I just have one question, I am in a 2 year Associates program for MA, and with all the classes I HAVE to take, how can some of these colleges/or places teach all of it within a semester, or even a year??? Its alot to learn and I feel that if you have an associates degree in it versus some semester course that we should get the upper hand in getting the job offers for all hard work we actually put into getting the degree and the time. what does everyone else think??

Your Professional Title/Credentials: MA student

Are You Still In School? yes

Are You Working? yes

I don't believe that those getting their MA education in a year are in an Associates program, they are just learning the required courses for a "certificate of completion", that is what I did and it took me one year at the JC. I later went back and got my AA in university studies and it took me two years because non of my MA core courses were transferable (more courses than a regular associates because I was also taking pre-nursing and courses to transfer to a State College which requires more units than an associates, you can get an associates and not be eligible to transfer"

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CCMA-C, CLD

Are You Still In School? Nursing school (BSN)

Are You Working? Self employed certified birth doula

iF U wer 2 consantrate MA subgekts, scip the, 4 Rs requred 4 a durgre u2 kan b a MA.

Heck it even hurts my head to write like that

The difference being when it is said and done, you will have a degree. A degree program at a CC or JC will earn you a degree as well as possibly being accredited.

Clear as mud?

In one of my many past lives, when it is time to find someone to fill a supervisors position it was the folks with a degree (2 or 4 year) who got their resume in the stack for consideration before everyone else, regardless of experience, subject studied or ability. Also, some of the people I worked with in the past had taken time off from work or had gaps in employment. Folks with degrees were sorted to the top of the resume pile due to the degree again and given preferance. So IMO, if you are going to be in the workforce for any length of time it is better to get a degree, my degree happens to be in Medical Assisting. I hope it serves me in the future. Insert in Danny Glover voice, "I'm getting to old for this crap."

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA (AAMA)

Are You Still In School? no

Are You Working? yes

I speak from experience when I recommend you skip the associates degree and get certified through AAMA or AMT. If you are interested in a degree, there are much more financially rewarding careers to pursue. Not that I don't love my career, it's just that employers are not nearly as impressed with a MA associates degree as they are with certification. I had over $8,000.00 in loans to pay off making $11.50/hr.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: RMA

Are You Still In School? n

Are You Working? y