Nursing (LVN to ADN)

Nursing graduates play an essential role in healthcare. Registered Nurses (RN) are vital to the healthcare team as they provide and coordinate patient care. RNs assess patients, administer medication and treatments, consult with doctors, and educate patients on how to manage their illnesses or injuries.

We offer two (2) different pathways that include didactic and hands-on training. The first track is a six-semester program for non-nursing applicants.

We offer a second track for those with a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)/ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license and who have completed general education courses. LVN to RN applicants can complete the program in two semesters, along with a three-week LVN to RN transition course. After program completion, students will receive a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) prep class to prepare for the RN licensure board examination.

Program goals and objectives.

• Provide a high-quality educational experience to each individual desirous of entering the healthcare profession.
• Provide a depth of human understanding and a wide range of nursing skills based on communication and scientific principles.
• Guide the associate degree student in collaborative practice with other healthcare professionals to meet patient nursing needs.
• Apply the nursing process to provide safe and effective care.
• Help develop the associate degree student to become a role model, patient advocate, patient educator, and caregiver who provides an environment conducive to maintaining dignity and maximizing the wellness of each individual.
• Guide the associate degree student to actively participate in the learning process and assist with developing self-awareness and self-direction.
• Provide a shared learning environment between faculty and students by exchanging knowledge and experience to promote change within the participants.
• Prepare the associate degree student with the knowledge, skill, and ability to administer safe, ethical, competent nursing care as a beginning practitioner in various settings.

• Approved by the BRN
• Hands-On Sim Lab Training
• Clinical Hours Provided
• NCLEX-RN Exam Prep
• Job Placement Assistance

All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements for all Programs, including the entrance exam where required, and the additional admission requirements for this program.

• 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. It is recommended that interested applicants meet with the admission advisor to complete the application.
• Applicants must take an Admission Assessment: The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS VII). It tests math, reading, English language use, and science. All students are encouraged to log on to atitesting.com for study material and other valuable resources and information. The TEAS VII Test Passing score = 64% or better.
• If necessary, applicants will be asked to participate in an interview with the Nursing Program Director or Associate Program Director, either in person or via a virtual conferencing platform.
• Applicants must submit a two to three-page (2 – 3) written essay on why they have chosen professional nursing as a career.
• Applicants must submit proof of one (1) year of full-time LVN/LPN work experience within the last three years, or be a recent graduate of an LVN/LPN school (within one year at the time of application), or have completed an LPN/LVN Refresher/Re-entry program within one (1) year of admission.
• Applicants must submit transcripts showing proof of completing the 33 units of General Education courses that comprise Semesters I and II of the ADN Generic Pathway.
• Applicants must submit a resume.
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) or higher in non-biology prerequisite coursework. Official transcripts are required.
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) or higher in math and science coursework. Official transcripts are required.

Students in this pathway can complete the ADN program within 33 weeks (two (2) semesters and a three (3) week LVN to RN transition course), assuming maximum credit granting for nursing and GE courses.

An admission course is required for all students electing to enroll in the LVN to RN Advanced Placement program. The admission course is RN 180 – Nursing Transition Advanced Placement Theory & Lab Course. It is a 5-unit, 120-hour course that evaluates the student’s readiness to enroll in the Advanced Placement pathway. The student must demonstrate the required knowledge and skills to complete this course. All students must complete these before starting any Professional Courses.

The third semester is 16 Semester Credit Hours (11 lectures and five (5) clinical hours). Classes will be held Monday through Friday with two (2) days on campus (9 hours of class each week for 15 weeks) and nine (9) hours/two (2) days per week in clinical practice for ten (10) weeks.

The fourth semester is nine (9) Semester Credit Hours (five (5) lectures and four (4) clinical hours). Classes will be held Monday through Friday with two (2) days on campus (7 hours of class) and three (3) days per week in clinical practice, each for eight to nine (8 – 9) hours.

Students receive 292.5 hours of didactic instruction and 472.5 hours of clinical and laboratory instruction through this pathway, enabling them to apply lecture topics to practical use. The curriculum equips students with the technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills required to excel in this demanding field. The expected program completion time is 33 weeks, excluding holidays and vacation times.

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has adopted ATI standardized testing to assess student learning outcomes and evaluate student readiness for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX Preparation and Remediation course assists students in this program by focusing directly on the current National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) test plan, application process, and test-taking strategies to prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Preparation for the NCLEX-RN is provided to the students. Students are permitted two (2) attempts to pass the ATI exit exam to graduate. The first attempt is given after program completion. The second attempt is given two (2) weeks after program completion. Under extraordinary circumstances, eligible students may be permitted a third attempt. See the Student Grievance and Appeals Policy for more information.

Upcoming start date for this program: January 24, 2028 (application deadline September 3, 2027).

Tuition and fees. Registration Fee (non-refundable) $100.00; Student Tuition Recovery Fund $0.00; Nursing Transition course tuition $9,000.00 and textbooks $100.00; Textbooks $350.00; Core tuition $52,500.00. Total program cost $62,050.00. Total program cost excludes transportation, room and board, and personal expenses.

Total fees per period of enrollment. Period 1: $33,850.00; Period 2: $19,000.00.

Cost of Attendance, 2026–2027 (one academic year). Tuition & Fees $52,600.00; Books $350.00; Transportation $6,300.00; Food & Housing $17,876.00; Personal Expenses $638.00; Loan Fees $108.00; Laptop Fees $450.00; Total Cost of Attendance (One Academic Year) $78,322.00. Individual student costs will vary.

Financial aid. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, Direct and Direct PLUS Loans, Cal Grant, Sallie Mae® and Campus Door loans, and veteran benefits, for those who qualify. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.

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Other fees, as applicable. ATI TEAS $120; background check $33–$75; drug testing $74–$148; CPR $55–$80; fingerprinting $81 and up; licensing board fees $200–$500 depending on the exam and license; campus parking permit $25; graduation ceremony fee $20–$50. Some of these fees may be paid by Gurnick Academy for some programs.

Career paths. Registered Nurse.

Certification and licensure. NCLEX-RN.

School Performance Fact Sheet, calendar year 2024. Associate of Science in Registered Nursing – 615 Clock Hours at the Fresno campus reported an on-time completion rate of 0% (0 of 0 students available for graduation) (published March 17, 2026).