It's a matter of preference. However, read the below very carefully before making that decision.
Associates (Community College Level) vs. Bachelors (Four Year College or University)
Community College Level
An Associate degree (two year community college) is designed as a two year program of study as a full-time student provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college. Evidently it would take longer as a part-time student. Within the United States, the associates typically falls into three main categories; Associates of Arts (AA), Associates of Science (AS), and Associates of Applied Science (AAS). An associates of arts (AA), and associates in science (AS) degrees are typically designed for transfer to a four year college or university. Therefore, these degrees have a strong liberal arts emphasis and include a good balance of humanities, social science, and written communication along with the exact sciences especially in higher level math. They also have the foundational course work needed as prerequisites for the higher level courses at the four year institution. The AAS was typically designed as a terminal degree giving the student all the expertise needed to enter the workforce after completion of the degree. However, today, many AAS degree are transferable to four year institutions, but the student should meet with the transfer counselor for appropriate direction when it comes to the AAS degrees. Depending on the program of study and state mandates, the associates can take anywhere from 60 to 64 credits to complete. Some programs of study (usually within the health related fields) may take a bit more in credits.
Four Year College or University Level
The Bachelor's degree (four year college or university)is designed as a four year program of study provided the student takes the degree as prescribed by the college or university. Again, part-time students will take longer to complete the degree. How long it would take depends on the credit load taken per semester. Basically, within the United States there are two common categories; Bachelors of Arts (BA), and Bachelors of Science (BS). It depends on the institution and department within the school as to which focus they prefer.
The BA has a broader scope, with a strong emphasis on the humanities, theoretical and general knowledge in a recognized discipline, interdisciplinary field, or of a professional study.
The BS is more of a focused approach with a science base to include a balance of liberal arts, technological knowledge, math and computer oriented skills, and practical skills needed for a particular discipline within the field.
The number of credits required depends on the specific school and program of study. In general, for colleges and universities that operate on a semester system, the bachelors can take between 120 and 128 credits to complete. Some programs of study may take more. For example, architecture. The following are some differences between community colleges, and four year colleges and universities.
Community College
Many individuals start at the community college level for a variety of reasons to include:
Four Year Colleges and Universities
In the end, it is a matter of preference. Do you like being a big fish in a little pond, or a little fish in a big pond? Whichever you choose, you must be happy with your school, its offerings, the services provided, and environment. If you're not happy, you will not fair as well.
No the associate degree comes first followed by the bachelor's degree. However, many students go directly for the bachelor's degree without pursuing the associates degree.
Most people with a financial planner certification either have an associates degree in accounting or a bachelor's degree in finance. A person looking for that certification should get a degree first.
You need a PhD, which is beyond a Master's Degree. Meaning that you'd get an Associate's first, then a Bachelor's, then a Master's, then a Doctoral.
yes.
You can start with an associate degree, then the bachelor's degree. To pursue a master's or doctorate, you must complete a bachelor's degree first.
Typically, if you wish to place college degrees in chronological order, it would be the associates degree first (two years), followed by the bachelors (four years), then the masters, then doctorate.
For colleges and universities within the United States, you must have a bachelor's degree first.
No it does not. Some students pursue the associate degree first and then transfer to a four year institution to finish the bachelor's degree. However, pursing a bachelors degree does not automatically give you an associates degree.
You will have to go on for your bachelor's degree first which is a critical prerequisite to apply for a master's degree program. If you completed the associates degree in a transferable program, it will take approximately another 60 to 68 credits to complete a bachelor's degree. Then you can apply for a program at the master's level which can take approximately two to three years to complete post bachelor's degree.
I can't think of any Master's Degree or Doctoral programs that don't require a Bachelor's degree first. That doesn't mean that you can't still work toward the program, but you will probably have to get more credits (a bachelor's degree usually is 4 years, and an associates is 2... so two years worth of credits typically) first.
No. You first have to get your bachelor's degree before you are eligible for a master's degree program.
First off let me state that we are by no means "TECHNICIANS"!! Let us get our terminology straight. If you are getting an Associates Degree & Pass your registry. You would then be known as a Radiology "Technologist"! You can now apply at some accredited University and go for a Bachelor's Degree in Radiology and if you really want to further your education, you can pursue a Master's Degree. Just keep in mind that times are hard and more than likely you will get PAID as if you received an Associates Degree. Why pay someone with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree more, when you can pay less with an Associates Degree. Hope this helps!