This program takes about 72 weeks to complete (1,530 clock hours / 58 semester credits).
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Contact the school for financial aid details for this program.
Vocational Nurse – Part-Time is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in Fresno, CA. The program takes 72 weeks to complete.
Program Overview
The Vocational Nurse (VN) program utilizes a plan in which nursing courses progress along a simple-to-complex continuum. The organizing principle is homeostasis as it relates to the study of representative client problems by addressing the various anatomical systems and specialty areas in nursing. The program includes both didactic and laboratory training, as well as a clinical component that reinforces theoretical knowledge. As a result of preparation, students can work as Vocational Nurses in hospitals or medical clinics.
The Vocational Nurse – Part-time program is a diploma program of 1,530 clock hours and 58 semester credit hours delivered in a blended (residential and distance education) format over four semesters, with evening lectures two days a week.
What sets this Program apart
Prerequisite Starts Weekly!
Hands-On Skills Lab Training
Clinical Hours Provided
NCLEX-PN Exam Prep
Job Placement Assistance
Admission Requirements and Process
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.
Be at least 17 to be admitted to the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisites course with a parent’s or guardian’s consent; applicants must be at least 18 at the beginning of the core program.
Complete the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisites course with a passing grade as identified in the syllabus. The course may be waived for applicants who completed Cell Biology, Human Biology Basics, Basic Math and Medical Terminology within the last five years with a grade of at least “C”; a prerequisite challenge exam is also available.
Applicants who have completed the Essential Medical Bioscience (EMB) course will be given a seat in the CORE VN program and will not be ranked using the VN Admission Point System.
Some campuses (such as those with a larger applicant pool than available seats) may require an interview with the applicable VN Program Coordinator or their designee.
General Requirements
Entrance exam
Complete the entrance exam with the minimum required score: CCAT with a minimum score of 16.
High school transcript
Possess an official high school transcript from an approved/accredited high school or equivalent; foreign credentials follow the Foreign Transcript/Degree Evaluation Policy.
Minimum age
Be at least 18 (official ID is required) to enroll in a core program; some programs allow enrollment at age 17.
Online application
Complete the Online Application, the Distance Education Questionnaire, the Academic Integrity Statement and the Consent to Receive Electronic Communications.
Health and background requirements
Comply with Gurnick's immunization, health screening, background check and CPR/First Aid requirements; documentation is due before clinical rotations.
Admissions meeting
Meet with the program's Admission Advisor to review all required disclosures and receive complete information before enrolling with Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.
Proof of residency
Provide proof of residency, which Gurnick uses to determine your physical location and program authorization.
Application Process
1
Attend an information session
Attend or view a live or recorded information session for the program.
Complete the entrance exam with the minimum required score (CCAT with a minimum score of 16).
4
Complete the online application
Complete the Online Application, including the Distance Education Questionnaire, the Academic Integrity Statement and the Consent to Receive Electronic Communications.
Pay the $100 non-refundable registration fee and all applicable fees per the published fee schedule before an enrollment agreement is issued.
Program Schedule
Term One: Students must be available from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM for the lectures two (2) days a week. Skills Lab is once (1) a week from 2pm–10pm.
Terms Two, Three, and Four: Students must be available from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM for the lectures two (2) days a week. Skills Lab and Clinicals are scheduled 10 hours per shift, 1–2 days per week. Clinical rotations for specialty courses (e.g., OB, Peds) may require an alternative schedule (e.g., 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays, Sundays).
Class times can and may be rescheduled on an alternate day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) to ensure on-time program completion and fulfillment of required program hours.
No upcoming start date is published for this program at this campus; contact the campus for the next start.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts's average yearly cost after grants and scholarships, for all aided students (IPEDS 2022-23) — school-wide, not this program's price.
Federal student aid
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts takes part in federal student aid, so eligible students may receive a Pell Grant. See if you qualify
The current Catalog Addendum (rev. October 23, 2026) prices the part-time Vocational Nurse program only at the Sacramento and San Jose campuses; it publishes no part-time tuition for the Fresno campus, so no tuition figure is shown here. Contact the campus for the current rate.
The net price figure shown with this page is Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ average yearly net price after grants and scholarships for all of its aided students, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS 2022-23). It is not the price of this program.
Tuition and fees. The current catalog addendum does not publish tuition for this program at the Fresno campus; contact the campus for current charges.
Financial aid. Contact the school for financial aid details for this program. Gurnick's FAFSA school code is 041698.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your net price with Gurnick's Net Price Calculator.
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.
Curriculum
The Vocational Nurse – Part-Time curriculum follows the same courses as the Vocational Nurse program, measured in semester credit hours.
Required Courses
Subject #
Name
Credits
VN 100
Fundamentals of Nursing
6
VN 110
Anatomy and Physiology
3.5
VN 120
Clinical Nutrition
2
VN 130
Clinical Lab I
4
VN 200
Medical/Surgical Nursing I
5.5
VN 220
Clinical II
6
VN 230
Pharmacology
3.5
VN 300
Medical/Surgical Nursing II
6
VN 320
Clinical III
6
VN 400
Obstetrical Nursing
2.5
VN 410
Pediatric Nursing
2.5
VN 420
Psychiatric Nursing
2
VN 430
Clinical IV
6
VN 450
Capstone
2.5
Career Outcomes
Career paths. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse.
Certification and licensure. NCLEX-PN (California Vocational Nurse license).
Campus Address
Fresno
4747 N. 1st Avenue
Suite 192
Fresno, CA 93726
Why Accreditation Is Important
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The Vocational Nurse – Part-Time program was approved by ABHES in August 2026; Gurnick's Vocational Nurse program is approved by the BVNPT.
A reliable indicator of quality
Approved program of study
Qualified instructors
Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
ABHES
Testimonials
My personal experience at Gurnick was a good one. I learned a great deal while attending nursing school. I can honestly say that I built genuine relationships with my instructors and classmates. I can proudly say today that I am officially Nurse Sandy 👩🏻⚕️, A Hospice Nurse.
Sandra F.
Vocational Nurse Program
Nursing is not for everyone. It takes a different way of understanding. It takes empathy, compassion, hard work, tenacity, and, of course, lots of coffee! Gurnick has allowed me to pursue my education and develop the values and responsibilities it takes to become the best nurse I can be.
Caitlin G.
Vocational Nurse Program
I have found Gurnick to be a much more personable and resourceful program to be part of. The program is challenging, but students are incredibly well-supported, with access to instructors and resources that enable them to perform at their best.
Rachael B.
Vocational Nurse Program
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)?
The definition of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is an entry-level healthcare provider who is responsible for rendering basic nursing care within a directed scope of practice.1 While performing a limited range of nursing functions, they practice under the direction of a Physician, Registered Nurse, or other advanced healthcare professional.2
They have also passed the NCLEX-PN and are licensed by a state board of nursing, allowing them to provide patient care.
Citations
1 “Licensed Vocational Nurse Scope of Practice.” Texas Board of Nursing, Texas.Gov. 2013. (Accessed March 31, 2022.)
2 “Licensed Vocational Nurses.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed March 15, 2022.)
Is an RN higher than an LVN?
Yes, a Registered Nurse’s role is a higher level of education, pay, and skill than a Licensed Vocational Nurse’s role. Based on geographic and workplace requisites, one may be eligible for a role as a Licensed Vocational Nurse by completing either:
a) Vocational Nurse Diploma program;
<OR>
b) An Associate of Science (A.S) in Vocational Nursing program. At Gurnick Academy, completion is as follows:
• A Vocational Nursing Diploma program takes approximately 12 months or 48 approved instructional weeks to complete.
Why are some nurses called VNs and others LPNs?
Within the U.S., Licensed Vocational Nurses are referred to as Licensed Practical Nurses, except in two regions.1 In California and Texas, these same professionals are termed Licensed Vocational Nurses. Generally speaking, titles denote the same positions within nursing in terms of rank, staff, education, pay, and scope.
Citation
1 Admin. “Difference Between LPN and LVN.” Compare the Differences Between Similar Terms. 2011. (Accessed March 31, 2022.)
Are there other titles Licensed Vocational Nurses use?
Usually, these titles are used interchangeably by laypersons and patients for general understanding, then applied as reference points among similar roles. Titles differ between geographic locations, such as the titles used for nurses in England versus those in New York, with slight variations in duties and responsibilities.
According to O*NET, Licensed Vocational Nurses use other terms, including:
• Charge Nurse
• Clinic Licensed Practical Nurse (Clinic LPN)
• Clinic Nurse
• Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse (Home Health LPN)
• Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
• Office Nurse
• Pediatric LPN (Pediatric Licensed Practical Nurse)
• Private Duty Nurse
• Radiation Oncology Nurse
• Triage LPN (Triage Licensed Practical Nurse).1
Is it hard to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
The question isn’t whether something is simple or complex. The length, training, and scope of professional practice for a Licensed Vocational Nursing route represent time and educational commitment. The program requires a commitment to the profession.
How old do I have to be to attend the Vocational Nurse Program?
You must be at least 17 years of age to be admitted to the Essential Medical Bioscience prerequisites course, provided you have obtained consent from a parent or guardian. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the core program.
How can I obtain more information about VN program?
You can fill out our online contact form to have information mailed to you, or a school representative can contact you.
I want to register for VN program. How do I get started?
Learn more about admission requirements.
I have a foreign degree. Do I need to have my degree evaluated?
Please find more information about the process for evaluating foreign transcripts and diplomas.
Where can I get my degree evaluated?
Please find more information about the process for evaluating foreign transcripts and diplomas.
What is the CCAT exam and how can I prepare for it?
Please click on the link for more info about the CCAT exam.
What if I don’t pass the CCAT exam?
To qualify for the Vocational Nurse program, you must pass the CCAT exam.
What does the entrance exam consist of?
Please click on the link for more info about the CCAT exam.
I have a medical degree. Am I still required to take the entrance exam?
Regardless of degree or background, all applicants must pass the entrance exam to be admitted into the program.
What are the prerequisites for the VN program?
Click on the link to learn more about the prerequisite courses for the VN program.
How often are the prerequisite courses offered?
Our prerequisite courses are offered before each program start date, usually twice per year.
How long is the Essential Medical Bioscience course?
It is approximately ten (10) weeks or 80-course hours.
Are prerequisites included in the program length?
Prerequisites are separate from the program and are not included in the program length.
Is the program accredited?
Click on the link to learn more about our VN program accreditation.
How do I pay for the program?
We offer flexible payment options and private student loan options.
How long is the VN program?
Learn more about program length and schedule.
What is the schedule of the program?
Learn more about our program length and schedule.
What happens if I fail a class? Will I be expelled from the program?
Please find more info in the Catalog and Addendum.
What if I miss a class?
Please find more info in the Catalog and Addendum.
Are there any breaks within the school year?
View the Addendum to review all scheduled breaks during the school year.
Can I still apply to the nursing program if I have a criminal history?
Review the Catalog and Addendum for information about limitations to acceptance into the Vocational Nurse program.
Can I still apply to the nursing program if I have a criminal history?
The Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) requires a background check for licensure in the state. If your criminal history involves violent, substance abuse, and sexually violent crimes, clinical facilities may deny your participation.
Is this a full time program?
The program is considered a full-time program, even though students are not required to be on campus full-time.
Can I take both night and day classes?
Students cannot switch back and forth between day and evening classes. Students can enroll only in the day schedule or night schedule (not both).
However, special circumstances may be accommodated at the discretion of the instructor or program director.
Will I be able to maintain my employment while in the program?
With careful time management, many students have successfully maintained part-time employment while completing the program.
What can I do with this education?
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses work in many settings, including nursing homes, extended care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and private homes. Most work full-time.1
Citation
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
How many hours of clinical training am I expected to perform?
Learn more about our program length and schedule.
Do I have to find my own externship?
An externship will be provided for all of our students.
Where will the clinical training be conducted?
Your externship will be provided through our affiliated clinical facilities. These facilities include hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and private doctors’ offices. It is the student’s responsibility to commute to the various externship sites. The list of clinics is constantly evolving.
What is the schedule for clinical externship?
Learn more about our program length and schedule.
Are the externships paid positions?
All externships are unpaid.
Will I be clinically evaluated during my externship?
All students will be continually evaluated by the program director/clinical coordinator and the student’s clinical instructor. These evaluations will take place at the externship site(s). All students will be notified in advance of their upcoming evaluations.
Which comes first, a Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Registered Nurse?
One may take the Licensed Vocational Nursing route as a bridge to a Registered Nursing career, or they may choose to stop at the LVN level. Some students stop, work, and then later enter an RN route. Other students never become LVNs but instead follow a direct pathway to becoming RNs.
While there are various options for the profession, nursing education is seldom overlooked by any student. It can often be applied in multiple ways, at various times, and in diverse settings.
How much does the program cost?
To view the fee breakdown, please see our program fees section.
Are prerequisites included in the program cost?
Prerequisites are billed separately from the program and are not included in the program cost.
What does the program cost include?
Click on the link for more info about program fees.
Can I obtain financial aid?
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs.
When do I start making payments toward my Sallie Mae loan?
Contact the Financial Aid Department if you have questions about Sallie Mae loans.
Once I graduate from the program will I be getting a degree or certificate?
The Vocational Nurse Program is a diploma program.
Do you offer job placement?
Yes, we assist with job placements for all students who complete the program. However, we cannot guarantee employment.
Will the program prepare me to pass the NCLEX exam?
NCLEX test preparation is strongly emphasized throughout our students’ entire curriculum at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. We also offer NCLEX preparation classes near the program’s end and conduct reviews, as well as optional NCLEX preparation courses.
Are Licensed Vocational Nurses real nurses?
Yes. However, Licensed Vocational Nurses are limited in scope and practice and must be supervised by a physician, Registered Nurse, or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).1
Citation
1 “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
Is being a Licensed Vocational Nurse a good career choice?
According to U.S. News and World Report, Licensed Vocational Nurses received an overall score of 6.3 out of ten in job satisfaction. LVNs ranked #4 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree, #5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs, and #20 in Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree.
Ratings are determined by their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other relevant considerations.1
Citation
1 “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
How much do Licensed Vocational Nurses make?
According to U.S. News and World Report, Licensed Vocational Nurses made a median salary of $48,820 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent earned $57,860 yearly, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $42,060.1 In California, Licensed Vocational Nurses have a mean annual salary of $64,090.1
Citation
1 “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
What is job satisfaction in this field?
Beyond helping, caring for, and serving others, many Licensed Vocational Nurses report general satisfaction with their profession. According to U.S. News and World Report, LPNs/LVNs receive a score of 6.3 out of ten in overall satisfaction and rank #4 in Best Jobs Without a College Degree and #5 in Best Health Care Support Jobs. They also rank #20 in Highest Paying Jobs Without a Degree. Jobs are evaluated based on their ability to offer a unique blend of factors, including stress, education, flexibility, work-life balance, and other key considerations.1
Citation
1 “Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview.” U.S. News and World Report, L.P. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
What is the top complaint in this field?
According to the online resource, Minority Nurse, poor management and the lack of support from their management teams are among the most significant complaints nurses report.
What makes a poor manager? Nurses may say it is a manager who doesn’t value open communication and feedback from their staff.1 Another chief complaint within the profession seems to be burnout. Most often, burnout is due to staffing shortages. 1
Citation
1^a, b Johnson, Nachole. “Why Good Nurses Leave the Profession.” Minority Nurse, Springer Publishing Company. December 13, 2018. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
What is the current demand for this vocation?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to grow by nine percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1
Citation
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
What are some common interview questions?
According to Indeed.com, the most commonly asked interview questions for Licensed Vocational Nurses include the following:
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why did you become an LVN/LPN?
• Why did you leave your previous position?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What are your biggest strengths?
• What are your biggest weaknesses?1
What tools do Licensed Vocational Nurses use?
According to O*NET, some of the tools Licensed Vocational Nurses use include the following items.
• Hypodermic needles—hollow needles; intramuscular needles; intravenous IV needles; subcutaneous hypodermic needles.
• Intravenous or arterial infusion bags or containers—bag infusion systems; closed infusion systems; open infusion systems; safety infusion systems.
• Nebulizers—electronic compressor nebulizers; pediatric nebulizers; portable nebulizers; ultrasonic nebulizers.
• Patient stabilization or fall prevention devices—ankle restraints, gait belts, lap belts, and restraints.
• Spirometers—handheld spirometers; personal computer PC-based spirometers; pocket spirometers; pulmonary function testing PFT equipment.1
What do Licensed Vocational Nurses do?
Licensed Vocational Nurses observe patients, perform basic assessments, and report and document changes in patient conditions. They also measure vital signs, perform medical treatments, and administer physician-prescribed medications.1 LVNs must be supervised by physicians, Registered Nurses, or APRNs.2
Citations
1 Detailed Guide for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Fresno County. Employment Development Department. The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
2 “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed June 9, 2022.)
Can Licensed Vocational Nurses draw blood?
Yes, in California, a Licensed Vocational Nurse may withdraw blood.1 An LVN may administer fluids, medication, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), blood, or blood products via central venous catheters and central lines. They may access these lines for blood draws and the administration of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if the following conditions are met: The LVN/LPN holds a current ACLS certification.2, 3
Citations
1 “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
2 “Can an LVN Draw Blood in California?” SeniorCare2Share. December 17, 2021. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
3 “Frequently Asked Questions.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
Can Licensed Vocational Nurses start and superimpose intravenous fluids?
The BVNPT Board will consider a Licensed Vocational Nurse as competent to start and superimpose intravenous fluids via primary or secondary infusion lines who have completed one of the following:
(a) A course in intravenous therapy approved by the Board.
(b) Submitted certification, satisfactory to the Board, by one of the persons specified that the licensee has been instructed in the subject areas specified and that the licensee has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice venipuncture safely.1
Citation
1 “Intravenous Therapy.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
Can Licensed Vocational Nurses administer medication?
Every institution has its own unique policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Furthermore, states vary in the scopes of practice for Licensed Vocational Nurses. Generally, an LVN may give oral pain medication and insulin injections as prescribed by physicians. LVNs can often provide oral chemotherapy drugs, watching closely for side effects after the medication has been given.1
Citation
1 “Can LPNs Administer Medication?” Practical Nursing.org. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
Can Licensed Vocational Nurses give immunizations?
Yes, in California, a Licensed Vocational Nurse may administer medications, including injections and immunizations, and perform skin tests. LVNs who have completed IV therapy training may also start, manage, and discontinue intravenous lines.1
An LVN may administer fluids, medication, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), blood, or blood products via central venous catheters and central lines. They may access these lines for blood draws and administration of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if they have current ACLS certification.2 However, they may not prescribe these procedures.
Citations
1 “Nursing Licensure and Scope of Practice in California.” Nursing Explorer. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
2 “Can an LVN Draw Blood in California?” SeniorCare2Share. December 17, 2021. (Accessed April 25, 2022.)
What are Licensed Vocational Nurses not allowed to do?
The Board of Nursing in each state defines what level of care Licensed Vocational Nurses can and can’t provide through an official document called their “scope of practice.”1
Citation
1 “Frequently Asked Questions.” Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The State of California. 2022. (Accessed April 26, 2022.)
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Request information about Vocational Nurse – Part-Time at Fresno.
