ATC College Program

[Luckiee]

Ok I am currently working on my undergraduate B.S. degree, however I think that I want to pursue a career in ATC.  So I know that one way to get into ATC is to complete an ATC program(which is not offered at my current university) or I could  just complete my B.S. degree and then apply to become an ATC off the street.  My question is, is it harder to get a job if you have not completed the ATC program?  If I can do well on the exam, will I still have a hard time getting a position because I have not gone to an ATC program?

I have the option of completing my B.S. degree at my current school then going to a different school that offers an ATC 2 year program and then try for a job in ATC, but I don't want to waste time and money if I don't need to go to that second school.  I really don't want to leave my current school without receiving my degree after putting time and money into it.  I guess I am just looking for some advice on whether an ATC program at a different college is actually worth it.  Thanks 

[atcman23]

Well the FAA is no longer hiring off the street so you have a tough decision to make.  They are still hiring through the CTI initiative and if you want to have a chance to get in sooner rather than later, then you would need to decide if you want to start with a CTI school right away (assuming that the particular school you are looking into does not have a waiting list).  If you already have at least 2 years of your 4 year school complete, I would suggest a 2 year CTI school as they will likely accept any electives you transfer to them and you would just complete core classes and likely be done within 1 year.  Or transfer to a 4 year school with a CTI program and finish your ATC degree and possibly another minor or other degree there.

Otherwise stay in school.  With the FAA not hiring off the street (and it's likely that they won't be continuing to do so either), your best option is to go to a CTI school (or join the military for 4 years) but have a backup plan in place in case you do not get hired.

[px]

In the mean time, get a job at the post office or some other government office. The time spent there will count toward your years of service, and therefore you will be able to retire earlier. Not to mention you'll be able to start paying into your TSP (retirement fund).

[sykocus]

In the mean time, get a job at the post office or some other government office. The time spent there will count toward your years of service, and therefore you will be able to retire earlier. Not to mention you'll be able to start paying into your TSP (retirement fund).

I'm not sure that's entirely true. Controllers have an early retirement. However only the time actually worked in a capacity that requires you to hold a ATC rating (good time) qualifies toward early retirement. Even time in the military as a controller doesn't count toward your retirement date. However prior government service will count toward your total retirement package.

[retired_atc]

Well the FAA is no longer hiring off the street so you have a tough decision to make. 

This isn't true since I personally know someone who was hired last month OTS and will be working Phx Tower after Okc.

However CTI is your best bet for getting hired.



 

[atcman23]

Regarding the off the street hiring, the FAA is taking applicants out of the last off the street pool (I believe it was PUBNAT 8 or 9) and placing them currently.  Otherwise, there are no more open off the street applications and as far as I am aware, the FAA has no plans to open one up anytime soon.  Thus, yes CTI is the best route to go if you don't want to go through the military.