San Joaquin Valley College to begin classes in Atascadero

Private school offers business
and medical vocational certifications in Atascadero

There’s a new education option for people looking for vocational training in North San Luis Obispo County. At San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), this private junior college offers nine-month-long programs designed for people who want to accelerate their training toward jobs in demand.
SJVC offers one business administration and two medical training programs with on-campus services to assist their students. For the time being, a campus has been established at 7301 Morro Road, Suite 105A, in Atascadero until a permanent three-classroom campus can be constructed at 8845 El Camino Real, the former site of Player’s Restaurant in Atascadero.
Founded in 1977, SJVC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC/WASC). Currently, the college has 15 campus locations throughout California and one online campus.

Three certifications available

SJVC’s three certificate programs are Medical Assistant, Medical Office Administration and Business Administration. Both medical courses take nine months to complete, while the business classes lasts seven months. SJVC considers the three courses as core programs, given their proximity to three hospitals and numerous prospective medical and business employers located within San Luis Obispo County.
The new campus will include a medical laboratory and a student center with a computer room and a library with reference materials for quiet studying. Two student lounges will offer inside and outside access for students.
“The medical lab will have an EKG machine and other equipment used in medical offices,” said Campus President Alyssa Perry, so that students become familiar with what they will utilize in their work environment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an independent statistical agency, the median hourly wage for medical assistants is $18.33 in San Luis Obispo County.
The intensive courses are available year-round on a continual basis that begins every five weeks. Class hours are from 7:15 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Thursday. The class sizes will be kept small, especially as the college becomes established. Perry projects an initial enrollment of approximately 30 students, with an eventual census of 50 to 60 business and medical students.
“Holding classes year-round is part of how we’re able to serve as many students as we do,” said Perry. “Our programs include externship where students work with the employers in their field of study, receiving real-world experiences. And our Career Services department will help prepare students for externship and employment opportunities by helping them with resume writing and mock interviews. We want them feeling confident in front of employers.”

Helping neighbors

“One of the aspects that is important to us is involvement within the community,” said Perry. “At local high schools, we’ll make presentations to the students of what their educational opportunities are. Through the Chamber of Commerce, we will be able to connect with employers throughout the area and help meet their needs, too.”
Recently, SJVC donated restaurant equipment to Atascadero Printery, a local nonprofit, from Player’s Restaurant, a local favorite that has been closed for a decade. The college also donated 30 lunch tables to Morro Bay High School.
“As an institution, we look forward to establishing our Atascadero campus where we can serve the Central Coast communities and make a positive impact,” said Perry.