San Joaquin Valley College - Bakersfield Undergraduate Programs
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Business Administration
Program Highlights
SJVC's Business Administration program provides a framework of office procedures and skills that can adapt to any company's operation. Students develop into knowledgeable, ethical and technologically competent business professionals. You learn to organize and manage work tasks, sales and management techniques, general office procedures, as well as many computer applications.
Learn
- Professional Writing
- Microsoft© Office Software
- Accounting Principles
- Economics & Finance
- Business Ethics
- Human Resources
- Business Operations
Our learn-by-doing approach will help you develop the skills you need to build your career.
Career Opportunities
Employers want to hire those who are familiar not only with business technology and equipment but also with appropriate business practices and communication. Business Administration training qualifies you for a variety of career paths:
- Executive Assistant
- Administrative Assistant
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
- Collections Officer
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Clerk
- Account Manager
- Data Entry Clerk
Certifications Earned
Graduates are eligible to take the Microsoft© Office Specialist exam for Microsoft© certification in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.
Depending on the campus and program selected, graduates earn a Certificate of Completion or Associate of Science Degree. Certificate graduates may continue on to earn their AS degree through SJVC or SJVC Online.
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Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting
Program Highlights
SJVC's Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting (CAMA) program trains you in both administrative and clinical medical procedures for medical offices and specialty clinics. A Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled member of the health care team who is dedicated to assisting in patient care.
Learn
- Insurance billing
- Appointment scheduling
- Patient information coding
- Injection administration
- Electrocardiograms
- Venipuncture & skin puncture
- CPR & First Aid
Training includes a clinical externship which allows students to further their studies in a real-world medical environment.
Career Opportunities
A well-trained medical assistant is qualified to work in a variety of medical environments such as medical offices, clinics, hospitals, laboratories, medical supply and equipment sales or insurance billing companies. Some positions include:
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Records Clerk
- Ward Clerk
- Medical Secretary
- Admissions Clerk
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant exam (RMA).
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Criminal Justice: Corrections
Program Highlights
SJVC's Corrections program stretches beyond the minimum training required by law with an in depth combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience. Coursework includes criminal law, evidence collection and preservation, report writing and criminal procedures.
Learn
- Arrest/control techniques
- Firearms use
- CPR/First Aid
- Weaponless defense tactics
Career Opportunities
A career in Corrections can take you in a number of directions in law enforcement agencies and correctional fields, including:
- Corrections Officer
- Detention Officer
- Jail Transport Officer
- Detention Specialist
- Deputy Corrections Officer
Career path growth with additional education or training could take you into areas such as Corrections Sergeant, Administrative Supervisor, Parole Officer, Warden or Deputy Sheriff.
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to good physical health and U.S. citizenship, other student admission requirements include:
- Minimum of 21 years of age at conclusion of Corrections program
- Must not have been convicted of a felony or be prohibited from possessing a firearm
- Must not have been convicted of illegal use or sales of any narcotic or drugs
- Must have a valid California driver license
- Must provide evidence of physical fitness
- Must have a handgun with holster and fingerprint clearance from the California Department of Justice to participate in range training
- Must qualify on written career assessment and obtain satisfactory score on profile assessment
- Must pass appraisal interview conducted by SJVC College Director, Corrections Officer Program Director or Instructor
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Dental Assisting
Program Highlights
SJVC's Dental Assisting program trains you in all aspects of working with a dentist, including patient care, office and laboratory duties. Our balance of hands-on experience with classroom instruction covers all aspects of dental assisting skills and related theory. Whether you use your dental assisting training for a career chairside or in an administrative capacity, you are well prepared at the program's completion.
Learn
- Dental anatomy
- Dental radiology
- Dental software
- Preventive dentistry
- Dental practice management
- Dental science
- Coronal polishing
Career Opportunities
Dental Assisting is an in-demand job with many work environment options available. As a dental assistant or dental office employee, you can expect to work in such areas as:
- Private Dental Offices
- Dental Colleges
- Dental Laboratories
- Private or Government Hospitals
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and certifications in First Aid, coronal polish, radiology and CPR. Graduates are also eligible to take the State of California Board of Dental Examiners Examination for State Licensure as a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA).
Programmatic Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College's Dental Assisting program is accredited by the State Board of Dental Examiners, Committee on Dental Auxiliaries and California Department of Consumer Affairs.
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Emergency Services and Safety Management
Program Highlights
SJVC's Emergency Services and Safety Management program prepares you to work in many areas of safety and security, both public and private. If you enjoy variety in your work, can be trusted with confidential information, and are analytical, this is the career for you!
Learn
- Cal/OSHA compliance
- Illness and injury prevention
- CPR & First Aid
- Environmental management
- Public safety management
Career Opportunities
Well-trained emergency services and safety management personnel are always in demand, and can work in diverse roles:
- Community Service Officer
- Security/Safety Officer
- Campus Security
- Armed Alarm Response Agent
- Airport Security
- Transportation Security
- Loss Prevention Officer
- Healthcare Security
Certifications Earned
Graduates from the ESSM program earn an Associate of Science Degree and are eligible for certifications in Healthcare Security and Safety basic; HAZMAT; HAZWOP; General Industry Safety & Health; Contractor Confined Spaces; International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS)-Healthcare Facility Security Officer; First Aid & CPR; PC 832 Laws of Arrest/Firearms; Chemical Agents; Bureau of Security & Investigative Services (BSIS) Guard Card, Firearms.
Admissions Requirements
Emergency Systems and Safety Management students must not currently be on probation for any offense nor have ever been convicted of a felony. Further, to receive firearm certification you must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident Alien, must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under Federal or State laws and must have an approved handgun and holster.
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Health Care Insurance Specialist
Program Highlights
SJVC's Health Care Insurance Specialist program prepares you to process health claims, provide insurance coding, keep patient records and manage a medical office, using a variety of health care insurance principles and computer applications. Training includes specialized courses in the international classification of diseases, current procedural terminology and legal issues in health insurance.
Learn
- Medical office procedures
- Medical insurance principles
- Medical terminology
- ICD-9-CM & CPT coding
An externship program allows students to participate in real-world work experience under the direction of a medical office manager or director.
Career Opportunities
Well-trained health care insurance specialists are needed in a variety of health care, laboratory, insurance and billing service settings. You can expect to work in such positions as:
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Patient Account Representative
- Health Claims Examiner
- Insurance Coder
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to take the Certified Insurance Coder exam given by the American Academy of Procedural Coders.
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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Program Highlights
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program at SJVC prepares you for year-round job security in a high-demand field. Training focuses on theories of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning. Students study the operation, maintenance and repair of residential and commercial equipment.
Learn
- Diagnostic practices
- Correct hazardous waste disposal
- Science of heating and cooling principles
- Basic theories of electricity
Our hands-on approach to teaching allows you to develop the skills you need for an HVACR career.
Career Opportunities
A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning service technician is qualified to work in many areas including:
- Residential heating/cooling (household refrigeration and appliance repair)
- Commercial refrigeration heating and cooling installation (mini marts, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, office complexes, food storage and processing plants)
- Industrial refrigeration (cold storage and manufacturing plants)
- Transport refrigeration (truck/trailer refrigeration, railroad, ocean-going and air freight)
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and HVACR Excellence certification, as well as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry (ARI) competency testing.
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Pharmacy Technology
Program Highlights
SJVC's Pharmacy Technology program prepares you to work under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist as part of a team responsible for carrying out a doctor's pharmaceutical orders. Pharmacy Technicians assist in the various activities of compounding, distributing and dispensing of medications.
Learn
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Computer data entry
- Pharmacy science & clinical applications
- Prescription processing
Training includes a balance of classroom and lab instruction, as well as an externship component, which allows you experiential learning in an actual clinical environment.
Career Opportunities
A well-trained pharmacy technician can expect to work in a highly respected, professional environment as an integral part of a health care team. Pharmacy technicians work in areas such as:
- Franchise Pharmacies
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Correctional Facilities
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical Outside Sales
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are qualified for licensure with the State of California to be registered as a Pharmacy Technician (PhT). Graduates are eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's examination to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), recognized nationally as an exceptional pharmacy technician candidate.
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Respiratory Therapy
Program Highlights
SJVC's Respiratory Therapy program prepares you to be a member of an elite health care team that evaluates, treats and manages patients with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders. In addition to performing respiratory care procedures, respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision-making and patient education.
Learn
- Microbiology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology
- Computer applications, ethics, and psychology
- Pathology, pharmacology, and resuscitation
- Hemodynamics, physical assessment, and oxygen delivery
- Monitoring, radiography, and airway management
Students receive over 900 hours of extensive clinical practice in hospitals and clinics to gain real world experience.
Career Opportunities
Well-trained respiratory therapists are in tremendous demand in such areas as acute care hospitals, durable medical equipment companies, sub-acute facilities, home care agencies, physicians' offices, or managed care organizations; as well as specialized areas, such as sleep labs and pulmonary function labs. Some position opportunities include:
- Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
- Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)
- Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist (NPS)
- Clinical Educator/Clinical Specialist
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation/Asthma Specialist
- Biomedical/Research/Sales
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible for state licensure and national credentialing examinations, including Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation status varies by campus.
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Surgical Technology
Program Highlights
Our Surgical Technology program prepares you to be an integral part of a medical team whose responsibility it is to exercise precise and harmonious procedures and practices in an operating room environment. Surgical technologists work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel to deliver the highest level of patient care.
Learn
- Medical terminology
- Legal, moral and ethical aspects
- Surgical procedures
- Surgical techniques
- CPR and First Aid
Instruction also includes an extensive clinical rotation to give students hands-on experience in the surgical environment.
Career Opportunities
Well-trained Surgical Technologists are in high demand. You can expect to work in professional environments such as:
- Hospital Operating Rooms
- Physician's Offices
- Surgery Centers
- Emergency Departments
- Dental Surgery Offices
- Delivery Rooms
Certifications Earned
Graduates earn an Associate of Science degree and are eligible to take the National Certification exam for Surgical Technologists.
Programmatic Accreditation
San Joaquin Valley College's Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).





