Radiology Technologist Diploma vs Associates?

Hi all, I am looking at a program offered by National Polytechnic College in Southern California. As far as I know they are not JRCERT accredited BUT they are listed on the ARRT site as a verified educational program. I have a Bachelors in Kinesiology already from a Cal State school and based on that fact, the admissions advisor person told me that she recommends that I opt for NPC's rad tech diploma program vs the Associates degree. From the admissions person's description, the only difference being that the associates degree they offer takes pre-reqs for rad tech before the core classes vs the diploma just jumping right into the core classes. She essentially guaranteed me that upon completion of the diploma I could sit for the ARRT boards.

My question: Based upon what I stated above is there a reason why I would/should consider opting for an associates vs a diploma from this place if they'll both end with me passing the board exams (hopefully)? My long term career plan is to eventually jump into MRI but I'm not sure if having a diploma vs an associates in rad tech would hinder trajectory to that goal.

For context, I was working as a medical assistant at an orthopedic facility and had a lot of exposure to rad techs and their work during covid time and got laid off. I turned to a corporate America role in order to survive because I couldn't find another medical job at the time and have been there ever since. For years I have been playing with the idea of going back to school for rad tech. The work I do in corporate is soul sucking and unfulfilling and I want out. I understand that the program I'm looking at is a private school and it's a lot of money etc. Fact is, I'm in my 30's and this is something I've been mulling around in my head for a long time. I figure if I want to do this, I'm not getting any younger and now is the time. Waiting for a community college isn't an option in my area (waitlist are as long as 3 years +). Any help/advice/words of admonishment are respected and appreciated, thank you.