SJVC – Rancho Cucamonga vs Concorde – San Bernardino

Hi All,
I am an older adult wanting to go back to school and wanting to make a new life for myself. I am hoping to start a program at either SJVC – Rancho Cucamonga or Concorde – San Bernardino soon, and was hoping for some feedback about them from those of you currently attending and also graduates.
I have spoken to one of them in person already and had a great feeling about the school, the other I spoke to someone on the phone and was not very happy with the responses and attitude. My problem is that I think the one I was not happy with might cost less, and since I am having trouble coming up with the co-signor I need to cover the last part of the tuition that the Stafford loans would not cover, I might really have to settle, which I prefer not to do.
So, anyone able to tell me cost for either of these schools so I can confirm or not my research?
Also, I was wanting to know the following: How were the instructors? Where are you doing/have done your externships? Were the externships reasonably located to the school/home? How many of you had job offers by the time you finished school? Did you feel able and ready to take the CRT and RRT exams when it came time?
Also, any further info you feel would be helpful, please feel free to let me know. If anyone knows of any scholarships etc that might help me to realize my goal that would be greatly appreciated.

Also, how about American Career College? I just realized they have a program at the Ontario Campus and am waiting for them to call me back.

Anyone know anything about this school/program?

Thanks

Well, I got a response from American Career College in Ontario, CA, they stated they are currently enrolling for their fist class, which will begin in July and will be accepting 50 students. Isn't 50 students alot? Is that the normal amount that are accepted at the career colleges?

50 per class is a lot. ACC is a new program; so most likely they will lure in potential students with a slightly cheaper rate. I would recommend going to SJVC or Concorde in San Bernadino being that these two programs have been around for about 4 years and have proven pass rates and are fully accredited; they have about 25 students per class. Not to mention they have an established reputation and clinical sites. If you must got the private college route go to SJVC or Concorde; that area however has several excellent community colleges. I went to Mt Sac personally and think its the best program out there but I may be a bit biased. Besides Mt Sac, there is Crafton Hills College, Victorville and ELAC. Finding a job after school is never guarenteed by any program as it is against the law to offer such a promise. The economy will dictate the job market. All these programs will make you eligible and ready to take the CRT and RRT. Knowing most the instructors at all the programs mentioned with the exception of ACC, they are all pretty good and are teaching for the right reasons.

I thought that was alot, I just read another board that said the ACC in Garden Grove stared in May with 55 students I think it was. Hte rep in Ontario first told me 40 students and then the next day changed it to 50 students, and claimed that it was only their second day enrolling students in the program and they already had 15-20 enrolled.

I agree that community colleges would be the way to go if I really wanted to wait a while, but I would prefer to get my schooling done in a more timely manner. Crafton Hills only accepts 16 students per year out of however many that apply who have all of their pre-reqs done, so I am sure they have are not that easy to get into.

I really liked the people at Concorde and am still trying to see how I can swing the private student loan I would need. Cant seem to find a co-signor. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks for your input.

Can anyone confirm the tuition costs at SJVC? It's not something they are willing to divulge over the phone, it's quit frustrating really. Hopefully someone out there who is in the program or has met with a representative can help me out with this. FYI: ACC is 38K, Concorde 41K, SJVC?

Joe in Azusa, California said: Can anyone confirm the tuition costs at SJVC? It's not something they are willing to divulge over the phone, it's quit frustrating really. Hopefully someone out there who is in the program or has met with a representative can help me out with this. FYI: ACC is 38K, Concorde 41K, SJVC?

Frustrated is not even close to how I feel. I found them to be quite rude also.

I have no first hand knowledge of the cost, but I found a catalog of theirs online, that says expired 04/30/09 that states the cost for the SJVC program at Rancho Cucamonga is $30,060. Don't know for sure how accurate that is and if they have raised there fees for this year or not, so as you said, maybe someone who will be starting the program next month can answer with a more accurate figure.

Thanks for the info, by chance to you have a link? I've scoured through the internet searching for the costs with no luck obviously.

I thought I had my mind made up to go to ACC, but 8K is a pretty significant difference. I guess I will go ahead and meet with the counselor at SJVC after all. Hopeful, have you made up your mind yet?

Joe in Azusa, California said: Thanks for the info, by chance to you have a link? I've scoured through the internet searching for the costs with no luck obviously.

I thought I had my mind made up to go to ACC, but 8K is a pretty significant difference. I guess I will go ahead and meet with the counselor at SJVC after all. Hopeful, have you made up your mind yet?

www.sjvconline.edu/docs/2009/SJVC-Catalog-2009.pdf

page 209

Not yet, but I am really leaning toward Concorde, my daughter is attending another course there, and I really like it and feel comfortable with the way they operate so far.

Today, I went to ACC Ontario campus and pass the CPAt entrance exam. Ontario Campus new building and staff are very impressive. I think first time the RT program starting in ontario campus. I think SJVC have very tough exam and rude staff. I am not worried about fees. because once i start working in RT field, i will pay off in two years (if i do overtime one day a week). In any college, they are not going to teach you every thing, they will only guide you. Rest of the things, you have to do your own and you can learn from the hospital during clinicle. Good thing about ACC is, after you finish RT program in 20 months, you can eligible for CRT & RRT license exams. I also pass entrance exam at Concord SB. I will not join with Concord SB because they have entry level RT program, you can only get eligible for CRT, not RRT. So, it is not worth for me to join Concord. It doesn't make sense to me. I think it is worth to pay 38k in ACC to get eligible for CRT & RRT. Today i was talking to lady at ACC Ontario, she said, they are getting more and more students for the RT program. RT class (50 students)will be full before July 20th. They have first come first policy. I want to just finish RT program, pass CRT/RRT exam, get back to work and take care of my family. I have my two close friends, they are working as RT in the hospitals and they advised me that just finish RT program. Once you get your license and some experience, It doesn't matter, which college you finished your RT program.

David in Pomona, California said: Today, I went to ACC Ontario campus and pass the CPAt entrance exam. Ontario Campus new building and staff are very impressive. I think first time the RT program starting in ontario campus. I think SJVC have very tough exam and rude staff. I am not worried about fees. because once i start working in RT field, i will pay off in two years (if i do overtime one day a week). In any college, they are not going to teach you every thing, they will only guide you. Rest of the things, you have to do your own and you can learn from the hospital during clinicle. Good thing about ACC is, after you finish RT program in 20 months, you can eligible for CRT & RRT license exams. I also pass entrance exam at Concord SB. I will not join with Concord SB because they have entry level RT program, you can only get eligible for CRT, not RRT. So, it is not worth for me to join Concord. It doesn't make sense to me. I think it is worth to pay 38k in ACC to get eligible for CRT & RRT. Today i was talking to lady at .

Thank you for your input - did the 38k cover all fees, uniforms, books, and licensing fees? Are there any additional fees not covered? And just FYI- Concorde is now Advanced RRT program, they have done away with the entry level program. I also liked that Concorde has 1 day more per week of class and ends in 19 months.

Did ACC happen to mention where they have set up their externships? That is something I would really like to know. Also, if you don't mind me asking, did you need to get any private student loans or were they able to offer enough other aid so private loans were not necessary?

The 38K covers everything as far as I know, the only exception may be the licensing fees, though it could very well be included. I'm just not sure and didn't ask.

I haven't completed my financial aid paperwork yet, but I doubt I'll qualify for anything but loans. In my case I will have to secure an outside loan to pay for the difference (about 18K or so).

I hope my experience with SJVC is much different than yours David, because so far they're my number one choice. Tuition is about 5K less, program is 2 months shorter, and they have an established program. How difficult is the entrance exam/requirements? Do you remember what tests were given?

Hi. I was browsing the net and came across this website. I'm a current SJVC RT student and confirm the cost for the RT program is $30,500 (this cost will be cheaper if your college credits for math, english, computers 101, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, ethics, transfer over). The RT program here is an 18-month program and I keep hearing from different clinical sites how ppl love the knowledgeable SJVC students.
An acquaintance told me she went to interview at Concorde and she was told by Concorde, their program cost is $30,000, but the sad part is, these students are qualified to test for CRT upon graduation, these students will have to pay an addition $6000 ($36,000 total at this point) AND go through an additional 6 months of school in order to test for the RRT. I'm not sure how concrete this information bc I didn't go to Concorde to apply.

If there is a concern about the clinical sites, then I can say,
we students can expect to drive up to 60 miles (one way) to our clinical site.

I think I remember there being 3 entrance exams. There was math, english and scientific... The scientific exam is unusual bc they have alot of graphs and charts.

good luck to everyone.

some websites to read more about becoming a RT:
www.aarc.org
www.rcb.ca.gov/
video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=respiratory+therapist&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=J1QzStLeG5DutAPBttDnCQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=5&ct=title#

Joe in Azusa, California said: The 38K covers everything as far as I know, the only exception may be the licensing fees, though it could very well be included. I'm just not sure and didn't ask.

I haven't completed my financial aid paperwork yet, but I doubt I'll qualify for anything but loans. In my case I will have to secure an outside loan to pay for the difference (about 18K or so).

I hope my experience with SJVC is much different than yours David, because so far they're my number one choice. Tuition is about 5K less, program is 2 months shorter, and they have an established program. How difficult is the entrance exam/requirements? Do you remember what tests were given?

Have you had your appointment with SJVC yet Joe? If so, can you give me your impressions and verify the cost please?

RT-Hopeful in San Bernardino, California said: Have you had your appointment with SJVC yet Joe? If so, can you give me your impressions and verify the cost please?

Hopefull, I have yet to meet with them. However, I was able to talk to someone over the phone and calculated the costs to be around $32,600, give or take a few hundred.

Here's some news for those of you considering, SJVC, Concorde, ACC, or Mt. SAC...An RT friend of mine introduced her husband to the Director of the RT program at Mt.Sac and after much ado found out that job applicants from Mt. Sac are looked at more favorably, all things being equal. The progression thereafter goes: SJVC, Concorde, then ACC (only because they are a new program). Take that information for what it's worth and with a grain of salt...just thought I'd let you guys know.

Joe in Azusa, California said: Hopefull, I have yet to meet with them. However, I was able to talk to someone over the phone and calculated the costs to be around $32,600, give or take a few hundred.

Here's some news for those of you considering, SJVC, Concorde, ACC, or Mt. SAC...An RT friend of mine introduced her husband to the Director of the RT program at Mt.Sac and after much ado found out that job applicants from Mt. Sac are looked at more favorably, all things being equal. The progression thereafter goes: SJVC, Concorde, then ACC (only because they are a new program). Take that information for what it's worth and with a grain of salt...just thought I'd let you guys know.

Thats very nice to know, thanks (both pieces of info). Were the people at SJVC you spoke to more helpful than the one I spoke to? Actually, thats probably a stupid question if you got that much info from them. And if their program is that price, I might be able to cover the costs with them without any private loans, so maybe I should give it another shot.

Good luck with your decision.

Joe in Azusa, California said: Hopefull, I have yet to meet with them. However, I was able to talk to someone over the phone and calculated the costs to be around $32,600, give or take a few hundred.

Here's some news for those of you considering, SJVC, Concorde, ACC, or Mt. SAC...An RT friend of mine introduced her husband to the Director of the RT program at Mt.Sac and after much ado found out that job applicants from Mt. Sac are looked at more favorably, all things being equal. The progression thereafter goes: SJVC, Concorde, then ACC (only because they are a new program). Take that information for what it's worth and with a grain of salt...just thought I'd let you guys know.

Just remember that there are 4 Concorde's in Southern California - San Diego, San Bernadino, Garden Grove and North Hollywood. Each has different teachers and clinical sites; so the disparity varies with the campus. I personally think Garden Grove is the best. ACC will also have 3 campuses; Anaheim, LA and Ontario. SJVC also has multiple campuses but only Rancho Cucamonga is in Southern CA. So you cant just list SJVC, Concorde and ACC; you have to do it by campus. Community college is always the best route if you have 5 years to spare. In that case MtSAC, ELAC, Crafton Hills and OCC are my top picks. Lastly don't pick a school based on how rude the people in admissions are; they have little to nothing to do with the actual program. All schools with the exception of Concorde North Hollywood is CRT/RRT eligible and all the proprietary schools are about 18-20 months and cost between 30-40 grand; depending on credits and type of loan you get.

boredrt in Claremont, California said: Lastly don't pick a school based on how rude the people in admissions are; they have little to nothing to do with the actual program.

Excellent advise, thank you very much

When people say community college RT programs are the best way to go, are they referring to the program or the cost? Are the programs really that different? is yes, how so? Would it be easier to be employed having earned the degree from Mt.Sac versus SJVC? From my understanding, SJVC is accredited by the same institution (WASC) as other community colleges. I'm not sure about other private schools.

hauyoudoing in Costa Mesa, California said: When people say community college RT programs are the best way to go, are they referring to the program or the cost? Are the programs really that different? is yes, how so? Would it be easier to be employed having earned the degree from Mt.Sac versus SJVC? From my understanding, SJVC is accredited by the same institution (WASC) as other community colleges. I'm not sure about other private schools.

The reason why community college is considered the better way to go is:
1. Cost
2. Pace of program
3. General education requirements are much more rigourous and transferable

Negatives:
1. Length of prorgam
2. Long waiting lists
3. less enrollements
Yes SJVC is WASC accredited; all programs have either regional or national accredidation. The employer most likley wont care where you went to school unless maybe you went to the same school they did.

hauyoudoing in Costa Mesa, California said: When people say community college RT programs are the best way to go, are they referring to the program or the cost? Are the programs really that different? is yes, how so? Would it be easier to be employed having earned the degree from Mt.Sac versus SJVC? From my understanding, SJVC is accredited by the same institution (WASC) as other community colleges. I'm not sure about other private schools.

Both the cost and the program. I went to victor valley college and just graduated in june. It is definitely worth the wait to get your associates degree as well. What if you decide to continue your education? Then at least you have an associates and can work on your bachelors.

BOREDRT in Montebello, California said: The reason why community college is considered the better way to go is:
1. Cost
2. Pace of program
3. General education requirements are much more rigourous and transferable

Negatives:
1. Length of prorgam
2. Long waiting lists
3. less enrollements
Yes SJVC is WASC accredited; all programs have either regional or national accredidation. The employer most likley wont care where you went to school unless maybe you went to the same school they did.

I agree. Employers never ask where you went to school. They care that you have a licence and many are now asking for the RRT within two years, so it makes no sense to go to concord.

piper in Victorville, California said: I agree. Employers never ask where you went to school. They care that you have a licence and many are now asking for the RRT within two years, so it makes no sense to go to concord.

Concorde is now an RRT program only as many accelerated programs are, so its not a matter of going to community college for RRT but rather about time involved.

piper in Victorville, California said: Both the cost and the program. I went to victor valley college and just graduated in june. It is definitely worth the wait to get your associates degree as well. What if you decide to continue your education? Then at least you have an associates and can work on your bachelors.

Associates is the minimum required to get licensed, so you can get an Associates anywhere that is COARC approved, but that does not necessarily mean that all the courses you take to get it are transferable to all other schools to continue your education.

Joe in Azusa, California said: Can anyone confirm the tuition costs at SJVC? It's not something they are willing to divulge over the phone, it's quit frustrating really. Hopefully someone out there who is in the program or has met with a representative can help me out with this. FYI: ACC is 38K, Concorde 41K, SJVC?

SJVC tuittion 30k

hi, i am yet to enroll myself into the SJVC RT program.. i have a question, does SJVC care if your community college transcript looks bad? lets say i've been on probation or have been dismissed for one semester.. btw i went to MTSAC but i didnt do well my first year. Will they deny me at first glance at my transcript? or are they just going check which credits are transferrable? someone answer my questions, please.

In my preliminary meeting with the RT rep she made no mention of bad grades, probation, etc as a detriment to being accepted. I think all they're looking for is the transferability of certain courses to meet the general studies requirements for an AS degree.

are the entrance exams in SJVC similar to placement tests?

I started at SJVC in May of '09 and It was $30,000.00 and change at that time.

Joe in Azusa, California said: Thanks for the info, by chance to you have a link? I've scoured through the internet searching for the costs with no luck obviously.

I thought I had my mind made up to go to ACC, but 8K is a pretty significant difference. I guess I will go ahead and meet with the counselor at SJVC after all. Hopeful, have you made up your mind yet?

I was going to go to SJVC for Medical Assisting and they almost had me.....The tuition was to the tune of 26,000 and for medical assisting yeah right....however I heard they have a really good RT program.....be careful and the administration is rather rude as well.

LadybugLVN;) in La Verne, California said: I was going to go to SJVC for Medical Assisting and they almost had me.....The tuition was to the tune of 26,000 and for medical assisting yeah right....however I heard they have a really good RT program.....be careful and the administration is rather rude as well.

WOW, thats alot for Medical Assisting. My daughter is in an MA program for half that price.

Has anyone heard anything about the SJVC RT program in Rancho Cordova, CA? Also, does anyone know anything about the Grants Obama is encouraging displaced homemakers to take? Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

How many days a week and for how many hours per day is the RT program at SJVC? Thanks

I went to SJVC they lost my certificate, they said they had mailed it out, and i did not get anything so all I get is my transcripts and they refuse to order another certificate for me... so much for 22,000

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH IT COST TO GO TO CONCORDE CAREER COLLEGE FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY?

Mimi in Victorville, California said: DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH IT COST TO GO TO CONCORDE CAREER COLLEGE FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY?

I called a few months ago to inquire and was told it was in excess of 40K.

No jobs for RT's in Azusa, California said: I called a few months ago to inquire and was told it was in excess of 40K.

I'm starting Concorde in Kansas city on Monday. Cost for the 15 month program is costing me about 28k. 95 percent will be subsidized loans.