FAQ: Vocational Nursing Program | VN Program

Q: How can I obtain more information about VN program?
A: You can download the application package which has detailed information and a Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Enrollment Application. For a copy of the application package please follow the link below:
http://www.gurnick.edu/program/files/vocational-nursing-program-application-package.pdf

You can also fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you or to have a school representative contact you.
Click here to do so:  http://www.gurnick.edu/admissions-department/
Or you simply call us at 1-877-GURNICK.

Q: I want to register for VN program. How do I get started?
A: First step is to contact the school and make an appointment with the Admission Advisor.  All applicants need to fill out an application, pay the $75 application fee, and pass the SLE (entrance exam) with a score of 19; all applicants need to have a High School Diploma or equivalent.  Applicants might need an interview.

Q: I have a foreign degree. Do I need to have my degree evaluated?
A: Yes, all prospective applicants with a foreign degree must have their degree evaluated prior to enrollment of the program.  It must show a minimum of the equivalent to the educational level of a U.S. High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Q: Where can I get my degree evaluated?
A: The importance behind the evaluation is to confirm that you have the equivalent or have surpassed a U.S. High School Education.  You may use any accredited evaluation agency. Please follow the link below for possible organizations:
http://www.gurnick.edu/policies/foreign-transcript-diploma-evaluations

Q: What should I expect during my visit to register for VN Program?
A: You will take an entrance exam. You will also receive a school tour and meet with a counselor. You will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of $75 and fill our a Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts Enrollment Application. 

Q: What is the SLE exam and how can I prepare for it?
A: It is an “ability to benefit” test that is designed to test your level of comprehension and existing knowledge. SLE consists of 50 logical thinking questions based on English and a simple math.  There is no cost for this exam.

Q: What if I don’t pass the SLE exam?
A: To qualify for the LVN program you must pass the exam. If you did not pass the first time, do not be discouraged.  You may try 3 times, at no cost, within a calendar year.

Q: What does the entrance exam consist of?
A: The entrance exam consists of 50 questions in the areas of basic math and basic English.

Q: I have a medical degree. Am I still required to take the entrance exam?
A: Yes. All applicants regardless of degree or background must pass the entrance exam prior to admission into the program.

back to top

Q: What are the prerequisites for VN program?
A: Applicants must successfully complete or test out of Essential Medical Bioscience, a course offered on-site at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.

Q: How often are the prerequisite courses offered?
A: Prior to each program start date, usually twice per year in the Spring and Fall.

Q: What happens if I fail the Essential Medical Bioscience course?
A: The failed course must be repeated before entering the program. All applicable fees for repeating a course will apply.

Q: How long is the Essential Medical Bioscience course?
A: Approximately 10 weeks/80 course hours.

Q: Are prerequisites included in the program length?
A: No. Prerequisites are separate from the program and are not included in the program length.

back to top

Q: Is the program accredited?
A: The VN program is accredited by BVNPT - Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive
Suite 205
Sacramento, CA 95833
Phone: (916) 263-7800
Web: www.bvnpt.ca.gov

Q: Do you offer job placement?
A: Yes; we offer job placement assistance for all students who successfully complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

Q: How do I pay for the program?
A: We have flexible payment options and private student loans. 

Q: How long is the LVN program?
A: Program is approximately 14 months long including clinical training.   This does not include the time needed for the Essential Medical Bioscience course.

Q: What is the schedule of the program?
A: Morning group meets 9 am - 2 pm for lectures and from 6 am – 3 pm for clinicals. Evening Group meets 5 pm – 10pm for lectures and from 2 pm – 11 pm for clinicals.

Q: What happens if I fail a class? Will I be expelled from the program?
A: Student will be placed on probation and will have a chance to prepare and retest in a failed subject. If a student has failed during probation he/she will not be able to continue the program. However, student might re-apply and continue the program with the next available group (Subject to space availability). 
Please see the Remediation Policy by following the link below:
http://www.gurnick.edu/policies/remedial-probation-policy
Please see the Re-enrollment Policy by following the link below:
http://www.gurnick.edu/policies/re-enrollment-policy

Q: What if I missed a class?
A: Our general attendance policy indicates that students must attend all scheduled classes. If you know in advance that you will need to miss a class please notify your instructors and make necessary arrangements for makeup work. Leave of absence can be granted by the program director under certain conditions (Please discuss this with the program director). Please see the Attendance Policy by following the link below:
http://www.gurnick.edu/policies/attendance-policy-tardiness-drop-policy
 
Q: Are there any breaks within the school year?
A: As a student you will have a 2 week Summer and a 2 week Winter break as well as

Martin Luther King Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Columbus Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day


Q: If I'm already a CNA, does that help me qualify?
A: Yes.  We offer priority placement for students who already are a CNA or hold a Bachelors or Masters Degree.

Q: Can I still apply to the nursing program if I have a criminal history?
A: The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) requires a background check for state licensure. Clinical facilities may deny your participation if your criminal history involves violent crimes, substance abuse crimes, and sexually violent crimes.

Q: What is the length of the program?
A: 14 months.

Q: Do you offer online classes?
A: No. All coursework is hands-on consisting of Didactic lectures, Laboratories, and Clinical Internship.

Q: Are didactic courses and laboratories held on campus?
A: Yes.

Q: Is this a full time program?
A: Yes. The program is considered to be a full time program, even though students are not required to be on campus full time.

Q: Can I take both night and day classes?
A: No, students are not able to switch back and forth between day and evening classes. Students can enroll only into the day schedule or night schedule (not both). However, special circumstances may be accommodated at the discretion of the instructor or program director.

Q: Will I be able to maintain my employment while in the program?
A: With careful time management, many students have been able to maintain part-time employment and have successfully completed the program.

back to top

Q: How many hours of clinical training am I expected to perform?
A: 960+ hours in affiliated medical facilities.

Q: Do I have to find my own internship?
A: No, an internship will be provided for all of our students.

Where will the clinical training be conducted?
A: Your internship will be provided through our affiliated clinical facilities. These facilities consist of hospitals, outpatient imaging facilities and private doctors’ offices. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various internship sites. The list of the clinics is fluid, and ever changing.

Q: Can I do my internship during the weekend or at night?
A: No; clinical training is available during weekday, workday hours.

Q: Are the internships paid positions?
A: No, all internships are unpaid.

Q: Will I be clinically evaluated during my internship?
A: Yes, all students will be evaluated on a continual basis onsite by the program director/clinical coordinator, as well as the student’s clinical instructor. These evaluations will take place at the internship site. All interns will be notified in advance of their upcoming evaluations.

back to top

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The total program cost is $27,920.  To view the fee breakdown, please see the Program Fees section at the following link: http://www.gurnick.edu/programs/vocational-nursing-program

Q: Are prerequisites included in the program cost?
A: Prerequisites are billed separately from the program and are not included into the program cost.

Q: What does the program cost include?
A: Tuition, all textbooks, uniforms, and registration fees.

Q: Can I obtain financial aid?
A: Yes, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs. Please see the Financial Aid section for more information at http://www.gurnick.edu/financial-aid

Q: When do I start making payments towards my Sallie Mae loan?
A: Loan payments are paid directly to Sallie Mae immediately upon program start. Students will begin making payments within 30 days of the first disbersement based on a maximum 10-year repayment loan.

Q: Is their a prepayment penalty for Sallie Mae loan?
A: No, there is no prepayment penalty.

back to top

Q: Once I graduate from the program will I be getting a degree or certificate?
A: The Vocational Nursing Program is a certificate program.

Q: Once I graduate where am I eligible to work?
A: Upon successful completion of the program and after obtaining the license, graduates will be able to obtain entry level positions in hospitals, outpatient centers, doctors’ offices, and other facilities that utilize Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Convalescent Homes
Long Term Care Facilities
Sub-Acute Facilities
Clinics
Medical Centers (ex. Palo Alto Medical Foundation)

Q: Do you offer job placement?
A: Yes; we assist with job placements for all students who successfully complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.

Q: Will the program prepare me to pass the NCLEX exam?
A: Yes. NCLEX test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout our students’ entire curriculum at Gurnick Academy. We also teach NCLEX preparation class towards the end of the program and conduct reviews as well as optional NCLEX preparation courses.

back to top