The DNP at Viterbo offers several pathways for individuals who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DE MSN) to advance as a leader or in clinical practice. Candidates can select pathways leading to a Nurse Practitioner or our innovative Dual MBA and DNP preparing nurses with the business and leadership skills necessary for our ever-evolving health care organizations.
Nurse Practitioner Paths
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner
The curriculum for post-BSN to DNP is a variable credit program offering core courses and a choice of two tracks that prepare graduates for a selected role and population foci in primary care: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan). The plan of study consists of a three-year curriculum, which requires attendance at summer sessions.
Partially online courses reduce the number of campus visits necessary each semester. Semester classes are normally scheduled online or one day a week face-to-face. Clinical practicums require additional time and can be done in the student's own location if possible. Graduates of the primary care Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner tracks are eligible to apply for the national certification exams available for these role preparations through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
The curriculum for post-BSN to DNP is a 74-credit program offering core courses and specialty courses that prepare graduates for a selected role and population foci in acute care: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Graduates of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track are eligible to apply for the national certification exams available for this role preparation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
The plan of study is a year-round, 3.5-year, curriculum (summer, fall, spring). Partially online courses reduce the number of campus visits necessary each semester. Semester classes are normally scheduled online or one day a week face-to-face. Clinical practicums require additional time and can be done in the student's own location if possible.
The AG-ACNP track option prepares students to be eligible for certification as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Leadership Path
MBA/DNP Dual Degree
Registered nurses with their BSN degree can prepare for leadership roles, educate future nurses, and influence systems of care with Viterbo University's integrated MBA/DNP dual degree. This integrated dual degree program provides registered nurses who have a BSN with a direct path to their career goals while saving time and money, preparing them with the doctoral-level nursing Essentials as well as the critical business and management skills needed by successful health care leaders.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Path
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Viterbo offers an innovative Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) option designed for post-BSN students. Through both face-to-face and web-enhanced courses, students experience high-quality, interactive instruction. Students have the opportunity for expertly supervised clinical practicum experiences in the second and third years of the 36-month year-round program of study. Students complete 22 doctoral level credits at Viterbo University, transferring in a Master of Science in Biology degree from UW-La Crosse and 21 Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare School of Anesthesia credits to graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Viterbo University. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and clinical credits from the School of Anesthesia are required to sit for the national board certification exam to be licensed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Visit the School of Anesthesia website.