Admission to the Graduate Nursing Program
Viterbo University welcomes applications from
students who are prepared for a competitive
program of higher education. Required
admission documents must be received before review for admission takes place. Please note carefully the documents asked
for. Each candidate is evaluated individually. Evidence of strong ability to do
graduate-level work successfully is essential.
The
Graduate Program Committee is the admission review body. The School of Nursing
will provide applicants with program information and admission documents. The
committee will review records and admit students to the track chosen.
Enrollment limits will be observed for all tracks. 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 January 15th, with admission
review decisions by the end of March. After January 15th 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 below:
- 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
varies 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) and
the MAT results (for BSN to DNP applicants). 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.
- 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 are necessary for the Nurse Practitioner Tracks:
A preliminary review of applications will be conducted. Those most
qualified will be chosen to continue in the application process and invited for
a personal interview. 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.
- Applicants planning clinical practice in
areas of health professional need and/or
with underserved persons may be given priority.