Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

U.S.A. California

Published

Has anybody heard about this school? They have locations in San Mateo & Concord, CA. The one in Concord is fairly new and I would like to know if it has a good reputation. Thanks.

I am currently an LVN student and I am very dissatisfied.

Let me begin by mentioning that it is not Title IV accredited which means no financial aid; your expenses cannot be claimed on your tax return because your tax forms require the Title IV code for the school of which you are attending; and you do not qualify for tuition reimbursement from your employer because companies providing tuition reimbursement also require the Title IV code. So, most of the students attending this school have to put down a large down payment and make large monthly payments until you can qualify for a student loan or pay it off in full.

The reason I chose this school is that they advertised being able to go to school evenings and complete clinicals on weekends so a full-time employed person could attain an LVN degree and maintain employment.

My class and I signed contracts stating 16 clinical hours and 3 evening classes a week.

However, this week they informed us that they erred and we are required to do an additional 5 clinical hrs a week beginning next week. We were given a few options on how to do this and we specifically told that signing up on the forms they were passing around were to take a poll. As soon as the 'polls' were collected we were instantly informed that these were our permanent assignments. We were literally tricked or lied into signing up without time to consider the changes to our work situations, etc.

Many of us have had to change our work schedules several times in the past six months because of class time changes without reasonable notice such as the fiasco this week. We've had to take large amounts of time from work to meet arbitrary time lines made up by the new Nursing Director.

The out of pocket expenses they don't mention have racked up to be over $600 in 8 weeks.

They made several mistakes and this current one regarding miscalculated hours required by the board for licensing and taking NCLEX IS UNEXCUSABLE. What is really UNACCEPTABLE is holding us accountable for it and jeopardizing our employment, health and grades with even less time for sleep, healthy meals and proper study time.

I'm not sure what recourse I have but I will seek all means at this point. :angryfire

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Which Gurnick do you go to?

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NCP is the one in S. SF. Maybe that's the school you were referring to. Bay Area College of Nursing is in Daly City actually.

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I agree. Gurnick is a BAD school...many of the students I know REGRET going there and even transfer at the end of their term.

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Bay Area college of nurses NCLEX pass rate is only 25%... I wouldn't even consider attending a school with such a passing rate...

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Yes they are still not accrediated in 2010. I wouldnt recommend it at this time until they handle their business

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I've been a student at the Gurnick Academy in San Mateo for 2 months now. Everybody including the faculty and administration is really helpful. I love the skills lab with the mediman...is so cool. All my nursing teachers know a lot and encourage me. I have to say that everything is as good as expected, but I don't know about these blue uniforms. I'm getting really excited to start clinicals in a couple of months. Does anyone have any advice?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, ER, Geriatrics.
I am currently an LVN student and I am very dissatisfied.

Let me begin by mentioning that it is not Title IV accredited which means no financial aid; your expenses cannot be claimed on your tax return because your tax forms require the Title IV code for the school of which you are attending; and you do not qualify for tuition reimbursement from your employer because companies providing tuition reimbursement also require the Title IV code. So, most of the students attending this school have to put down a large down payment and make large monthly payments until you can qualify for a student loan or pay it off in full.

The reason I chose this school is that they advertised being able to go to school evenings and complete clinicals on weekends so a full-time employed person could attain an LVN degree and maintain employment.

My class and I signed contracts stating 16 clinical hours and 3 evening classes a week.

However, this week they informed us that they erred and we are required to do an additional 5 clinical hrs a week beginning next week. We were given a few options on how to do this and we specifically told that signing up on the forms they were passing around were to take a poll. As soon as the 'polls' were collected we were instantly informed that these were our permanent assignments. We were literally tricked or lied into signing up without time to consider the changes to our work situations, etc.

Many of us have had to change our work schedules several times in the past six months because of class time changes without reasonable notice such as the fiasco this week. We've had to take large amounts of time from work to meet arbitrary time lines made up by the new Nursing Director.

The out of pocket expenses they don't mention have racked up to be over $600 in 8 weeks.

They made several mistakes and this current one regarding miscalculated hours required by the board for licensing and taking NCLEX IS UNEXCUSABLE. What is really UNACCEPTABLE is holding us accountable for it and jeopardizing our employment, health and grades with even less time for sleep, healthy meals and proper study time.

I'm not sure what recourse I have but I will seek all means at this point. :angryfire

goovycoolbean, I just had an appt with Gurnick Academy in Concord and they pulled my FASFA for financial aid...I do not know what you are talking about as far as not being Title IV, because they are as of December 2009. I was very impressed with the campus, staff, and instructors (I was able to sit in on a class) and feel that this school is the best choice for me...Best of luck to you and your journey to becoming a nurse.

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goovycoolbean, I just had an appt with Gurnick Academy in Concord and they pulled my FASFA for financial aid...I do not know what you are talking about as far as not being Title IV, because they are as of December 2009. I was very impressed with the campus, staff, and instructors (I was able to sit in on a class) and feel that this school is the best choice for me...Best of luck to you and your journey to becoming a nurse.

Hi groovycoolbean and others,

I too was able to receive financial aid at Gurnick in San Mateo with the FAFSA. This was a great choice for me because I it worked with my work schedule and also was offered to sit in on a class which is nice because they let you get a feel of the environment before you make a decision. Most of the schools I have looked into cost more and don't have financial aid or work with students busy schedules. :redpinkheGurnick

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I just recently passed HESI at Gurnick and my documents were sent to the nursing Board... (I think like 85% passed from 1st try)... Can't wait to take my NCLEX exam.

Myself and I think majority of my class like Gurnick! Flexible schedule is a big plus and it seems like the program became more organized based on the previous postings :)

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Yes Im a student there .. what would you like to know? Im in the first batch of LVN students in the Concord campus. I graduate next mth and have nothing but great things to say but feel free to ask away .. !![/quote

So, since you've graduated from Gurnick, tell me what did you think of the program? I'm about to go check out the one in Modesto.

- Jeanie

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Specializes in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, ER, Geriatrics.

I am starting Module Two at the Concord campus on January 10th and would like to know what to study before hand. I have all my books and really would like to get a jump start on what this module is about...for example...what chapters do you go through in Med-Surg and Pharm...

If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it...also congrats :yeah: to those who passed the HESI and graduating!!! Best of luck to you on the NCLEX and beyond

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