Best Patient Care Technician Schools in South Dakota

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in South Dakota, the school you choose makes a big difference. The right training program can prepare you for certification, clinical skills, and the realities of the job.

In South Dakota, there are several colleges and training centers that offer quality PCT or related healthcare training. Here's what you should know before you sign up.

What a Patient Care Technician Does

A PCT works alongside nurses and doctors to care for patients in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Duties often include:

  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with daily living activities
  • Collecting lab samples
  • Recording patient information
  • Helping with medical procedures under supervision

Most PCTs are trained in skills that combine nursing assistant work, phlebotomy, and EKG testing. That means your education needs to cover both basic care and technical medical skills.

In South Dakota, most employers require PCTs to hold a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential and sometimes additional certifications for EKG or phlebotomy.

Education and Training Requirements

South Dakota does not have a separate state license for "Patient Care Technician." Instead, employers hire PCTs who have:

  1. A CNA certification through the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
  2. Additional training in phlebotomy, EKG, and advanced patient care.

Training programs vary, but the usual steps include:

1. Complete a CNA program
Approved by the South Dakota Department of Health.

2. Pass the CNA competency exam
This exam includes a written test and clinical skills portion.

3. Enroll in a PCT or multi-skill technician program
Adds phlebotomy, EKG, and other patient care skills.

4. Earn optional national certifications
Such as Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) from the National Healthcareer Association.

Best Patient Care Technician Schools in South Dakota

Here are some of the top programs and schools that can prepare you for a PCT career.
Note: Many schools list these courses under allied health, nursing assistant, or multi-skill technician programs.

1. Southeast Technical College - Sioux Falls

  • Program Type: CNA + Advanced Patient Care Skills
  • Length: CNA training in a few weeks; advanced training varies
  • Highlights: Hands-on labs, hospital partnerships, flexible schedules
  • Website: https://southeasttech.edu

2. Lake Area Technical College - Watertown

  • Program Type: Allied Health Care Technician
  • Length: 1-year diploma
  • Highlights: Combines CNA, phlebotomy, and EKG in one program
  • Website: https://www.lakeareatech.edu

3. Western Dakota Technical College - Rapid City

  • Program Type: Health Science programs with CNA prep and specialty electives
  • Length: Varies
  • Highlights: Strong clinical training, on-campus simulation lab
  • Website: https://www.wdt.edu

4. Mitchell Technical College - Mitchell

  • Program Type: Medical Assistant Technology (adaptable for PCT career)
  • Length: 2-year degree
  • Highlights: Covers patient care, medical office support, and lab skills
  • Website: https://www.mitchelltech.edu

5. Community HealthCare CNA Programs

  • Program Type: Short-term CNA classes offered through hospitals or adult education centers
  • Length: 4-8 weeks
  • Highlights: Affordable, quick entry into patient care work
  • Examples: SD Department of Health CNA training list

Training Program Comparison

School / Program CNA Training Included Phlebotomy Included EKG Training Program Length
Southeast Technical College Yes Optional Optional Weeks to months
Lake Area Technical College Yes Yes Yes 1 year
Western Dakota Technical College Yes Yes Optional Varies
Mitchell Technical College No (can add) Yes Yes 2 years
Community HealthCare CNA Programs Yes No No 4-8 weeks

How to Choose the Right School

When comparing PCT schools in South Dakota, consider:

  • Accreditation and approval (look for SD Board of Nursing-approved CNA programs)
  • Location and commute distance
  • Class schedules (day, evening, online theory)
  • Hands-on training hours
  • Partnerships with hospitals or clinics

If you plan to move to another state later, check whether your training meets that state's requirements.

Steps to Get Started

  1. Decide your training path - CNA only first, or full multi-skill program.
  2. Check approved schools on the SD Board of Nursing list.
  3. Apply early - classes often fill fast, especially summer CNA courses.
  4. Gather needed documents - high school diploma/GED, immunization records, background check.
  5. Complete training and pass exams - state CNA test plus any other certifications.
  6. Apply for jobs - hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics often hire graduates right away.

Final Advice

If you want to become a Patient Care Technician in South Dakota, start with a solid CNA program. Then build your skills with phlebotomy and EKG training. Stick to schools that have strong clinical partnerships and plenty of lab time.

Here's what you need to do next:
Check the CNA-approved program list from the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Contact one or two schools from the list above to compare start dates and tuition. Choose a program that gives you both certification prep and real-world practice. That's how you'll be ready to step into your first patient care job with confidence.

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