Gurnick Academy's New Vocational Nurse Program Expands Reach to Van Nuys Campus

Gurnick Academy Introduces Vocational Nurse Program in Van Nuys

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts has exciting news for aspiring nurses in the San Fernando Valley. The academy is set to introduce its Vocational Nurse (VN) diploma program at its Van Nuys campus with plans to enroll the first cohort in January 2027, subject to approval from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

This program represents an important addition to Gurnick Academy's educational offerings, which includes various healthcare-related disciplines across its six campuses in California. The VN diploma spans 12 months and includes comprehensive coursework, skills-lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations at partnering medical facilities. The culmination of this program allows students to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a prerequisite for becoming Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in California.

Since its inception in 2019, the Van Nuys campus has focused on imaging and allied health training, making this the first nursing program offered there. The introduction of the VN program marks a milestone for the campus, aiming to provide local opportunities for students to enter the nursing workforce, especially needed in the growing healthcare sector of the region.

Samantha Manlosa Sanchez, RN, PhD, and Dean of Nursing Programs at Gurnick Academy, expressed her enthusiasm: "We have been eager to establish the Vocational Nurse program in Van Nuys for a considerable period. It will provide students in the San Fernando Valley with a local path into nursing and support the workforce needs in the area. I look forward to welcoming our first cohort."

Fred Faridian, Vice President of Campus Operations at Gurnick Academy, also highlighted the program’s significance, noting that it aligns with Gurnick's commitment to equipping students for meaningful careers in healthcare. He stated, "Launching the Vocational Nursing program at our Van Nuys campus marks an exciting expansion of Gurnick Academy's academic offerings. This will create opportunities for students to enter the nursing field, advance their careers, and make a lasting impact in their communities."

Gurnick Academy encourages potential students from the San Fernando Valley to explore the Vocational Nurse program through their website. Given that the January 2027 start date hinges on BVNPT approval, dates and program availability are subject to change.

Founded in 2004, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts is a private institution accredited by ABHES and offers a wide range of nursing, medical imaging, and allied health programs. It has established six campuses located in Concord, Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento, San Jose, and Van Nuys, along with online education options. The academy is recognized and approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

In summary, Gurnick Academy's forthcoming Vocational Nurse program at the Van Nuys campus emphasizes its commitment to enhancing local educational pathways for aspiring nurses. As healthcare demands grow, programs like this are crucial for fostering a skilled nursing workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead.