Vocational Nursing is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts in Fresno, CA. The program takes 30 weeks (2070 clock hours) to complete, with a total tuition of $19,800.
Program Overview
Associate of Science in Vocational Nursing (A.S. in VN) program graduates join the healthcare field as a career. Vocational nurses provide primary medical care under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. They monitor patients’ health, discuss care with patients, keep records, and administer primary care, including changing bandages and inserting catheters.
The A.S. in VN program is a two (2) semester program for graduates of an approved Vocational Nursing or Practical Nursing program who wish to obtain an Associate of Science Degree. The program builds on the vocational nursing diploma program by adding the same general education courses as the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) program. LOCATION: Fresno. DELIVERY: Blended (Residential and Distance Education).
What Sets This Program Apart
A.S. in VN Program Goals and Objectives include incorporating nursing, behavioral, and physical sciences principles to provide competent care to clients of different ages with different biopsychosocial needs; applying knowledge of specific disease conditions to prevent, treat, provide nursing care, and facilitate rehabilitation; differentiating the role of the Vocational Nurse within the medical team; adhering to professional standards incorporating legal and ethical responsibilities; utilizing critical thinking in assessing, planning, intervening, and evaluating client care; and utilizing effective communication to demonstrate organizational skills, prioritization, delegation, and collaboration.
Admission Requirements & Process
General Admission Requirements for all Programs
All applicants to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts must:
- Meet with the program’s Admission Advisor to review all required disclosures and receive complete information before enrolling with Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.
- Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to review all required disclosures and receive complete information before enrolling at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. This requirement does not apply to non-financial aid programs or courses.
- Pay all applicable fees per the published fee schedule before issuing an enrollment agreement or making other payment arrangements acceptable to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts.
- Possess an Official High School Transcript from an approved/accredited high school or equivalent. Please ask an Admission Advisor for more details and refer to the Foreign Transcript/Degree Evaluation Policy.
- At least 18 (official ID is required) to enroll in a core program. Some programs may allow enrollment at age 17. Please refer to the program-specific admission requirements for details.
- Proof of residency.
- Complete the entrance exam with the minimum score required as outlined in the table, Admission Requirements Summary. All Programs utilize the Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT) with a minimum entrance exam score unless specified in the table above.
- Complete the Online Application consisting of the following documents: Online Application; Distance Education Questionnaire; Academic Integrity Statement; Consent to Receive Electronic Communications.
- Comply with all Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts requirements for Immunizations, Health Screening, Background Checks, and CPR/First Aid policy. Documentation of these requirements must be submitted before clinical rotations, as determined by the program.
- Comply with the program’s performance requirements.
- Comply with the additional admission requirements for each program.
- Meet the minimum student skills, hardware, and software requirements if you enroll in distance education (online) courses.
- Ability to read and write English at an American high school graduate level, as demonstrated by a high school diploma, GED, or passing the California high school proficiency exam.
Criteria Cognitive Aptitude Test (CCAT): an aptitude test that measures an individual’s aptitude to solve problems, digest and apply information, learn new skills, and think critically. The exam consists of 50 items. There is no cost for this exam. Applicants are allowed three (3) attempts within one (1) year to pass the exam. Results are valid for one (1) year from the date of the first attempt.
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS®): measures essential basic skills in reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage, intended primarily for adult nursing program applicants. The TEAS exam is proctored remotely by ATI, and the cost for this exam is $120 per individual test taker. For the A.S. in Nursing and B.S. in Nursing programs, the score on the most recent attempt will be accepted.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education or international courses. ABHES is located at 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, (301) 291-7550. www.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 complies 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. The BPPE is located at 1747 N. Market Blvd. Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, 916.574.8900.
The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370-7589, option #5, or visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.
Individual programs hold programmatic accreditation or approval from bodies including CoARC (Respiratory Therapy), CAAHEP upon recommendation of the JRC-DMS (Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound Technology), JRCNMT (Nuclear Medicine Technology), CAPTE (Physical Therapist Assistant), ACOTE (Occupational Therapy Assistant – Candidacy Status), JRCERT (Radiologic Technology Tracks A/B and Radiation Therapy), the California Board of Registered Nursing (ADN and BSN), the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Vocational Nurse), the Dental Board of California (Dental Assistant), and the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technician programs). Graduates of imaging programs are recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) to sit for the applicable examinations.
Other Approvals and Memberships
- The U.S. Department of Education has approved Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts to participate in Title IV/Federal Financial Aid programs.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) member.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is approved to accept participants from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Employment Development Department (EDD), and retraining programs of California counties.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San Jose campus, is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) to accept international students.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a member of the Chamber of Commerce (SVCC).
- The National Healthcare Association approves the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts to administer the Certified EKG Technician and Certified Phlebotomy Technician examinations.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
The expected program length is 30 weeks to complete all 33 semester credit hours of online General Education courses, following the transfer credit of 57.5 semester credits of a prior Vocational Nursing or Practical Nursing program. Graduates earn 90.5 semester credit hours and an Associate of Science Degree in Vocational Nursing.
Curriculum
A.S. in VN Program Course Outline (added General Education courses – 540 clock hours / 33 semester credit hours; total 90.5 semester credit hours with transfer credit):
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
Financial Aid Information
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts aims to assist every student in obtaining financial aid that enables them to attend their chosen program of study. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts participates in various federal and state student financial assistance programs. Financial aid programs are designed to assist students whose financial resources are inadequate to meet the full cost of their education. Each campus has a Financial Aid Advisor available to address questions related to financial aid.
Most financial aid available to students is federal student financial aid administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loans, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Graduate PLUS Loans (Grad PLUS), and Federal Work-Study (FWS). The Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship and the Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant are available to qualifying students. Cal Grants are available to eligible students in California for qualifying programs. After federal and state aid, students with unfunded balances can consider payment plans and private educational loans.
All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and state aid. The school code for Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is 041698. Private student loans (including Sallie Mae® and College Ave) are available for those who qualify, and affordable monthly payment arrangements are made at the time of enrollment.
Alumni Grants & Scholarships: Students who graduate from one Gurnick program and enroll in additional programs may be eligible for an alumni grant or scholarship, as specified by Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. The grants or scholarships are tied to specific programs, and the amount given per program varies. Please speak with an Admissions Advisor for details.
Total program tuition is $19,800 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Career Outcomes
Employment Assistance
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts offers job search assistance to graduates in good standing, provided they continue to cooperate with the academy. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not guarantee employment upon graduation.
Job search assistance will be provided in the form of some or all of the following:
Gurnick Edge Online Platform for Students and Graduates. As a new Gurnick Student, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to the Gurnick Edge platform, Gurnick’s online career-development hub, and Employer Partner Job Portal. This platform provides tools and resources designed to support your professional growth throughout your program and beyond. Students learn how to navigate career-planning features, access job-search materials, track progress, communicate with Career Services Coordinators, and utilize digital resources that enhance employability.
Professionalism Workshop. This workshop focuses on developing the essential professional behaviors expected in a health setting. Topics include workplace etiquette, communication standards, time management, teamwork, accountability, and cultivating a positive professional image.
Resume Preparation Workshop. Students receive step-by-step guidance on crafting a strong, polished resume tailored to healthcare positions. The workshop covers resume structure, formatting, accomplishment-based writing, and how to highlight relevant training and clinical experience.
Interview Tips and Techniques Workshop. This session prepares students for real-world interviews by teaching strategies for answering common and industry-specific questions, including presenting strengths, addressing weaknesses, demonstrating soft skills, researching employers, and making a positive impression both in-person and virtually.
Mock Interviews With Employer Partners. Career Services conducts mock interviews that simulate real hiring situations. Employer partners are invited to participate, allowing students to interact with professionals who actively hire in the field, providing realistic practice, honest feedback, and valuable networking opportunities.
Finding employment is a joint effort between the student and Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. The student must agree to cooperate with our Career Services Coordinators in conducting a job search, including providing a resume, participating in scheduled workshops, attending interviews, and completing all required assignments. Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts programs are comprehensive and are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions.
What to Expect as a Student at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts
Orientation of New Students
Orientation is conducted before the beginning of each program to introduce new students to Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. During this orientation, administration members familiarize students with Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts facilities and explain academic policies and regulations. Orientation may occur in residential or virtual modalities, or a combination of both.
Library Resources
LIRN is a third-party Library and Librarian Solution that Gurnick Academy partners with to provide comprehensive library resources and librarians. LIRN has numerous online resources from various vendors, including databases containing articles from periodicals (peer reviewed, academic, and trade), eBook collections, video collections, and interactive applications. LIRN Librarians provide library support for 118 hours each week.
Computer and Internet Resources
All campuses are fully equipped with Wi-Fi for internet access while on campus. Loaner tablets or laptops may also be available for check-out at the front desk.
Technical Support
Technical support is available to students Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., via email at support@gurnick.edu. Additional technical support is available outside of standard business hours, including Saturdays and Sundays, upon request.
Student Identification Card
Students receive student ID badges at the beginning of their program; it is part of their Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts uniform. All students must always wear their Student Identification Card while in educational settings.
Housing
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts does not assume responsibility for student housing, does not operate dormitory facilities, and does not provide assistance with student housing.
School Information
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts holds institutional accreditation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). ABHES accreditation does not include continuing education or international courses. ABHES is located at 6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730, North Bethesda, MD, 20852, (301) 291-7550. www.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 complies 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. The BPPE is located at 1747 N. Market Blvd. Suite 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, 916.574.8900.
The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions. The office may be reached by calling (888) 370-7589, option #5, or visiting osar.bppe.ca.gov.
Individual programs hold programmatic accreditation or approval from bodies including CoARC (Respiratory Therapy), CAAHEP upon recommendation of the JRC-DMS (Ultrasound and Vascular Ultrasound Technology), JRCNMT (Nuclear Medicine Technology), CAPTE (Physical Therapist Assistant), ACOTE (Occupational Therapy Assistant – Candidacy Status), JRCERT (Radiologic Technology Tracks A/B and Radiation Therapy), the California Board of Registered Nursing (ADN and BSN), the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (Vocational Nurse), the Dental Board of California (Dental Assistant), and the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (Radiologic Technology and X-ray Technician programs). Graduates of imaging programs are recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT®) to sit for the applicable examinations.
Other Approvals and Memberships
- The U.S. Department of Education has approved Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts to participate in Title IV/Federal Financial Aid programs.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) member.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is approved to accept participants from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Employment Development Department (EDD), and retraining programs of California counties.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, San Jose campus, is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) to accept international students.
- Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a member of the Chamber of Commerce (SVCC).
- The National Healthcare Association approves the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts to administer the Certified EKG Technician and Certified Phlebotomy Technician examinations.