After one semester at a large university, I decided that the large classes and impersonal campus were not for me. I chose instead to attend West Virginia Junior College. I received my Associate Degree in Medical Assisting in 18 months, and that time was a very positive experience. The class size between 8 and 20 students provided an environment that allowed participation and debate, the instructors were all very personable and commited to their students' success, and the financial aid and carreer assistance departments are superb. The only cons to this school are that the credits do not transfer to four year programs at other colleges or universities, and being a private school it is slightly expensive. When I attended six years ago, the tuition for the 18 month program totalled just over $21,000. With government assistance that the college helped me enroll for, the total cost to me was around $15,000.
It wasn't always bad. Most of the teachers were really helpful and genuinely interested in helping you succeed. Some of the classes really stunk but hey you'll find that anywhere.