About the Graduate Programs in Nursing

Admissions Events – Join Us!  Admissions Requirements

As a graduate student in nursing at Viterbo University, students embark on an educational experience that challenges them to develop and advance their knowledge and skills in nursing. Candidates in all of the graduate nursing paths (the Direct Entry MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice [DNP] programs, and Post-Graduate Certificate) are developing the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to effectively partner with patients, colleagues, and communities.  Contemporary health care is characterized by unprecedented changes in science and technology, increasing globalization, socioeconomic, and environmental imbalances. Advanced education in nursing will provide graduates with the specialized knowledge needed to address the health challenges of our global society. 

Through both face-to-face and web-enhanced courses, students experience high-quality, interactive instruction based on current nursing research and practice. Candidates in the DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate have the opportunity for practicum options to augment learning in their chosen role preparation. Direct Entry MSN students engage with diverse patient populations across a variety of healthcare specialties and settings.  Graduates of a Viterbo graduate program in nursing are well prepared for demanding roles whether as entry-level nurse (Registered Nurse) or as professional nurses in advanced roles who will improve the health of the communities they serve. 

 

Post-BSN to DNP Program Options                                    Direct Entry MSN                                        

Post-MSN to DNP Program Options                                   AG-ACNP Post-Graduate Certificate

 

Explore our graduate nursing programs: 

Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (post-bachelor’s and post-master’s entry paths)
Post-Graduate Certificate
Funding Graduate School

 To learn more about tuition, fees, graduate assistantships, and applying for Federal Financial Aid (graduate student loans) please visit our Graduate  Cost & Aid page. 

We also encourage you to seek out external funding resources such as employer tuition reimbursement programs, community and professional organization scholarships, and loan forgiveness programs.  The DNP program would like to share one such option specifically for DNP candidates planning to pursue a career as a nurse educator.  

  • The Wisconsin Nurse Educator Program (WNEP2) is a loan forgiveness program supported through the State of Wisconsin for those pursuing a Ph.D., a DNP, or an MSN Nurse Educator program who plan to teach.  Candidates must apply through the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB) website and funding is on a first-come basis until all funds are distributed.  Candidates can come from any state, however, you must teach in a Wisconsin-based school for three years upon graduation from your program.  DNP candidates are eligible for up to $40,000 in loan forgiveness.  Learn more about this opportunity at: https://nurseeducatorswi.com/. 

 

 


Program information:

DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate Information
Michele Merten, DNP, ANP-C
Director, Graduate Programs in Nursing
608-796-3667 | mmmerten@viterbo.edu

MSN Direct Entry (Initial RN Licensure) 
Cameron Kiersch, DNP, RN
Chair, MSN Direct Entry and Assistant Professor
608-796-3683 | cjkiersch@viterbo.edu

Admission information:

Magy Kellogg, MS
Director, Graduate Admissions
608-796-3028 | mekellogg@viterbo.edu