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International Nurse Graduate Courses

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Program Highlights
  •  18-33 Weeks
Tuition & Fees
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All Students must take the Transition Course. The Total Program cost is the Transition Course sum and one or more of the below-chosen courses. 

About the International Nurse Graduate Courses

Mission

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ mission is to offer quality allied health and nursing programs that integrate professional skills, career-focused education, and hands-on practical experience by empowering students to develop and achieve their personal and career goals.

Description

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts recognizes the contribution of international nurses to the nursing profession. The Academy has developed a program for international nurse graduates to complete the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) deficiencies.

Courses in medical-surgical nursing, maternal and newborn, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing are offered for international nurse graduates required to complete the necessary coursework to be eligible to apply for a California National Council Licensure Examination. The courses provide a comprehensive introduction to nursing practice and the healthcare system in the United States.

Program Length and Schedule

18-33 Weeks
9-28 Semester Credit Hours
235-730 Clock Hours

The program length and schedule vary depending on the number of courses required.

Goals and Objectives

Please choose from the dropdown to review a category of FAQs

    • Describe the various roles of the registered nurse in the healthcare delivery system.
    • Identify the evolving practice opportunities for nurses in various practice settings.
    • Identify the characteristics of the nursing profession.
    • Differentiate between licensed practical/vocational nurses and registered nurses.
    • Explain the nursing responsibilities related to the profession’s legal and ethical aspects, delegation, and confidentiality.
    • Identify the conceptual and philosophical foundations of professional nursing practice.
    • Define evidence-based practice.
    • Explain the purpose and phases of the nursing process.
    • Define clinical judgment in nursing practice.
    • Discuss factors creating successful or unsuccessful communication.
    • Evaluate helpful and unhelpful communication techniques.
    • Identify key aspects of collaboration.
    • Demonstrate accurate mathematical calculations on the safe and efficient administration of fluids and medications.
    • Embody understanding and skills in performing health history and physical assessment
    • Illustrate an understanding and ability to perform basic and complex nursing skills in caring for acute and chronically ill patients, utilizing critical thinking skills.
    • Demonstrate accurate documentation related to the assessment and performance of skills.
    • Apply knowledge of theory and principles from nursing and related sciences across the lifespan to selected nursing skills and procedures through the nursing process.
    • Identify specific phenomena for actual or potential patient needs relevant to nursing care of acutely ill and chronically ill adults with respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
    • Identify clinical manifestations, nursing care, and collaborative problems of commonly seen medical or surgical related to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
    • Explain the purpose and nursing care of commonly used procedures and interventions in medical or surgical conditions related to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders.
    • Apply physical and behavioral sciences knowledge to discern probable consequences of medical, surgical, and nursing interventions related to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
    • Apply critical thinking to develop priorities in nursing approaches to patients with various medical or surgical conditions in multiple states of diagnosis and treatment related to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
    • Explain the scientific rationale for selected nursing interventions related to respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders.
    • Communicate therapeutically with individuals and families who are experiencing advanced health disruptions related to chronic respiratory, cardiac, neurology, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
    • Plan and implement individualized patient care using the nursing process.
    • Provide nursing care to adults with advanced medical, surgical, and nursing diagnoses.
    • Provide a scientific or empirical rationale for all nursing actions related to chronic respiratory, cardiac, neurology, and musculoskeletal disorders.
    • Demonstrate increasing proficiency and autonomy with selected psychomotor skills.
    • Demonstrate theory-based interventions with increasing proficiency in the management of patient care.
    • Collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver safe, high-quality nursing care.
    • Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for own learning experiences and performance.
    • Apply legal and ethical standards in the delivery of nursing care.
    • Demonstrate initiative in the pursuit and selection of learning activities.
    • Apply personal philosophy of nursing and approach to patient care.
    • Demonstrate increased integration of knowledge from courses in previous semesters.
    • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote health and healing.
    • Utilize current research and evidence-based practice in the clinical setting.
    • Demonstrate professional leadership behaviors, including advocacy, delegation, resource utilization, & collaboration with other healthcare providers.
    • Identify specific phenomena and actual or potential patient needs relevant to adult nursing care with multiple health disruptions.
    • Identify clinical manifestations, nursing care, and collaborative problems of complex medical or surgical conditions in adult populations.
    • Apply critical thinking and develop nursing approaches to patients with complex medical or surgical conditions in various diagnosis and treatment states.
    • Explain the scientific rationale for selected nursing interventions.
    • Identify the importance of nursing leadership role in the health care system.
    • Critically examine selected nursing practices:
    • Adapt nursing practices to the age and developmental stage of the adult.
    • Relate selected nursing research findings to the nursing care of individual clients.
    • Analyze alternative nursing actions.
    • Communicate therapeutically with individuals and families who are experiencing problematic health disruptions.
    • Plan and implement individualized patient care using the nursing process.
    • Provide nursing care to adults with complex medical, surgical, and nursing diagnoses.
    • Provide a scientific or empirical rationale for all nursing actions.
    • Demonstrate increasing proficiency and autonomy with selected psychomotor skills.
    • Demonstrate theory-based interventions with increasing proficiency in the management of patient care.
    • Collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver safe, high-quality nursing care.
    • Demonstrate accountability and responsibility for own learning experiences and performance.
    •  Apply legal and ethical standards in the delivery of nursing care.
    • Demonstrate initiative in the pursuit and selection of learning activities.
    • Apply personal philosophy of nursing and approach to patient care.
    • Demonstrate increased integration of knowledge from courses in previous semesters.
    • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote health and healing.
    • Utilize current research and evidence-based practice in the clinical setting.
    • Demonstrate professional leadership behaviors, including advocacy, delegation, resource utilization, and collaboration with other healthcare providers.
    1. Identify regular physiologic and psychosocial changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
    2. Describe average fetal and infant growth and development from conception to one month.
    3. Identify basic nursing assessments made under the following circumstances:
      • The pregnant woman, during each trimester of pregnancy
      • Intrapartum women during the three stages of labor
      • The postpartum woman, from childbirth to six (6) weeks postpartum
      • The fetus during pregnancy and delivery
      • The newborn from birth to one month of age
      • The father and siblings of the infant during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period
    4. Examine common client problems (nursing assessment and collaborative problems) during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
    5. Identify significant learning needs and teaching strategies for educating women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
    6. Describe selected complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum and identify critical nursing assessments and interventions associated with prevention, early detection, and treatment of complications.
    7. Identify critical nursing assessments and interventions associated with preventing and early detection of newborn complications.
    • Perform complete assessments (and written documentation) of the typical newborn, correctly identifying (a) regular and abnormal characteristics and (b) relevant nursing diagnoses and collaborative problems.
    • Perform complete assessments (and written documentation) of the postpartum woman, correctly identifying (a) regular and abnormal findings and (b) relevant nursing diagnoses and collaborative problems.
    • Participates in assessing antepartum and laboring women, correctly identifying (a) regular and abnormal findings and (b) relevant nursing diagnoses and collaborative problems.
    • Assess childbearing women’s psychosocial and learning needs and family members (fathers or significant others and siblings) during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
    • Assess parent/caretaker coping behaviors and strengths.
    • Nursing assessment and diagnosis implement appropriate nursing interventions to promote growth and development and health outcomes for women, infants, and other family members.
    • Implement appropriate teaching strategies and evaluates learning outcomes for childbearing women and their families.
    • Participate in coaching and comfort measures for women and significant others during labor and birth.
    • Anticipate potential common complications in childbearing women and newborn infants by implementing appropriate preventive measures and assessments aimed at early detection.
    • Apply selected research findings and evidence-based practices to the nursing care of childbearing women, infants, and other family members.
    • Demonstrate caring behaviors and effective communication with maternity clients, families, and health team members.
    • Identify common ethical dilemmas and legal issues in maternity nursing.
    • Demonstrate professional behavior.
    • Identify the stressors of childhood which are life-threatening or cause significant disruption in child development and well-being.
    • Describe the influences of health disruption factors on the developmental process of infants and children.
    • Explore the biopsychosocial, cultural, and developmental effects of selected major health disruptions for children and their families.
    • Assess all systems’ physical characteristics in infants and children of various ages and evaluate these findings.
    • Analyze selected health disruptions as alterations in affected children and their families.
    • Examine parental, family, and sibling stress when a child experiences significant health disruption.
    • Formulate nursing decisions based on knowledge of the child’s condition, age, and life situation.
    • Identify therapies, surgeries, and nursing interventions that are life-saving, therapeutic, or palliative.
    • Assess a child and their family’s ability to learn new information in optimal adaptation to major health disruptions.
    • Formulate nursing interventions that encourage optimal adaptation to major health disruptions.
     
    • Utilize current theory and evidence-based practice guidelines to analyze, plan, and implement nursing care for infants and children of various ages.
    • Perform and document an ongoing assessment and evaluation of the child and family’s progress and monitor nursing care effectiveness.
    • Perform and document complex nursing procedures with infants and children who experience major health disruptions.
    • Teach new adaptive measures and counsel children and families coping with significant stress.
    • Assess the parameters of the child’s health disruption concerning the family unit while providing support and information.
    • Implement protective interventions and provide age-appropriate nurturance for children and families with significant health disruptions.
    • Collaborate with professional colleagues and student groups to develop and provide continuity of care.
    • Demonstrate professional behavior.
    • Identify biopsychosocial and cultural factors that influence severe mental illness across the lifespan.
    • Examine selected theories and research underlying psychiatric nursing care of the major mental illnesses across the lifespan.
    • Formulate psychiatric nursing interventions that facilitate mental health adaptation appropriate to inpatient and community settings.
    • Describe community resources for nursing referral of individuals and families for mental health maintenance, promotion, and rehabilitation.
    • Describe typical psychopharmacology uses in treating mental illness and organic brain syndromes.
    • Differentiate between significant and non-effective communication patterns.
    • Demonstrate caring behaviors and therapeutic communication skills, including empathy and facilitation, with clients and their families experiencing psychosocial stress.
    • Apply biopsychosocial and nursing theories and the nursing process into case management components while caring for consumers of psychiatric-mental health services in acute care and community settings.
    • Demonstrate professional safety behaviors, responsibility and accountability, team membership, appropriate hospital and community behavior, and positive communication with consumers, families, staff, peers, and instructors.
    • Incorporate cultural, developmental, socioeconomic, and other individual client differences (physical and psychological) into the service plan, nursing care plan, client care activities, and community resources development.
    • Demonstrate stress and anxiety reduction interventions, recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration, and health education with consumers and caregivers.
    • Practice selecting psychiatric-mental health nursing roles, including counselor, collaborator, consultant, teacher, case manager, and direct care provider.

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Requirements

  • Admission Requirements
  • Performance Requirements
  • Graduation Requirements
  • Please review the following requirements: General Admission Requirements for all programs.

    International applicants are encouraged to apply for admission. All applicants must meet the exact requirements as U.S. citizens as outlined above. An English evaluation should accompany all documents. Students whose native language is not English will be required to take the English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) or equivalent. The following minimum TOEFL scores must be obtained: 45 for the iBT (internet-based test) or demonstrate English proficiency through other measures established by Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.

    Requirements for proof of English Language Proficiency through TOEFL or International English Language System (IELTS):

    • Individuals who have graduated from a U.S. high school and have passed CA proficiency will be exempt from taking the TOEFL.
    • Individuals who have graduated from a U.S. college/university with an AS/AA or higher will be exempt from taking the TOEFL.
    • Individuals who have graduated from an English-speaking country, such as Canada, Nigeria, or the UK, will be exempt from taking the TOEFL.
    • For those opting for IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required in each section, with an overall band score of 6.5 or higher.

    An affidavit of financial support is recommended to be submitted but is not required. More detailed information will be provided through our Admissions office. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is authorized to enroll non-immigrant students under federal law. Besides F1 and M1 visas, visa services are not offered through Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts will document and vouch for the current student status if requested.

    To be considered for admission into the nursing courses, ALL applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Official Transcript and evaluation of courses from an approved credential evaluator.
    • Official Letter from the California Board of Registered Nursing stating the candidate’s specific area of deficiency.
    • Applicants must meet the following admission policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts: immunization, health screening, background check, and CPR certification (See Policies of Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in the School Catalog and “Admissions.”)
    • Applicants must submit a completed application. We recommend interested applicants fill out the application with the admission advisor.
    • Applicants must have graduated from high school or earned a GED and be at least 18 years of age.
    • As per the current published fee schedule, the applicant must pay all applicable fees before issuing an enrollment contract or making other arrangements acceptable to the school.
    • The applicant must pass the written Competency Exam for Basic and Intermediate Medical-Surgical Nursing with a minimum score of 75 percent.
    • Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts asks applicants to pass an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director in person or via a virtual conferencing platform, if necessary.
    • Applicants must submit a two to three (2-3) pages written essay on why they have chosen professional nursing as a career.
    • The applicant must submit three (3) letters of recommendation to the nursing program. These may come from employers, immediate work supervisors, health-related facilities the applicant has done volunteer work, or faculty from previous college/university coursework. Submit letters of recommendation on formal organizational stationery.
    • Applicants will be ranked based on the following criteria:
      • Personal Interview
      • Written Essay
      • Three Letters of Recommendation

     

    If enrollment openings are fewer than applicants that meet the admission requirements, applicants will be asked to pass an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director.

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  • Each program has specific physical and non-physical requirements to ensure our students’ and patients’ safety and welfare. (Check with an Admission Advisor.) If applicable, almost all of our students must be able to do the following:

    • Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
    • Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies using the English language.
    • Communicate effectively with patients and staff in clear English in verbal and written forms.
    • Read and interpret (or learn how to) patient charts and requisitions.
    • Tolerate strong, unpleasant odors.
    • Provide physical and emotional support to the patients during procedures.
    • Report clearly and legibly through progress notes in patient charts.
    • Meet class standards for successful course completion.
    • Collect, interpret, and integrate data about patients.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, and races from all socioeconomic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
    • Cope with the stress of heavy workloads, demanding patients, and life-threatening clinical situations.
    • Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially hazardous situations.
    • Demonstrate the physical and emotional capacity to work a 40-hour week during clinical rotations.
    • Behave in an ethical, sound, competent, compassionate, and professional manner in the classroom and the clinic.
    • Lift/carry:
      • 1 pound (0.45 kg)—5 pounds (2.27 kg) frequently—image receptors, lead aprons, files.
      • 20 pounds (9.07 kg)—50 pounds (22.68 kg) occasionally—patient transfers and positioning.
      • 50 pounds (22.68 kg)—70 pounds (31.75 kg) rarely to occasionally—patient transfers.
    • Stand and walk for up to eight (8) hours per day.
    • Carry a minimum of 20 pounds (9.07 kg) while walking a distance of 100 feet (30.48 m).
    • Bend or flex the upper trunk forward up to 45 degrees and flex the lower torso into a squatting position.
    • Rotate the upper trunk up to 30 degrees to the right and left.
    • Reach at least 72 inches (1.83 m) above floor level or an entire arm’s reach.
    • Utilize the sense of hearing to communicate effectively with the patients and the healthcare team.
    • Utilize the sense of vision in all hospital lighting levels, ranging from low illumination to bright light levels.
    • Sit in class for up to six (6) hours per day.
    • Palpate anatomical structures and handle injured body parts without causing injury to the patient.
    • During exercise, give manual resistance to a patient’s arm, leg, or trunk.
    • Move with adequate agility and speed to ensure patient safety.
    • Walk and balance well enough to help patients walk and transfer with or without equipment while preventing injury to patients and themselves.
    • Safely grasp and manipulate small objects and set dials on electrical equipment.
    • Use visual, auditory, and tactile senses to observe patients and collect and interpret data.
    • Respond to warning sounds, machine alarms, and calls for help.

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    • The successful completion of all program courses and hours.
    • All financial obligations have been met, including tuition and textbook charges.

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International Nurse Graduate Course Descriptions

Transition Course

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
RN 180Nursing Transition Advanced Placement Theory & Lab Course120.05.0
Total735.028.0

 

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
RN 304Medical/Surgical III Theory-Advanced Med/Surg45.03.0
RN 305Medical/Surgical III Clinical-Advanced Med/Surg90.02.0
RN 402Medical/Surgical IV Theory-Complex/Critical Care Med/Surg & Leadership45.03.0
RN 403Medical/Surgical IV Clinical-Complex/Critical Care Med/Surg & Leadership90.02.0
Total270.010.0

 

Maternal and Newborn Nursing

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
RN 300Maternal Newborn Theory45.03.0
RN 301Maternal Newborn Clinical67.51.5
Total112.54.5

 

Care of Children

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
RN 302Care of Children Theory45.03.0
RN 303Care of Children Clinical67.51.5
Total112.54.5

 

Mental Health Nursing

Course NumberTitleClock HoursQuarter Credit Hours
RN 400Mental Health Theory30.02.0
RN 401Mental Health Clinical90.02.0
Total120.04.0

 

Read the International Nurse Graduate course descriptions.

International Nurse Graduate Courses Costs and Fees

All Students must take the Transition Course. The Total Program cost is the Transition Course sum and one or more of the below-chosen courses.

 

Transition Course Fees
Registration Fee (non-refundable)$100.00
Transition Books (non-refundable, if accessed)$50.00
Transition Course Tuition Fee$8,000.00
Total Course Cost$8,150.00

 

Medical-Surgical Nursing Course Fee
Medical-Surgical Books (non-refundable, if accessed)$75.00
Medical-Surgical Tuition Fee$16,000.00
Total Course Cost$16,075.00

 

Maternal & Newborn Nursing Course Fee
Maternal & Newborn Books (non-refundable, if accessed)$25.00
Maternal & Newborn Tuition Fee$7,200.00
Total Course Cost$7,225.00

 

Care of Children Course Fee
Care of Children Books (non-refundable, if accessed)$25.00
Care of Children Tuition Fee$7,200.00
Total Course Cost$7,225.00

 

Mental Health Course Fee
Mental Health Books (non-refundable, if accessed)$25.00
Mental Health Tuition Fee$6,400.00
Total Course Cost$6,425.00
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Career Services

We help to create a resume and portfolio
Creating a portfolio resume is a powerful way to showcase your skills and experiences to potential employers. At Gurnick Academy, we help you create a professional and polished resume to set you apart from the competition.
Mock Interviews
Mock interviews are a valuable tool to prepare you for the real thing. Gurnick Academy offers mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your interviewing skills before meeting with potential employers.
Support you after graduation
Your success doesn't end at graduation, that's why we offer support for our graduates even after they leave our institution. From career counseling to networking opportunities, we're here to help you take the next step in your career journey.
Gurnick Edge
Gurnick Edge is a website geared to professionally enhancing nurses. There are multiple professional building segments with easy to use tutorials. Along with the professional development, Gurnick Edge offers professional profiles that the student creates while in their respective programs.
Professional Development Workshops
Continuous learning is key to professional growth and success, that's why we offer professional development workshops to help our students and alumni stay current in their field. From soft skills to industry-specific training, our workshops provide valuable insights and skills to advance your career.
One-on-One and Interview Coaching
Achieving your career goals can be challenging, but with our one-on-one and interview coaching services you'll have the support you need to succeed. Our expert coaches will work with you to develop your skills, confidence and prepare you for success in job interviews.

Financial Aid for International Nurse Graduate Courses

Financial aid is unavailable for these courses.

For more information, please get in touch with our Admissions Team at 559-222-1903.

Job Outlook and Salary

View the Occupation Profile for Registered Nurse (RN) in California provided by the State of California Employment Development Department.

Additionally, some information is presented by County.

*Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has not determined if any programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside California unless identified by the program below. It is recommended that students in or planning to relocate to a state apart from where the program’s physical campus is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state.

 

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts can enroll students in distance education in the states below, adhering to each state’s requirements:

  • Arizona: The academy has identified non-regulation from licensure due to no physical presence from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education for the Associate of Science in MRI program.
  • Nevada: The academy has obtained approval from the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education to offer the Associate of Science in MRI program.
  • Florida: The academy has been notified of non-regulation from licensure due to a lack of physical presence from the Florida Commission for Independent Education for the Associate of Science in MRI program.

Accreditation and Approval

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds national institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education courses.

ABHES Mailing Address:
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730
North Bethesda, MD 20852

ABHES Phone301-291-7550
ABHES EmailInfo
ABHES Website: abhes.org

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act (CPPEA) of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. CPPEA governs the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

BPPE Mailing Address:
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 225
Sacramento, CA 95834

BPPE Phone888-370-7589
BPPE EmailGeneral
BPPE Website: bppe.ca.gov

Catalog and Addendum
2023-2024

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