Get Ready for Day One

Immunizations

Before you start classes, there are a few health requirements to take care of.

South Dakota law requires students born after 1956 and attending a post-secondary institution for the first time to provide proof of immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella within 45 days of the start of classes. This can be verified through official health records or a completed Lake Area Tech health form signed by a licensed physician.

If you’re unsure of your immunization status, you’ll need to complete the required testing or vaccinations before attending. Students requesting an exemption can contact the Director of Enrollment to begin that process.

In the event of a state-declared outbreak, students without proof of immunization or immunity may be asked to leave campus until it’s resolved.

Program Immunization Requirements

Some programs, especially in healthcare, have additional requirements.

Students in programs like Nursing, Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and others must provide proof of specific vaccinations and complete additional health documentation. Requirements vary by program, so it’s best to review your program materials or connect directly with your department.

What to Expect

  • Required forms and documentation will be provided during the admissions process
  • Some programs may require additional screenings, exams, or background checks
  • Costs related to testing or vaccinations are the responsibility of the student

All Students in Non-Health Programs

  1. Physical/Health Form for Non-Health Programs
  2. Immunization Exemption Request Form

Health Program Students

  1. Physical/Health Form

Additional Immunization Requirements for Health Programs

Students enrolled in Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Med/Fire Rescue, Medical Lab Tech, Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Surgical Technology must provide proof of specified vaccinations.  For complete requirements, contact your program or view the Lake Area Tech Report of Health Evaluation (distributed to all applicants in the health programs listed above).

Additional Fees for Healthcare Students

Insurance, Exam Fees, Background Checks

Several health programs (Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Med/Fire Rescue, Medical Lab Tech, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Nursing) require their students to purchase a health occupations student liability insurance policy prior to entering any clinical site. The cost for this policy will range from $35.00 – $70.00 for $100,000/$300,000 coverage for one year (fee usually included in tuition bill). Proof of some type of liability coverage is required. Also, certain programs have additional fees for Licensure, Board, or Certification exams:

Community Health Worker: $50 background check to be completed by September 1st through CastleBranch

Medical Assisting: $95.00 National Certification Exam (included in tuition bill), $26-$38 background check

Dental Assisting: $425 National Board Exam

Practical Nursing: $375 Licensure Exam

Physical Therapist Assistant: $435.00 National Board Exam, individual state license costs vary, $80 APTA Membership, $25 SDPTA

Occupational Therapy Assistant: $500 Certification Exam, $10 SDOTA, and $75 AOTA

Medical Laboratory Technician: $215 Certification Exam (included in tuition bill, reimbursed after application receipt submitted)

Med/Fire Rescue: $70 EMT/Basic Exam, $120 EMT/Paramedic Exam

Registered Nursing: $375 Licensure Exam

Dental Assisting

  1. Physical/Health Form
  2. Immunization Declination Form
  3. Dental Exam Sheet
  4. TB Letter (See below)
  5. Essential Functions form-XDAFM

Medical Assisting

  1. Physical/Health Form
  2. Immunization Declination Form
  3. Hepatitis & HIV Hazard Notice
  4. TB Letter (See below)

MFR, MLT, PTA, OTA & SURG

  1. Physical/Health Form
  2. Immunization Declination Form
  3. TB Letter (See below)
  4. MLT- XMLT

Nursing Online and Campus – RN and PN

  1. Physical/Health Form
  2. Immunization Declination Form
  3. TB Letter (See below)

TB Letter

Two-Step Tuberculosis Test

All students in health programs are required to be screened for tuberculosis. You may elect to have this done by your personal physician, the county health nurse, or done at LATC after classes begin this fall. Keep in mind the test is valid only for one year and will be needed when you go on clinicals.

Please feel free to contact our admissions office at 605-882-5284 ext. 290 if you have any questions.