Best Medical Assistant Programs in Rapid City, South Dakota (2025)

Updated October 28, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

South Dakota Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot

South Dakota
South Dakota Median Pay $39,350 $18.92 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $44,200 $21.25 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Medical Assistant Programs in Rapid City, South Dakota

In and around Rapid City, medical assistants keep clinics moving—performing EKGs and basic phlebotomy, tracking labs and imaging follow‑ups, and recording histories and updating EHRs. Programs here pair simulation labs with coordinated externships across local pediatrics and women’s health practices, hospital outpatient departments so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Use this guide to compare certificate, diploma, and associate tracks near Rapid City, build externship experience across neighborhood clinics in Rapid City, and prepare for credentials like CMA, RMA, or CCMA — and see wages and job outlook across the Mount Rushmore State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Rapid City, South Dakota:

Medical Assistant Training near Rapid City

#1

Western Dakota Technical College

Rapid City, SD 2.1 miles away

Located in Rapid City, SD Western Dakota Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

National American University-Rapid City

Rapid City, SD 2.3 miles away

Located in Rapid City, SD National American University-Rapid City is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Support Specialist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

National American University-Ellsworth

Box Elder, SD 8.8 miles away

Located in Box Elder, SD National American University-Ellsworth is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Support Specialist.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Sinte Gleska University

Mission, SD 140.3 miles away

Located in Mission, SD Sinte Gleska University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Carpenter.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • E. Highway 18, 101 Antelope Lake Circle Mission, SD 57555-0105
  • (605) 856-8100

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Eastern Wyoming College

Torrington, WY 146.2 miles away

Located in Torrington, WY Eastern Wyoming College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Barbering, Beauty Cosmetology, and Machining Technology. The campus serves roughly 489 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $4,290
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,590
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Certification & Exams in South Dakota

  1. Complete an accredited medical assistant certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical externship hours and build confidence with front- and back-office skills.
  3. Sit for credentials like AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA based on employer preferences.

Tips for Choosing a Medical Assistant Program

  • Confirm the school is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited if you plan to earn the CMA credential.
  • Ask about lab simulations, EHR training, and how externship placements are coordinated.
  • Compare day, evening, and accelerated schedules that fit your work and family commitments.
  • Review certification exam pass rates, job placement support, and employer partnerships.

South Dakota Medical Assistant Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Medical Assistants (31-9092)
Data Year: 2024 • South Dakota

Median Pay (2024) $39,350 $18.92 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$40,190 per year $19.32 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $31,450

$15.12 per hour

25th Percentile $36,130

$17.37 per hour

75th Percentile $44,550

$21.42 per hour

90th Percentile $47,840

$23.00 per hour

South Dakota vs U.S.

Median Wage -11.0%
$39,350

$18.92 per hour

Mean Wage -10.1%
$40,190

$19.32 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 1,170

Employment: 1,170 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
2.58
Employment RSE
6.3%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
1,170 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

Explore Related Topics:

Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.