Viterbo University welcomes applications from students who are prepared for a competitive program of higher education. All required admission documents must be received before review for admission takes place. Note carefully the documents asked for. Each candidate is evaluated individually. Evidence of strong ability to do graduate-level work successfully is essential.

A Graduate Nursing Program Committee is the admission review body. The committee will review records and admit students to the track/program chosen. Enrollment limits will be observed. Non-degree seeking and part-time students are admitted on a space available basis. Acceptance to the degree program normally will occur annually in the spring for the following fall admission. The priority application deadline is Jan. 15, with admission review decisions by the end of March. After Jan. 15 the ongoing applicant pool will be reviewed monthly until May 1 or enrollment limits are reached, whichever is first.

Students will be evaluated for admission in accordance with the review process:

• Admission to Viterbo University is offered to those qualified students for whom academic, personal, and professional success seems likely. The admission criteria and requirements as published must be met and appropriate documents submitted. The criteria and application vary depending on if applying for the BSN to DNP or the  MSN to DNP program.
• Admission decisions are based on multiple sources of data including transcripts of prior academic work from educational programs (Diploma, ADN, BSN/BAN, graduate study/MSN). Evidence of past and continuing academic achievement/potential is necessary.
• Recommendations are reviewed for evidence of potential success in graduate school and in the desired track/program.
• Professional and life experience information is reviewed for background information and clinical/professional experience, evidence of ongoing personal and professional development, communication and writing skills, and a perceived match of the graduate program and student's abilities and goals. An additional writing sample may be requested.
• Applicants must evidence the physical abilities, communication skills, intellectual abilities, behavioral and social attributes to meet the requirements and successfully participate in the graduate nursing program, including those that are essential to practicing in their chosen advanced nursing role, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Enrollment limitations may necessitate offering admission to the highest qualified candidates out of a pool of potentially qualified students.
• Qualified students, regardless of sex, race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, will be extended an offer of admission as space remains available.
• A personal interview may be requested.

Additional Prerequisites 

A preliminary review of applications will be conducted. Those most qualified will be chosen to continue in the application process and a personal interview may be requested. Specific dates will be established for the interview process, and the applicant must be available for one of the dates established. Specific qualifying criteria after the initial screen of applicants will include personal interview suggesting potential personal and professional strengths for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role (BSN to DNP program) or for continued role development toward the Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree (MSN to DNP program). 

• Recommendations that indicate potential personal and professional strengths for the Nurse Practitioner (NP) role (BSN to DNP program) or for continued role development toward the Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree (MSN to DNP). 
• One year of direct clinical experience as an RN prior to beginning (BSN to DNP program) or currently practicing as a certified nurse practitioner (MSN to DNP program). 
• Potential opportunities for clinical preceptorships/practicums within the applicant's home area
• The ability to commit to the necessary didactic courses and blocked practicum hours necessary to optimize role development/meet clinical requirements.