If I'm remembering correctly, the requirements are something like 100-150 hours of coursework, plus around a dozen training dives; that gets you your basic certification. Past that point, as you get more practical experience, you're allowed to do deeper/more technical dives--it's not like exactly Open Water, where they functionally say "you're certified, go have fun and we'll never see you again!".
My first time through the course got disrupted by COVID, but I think the lion's share of the training happens over the course of 1.5-2 months of part-time.
Thanks! I did manage to find a little more info from the local university's site. Unfortunately that might not work out as they mention there's a wait-list and I'm not even currently enrolled.
I might have to check nearby states. It sounds do-able, though.
Ah, gotcha. It still might be worth adding your name to the waitlist--sometimes spots open up because students have to drop out. I'd honestly guess the biggest issue right now is COVID. Many (most?) universities are still being very strict about social distancing, and the nature of dive training has meant that the total number of trainees has been reduced significantly. Anyway, if I can answer any others questions, feel free to shoot me a message (email's in my profile)!
My first time through the course got disrupted by COVID, but I think the lion's share of the training happens over the course of 1.5-2 months of part-time.