San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a for-profit junior college with ten campuses located in California and one Online campus. SJVC was founded in 1977 by Robert and Shirley Perry. SJVC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for community and junior colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditationand the U.S. Department of Education. The college offers certificate, Associate of Science degrees and continuing education opportunities in the areas of Health, Business and Technology. San Joaquin Valley College was founded in April of 1977 by Robert and Shirley Perry in response to a growing need for professional instruction of Medical Assistants. The first class consisted of three students who were excited to pursue a career in Medical Assisting. The class was taught in Visalia, California by Shirley Perry who was the first Certified Medical Assistant in the State of California and a leader of professional development at the time. In 1987, the Visalia campus moved to a new site as a result of several expansions.