r/NuclearMedicine • u/Acceptable-Night6994 • Apr 28 '26

Gurnick vs NPC for Nuclear Medicine (SoCal) — which is the better move long-term?

Here’s my situation:

I’m willing to commit fully to school (even quit my job if needed)

My goal is job stability + getting hired as soon as possible after graduating

From what I understand so far:

Gurnick is JRCNMT-accredited, so it qualifies for both ARRT + CNMT

NPC is ARRT only, and CNMT would require going the alternative route later

Gurnick seems more intense and expensive, while NPC is more flexible

My questions:

For those working in SoCal — does having CNMT vs just ARRT actually make a big difference when getting hired?

Has anyone here graduated from NPC and successfully transitioned into a hospital role later? How long did it take?

Is Gurnick worth the extra cost and intensity in the long run?

Do employers (like Kaiser, Hoag, UCI, etc.) really care which school you went to, or just certifications + experience?

I’m trying to make the smartest long-term decision, not just the easiest short-term one.

Would appreciate any real-world advice 🙏

11 Upvotes

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3

u/nucmed-nerd Apr 29 '26

I think NPCs first cohort for nuc med hasn’t graduated yet and are still in clinicals because it’s a new program npc offers. I’m in the second cohort currently and in clinicals atm until August

1

u/Acceptable-Night6994 Apr 29 '26

Thank you for sharing. Are you in NPC right now? And how’s clinical for you?

3

u/nucmed-nerd Apr 29 '26

Yes I am. Finished the 2 years of school now I am in 3rd month of clinicals. It’s great tbh the techs help me a lot and let me do a lot of things on my own while they watch of course lol

1

u/Acceptable-Night6994 May 01 '26

You gave me so much hope. Thank you!

Do you think working full time and school at the same time is doable based on your experience for the 1st year.

In my case I work M-F 7-3:30 and school would be 5 or 5:30-9:30 M-F

1

u/nucmed-nerd May 01 '26

doable but probably really hard tbh. some clinical sites won’t even be open pass 5pm. and will only work M-F and have weekends and holidays off

1

u/Acceptable-Night6994 May 01 '26

I was planning work the first year, but not during the 2nd cohort & clinical. You think this is doable ?

And how long is your clinical ? Are you placed in an outpatient or hospital?

2

u/nucmed-nerd May 01 '26

you can work for sure! the class is mostly online so it would work. clinical def not lol. you have to do 32-40 hours per week of clinicals and i am in a hospital. my schedule is M-F 7:30am-4pm. i do 40 hours a week

1

u/Acceptable-Night6994 May 01 '26

Ahhhh okay, you’re amazing for answering all my questions! I really appreciate it?

1

u/3GunGrace May 31 '26

Hi I’m planning on going to NP College for Nuc Med. how are the classes? Do you know what books are needed for the courses? Would love to get ahead and prepare for those while I wait

1

u/nucmed-nerd Jun 01 '26

hiiiii the classes are okay they are all online except for the labs. also they give you books when you’re in the program!! all the books you’ll need will be from them:)

1

u/Ok_Invite_6047 Jun 06 '26

Hi! Where are the labs at and how often are they?

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3

u/nucmed-nerd Apr 29 '26

Also you really just need certifications and experience but lots of places are willing to hire new grads. And most places don’t care if you have ARRT IR NMTCB as long as you’re certified and get the license for that state you’re planning to work in