Q:  What program did you attend?

An Associates degree program in Accounting at the University of Phoenix. The program was based out of Austin, but I took the classes online.

Q:  How long was the program?

On average it runs 2 years. I took a year off in between so it took me 3 years.

Q:  Did you go to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

It was considered full time. You only take two classes, but because of the workload it is full time. Each class goes for nine weeks.

Q:  Were you happy with the training that you received?

I would have to say it was intermediate. I had some classes I received excellent training in, but then there were some classes that I did not feel like I learned anything. In those, everything was like grade school; the answers were there in front of me.  My core classes I virtually taught myself by going out and buying different books and learning the techniques through those.

Q:  What was the most difficult part of the program for you?

Really the whole interaction with the staff. My counselors were awesome and sometimes I felt bad for them because I would take out a lot on them. They were always very motivated, it just felt like a lot of times they had their hands tied.

Sometimes I couldn’t get a hold of my instructors online. I had one teacher flag me for plagiarism, but what had happened is that somebody else had posted the assignment a year prior, and the assignment required specific headings, so when you use those headings that she required those still pop up as plagiarized sections because they’re on the internet. I tried for three weeks to get a hold of her to talk about it.

Q:  About how many other students were in your classes?

On average there are 20-25 people in the classes, but you really only interact on the forums with about 8 that really take it serious.

Q:  What is your current career?

Right now I’m working part time at PetSmart.  I went on an accounting interview but was not selected.  There’s a lot that I still don’t know.  The program didn’t require any internship or externship. I wish it had. An Associates is not much in the work place these days. They often want you to have a Bachelors or 5 to 7 years experience.

Q:  What was the most important class/lesson from the program?

I learned about diversity and cultures and religions, that helped me understand different people. Also I learned a lot in leadership and management, things that make it easier for me to follow through and of course science courses I learned a lot in because I love science.

Q:  How much did it cost for you to complete the program?

$22,000. So far that’s what I’ve added up, they used more than one lender, so I’m not sure.

Q:  Did you receive any financial aid or scholarships?  Which ones?  Were these easy to obtain?

They helped with Pell grant money, not scholarships, I did try on my own but it never came my way. The only downfall is I didn’t get as much as I thought I would. I don’t know if my counselor didn’t know how much I was eligible because  they included my husband’s income, so I don’t know.

Q:  Were any of your classes online?

Yes my whole program was online, I did love that part.

Q:  Did you consider other programs?

Yes. First I wanted to do business management. When I went in they asked me if I was a number cruncher, things like that. I am good at things like that, so they talked me into going into accounting.

Q:  Did you consider other schools?

When I went back after taking a year off, I originally wanted to switch schools but I kept thinking I should just stick it out, plus I still owed money to the University of Phoenix.

Q:  Would you recommend this school to someone else? Why or why not?

I would for those who want the online convenience, I was able to log in at my own leisure and stay logged on however long I could, I loved that about it. The only thing I would say is before they get enrolled, be sure of what you want to go for. It’s very hard to transition. It’s not like a typical college where you can change your major five times. But if someone is dedicated it’s a good school.

Q:  For your particular program, are there any special licenses or certifications that you need to receive before getting a job?  If so, what are they and what do they entail, and did you get them by the time you graduated?

The CPA, certified public accountant.  I still need to go take that test, but I’m dreading it.

Q:  Any other advice?

Just do your research and find the school that’s going to fit you, and that’s more geared to what you want, if it’s business geared, don’t go there if your going to be a teacher. Look at what schools that are good for that. Just because they offer a program doesn’t mean it’s good. Look at the classes you take and really ask if you’re going to use that in your career. I didn’t do my research, but I intend to do my research next time for my Bachelors to know where I want to go.

View a list of Accounting programs offered in Texas.

Q:  What type of medical assisting program you are in?

You earn a certification, and it’s 14 months long. I finish in February.

Q:  Are you going to school on a full-time or part-time basis?

Full-time.

Q:  Are you happy with the training that you received?

Oh yes it’s a lot of hands on, it’s great.

Q:  What has been the most difficult part of the program for you?

Nothing really. They explain everything a lot, they can always go back and review it with  you or there’s always tutoring available too.

Q:  About how many other students were in your classes?

It varies. We start with about 32 and we are ending with like 14.

Q:  Are you currently working?

No, I’m a stay at home mom.

Q:  How would things be different for you if you hadn’t received this training?

Well first I tried to be a full RN at another school, El Paso Community College, but there it’s harder and I had a tough time contacting the teachers.  So I was going in for my RN but only  finished some basic stuff at the beginning. I didn’t like it, but I might have had to do  something like that if I didn’t have this training.

Q:  What was the most important class or lesson from the program?

The hands on nature. You have to pay really close attention, like for phlebotomy, and taking shots, and the EKG’s.

Q:  How much did it cost for you to complete the program?

It was $13,000, but it includes uniforms and books, tools, everything.

Q:  Did you receive any financial aid or scholarships?  Which ones?  Were these easy to obtain?

You get an $8,000 grant, almost everyone gets that one. The rest, you don’t have to pay until 6 months after graduation with the loans and if your still having trouble they’ll work  something out for you.

Q:  Were any of your classes online?

No they don’t have any for this program.

Q:  Did you consider other programs?

No, I went right to it this time.

Q:  Why did you choose the school you did?

I didn’t look at another school, I had received a really good reference from a friend about  that school.

Q:  Would you recommend this school to someone else?

Yes, like I told you, you can always go back and ask the teachers if you don’t get it.  They’re always asking you if you need help with anything.

Q:  For your particular program, are there any special licenses or certifications that you need to receive before getting a job?  If so, what are they and what do they entail, and will you get them by the time you graduate?

You get a national certification just as long as you pass the test, and the price for it is  included as well in the tuition. You don’t have to pay that unless you have to take it a  second time. I don’t  know if you have to renew it.

Q:  Was there anything that you wish you would have known at the start to help you get through the program?

When you register you get an orientation where they tell you what to expect and it’s truly  what you get. So you don’t go in expecting the unexpected.

Q:  Any advice for those considering a medical assisting program?

It takes a lot of dedication. Make sure you really want to do it. If you don’t have patience or don’t like to work around people, you shouldn’t be a medical assistant.

If you think you want to be a medical assistant, the first thing you’ll want to do is find the right program.  Check out our list of Texas schools offering medical assisting programs to find one near you.