environments, making them immediately productive upon graduation and prepared to take on a variety of information technology (IT) roles.

The primary objective of the Library Technician program is to prepare students with the necessary skills to work in a supportive capacity to librarians and patrons. The aim of this program is to provide a solid foundation in core library technical skills and provide students with the skills and knowledge of new trends in technology including gaining the skills to manage library software. Through their education and experience in this program, students will learn how to catalog, maintain, and retrieve print, digital, and audiovisual resources, and specialized media. They will also be introduced to research strategies for library catalogs, databases, and the Internet and learn skills in website development. In addition, this program will provide education and training in soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

As the population grows, so does the need for trained workers in a variety of criminal justice fields. This program will graduate skilled workers who are able to bring value to those employers in multiple ways because they will have a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and will be skilled enough to fill a variety of roles.

This program has been designed to be broad in nature and to include coursework in a wide variety of criminal justice fields. Students will complete classes in criminal justice, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law, criminal investigation, ethics in criminal justice, forensics and crime scene investigation, probation and parole, security, terrorism and counter-terrorism, border security, and more.

A law enforcement officer is an official representative of government who is entrusted with a wide variety of duties. Regardless of the type and size of the organization they work for, law enforcement officers are expected to perform in a professional manner. The highly competitive nature of obtaining most law enforcement positions requires applicants to be prepared academically, be physically fit, as well as have the hands-on skills necessary to do the job. Many entry-level applicants for law enforcement positions are encouraged or required to have completed at least two years of formal post-secondary education. The Western Dakota Tech - Law Enforcement Emphasis program will help prepare students with these requirements.

This training program focuses on care of life-threatening conditions, care of non-life threatening situations, and other issues related to the care of the sick or injured. The EMT is responsible for providing or continuing the initial care and transporting the patient to the hospital in an ambulance. Students opting to become licensed in the State of South Dakota will need to register and pay for the National Registry Exam separately.

The Paramedic student will experience training that entails didactic experience and a vigorous and stringent clinical program that will produce a pre-hospital caregiver that will meet the demands of society.

At the end of the paramedic training and education the successful candidate will have the following: American Heart Association (AHA) – Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) – Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) as well as Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS).

The Paramedic student will experience training that entails didactic experience and a vigorous and stringent clinical program that will produce a pre-hospital caregiver that will meet the demands of society.

At the end of the paramedic training and education the successful candidate will have the following: American Heart Association (AHA) – Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) – Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) as well as Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS).

Today a shortage of diesel technicians and mechanics has the potential to cripple the truck-freight industry. To help reduce the technician shortage

This program will graduate skilled technicians who are able to bring value to those employers in multiple ways because they will be skilled enough to participate in multiple areas of the business. These workers will be flexible and will be seen as a valuable asset by any of these employers.

In the drafting area, graduates will be able to meet the growing demand from industry for skilled technicians who can demonstrate skill and knowledge in 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting. In addition, graduates will leave the program prepared to apply the basic fundamentals of drafting and blueprint reading.

The Precision Machining Technology graduate will be able to set up and operate a variety of of machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. Machinists use machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. The parts that machinists make range from simple bolts of steel or brass to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants. Hydraulic parts, anti-lock brakes and automobile pistons are other widely known products that machinists make.