Best Medical Assistant Programs in Watertown, South Dakota (2025)

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

Medical Assistant Programs in Watertown, South Dakota

Across the Watertown area, medical assistants keep clinics moving—greeting and rooming patients, coordinating referrals and prior authorizations, and prepping exam rooms and sterilizing instruments. Nearby programs combine practical labs with on‑site externships across local specialty clinics and multi‑specialty groups, orthopedics and cardiology offices so you can contribute with confidence from day one.

Below, you can find classroom and hybrid programs around Watertown, plan an externship with clinics, hospital affiliates, and private practices around Watertown, and get ready for AAMA CMA, AMT RMA, or NHA CCMA — and see wages and job outlook across the Mount Rushmore State.

Flexible Medical Assistant Programs Serving Watertown, South Dakota:


Medical Assistant Training near Watertown

#1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD 2.9 miles away

Located in Watertown, SD Lake Area Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 44.9 miles away

Located in Brookings, SD South Dakota State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aircraft Mechanic (A&P), Construction Management, and Construction Manager.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Northern State University

Aberdeen, SD 74.7 miles away

Located in Aberdeen, SD Northern State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Art and Design Foundations, and Graphic Design.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Southwest Minnesota State University

Marshall, MN 75.3 miles away

Located in Marshall, MN Southwest Minnesota State University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, and Entrepreneurship.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Granite Falls, MN 78.2 miles away

Located in Granite Falls, MN Minnesota West Community and Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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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

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