Diploma VS Credit hours (associate degree, school, accreditation, assistant)

[glass_of_merlot]

I want to become a PTA ( physcial therapy Assistant ). In the community colle I go to it equals a associate degree. First I need to have my basics such as English, Math, Communication and so on. Then I can enter the PTA program. We are talking maybe 3 years if you start out fresh. I have also heard of people taking the same "course" through a Tech or Trade School in less than a year! A girl I work with now went to get a diploma in Respiratory Therapy. It took her 9 months. That was through a trade school.
What is a better deal you think? I am currently going the Community college route! It is cheaper fro me.

[lisdol]

I'd stick with the cheaper one as long as the accreditation is full and the program has a good reputation. There is a difference between PT tech and PTA - the trade school might be a tech program. I have no idea how the girl got the diploma in RT - I thought it was all at least associate degree programs now to get the RRT.

Also, your general ed credits will transfer from the CC if you decide to go further where the trade school might not have transferable coursework.

[Pupmom]

Call physical therapists in your area or the hospital facilities - ask them what credentials they are looking for when they hire a PTA (you may not get the correct answer from the school.)

[glass_of_merlot]

Originally Posted by lisdol

I'd stick with the cheaper one as long as the accreditation is full and the program has a good reputation. There is a difference between PT tech and PTA - the trade school might be a tech program. I have no idea how the girl got the diploma in RT - I thought it was all at least associate degree programs now to get the RRT.

Also, your general ed credits will transfer from the CC if you decide to go further where the trade school might not have transferable coursework.

See, thats the thing. In a CC my credits will transfer in case I decide to become a regular PT and want to continue my education. If I went the Trade school route they would not transfer I think? I just found out that my co worker paid 26,000 for her diploma ( she has not found a job in her field yet )! My tuition is 900 dollars for full time ( 12 hours or more ).