Handle the process.
RATE Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
Medical Assisting
Medical assistants are multiskilled health professionals specifically educated to work in a variety of healthcare settings performing clinical and administrative duties. The practice of medical assisting necessitates 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 Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for a role that moves between clinical care and administrative responsibility throughout the day. This is work that requires attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to shift focus without losing accuracy.
On the administrative side, you’ll learn to manage patient interactions, scheduling, coding, billing, and insurance procedures. On the clinical side, you’ll assist with exams, prepare patients, and handle instrument cleaning and sterilization. The expectation is clear: you understand both sides and can handle them well.
The program includes 11 months of competency-based instruction followed by a 255-hour supervised externship in a medical facility. This experience gives you a full view of how a healthcare setting operates and allows you to apply your skills alongside working professionals.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Program Goal and Minimum Expectations
It is the goal of the Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Technical College to prepare medical assistants who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. To achieve that goal, students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in all courses as a prerequisite to MA 240 Administrative and Clinical Externship. Students must earn a passing grade in their clinical externship in order to graduate.
Externship
As a student of medical assisting, you will be required to complete a 255-hour, non-paid, supervised externship in a medical facility. The externship will provide you with a total picture of your responsibilities as a medical assistant, including observation of a working health care facility. You’ll also gain valuable experience working with other healthcare professionals as you develop and utilize your technical skills.
Certification
Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams. Upon passing, students may earn the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA, AAMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA, AMT) credential.
Outcomes
The Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD, has the following outcomes based on the most recent Annual Report Form submitted to the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB) and the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP):
The Medical Assisting program at Lake Area Technical College has a five-year average of 86.84% exam passage for the years 2020–2024.
Medical Assisting Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify a variety of MAERB core curriculum objectives.
- Safely and effectively perform clinical or administrative tasks as an entry-level medical assistant.
- Display professionalism in the workplace and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing within a work environment.
- Communicate, interact, and work appropriately and effectively with patients, patients’ family, staff, and supervisors.
- Adhere to standards, policies, and procedures of the physician’s office within the medical assistant scope of practice, demonstrating ethical and legal behaviors.
- Display safe work practices to prevent injury and illness by adhering to the health and safety policies and procedures.
Accreditation
The Medical Assisting program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Review Board (MAERB).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 113th St. N. #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350
www.caahep.org
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Medical Assisting meets the educational requirements for professional certification. Professional certifications are recognized nationwide. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Occupational Risks
Occupational Risk for Medical Assisting
Medical Assisting is a profession with many rewards, as practitioners can perform administrative,
clinical, and laboratory services, filling several roles in a variety of healthcare environments. Medical Assistants work directly with providers and patients, with the goal of providing healthcare and ensuring patient safety. It is a position with a great deal of responsibility.
As with any healthcare position, there are certain occupation risks that come into play with being a
medical assistant, and those are hazards include the following:
- Exposure to infectious diseases
- Sharps injuries
- Bloodborne pathogens and biological hazards
- Chemical and drug exposure
- Ergonomic hazards from lifting, sitting, and repetitive tasks
- Latex allergies
- Stress
There are protections set up with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and those protections are particularly important within a healthcare environment. OSHA has a series of standards that protect the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
Accredited medical assisting programs are required to teach students about the hazards that they face on the job and the protocols that can be put into place to ensure a workplace culture that prioritizes safety.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics clearly outlines that is a growth field, with an anticipated 18% growth from 2020 to 2030.
Resources
- MA Proctor Form
- Policy Manual
- Cooperative Agreement for Externship
Hybrid Option
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with scheduled on-campus sessions. You'll complete part of your learning remotely and come to campus for labs, clinicals, or other hands-on experiences that require it. see if online learning is right for you.
Medical Assisting Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Medical Assisting degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Medical Assisting sector.
Medical Assistant
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program can pursue careers as Medical Assistants, working directly with healthcare providers to deliver high-quality patient care and support efficient clinic operations. In this role, you'll perform a combination of clinical and administrative responsibilities, including preparing patients for examinations, obtaining vital signs, administering medications, performing basic laboratory procedures, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy healthcare, patient interaction, and working as part of a medical team.
Where you might work:
• Family medicine clinics
• Specialty medical practices
• Urgent care centers
• Community health clinics
• Healthcare systems and physician offices
Clinical Office Coordinator
As a medical assistant graduate, you'll help keep healthcare facilities organized, efficient, and patient-focused. Graduates can expect to coordinate appointments, manage electronic health records, assist with insurance and billing procedures, communicate with patients, and support both clinical and administrative workflows. This role combines healthcare knowledge with strong organizational and communication skills.
Where you might work:
• Medical clinics
• Specialty healthcare practices
• Outpatient care centers
• Healthcare networks
• Multi-provider medical offices
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $5,160 |
| State Fees | $1,733 |
| Departmental Fee | $1,757 |
| Campus Support Fee | $1,194 |
| Course Fees | $300 |
| Books | $500 |
| Uniform | $200 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $12,034 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Medical Assisting FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What is a LATC’s medical assisting program and what do you learn?
Lake Area Technical College’s Medical Assisting program prepares students to become skilled medical assistants who support physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams in clinical and administrative roles. Students learn a comprehensive set of skills needed to work in medical offices, clinics, and healthcare facilities, including patient care, medical office procedures, and healthcare documentation. The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and real-world experience to ensure graduates are job-ready.
How long does it take to complete a medical assistant diploma?
The Medical Assistant diploma program at Lake Area Technical College can be completed in approximately 11 months, which includes two academic semesters, one summer session, and a supervised externship. The program follows a competency-based model designed to prepare students efficiently for entry-level healthcare employment.
Is this a good option for entry level training in the medical field?
Yes. Medical Assisting is an excellent entry-level healthcare career path for students who want to begin working in the medical field quickly. At LATC, Medical Assisting coursework include transferable credits that can be applied toward further education, such as progressing into the Practical Nursing (PN) program, making it a strong foundation for long-term career growth in healthcare.
What skills will I have after graduating medical assisting school?
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program gain a broad set of clinical, administrative, and laboratory skills, including patient intake, vital signs, medical documentation, scheduling, billing basics, and assisting with clinical procedures. Students also develop essential professional and interpersonal (affective) skills, such as communication, teamwork, professionalism, and patient-centered care.
What kind of jobs will I be eligible to apply for with a medical assistant diploma?
With a Medical Assistant diploma, graduates are qualified to apply for positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Most medical assistants work in physician offices, clinics, and outpatient facilities, but employment opportunities may also be available in specialty practices and other healthcare environments depending on interests and additional training.
How much do medical assistants earn after graduation?
Medical assistants earn an average salary of approximately $44,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and healthcare setting. Medical Assisting offers competitive entry-level wages with opportunities for advancement through experience or additional education.
Does medical assistant training include hands-on clinical experience or externship?
Yes. Medical Assistant students at LATC complete a 255-hour, unpaid, supervised externship in a medical facility. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their skills in a real healthcare setting, gain exposure to daily medical assistant responsibilities, and work alongside healthcare professionals before graduation.
How does an accredited medical assistant program benefit my career options?
Graduating from an accredited Medical Assisting program allows students to sit for nationally recognized certification exams. Upon successful completion, graduates may earn credentials such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA, AAMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA, AMT), which can improve job prospects, credibility with employers, and long-term career opportunities in healthcare.
Medical Assisting Staff
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