Admission Requirements for all DNP Degree-Seeking Applicants: 

Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree must have graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing from an ACEN or CCNE accredited school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.0 scale. Recent professional practice is preferred and recommended. Access to a highly functional personal computer and high-speed Internet is necessary. See computer specifications for complete information.

The following list of documents can be found in the Supplemental Items list once an application is submitted. Documents must be submitted by uploading them to your application portal. Once all documents are complete the School of Nursing Graduate Program Admissions Committee reviews candidates and invites select candidates for the interview stage of the admissions process.

• Official  transcripts sent directly from all degree-granting institutions (undergraduate and graduate education) to Viterbo University (transcripts@viterbo.edu) or selecting Viterbo University - Admissions (see instructions on application)

• Evidence of current, unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse

• Professional CV  or resume that has been enhanced

• Essay (Addressing the question below).  The essay should be approximately two (double-spaced, using a formal APA style format) pages that clearly and concisely address each of the following points below. 
  • Please describe why you have chosen a clinical path (family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner) or a leadership path (ethical leadership or dual degree MBA/DNP).  Share specific nursing/leadership/volunteer experiences and how those experiences have provided you with a foundation to pursue your chosen pathway. Lastly, describe the benefits of having a professional doctorate that stimulated your interest in applying to a DNP program.

• Three (3) letters of recommendation.  Please complete the recommendation request form on the supplemental items page in your application portal and an email notification from GradAdmissions@viterbo.edu will be sent to your recommenders (you can only access this after you hit "submit" and then log back into your application). 
  • The Admission Committee requests that you seek recommendations from the specific individuals listed in the bullets below.  If you have questions on identifying individuals, please reach out to Graduate Admissions at mekellogg@viterbo.edu or 608.796.3028. 
  • Appropriate recommendations should be current and have had contact with you within the last two years. Please submit recommendations from the following professionals listed below:

After receipt of these materials and the program-specific requirements (see below), a personal interview will be scheduled. Admission to the full-time degree program will be limited. Part-time students may be admitted on a space-available basis.

BSN to DNP - Additional Requirements:

At least two years of recent, relevant direct patient care as an RN prior to the NP specialty courses in the second year of the curriculum, positive interview and recommendations indicating potential in this role, potential opportunities for clinical preceptorships/practicum experiences within the student's home area, and the ability to commit to the blocked practicum hours are necessary to optimize NP role development.

See Admission to the Grad Nursing Program for more details on the admission review process.

 Additional Prerequisite/Ongoing Requirements:

• The ability to use the Microsoft Windows environment, the Internet, and competency with word processing required (Microsoft Word). PowerPoint experience is desirable. 
• Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course and a research course (undergraduate)
• Evidence of current CPR throughout the program
• Applicants must have the ability to meet both university and clinical agency health and personnel requirements, including specified immunizations and satisfactory criminal/caregiver background checks throughout the program.

MSN to DNP - Additional Requirements: 

Additional, post-MSN entry point requirements:

• Master's degree in nursing from an accredited program with a 3.0 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale
• Evidence of current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse and/or APRN certification 

• Choose post-MSN to DNP as your program on the online application

 Additional Prerequisite/Ongoing Enrollment Requirements:

• The ability to use the Microsoft Windows environment, the Internet, and competency with word processing required (Microsoft Word). PowerPoint experience is desirable. 
• Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course and a research course (undergraduate)
• Evidence of current CPR throughout the program
• Applicants must have the ability to meet both university and clinical agency health and personnel requirements, including specified immunizations and satisfactory criminal/caregiver background checks throughout the program.

Admissions Requirements

To apply, fill out the free online application for admission.  

• For the post-BSN to MBA/DNP, choose the Graduate Nursing - Post BSN MBA/DNP Leadership option on the application.  
• For the post-MSN to MBA/DNP, choose the Graduate Nursing - Post MSN MBA/DNP Leadership option. 

Post-BSN entry to MBA/DNP

Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree must have graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited school and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or greater on a 4.0 scale. Recent professional practice is preferred and recommended. 

The following list of documents can be found in the Supplemental Items list once an application is submitted. Documents must be submitted by either uploading them to your application portal or emailing them to your graduate admissions counselor. Once all documents are complete the School of Nursing Graduate Program Admissions Committee reviews candidates and invites select candidates for the interview stage of the admissions process.

• Transcripts from all degree granting programs (e.g. ADN, BSN, master's)  and any graduate education (see instructions on application) sent electronically to Viterbo to transcripts@viterbo.edu or mailed from the degree-granting institution to Viterbo University Graduate Admissions, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601. 

• Evidence of current, unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse. Please look up your licenses, and save them as a PDF to easily upload them in your application portal. 

• A personal statement (Essay), approximately two pages (double-spaced and APA style) in a formal essay format, addressing the following items:
  • Please describe why you have chosen a clinical path (family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner) or a leadership path (ethical leadership or dual degree MBA/DNP).  Share specific nursing/leadership/volunteer experiences and how those experiences have provided you with a foundation to pursue your chosen pathway. Lastly, describe the benefits of having a professional doctorate that stimulated your interest in applying to a DNP program.

• Three (3) letters of recommendation.  Please complete the recommendation request form on the supplemental items page in your application portal and an email notification from GradAdmissions@viterbo.edu will be sent to your recommenders (you can only access this after you hit "submit" and then log back into your application). 
  • The Admission Committee requests that you seek recommendations from the specific individuals listed in the bullets below.  If you have questions on identifying individuals, please reach out to Graduate Admissions at mekellogg@viterbo.edu or 608.796.3028.  

After receipt of these materials, a personal interview may be requested of the applicant. 

Additional requirements:

• At least one year of recent, relevant direct patient care as an RN prior to beginning the program, positive interview and recommendations indicating potential as nurse leaders, potential opportunities for clinical preceptorships/practicum experiences within the student's home area, and the ability to commit to the blocked practicum hours necessary.
• Satisfactory completion of an introductory statistics course and a research course (undergraduate).
• Evidence of current CPR throughout the program.
• Applicants must have the ability to meet both university and clinical agency health and personnel requirements, including specified immunizations and satisfactory criminal/caregiver background check throughout the program.

See Admission to the Grad Nursing Program for more details on the admission review process.

Post-Master's entry to MBA/DNP

• Master's degree in nursing or related field from an accredited program with a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or better GPA.
• Choose post-MSN to MBA/DNP as the program on the online application.

Postgraduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Applicants to the post-graduate certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for admission. 

1. Graduated, or anticipated graduation from a master’s or doctoral accredited primary care nurse practitioner program with an adult-gerontology or family population focus;

The following list of required application documents can be found in the Supplemental Items list once an application is submitted. Documents must be submitted by either uploading them to your application portal or emailing them to gradadmissions@viterbo.edu. Once all documents are complete the School of Nursing Graduate Program Admissions Committee reviews candidates and invites select candidates for the interview stage of the admissions process.  

• Transcripts from all degree-granting (DNP, MSN, BSN, and ADN) should be directly from the institution to Viterbo Univesity.  The university prefers electronic/PDF delivery (either select Viterbo Admissions or email to  transcripts@viterbo.edu)  If your degree-granting institution only offers postal mail delivery please send them to Viterbo University Graduate Admissions, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601. 

• Evidence of current, unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse. Please look up your license(s), and save them as a PDF(s) to easily upload them in your application portal. 

• Current resume adding any additional leadership, presentations, or service in which you have participated.

• A personal statement (Essay), approximately two pages (double-spaced and APA style) in a formal essay format, addressing the following items:
  • Describe your purpose and goals (short- and long-term) in pursuing the adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner certification (AG-ACNP).
  • How has your preparation/current role as a nurse practitioner (NP) prepared you for study to obtain the AG-ACNP certification?
  • Discuss the challenges and rewards you anticipate in pursuing the AG-ACNP certificate preparation.

• Two (2) letters of recommendation.  Please complete the recommendation request form on the supplemental items page in your application portal and an email notification from GradAdmissions@viterbo.edu will be sent to your recommenders (you can only access this after you hit "submit" and then log back into your application). 
  • The Admission Committee requests that you seek recommendations from the specific individuals listed in the bullets below.  If you have questions on identifying individuals, please reach out to Graduate Admissions at mekellogg@viterbo.edu or 608.796.3028.    
    • One recommendation should come from your current clinical supervisor  who supervises you during your hands-on healthcare experience, and is either practicing in the role you are seeking or works with individuals in the advanced practice role sought (APRN, PA, MD/DO) and has knowledge regarding role performance requirements;
    • And, one professional recommendation, from someone such as an MD/DO, PA, APRN.

Non-degree (Student-at-Large)

Non-degree-seeking students with a BSN may be admitted on a space-available basis for selected courses. Candidates may petition to take up to six hours as a Student-at-Large/Non-Degree Seeking status.  Abbreviated application procedures are available for students not requesting admission to the degree program. The online application includes a choice for non-degree-seeking students. 

International Applicants

International applications are processed in conjunction with Kenneth Felts, Director of International Admission. Contact Kenneth at krfelts@viterbo.edu, or phone 1-888-VITERBO (1-888-848-3726) and 608-796-3171.

International applicants who are non-native English speakers will need to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language, showing a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 79 on the Internet-based exam. Alternatively, you may submit an International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) score of at least 6.5 or a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of at least 53. English language (ESL) courses are also offered at Viterbo University and may be required as a condition to acceptance into the MBA program.

Viterbo University reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant it deems unfit to participate in its MBA program.

Internationally Educated but not an International Student

You are only considered an International Student if you will need an F-1 Visa to enroll at Viterbo University.  However, if you obtained your undergraduate degree outside of the U.S.A. you may need to submit your transcripts for an official evaluation to an evaluation agency such as WES.org or ECE.org.  Please contact your admissions representative for guidance.