Best Online Healthcare Programs in Watertown, SD (2026)
Watertown, South Dakota has a population of about 22,859. The city’s median household income is $62,721 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited healthcare programs within 100 miles of Watertown, with tuition ranging from $9,633 to $24,447 per year. In South Dakota, the top-earning healthcare-related role is Medical and Health Services Manager at a median $116,210 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Healthcare Schools to Watertown
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer healthcare programs. Distances are calculated from Watertown city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | 2.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Dakota State University | Brookings, SD | 44.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Dakota State University | Madison, SD | 62.0 mi | $9,633 - $24,447 | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 78.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, SD | 94.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Dakota schools on the South Dakota healthcare page.
Healthcare Wages Near Watertown
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Dakota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $116,210 |
| Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar | $60,470 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $50,320 |
| Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $44,420 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $51,960 |
| Epidemiologist | N/A |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Watertown at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,721 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Healthcare-related employment in Codington County | 1,986 workers, 95 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Watertown-Area Cities With Healthcare Programs
- Brookings, SD – 45.7 mi away (24,357 pop)
- Aberdeen, SD – 74.6 mi away (28,291 pop)
- Sioux Falls, SD – 97.0 mi away (177,629 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited healthcare programs are near Watertown, SD?
Our directory lists 5 healthcare programs within 100 miles of Watertown. The closest is Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD (2.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Mitchell Technical College (94.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying healthcare roles in South Dakota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying healthcare-related roles in South Dakota are: Medical and Health Services Manager ($116,210), Health Information Technologist or Medical Registrar ($60,470), Healthcare Social Worker ($51,960). Wages for Watertown workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Brookings instead of Watertown?
Brookings, SD is 45.7 miles from Watertown and has its own set of local healthcare programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Watertown an affordable place to study healthcare?
Watertown’s median household income of $62,721 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Watertown while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Dakota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
Back to Best Online Healthcare Programs in South Dakota (2026)
Return to Best Online Healthcare Programs in South Dakota (2026)