Beware- Inorder to be a PTA, you must graduate from an accredited PTA program with an AAS degree. There are no 3 month programs. You need to report them to the state board of health.

Here is the link to the accredited programs in the US

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?sect¦

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect¦

I teach medical front office and medical and coding. I've taught at private and public schools. There are pros and cons to private schools vs community college.

The community colleges, adult schools, ROP programs tend to be less expensive. However, as you mentioned, the college program takes a lot longer.

There are two things I would consider before choosing which way to go.

First of all, call around and ask different employers, especially if you already know where you'd like to work, which training program they prefer. Some companies won't hire graduates of certain programs. No sense doing a two year program only to find out employers won't want you, although that is generally not the case. On the other hand you could spend 4K, graduate in 3 months but if no one will hire you is it really worth it?

Find out what percentage of graduates get jobs and whether or not the program includes an externship. If you do have an externship find out where it is, how many hours and the percentage of students who get hired by the company after their externship. Also, does the school offer job placement assistance if needed?

Usually if you spend two years at a community college, you earn your associate degree. Some of the colleges allow you to take classes in such a way that you complete your physical therapy assistant program certificate in one year so you can get to work and then take the classes you need for your degree later.

Definitely make sure the private practice one is accredited. I've never heard of a program like that, so make sure you investigate it just in case!!