<p>When I applied for college, I was accepted as a Fine Arts student. After a year of that, I became freaked out about the idea of freelancing or unemployment in my field so I switched into 3D Animation in hopes that it would be a more stable yet still creative career choice. I only have 3 semesters left of the program and I really have no interest in creating 3D animations nor do I have any interest in trying to survive as an animator after college. There is still this sense of unemployment in the near future with this degree since I wasn't able to learn animation as well as I had predicted. I have plenty of ambition but hardly any skill to work with.</p>
<p>I've been looking into programs at community colleges in the area and in my home town (since I won't have enough money to fund another change in major). I did discovere that I have an interest in Physical Therapy Assisting and want to pursue that but my parents are extremely disappointed and upset about my plan. </p>
<p>I am really conflicted by my parent's reaction and my want to pursue an A.A.S. in PTA. I need some second opinions on the situation.</p>
<p>Thank you! I’ll post it in the Careers forum. I only know about PTA from what I’ve read online (and soon through a job shadow with someone in the field). I’m hoping to learn more about the fields themselves since I understand why my parents are so upset.</p>
<p>Are you planning to at least complete a bachelor’s degree from your U? Several people I have hired have bachelor’s degrees and then go to CC to get a Respiratory Therapy or other degree there and then get a job with that 2nd degree and credential. It is helpful to have a bachelor’s degree, as it can be a factor in raises and promotions to higher levels within a field. Something to think about and discuss with your guidance office at the U and also at the CC that you may be interested in attending.</p>
<p>The only thing I’m worried about is my financial ability to move forward in my studies after earning a bachelor’s degree. I have about 20k left to take out in loans which will leave me with about 80k in student debt without interest. These loans are under my parent’s name but I am obligated to pay them back, plus the loan’s interest, since they are not financially able to pay it themselves. There’s also an additional 30k of student loans in my name as well.</p>
<p>Would having a bachelor’s degree in the arts help me that much if I were to become a PTA? It seems like such a hefty price for a degree that I don’t think I’ll use much in the future.</p>
<p>A bachelor’s in the arts will not help you one little bit with the PTA. The only reason to finish that bachelor’s degree is if it would indeed be useful for you. </p>
<p>Your student loan burden is excessive. That 30k in your own name is more than enough. Your parents weren’t thinking clearly at all when they let you head off to an institution that was not affordable without that kind of debt. Sorry to have to say it, but it is true. Do not add one more cent to your debt load if you can avoid it.</p>
<p>If you can live at home, work part-time, and commute to the PTA program, go for it. Pick up the phone. Call that CC. Find out about enrolling.</p>
<p>There was so much pressure for both me and my parents to send me to college right out of hs. On top of that, I had a lot of potential as an artist. I was accepted to all of the top art schools in the nation as well as earning recognition from one of their Deans. My parents and I were blinded by our own pride.</p>
<p>When I had graduated hs and even when I initially changed my major, the PTA program at our local community college was not yet available. The more I look into this career though, the more I’m hooked so I’ve set up a job shadow with a PT to make sure that it really is something that I want to do. </p>
<p>It is pretty nerve-wracking just letting 3 years and $60,000+ go to waste, especially to attend community college. </p>
<p>wow, your story is haunting… I went to an expensive art school for three years (switched from illustration to animation for the same reason). I was able to work for several years, but yeah, jobs are vanishing. So I basically had to start over at CC in CA bc my school was in FL and didn’t require many of the GE courses.</p>
<p>Now I’m faced with possibly having too many credits to transfer and finish my BA. It’s a real nightmare waiting to hear from state and UC to see if I get to finish my psychology degree and become a counselor.</p>
<p>I guess my point is that I’d proceed with great caution. If you finish at your art school at least you’ll have your BA and can eventually teach if you wish. If you leave you may need to take several classes to finish and build too many credits to transfer. BUT if you get your BA in animation most universities won’t admit second BA applicants. It’s a very difficult situation.</p>
<p>Goodness, I didn’t even realize you could have too many credits to transfer. Fortunately, to work as a PTA I would need to get an Associate’s in the program then test for licensure in my state. I’ll find out in a few days after observing the job in action whether I like PT though. I don’t know what I would do if being a PTA is not a good fit for me. Getting a BA in animation feels like such a risk. I’ll definitely look into teaching though and see what further education I would need to do as well as the career itself.</p>