City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Education

Telephone: (605) 394-4034, (800) 544-8765

Address: 800 Mickelson Dr.

Description: One of four state-created technical schools in South Dakota, Western Dakota Technical Institute provides training for jobs in the fields of medicine, engineering, science, law, agriculture, mechanics, and more. Students can choose from among 25 programs that lead to an associate of applied science degree or a diploma. Courses of study at the accredited school include accounting, agriculture, business management, automotive technology, business management and marketing, cabinetmaking, collision-repair technology, computer-aided drafting (architectural and mechanical), industrial electronics, law-enforcement technology, medical transcription, paralegal/legal assistance, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy/patient care technician, practical nursing, welding, and others. A ranch management program is offered on a 496-acre working ranch in Sturgis. The approximately 4,000 students who go to school here have the use of on-site child care and a retail clothing store where they can get outfitted for a job interview or internship for a reasonable price. Students can buy meals on campus; however, they must find their own housing.