Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

Soon to be graduate of the VN program here at Gurnick. It’s been a tough year, but I’m finally finished! The staff here is really great. They have instructors that are very knowledgable and truly care about their students!
If you plan on coming to this school for the VN program, be prepared to sacrifice a lot of your time. I cut back my hours from being full time to part time (8 – 15 hours a week) so that I could really focus on the program. There were many days spent at Starbucks either by myself or with classmates (I even became a Starbucks rewards member since I was there so often) and we helped quiz each other on material we would be tested on.
Be prepared for tests! Be ready for 2 – 3 tests per week! Sounds tough, but you can do it! Depending on the teacher and subject, some tests will be computerized or they will be scantron tests.
The year is divided into four modules (and they also offer pre-​req classes for 3 months before the program) and you take mini practice HESI tests on fundamentals, med surg, and pharmacy 1 & 2 after each module to help prepare you for the real HESI exam at the end of the program. Ms. Debbie is the NCLEX and HESI review instructor is she is AWESOME! She really gets you ready with what could possibly be on these tests.
Clinical sites are also pretty good. Unfortunately, my group got stuck with two new sites and one was in Martinez and it was very run down, and the nurses barely let us do anything. Hopefully they stop using this facility! But everywhere else is wonderful and you will learn a lot!

i recentely graduated in October 2015 from the Medical Assistant course & i must say the instructor Mrs. Gonzalez is the best! she honestly takes her time to make sure you understand the material that is being taught. she did the most for our class & i wouldn’t have preferred a better teacher than her! that’s the reason why i chose to stay. & if you are a person looking at this school for the MA course i must stay it is INTENSE! 24 weeks goes by fast & you must stay on track in order to maintain a passing grade. so if you are interested in Gurnick good luck, you’ll love the teacher if you don’t than somethings wrong with you…

I was searching for a VN or PT program close to where I live. There were 3 schools that I saw but I chose this school above others because:
1. they accept government loans
2. BIG parking space
3. campus was clean
4. students and staff were friendly
5. instructors were very knowledgeable
I enrolled myself after a week of having my HS international transcripts evaluated.
Remember, this is a fast pace program. You have to make sure that you got the time to study or pay attention to due dates the instructor is giving you or else you won’t make it to the next module/​semester. I work and at the same time go to school because I want to add that up to my resume. I graduated from the Psychiatric Program (PT) last Sept 2015. Overall, I am very happy with the results: clinical rotations, lectures, future job site visits, etc. They even help you out with board exam reviews and job applications.

If you are considering gurnick as your school I would say go for it. It has amazing teachers who really do want you to pass and I was surprised by how much time they spend at school and with their students.
They also have free tutoring

This is the only school i look forward to begin my career as a nurse, they produces a very great, talented and proficient nurses. I am a graduating student, and with my experience at gurnick there is nothing i can complain of, they provide us all equipments we needed to learn, we go to a facilities that we could practice our own knowledge and skills. And the staff in gurnick also do their best to provide extra time for the students who needs more attention.
I enrolled for vocational nursing course that is accelerated program, its a short period of time that will offer you all knowledge and techniques you needed to be a great nurse in the future.
I would definitely recommend this school

I graduated from the Medical Assistant program back in May 2015. My instructor, Mrs. Gonzalez, was super helpful! She’ll never leave you confused, she goes out of her way to make sure everybody understood what she was teaching. You can tell that she truly cares for her students. She’s not just an instructor, she will literally be like your second Mom! She makes you comfortable enough to where you can go to her and ask her any questions you may have. The program director, Ms. Rogers was a busy busy woman. Although we did not see too much of her in the classroom, you are always welcome to her office if you have any concerns. In the beginning the curriculum was pretty organized. We knew from the beginning what was expected from us. Towards the end, everything seemed to be changing. From our homework assignments and their grading system! It seemed as if every single day there would be a change. Ms. Rogers is a hard working woman but it was a little too hard trying to keep up with the changes that was being made that often! All in all, I appreciate both Mrs. Gonzalez and Ms. Rogers because they made it all possible at the end.
Going into a program like this, you HAVE TO know what you’re getting into. Things move so much quicker, there’s so much more homework and tests, you have to be able to keep up. You have to be motivated and focused because you can’t slack off one bit. Although there was a few times where it got overwhelming, I stuck with it and kept on learning! I love challenges and I love learning, so being in that program was a combination of both!
To be honest, Gurnick is a little on the pricey side but I loved my experience at Gurnick! Definitely learned a lot and will carry all that knowledge w/​me!

I am a graduating VN student this year of Gurnick in Concord Campus. The Vocational Nursing Program is very fast, takes only 13 months which is divided into 4 modules. I enrolled here with my friends.
Instructors are great, very helpful and supportive. They’re not gonna live you hanging and clueless, and make sure you understand all the classes. They will gonna challenge your knowledge and help you gain more and check if you are ready and safe to practice your nursing skills before you do scheduled clinical class. Gurnick also have a simulation lab besides clinical class which gives a hands on training experience and understanding of the lesson you have in Didactic Class. The thing I like so far is the maternity simulation lab which you can experience how to assist a laboring mother-​delivering a newborn using a high-​tech clinical dummy.
Though it’s a tough journey due to fast-​paced schedule of the program, I really enjoy my learning experience @Gurnick.
Program cost is a little bit higher compare to some of the nursing school around the bay area but they offer great learning experience that most Nursing schools don’t have (based on a friends’ statement who went to different Nursing Schools).
So far, I didn’t have any unacceptable experience yet (I will update if anything happens). Staff are very approachable, helpful and friendly. Definitely will continue to recommend this great Nursing School with everyone.

I am currently a student attending the Medical Assistant program. I did my research before enrolling, calling and talking to other schools re: their MA program and although Gurnick wasn’t the cheapest or easiest course I knew it was the one for me. I wanted the best education from an accelerated course with instructors who set their standard high. I’m getting that in Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Ganzalez. Two different personalities however both compassionate, patient and hard working to help you succeed.
If you struggle with reading English or basic math and you want a free pass without putting in the effort, then this course will be tougher for you. Not impossible, just harder. Other than medical terminology, learning the different body systems, typing skills, Ecg skills, doing some really cool procedures, learning the front office aspect of coding and more, we have also touched on basic injections and venipuncture. A bit intimidating while learning but the instructors are there every step of the way. No yelling, only positive helpful advice and instruction. The hours may seem long but the time goes by quickly. Before you know it you are out on externship and applying for positions (in which the school helps prepare you).
If you are looking for the best course that will more than prepare you for the real world of Medical Assisting and give you the confidence you need and an edge up on the other graduates from other schools, then you can stop here. The instructors really are the best!

So to begin, I took the Medical Assisting program at Gurnick. Just graduated recently, the first week of May.
I must say, it was not an easy journey. Then again, going into anything related to the medical field– it will never be. When they say accelerated, THEY MEAN IT. You cannot go into this program thinking you can slack off and get by just doing the minimum. Yes, it isn’t LVN or RN, but it is just as stimulating and difficult learning everything.
I had the pleasure of having Lorena Gonzalez as my instructor. One of the most amazing instructors I have had, very attentive and understanding. One of the reasons I even give this program or school up to 4 stars. You can literally ask her the same question a hundred times, and she will still answer it for you. The program director, Ms. Rogers, she’s busy, but always has an open door. She did what she could to the best of her abilities.
The curriculum, it was honestly a bit unorganized, confusing at times, but with some patience you get through it. You learn a lot in a short amount of time. Even though homework isn’t worth much, still helped with learning the material. You can not get through this program if you don’t have a passion for helping people or an open mind. You can not get through this program either if you don’t have respect, patience, and compassion. It is not easy learning Anatomy and Physiology in two weeks and then learning front office duties the week after. But with some determination you can do it.
In this program you learn back office (injections, rooming, EKG, etc.) and front office (electronic medical records, faxing, filing, etc). You also have the opportunity to do an externship, which in my experience is wonderful. (I got hired from my extern!)
Overall, the program was great, mostly because we had an amazing instructor, Mrs. Gonzalez, who put a lot of effort and emphasis on how important being a medical assistant can be. To be honest, I don’t think I’d be where I am right now working if she hadn’t taught me what I know about MAs!
An awesome part of the MA program is taking the certification, included in your tuition. And you can become EKG certified as well! And bonus!!! You get Phlebotomy after, at no cost for taking the MA program!
And as for Gurnick, it is a pretty good school. In my experience with the staff upstairs, it wasn’t bad. Claudia, the receptionist, she is wonderful! So understanding and helped me with all my appointments and scheduling! And Ann is very pleasant, very helpful. Overall the school is a 3, because there have been some issues that came along, and weren’t dealt with in a timely manner, but it’s all in the past now. As any place of business, they all have their problems, but this school is OK in my book.

Graduated in October 2014. It took 7 months for me to receive my ATT, authorization to take the NCLEX. Finally received the letter on May 1^st. I remember they told us they would send out our applications after we graduated. Called the boards multiple times and they haven’t received my application until mid March. I emailed and called Gurnick multiple times and no one responded back to me until weeks later. I emailed two people and one never responded back to me.
The boards were saying it is very easy to mail the application, so I don’t understand why it took Gurnick so long to send the application. Waited 7 months, while some of my classmates took the NCLEX in January.
Other than this, it was a good. school.

It was a stressful year in this accelerated nursing program! Admin and I had our ups-​and-​downs, but ultimately, everything turned out well.
Most of the teaching staff on the Concord campus is great. They go beyond what is expected to help the students out.
I graduated in Oct. 2014 and passed the NCLEX licensure exam the first try! So, I’m glad I chose this program as I am one step closer to my goal. It’s expensive and stressful, but worth it in the end.

I graduated from the LVN program in October 2014. I selected this program because it allowed me to work full time during the day, and go to school at night. It is definitely an accelerated program, so be sure that you have the time, energy, and dedication to complete the program. The first step was the online pre-​req course. I had a great instructor, and it only required that I be on campus 3x during the 6 week course (1x for orientation, and 2x for exams). Definite bonus points for that! Below are some pros and cons about the LVN program:
Pros:
1) It’s an accelerated program.
2) Debbie: she deserves her own category. She is there to help you pass HESI and NCLEX on the first try. She is the integrative instructor, and is there for you no matter what. You’re struggling with math – talk to Debbie. You don’t understand the difference between metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis – talk to Debbie. You’re struggling to balance work, school, kids, and a husband – talk to Debbie. They implemented weekly assignments all geared toward passing HESI /​NCLEX, and Debbie is the instructor. She knows her stuff! She also does the HESI and NCLEX reviews after you finish the program to help you pass.
3) Excellent instructors for both didactic and clinicals. I had Ms. Joy for 2 clinical rotations, and she emulates the qualities that you should have as a nurse. I had Ms. Lavery for fundamentals, Adriane for peds, and Maria for OB – all excellent instructors who are experienced RNs in their field and bring the «hands on» skills that you will need as a nurse.
4) Simulation lab: They have a good lab set up with mannequins (i.e. one actually gives birth!).
5) IV /​blood withdrawal certification: I was able to take this additional course over 2 weekends, and am now certified.
6) They try to help you to gain employment as a CNA (after you’ve finished the first module, and have passed the test) or as a LVN (once you’re licensed, of course!). I still receive e-​mails from the school about employment opportunities.
7) It’s an established school, and they offer these programs throughout the Bay Area (sidenote: When I was deciding which school to attend, I decided not to pursue the other school because they had not been established long enough to be able to offer federal financial aid).
Cons:
1) Organization: My class struggled with the lack of organization at the school. We had changes sprung on us at the last minute, that the administration had failed to relay to us. We were given a schedule of the dates of each module, HESI review, and graduation. We found out the month prior to graduation (after most of us had invited family for graduation, etc.) that the date of the graduation had been changed. Also the HESI review format had been changed. I understand the reasoning why they changed the HESI format, it just has to do with the lack of communication that we had about the changes. Lastly, I had the most difficult time finding out how much my actual tuition was. I thought they would be all over it, but it took me over a week to get in touch with someone about how much the cashier’s check should be made out for (seemed odd…).
2) Cost of the program: it’s expensive. Be prepared to have to take out loans, ask family for assistance, or pay a hefty monthly tuition. It’s the cost of being able to take an accelerated day or night program.
Overall, I am satisfied with the program. I earned my LVN diploma, passed HESI on the first try, and passed NCLEX-​PN on the first try this past Saturday.

I’ll be positive gurnick is a good school if you want a fast track program. It will show you what your made of. I wish I would’ve taken it more serious and put in more effort. Because I know I’m a A student but I settled with Cs instead. If I could’ve done anything different it would’ve been not payed attention to the drama with the students and focused more on my work. It’s your education it’s up to you overall I’m happy I did because I will never forget the experience I had there and what it took me to graduate the program. But knowing what I know now, I will say this time when I go for RN I will definitely but In effort and get As like I know I can. ITS ONE THING TO HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL and MAKE USE OF IT, it’s ANOTHER TO HAVE POTENTIAL AND WASTE IT!

Gurnick was an OKAY school! i graduated in 2010 as an LvN
The teachers there were trying to be strict beginning but after they were nice and more approachable!
They help you out in your schedules!
I would recommend this school for anyone
I passed my boards the first
Time

I was a student for the LVN program at Gurnick’s Concord campus from July, 2012-​November, 2013. I had a great, motivated class to enjoy the ride with, and I believe that made quite a difference. The staff are very professional and helpful. They are genuinely interested in our success in becoming safe, knowledgeable, professional nurses. I would highly recommend this school to anyone I knew interested in any of the programs they offer.
They offer so many resources to their students to help them understand the content, and it’s up to you to be a go-​getter to spend the extra time, if you need it, be pass with flying colors.
Before deciding if becoming a nurse is right for you, ask yourself, «Did I check my attitude at the door? Am I going to be a serious student? Can I handle the pressures with grace, admit when I am wrong, be a team player with people I don’t like, and religiously wash my hands?»
If you answered «Yes!» to the above questions, then you can do it. Gurnick is for you.
Thank you, Gurnick staff, for helping me follow through with one of my dreams.

I went to the concord campus for phlebotomy and it was one of the worst experiences ever. Initially everything was going ok. The instructor, Marcia, was amazing. But when it came to the externship it took them over a month to place me and a little longer for other students. I was finally placed at Kaiser Vallejo. The Tuesday after my externship was over I brought my paperwork to the school so they could certify my clinical hours and give me certificate. They told me the lady who was in charge of that was out of town and it would get done the following week when she got back. Went in the next it still wasn’t done they said they would call me when it was ready. It’s been a whole month and I still don’t have my paperwork from the school. I unable to apply for my California license, a process that by itself take up to 3 months. I do not recommend them for phlebotomy. If you can go to Fast Response in Berkeley or to Kaiser’s school of Allied Health

I dont usually like to leave comments… however could not help but notice this Nunya B. comment. This is ridiculous and I cant help but feel like I need to speak up. The problem with comments such as this is that every one who is bitter at any business can say anything with no supporting evidence.
Seriously, I have attended this school and am waiting to get in for their RN program when they open the enrollment. The instructors are strict, yes, however they prepare us for the real world. Nunya wait until you meet your boss and patients and we will see if you are ready for that!
Also, administration and the director are very supportive! They help us with emotional situations and support us when we need it so much. Thanks to them and instructors (by the way who are always tidy and clean!!!)we can move forward!