Need Good provider of online PHP Education

[texxs]

Hi, I'm looking for somewhere to get some great onilne PHP training/education. I'm flexible but these are the things I think I want:

At least somewhat scheduled/structured so I have to commit to it on my schedule
I have to have an expert/teacher that I can ask questions so I might take as much from the class as I can.
I want more than just PHP/MySQL 101
++ several PHP classes and some a mix of advanced topics
++ learning ZEND (+/or another) framework might be nice as well
I'd like to spend a year or less
I'd like there to be no other required courses, especially non related course like Geology or something.
I may consider some that were other programming languages, databases, frameworks, etc.
A certificate or/diploma of almost any kind would be of value to me, the more recognizable or "official" the greater the value.

I'm looking to step up in my career from Web Designer to Web Developer. I already know HTML/CSS (all versions) like the back of my hand I can read, edit, run a compiler, set up dev environment, etc. (enough to be dangerous?) in ASP, C++, JavaScript, Java I've been teaching myself for the last 8 months but it's slow go because it's hard to commit time to something not bringing in $ in the short term. Now I have a little chunk of money built up and I need some education to make this happen. I want to be sure I'm not missing anything I need to walk up to an employer/client/etc and say that I am a certified programmer. Then after releasing a couple projects of my own and for smaller clients I can begin growing my portfolio and my expertise level . . .
Sorry , TMI, anyways:
Can anyone recommend a good provider?

[weegillis]

You might wish to talk with a few HR managers and see whose graduates they are hiring.

You're not going to get any kind of degree in only one year, though. As specializing comes later in studies, core courses are pretty much a given. Nothing keeping you from leaning on philosophy and logic, though, in your humanities core, and technical writing is only strengthened by study of literature and essay writing. Maths and physics can be fitted to your specialty along the way too. So there's a lot of value in the non-discipline subjects.

[PPIS]

Hi,

I've been a member of the IWA (International Webmasters Association) and HWG (HTML Writers Guild) for what seems like forever!

They give very well structured eclasses in a HUGE array of subjects including programming at various levels in various languages. The courses are certificated (I think you pay and extra $15 for a paper copy) and you have direct access to one tutor, as well as a forum with classmates, and class numbers are limited. Classes are considerably cheaper if you become a member and membership is well worth it if you want to take several courses. The website is at http://www.iwanet.org/

(Disclaimer: I am only a member - not affiliated in any way!! )

Cheers,

Duncan

[texxs]

Hi,

I've been a member of the IWA (International Webmasters Association) and HWG (HTML Writers Guild) for what seems like forever!

They give very well structured eclasses in a HUGE array of subjects including programming at various levels in various languages. . . .

Thanks but all the have is Intro to PHP and one other class on shopping carts. I don't think I could confidently say "I'm a programmer" after that. Thanks though...

[texxs]

You might wish to talk with a few HR managers and see whose graduates they are hiring.

You're not going to get any kind of degree in only one year, though. As specializing comes later in studies, core courses are pretty much a given. Nothing keeping you from leaning on philosophy and logic, though, in your humanities core, and technical writing is only strengthened by study of literature and essay writing. Maths and physics can be fitted to your specialty along the way too. So there's a lot of value in the non-discipline subjects.

Thanks but, not looking for a degree, just want to be a programmer starting with a confident and through knowledge of PHP. I have three kids and am the sole provider, I can't spend time and $ on things like humanities and Geology. I agree that there is a bit of value in the non core studies, but it just can't happen now. Maybe after I get a couple years as a web developer's pay versus a web designers pay.

[weegillis]

You can always get your foot in the door... Start with English 101. After that you won't need a HS transcript, and can apply at any college/university for a degree program. Night classes are a possibility. Most universities offer outreach programs for at least the first couple of years of a degree program.

[PPIS]

Thanks but all the have is Intro to PHP and one other class on shopping carts. I don't think I could confidently say "I'm a programmer" after that. Thanks though...

Hmmm, I see that! I should have looked first - sorry.

Usually they have plenty of PHP stuff from intro to advanced with courses on programming concepts and databases too. It might pay you to drop them a line to see if that's the most up to date list of classes.

Cheers,

Duncan

[texxs]

Thanks Duncan, will do...

[qdb]

Just get/download a php book, it shouldn't take more than a few weeks to master php if you have experience with languages such as c/c++
You can even start with the official php manual http://www.php.net/manual/en/langref.php although a book is probably better, it would take you step by step through the design of a web application.

Learning to use the Zend Framework is not a simple task, it's a great framework with a poor documentation which can be frustrating. After having a good grasp of php, you'll just have to start using it and figure it out along the way.