All instructors have many years of successful practical experience in the job areas they teach, as well as having professional education and academic training. All instructors are certified by the South Dakota Division of Workforce and Career Preparation. Each department sets its minimum standards based on industry requirements. All departments have attendance requirements.
Attendance is important to both the mastery of course skills and development of proper work habits.
There is currently a system-wide articulation between the six state universities and the four technical institutes. Many courses can be transferred directly. A student who needs information about transferability of specific courses should consult the registrar or the curriculum specialist, for the status of these courses can change. Also, some universities have historically accepted equivalency credits from Lake Area Tech graduates of certain programs. The Lake Area Tech graduate can, of course, negotiate individually with many universities in this context.