Time is important.
However I am not sure that any "potential time" savings is that relevant with respect to bigger picture. To you yes....
It is very likely that there are many other students out there considering the same career possibility - your competition.
Potential employers will be looking for experience and for other qualities as well. Team player, reliability, work ethic, well-rounded skills, stays out of trouble, etc..
That is to say: can you do the job for which you are being considered and be a hassle (beyond basic reason) about it?
I will undermine myself a bit by saying yes, you can/may get more from a professional course and that could be a potential trade-off in exchange for experience. Yes, a potential employer may be willing to hire someone with a certificate and little experience versus someone with no certificate and X amount of experience.
And some certification programs are pretty much just a front for money making...... Little or no gaurantee is made that you will really be able to pass the necessary tests. And employers do know or soon learn what "certifications" are really meaningful.
Take the shorter course and get the exposure. Perhaps you can supplement the course in some ways. Focus on other classes as well to broaden and deepen your knowledge. In the meantime watch the "employment ads" and see what levels of skills and experience employers are seeking.
At some point it will all come together for you and you will be able to decide but with respect to a larger, more expanded view of things.