Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Overview

The Viterbo MS-SLP program is designed to meet all the requirements for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) and for Wisconsin State Licensure for medical and/or educational practice as a speech-language pathologist.

Over the course of two years, students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the assessment, treatment, and challenges affecting individuals with communication disorders. The program provides a solid understanding of Deaf culture and the needs of diverse communities with in-person coursework and clinical experience.

Program includes clinical experiences in health care facilities and schools .

Policy

Students enrolled in the MS-SLP program must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to continue in and graduate from this program. The MS-SLP GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective MS-SLP courses taken to meet knowledge and skills requirements for clinical practice in speech-language pathology. Any student whose MS-SLP GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation for one semester, with a remediation plan in place. If the MS-SLP GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further MS-SLP courses.

Requirements (MS-SLP) ALL STUDENTS

  • Prior to starting the MS-SLP program, students must show completion of the following:
  1. Baccalaureate degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences or equivalent from an accredited institution.
  2. OR: any baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and completion of a post-baccalaureate program from an accredited institution.
  3. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for Health Professionals (American Heart Association).
  4. Up-to-date health history and immunization profile including: • Physical examination form — MS-SLP Physical Form; - Record of up-to-date immunization status including — tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, COVID-19 (complete series), varicella, and meningococcal meningitis • Results of an annual Tuberculin test. • Failure to have these documents on file by the first day of classes may result in being dropped from the professional sequence.
  5. Criminal background check.
  6. 25 hours of guided observation of clinical/educational speech pathology and/or audiology practice.
  • It is required that the student's health file and CPR certification remain current throughout the course of the program. Failure to comply will mean that the student will not be allowed to begin or to continue in clinical practicum experiences.
  • Federal and state statutes require that criminal background checks be completed for all persons who provide health care for others or who have access to people who receive care.
  • Clinical and educational agencies prohibit placement of students with criminal histories of specific crimes and offenses that have been identified as bars to employment or licensure (such as abuse, assault, or neglect).
  • Students are required to complete criminal background information disclosure statements at the beginning of each level of the program to ensure that requirements continue to be met. In addition, off-campus clinical and educational practicum sites may have other specific requirements that students must meet prior to placement.
  • Individuals whose criminal background check identifies bars to the provision of care in contracted agencies, or places restrictions on client contact, will not be allowed to progress in the MS-SLP program.
  • Viterbo University MS-SLP program utilizes a wide variety of community agencies to assist students in meeting the MS-SLP curriculum objectives. Each student is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from these clinical/educational agencies.
  • Studnts will be required to purchase their own professional liability insurance for any clinical experiences occurring outside of the university semester dates.
  • In order to progress in the MS-SLP program, students must earn a grade of B or higher in all MS-SLP courses. Students who earn a grade of BC or lower for any MS-SLP course will be placed on probation and a remediation plan will be put into place. Failure to complete the remediation plan will result in dismissal from the program.
  • In addition, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher throughout the MS-SLP program. Failure to do so will result in being dropped from the program.
     
Learning Outcomes

Meet all learning outcomes standards for Certification in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and for Wisconsin state licensure to practice medical and/or educational speech-language pathology.

ASHA Knowledge and Skills Learning Outcomes Standards

Knowledge Outcomes
Standard IV-A
Demonstrated knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences.

Standard IV-B
Demonstrated knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural bases. The applicant must have demonstrated the ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span.

Standard IV-C
Demonstrated knowledge of communication and swallowing disorders and differences, including the appropriate etiologies, characteristics, and anatomical/physiological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates in the following areas:

  • Speech sound production, to encompass articulation, motor planning and execution, phonology, and accent modification
  • Fluency and fluency disorders
  • Voice and resonance, including respiration and phonation
  • Receptive and expressive language, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics (language use and social aspects of communication), prelinguistic communication, paralinguistic communication (e.g., gestures, signs, body language), and literacy in speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • Hearing, including the impact on speech and language
  • Swallowing/feeding, including (a) structure and function of orofacial myology and (b) oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, pulmonary, esophageal, gastrointestinal, and related functions across the life span
  • Cognitive aspects of communication, including attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, and executive functioning
  • Social aspects of communication, including challenging behavior, ineffective social skills, and lack of communication opportunities
  • Augmentative and alternative communication modalities

Standard IV-D
Demonstrated current knowledge of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for persons with communication and swallowing disorders, including consideration of anatomical/physiological, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural correlates.

Standard IV-E
Demonstrated knowledge of standards of ethical conduct.

Standard IV-F
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of basic and applied research and research design. In addition, the applicant must have demonstrated knowledge of how to access sources of research information and must have demonstrated the ability to relate research to clinical practice.

Standard IV-G
Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary professional issues, ethics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Standard IV-H
Demonstrated knowledge of entry level and advanced certifications, licensure, and other relevant professional credentials, as well as local, state, and national regulations and policies relevant to professional practice.

Skills Outcomes
Standard V-A
Demonstrated skills in oral and written or other forms of communication.

Standard V-B
Practicum experiences sufficient in breadth and depth (at least 400 documented and supervised hours of direct patient/student contact hours) to achieve minimum competence levels in the following skills outcomes sufficient for entry into a post-graduate, clinical fellowship year (CFY) of professional practice:

Evaluation

  1. Conduct screening and prevention procedures, including prevention activities.
  2. Collect case history information and integrate information from clients/patients, family, caregivers, teachers, and relevant others, including other professionals.
  3. Select and administer appropriate evaluation procedures, such as behavioral observations, non-standardized and standardized tests, and instrumental procedures.
  4. Adapt evaluation procedures to meet the needs of individuals receiving services.
  5. Interpret, integrate, and synthesize all information to develop diagnoses and make appropriate recommendations for intervention.
  6. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support evaluation.
  7. Refer clients/patients for appropriate services.

Intervention

  1. Develop setting-appropriate intervention plans with measurable and achievable goals that meet clients'/patients' needs. Collaborate with clients/patients and relevant others in the planning process.
  2. Implement intervention plans that involve clients/patients and relevant others in the intervention process.
  3. Select or develop and use appropriate materials and instrumentation for prevention and intervention.
  4. Measure and evaluate clients'/patients' performance and progress.
  5. Modify intervention plans, strategies, materials, or instrumentation as appropriate to meet the needs of clients/patients.
  6. Complete administrative and reporting functions necessary to support intervention.
  7. Identify and refer clients/patients for services, as appropriate.

Interaction and Personal Qualities

  1. Communicate effectively, recognizing the needs, values, preferred mode of communication, and cultural/linguistic background of the individual(s) receiving services, family, caregivers, and relevant others.
  2. Manage the care of individuals receiving services to ensure an interprofessional, team-based collaborative practice.
  3. Provide counseling regarding communication and swallowing disorders to clients/patients, family,caregivers, and relevant others.      
  4. Adhere to the ASHA Code of Ethics and behave professionally.

Communication Disorders and Sciences (BS)

Overview

The Communication Disorders and Sciences program is 54 to 57 credits of core coursework that will build an understanding of the biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects of communication. Through facility mentorship, coursework, and clinical observations students will develop an understanding of what happens when communication is impaired.

Policy

Students majoring in CDS must maintain a CDS grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to continue in and graduate from this program. The CDS GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in CDS and required support courses. Any student whose overall CDS GPA falls below 2.9 will be placed on probation for one semester and a remediation plan will be put into place. If the CDS GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further CDS courses. An earned letter grade of a D or lower in any CDS or CDS support course will not be credited toward the CDS major.

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrated knowledge of statistics as well as the biological, physical, and social/behavioral sciences
  • Demonstrated introductory knowledge of basic human communication processes, including the appropriate biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate information pertaining to normal and abnormal human development across the life span
  • Demonstrated introductory knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
  • Twenty-five (25) hours of guided observation of SLP clinical and/or educational practice.
     

Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-graduate Certificate

Overview

If you are a post-master’s or DNP accredited primary care nurse practitioner with a family or adult-gerontology population focus, this program is built for you.
The eight-course (21 credit hours) program is spread across five semesters and includes two semesters of didactic coursework and three semesters (540 hours) of clinical experiences. Clinical opportunities may be available in your region. The program is financial-aid (student-loan) eligible, with competitive scholarships available for post-graduate certificate students. The application is available after the first semester.

Sample Plan:

2023–2024

Learning Outcomes
  • Practice interprofessionally in an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner specialty role
  • Affirm the dignity of life and human diversity
  • Advocate for quality and safety outcomes for persons / families experiencing acute, critical, or chronically-critically ill situations
  • Demonstrate professionalism, ethical leadership, and faithful service in their role and setting
  • Facilitate translation of research and evidence into practice
  • Utilize healthcare and information technology to impact best practice

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - RDNs

Overview

This 30 credit hour pathway was designed to support dietetic/nutrition professionals with the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviors to grow within the field. This is an evidence-based program placing emphasis on disease prevention and management, while offering electives that allow you to focus in areas such as sports nutrition, a systems approach to obesity, nutrigenomics, or one that accentuates your current work. The variety of electives, and subsequent research project, offer you the flexibility to enhance your current practice or develop the expertise in a specific area of personal interest.

Policy

Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual course grade lower than a C.

Transfer Credit
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to six graduate level credits may be transferred into the Master of Science in Community-Medical Dietetics degree, if equivalent. Credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited program, taken within the last seven years, have an earned grade of B or better, and be equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Coursework older than seven years may be waived or given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits need to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details on the process. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transfer credit will be provided to the student by the director. Transfer credit is only eligible for coursework taken prior to enrollment and petitioned for prior to matriculation.

Learning Outcomes
  • Facilitate inter- and intra-professional teamwork and collaboration.
  • Design, conduct, analyze, and defend research applicable to practice setting.
  • Apply leadership principles to practice positions in nutrition and dietetics.
  • Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and critique of scientific health care literature using an evidence analysis approach; apply and integrate findings into practice settings.
  • Interpret results of a comprehensive nutrition-focused physical assessment relative to nutritional well-being using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Dual Master’s with Dietetic Internship

Overview

The Dual MS with Dietetic Internship (MS & DI)  is designed for students with a degree in dietetics from an ACEND accredited DPD program.  Students will complete a dietetic internship and also further their nutritional knowledge and skills through graduate-level coursework.  Candidates for the master's with internship path may apply through DICAS or directly to Viterbo University.  Candidates applying through DICAS should complete the Viterbo dual MS & DI application once matched.

 Select the master's pathway that will meet your professional goals:

  • Non-thesis clinical focus (48 credits).  The clinical emphasis provides intensive supervised practice hours for students wanting additional patient care experience.
  • Thesis track (39 credits). The thesis track meets accreditation requirements for supervised practice hours while providing students with experience working one-on-one with a research advisor and conducting their own research.

 Students will have the option of numerous electives in order to cater their degree to their particular area of interest.

Policy

Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual course grade lower than a C.

Transfer Credit
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to six graduate level credits may be transferred into the Master of Science in Community-Medical Dietetics degree, if equivalent. Credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited program, taken within the last seven years, have an earned grade of B or better, and be equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Coursework older than seven years may be waived or given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits need to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details on the process. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transfer credit will be provided to the student by the director. Transfer credit is only eligible for coursework taken prior to enrollment and petitioned for prior to matriculation.

Learning Outcomes
  • Facilitate inter- and intra-professional teamwork and collaboration.
  • Design, conduct, analyze, and defend research applicable to practice setting.
  • Apply leadership principles to practice positions in nutrition and dietetics.
  • Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and critique of scientific health care literature using an evidence analysis approach; apply and integrate findings into practice settings.
  • Interpret results of a comprehensive nutrition-focused physical assessment relative to nutritional well-being using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Initial RDN License Prep/Direct Entry

Overview

This 63 credit hour pathway is designed for students that require foundational coursework to become a registered dietitian.  Further, students will obtain advanced nutrition skills through graduate coursework with an emphasis in their particular area of interest.  In addition, this track includes supervised practice, providing students with all experiences needed to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian.

Policy

Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual course grade lower than a C.

Transfer Credit
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to 15 graduate level credits may be transferred into the Master of Science in Community-Medical Dietetics Direct Entry degree, if equivalent. Credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited program, taken within the last seven years, have an earned grade of B or better, and be equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Coursework older than seven years may be waived or given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits need to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details on the process. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transfer credit will be provided to the student by the director. Transfer credit is only eligible for coursework taken prior to enrollment and petitioned for prior to matriculation.

Learning Outcomes
  • Facilitate inter- and intra-professional teamwork and collaboration.
  • Design, conduct, analyze, and defend research applicable to practice setting.
  • Apply leadership principles to practice positions in nutrition and dietetics.
  • Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and critique of scientific health care literature using an evidence analysis approach; apply and integrate findings into practice settings.
  • Interpret results of a comprehensive nutrition-focused physical assessment relative to nutritional well-being using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.

Master of Science in Nursing-Direct Entry

Overview

This Master of Science in Nursing (Direct Entry - DE MSN) degree at Viterbo University received approval from The Higher Learning Commission to launch in fall 2021.

The DE MSN program is a 63-credit-hour program that blends online coursework with residential clinical experiences.  Designed in an accelerated full-time format the program is a lock-step sequence cohort model.

Delivery:

  • 46-credits of Nursing and Scholarly Research Project coursework online
  • 17 -credits of Clinicals and Skills Labs in-person in the La Crosse region throughout each semester
Policy

Nursing (Direct Entry Master’s Degree [DEMSN]) Admission requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. In addition, prior to enrolling in NURS 501 students must complete a Developmental Psychology course and 3 credits of Statistics. And, within seven years of acceptance into the DEMSN, students must have completed, 4 credits of Chemistry, 8 credits of Anatomy and Physiology with labs, and 3 credits of Microbiology with a lab, all with C’s or better.

Additional requirements to enroll in Clinical Graduate NURS Courses, which are in the second semester:

  • Current CPR for health professionals (must be American Heart Association)
  • Caregiver Criminal Background Check  
  • Current Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, from any state
    • Licensed Practical Nurses, who are currently practicing in this role, will qualify to request a waiver for the CNA certification. Prospective international students, who practiced in a foreign country as a certified health professional, may also qualify for a waiver and request that the DEMSN committee review their qualifications.
  • Physical exam report
  • Health insurance
  • Record of up-to-date immunizations including:  
    • Tetanus and Diphtheria within last 10 years
    • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - 2 vaccinations or positive titers
    • Varicella zoster or positive titer
    • Two-step Tuberculosis
    • Hepatitis B vaccination series - three shot series or blood tests to show immunity
    • Flu Shot (completed annually)
    • COVID-19 vaccination (complete series)

It is required that the student’s health file and CPR certification remain current throughout the course of the program. Failure to comply will mean the student will not be allowed to continue in practicum experiences.

Federal and state statutes require that criminal background checks be completed for all persons who provide nursing care for others or who

have access to people who receive care.

Clinical agencies prohibit the placement of students with criminal histories of specific crimes and offenses that have been identified as bars to employment or licensure (such as abuse, assault, or neglect). The School of Nursing requires that all students complete a background information disclosure statement and a criminal history search prior to acceptance into the DEMSN program. Students also are required to complete background information disclosure statements at the beginning of each year of the program to ensure that requirements continue to be met. In addition, clinical agencies may have other specific requirements that students must meet prior to placement. Individuals whose background check identifies bars to the provision of care in contracted agencies or places restrictions on client contact will not be allowed to progress in the program.

Viterbo University School of Nursing utilizes a wide variety of community agencies to assist students in meeting the nursing curriculum objectives. Each student is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from these clinical agencies.

Students will be required to purchase their own liability insurance for any clinical experiences occurring outside of the university semester dates.

Additional requirements related to the professional program can be found in the current DEMSN student handbook.

Progression in the DEMSN Nursing Sequence

Students must establish then maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher throughout the program. Per the university financial aid policy, graduate students whose cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 may not qualify for federal financial aid. For all financial aid questions, we direct you to the financial aid office. Furthermore, to remain in the program your cumulative GPA must increase each subsequent semester until it is above 2.75, which is where it must remain until the completion of the program.

Clinical/Practicum Progression

Prescribed numbers of clinical hours have been incorporated into the plan of study. Courses with a clinical component must be taken in sequence. Students must maintain this rigorous plan or may face dismissal.  A ratio of four clock hours to one didactic hour per week is used; therefore, one credit of practicum credit is 30 hours of clinical/practicum. Therefore, it is important to consider working only part-time or not at all during the nursing program.

Readmission to the School of Nursing 

An individual previously dismissed from the School of Nursing seeking readmission shall be required to complete a readmission packet. The guidelines shall be obtained from the DEMSN Program Director. The completed readmission packet will be evaluated on an individual basis by a readmission board.

Policy and Guidelines Applying to Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disabilities 

The School of Nursing supports the Viterbo University policy and guidelines relating to the non-exclusion of qualified students from university programs solely by reason of disability. To meet the requirements of and to successfully participate in the graduate nursing program at Viterbo University, a student must be able to perform skills which are essential to entry-level nursing roles. While Viterbo University will provide reasonable accommodations in certain course requirements to assist a special needs student to meet certain course outcomes, there are some essential skills for which there are no known substitutes. The applicant to the graduate nursing program and the student throughout the program must be able to meet these requirements. Accordingly, these specific requirements may vary somewhat.

Transfer Credits

Up to six credits may be transferred to the DEMSN program, if equivalent. In order to be considered for transfer, the grade earned must be at least a B. Transfer credits must be graduate credit taken from an accredited institution of higher education completed within the last five years and equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Courses older than five years may be given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits must have an official transcript sent to the director of the DEMSN program. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transcript credit will be provided to the student by the director.

Students who have completed any graduate-level courses may be eligible to transfer up to six credits to satisfy various curriculum requirements and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Transfer Credits after Admission

The DEMSN program has been carefully planned and developed to meet the needs of the graduates. In view of the connection of the curriculum to the desired outcomes and the quality of the graduate, once a student has begun classes as a degree-seeking student in the Viterbo University DEMSN program, all classes must be taken at Viterbo University.

Time for Completion

Six credits per semester is considered full-time study; however, some semesters contain more credits in the 18-month plan of study. It is expected that students will complete the program in five semesters. Time spent as a non-degree student does not count toward the completion period, but students will be subject to the catalog/curriculum requirements in effect at the time they become degree-seeking. All full-time degree-seeking students who have not been granted a leave of absence must register each semester until all degree requirements are completed.

Learning Outcomes
  • Provide holistic relationship-based care that is congruent with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all persons, families, communities, and society.
  • Partner effectively with clients, health team members, and community stakeholders to achieve health equity for all persons.
  • Synthesize knowledge from the liberal arts, the sciences, health information technologies, and the discipline of nursing to provide professional holistic nursing care.
  • Demonstrate safe, evidence-informed clinical reasoning in designing and providing professional holistic nursing care to achieve quality health outcomes for all persons.
  • Integrates nursing values, standards, and ethical principles to advocate for health policies, practice, and equitable access to healthcare for all.
  • Construct a professional holistic nursing identity through reflective practice, self-care, and scholarly inquiry.
     

Accelerated Coordinated Master's Dietetics (ACMD) Program

Overview

Viterbo’s ACMD Program is a pathway program to becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in just one year. Students will complete 1,200 supervised practice hours (clinicals) concurrently with online courses after completion of their undergraduate studies. Because the coursework is fully online, students can complete their clinicals anywhere in the country.

More on the ACMD

Policy

Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual course grade lower than a C.

Transfer Credit
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to six graduate level credits may be transferred into the Master of Science in Community-Medical Dietetics degree, if equivalent. Credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited program, taken within the last five years, have an earned grade of B or better, and be equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Coursework older than five years may be waived or given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits need to contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details on the process. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transfer credit will be provided to the student by the director. Transfer credit is only eligible for coursework taken prior to enrollment and petitioned for prior to matriculation.

Learning Outcomes
  • Facilitate inter- and intra-professional teamwork and collaboration.
  • Design, conduct, analyze, and defend research applicable to practice setting.
  • Apply leadership principles to practice positions in nutrition and dietetics.
  • Demonstrate competence in the interpretation and critique of scientific health care literature using an evidence analysis approach; apply and integrate findings into practice settings.
  • Interpret results of a comprehensive nutrition-focused physical assessment relative to nutritional well-being using nutritional diagnostic reasoning and standardized language.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Overview

Designed to be relevant and responsive to the needs of practicing professional nurses who wish to formally advance their knowledge and skills and seek an advanced nursing role. The curriculum is based upon AACN recommendations and includes increased knowledge in informatics and health care technologies, quality improvement and safety, organizational and systems leadership, interprofessional collaboration for improving patient/population outcomes, advocacy, and advanced scientific and humanities-based background for practice.

Policy

Admission

Program admission requirements and procedures may be found at https://www.viterbo.edu/graduate-student-admissions/graduate-nursing-admission-requirements.

Provisional Admission

Occasionally a student does not meet the admission criteria in all respects, but shows promise of the ability to be successful in graduate school. In this case, the student may be admitted to the graduate nursing program on probation. After two semesters (12 credits) of achieving a B or better in all courses, the probation status will be discontinued. If unable to meet this criterion, the student will be required to withdraw from the program.

Policy and Guidelines Applying to Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disabilities

The School of Nursing supports the Viterbo University policy and guidelines relating to the non-exclusion of qualified students from university programs solely by reason of disability. To meet the requirements of and to successfully participate in the graduate nursing program at Viterbo University, a student must be able to perform skills which are essential to advanced nursing roles. While Viterbo University will provide reasonable accommodations in certain course requirements to assist a special needs student to meet certain course outcomes, there are some essential skills for which there are no known substitutes. The applicant to the graduate nursing program and the student throughout the program must be able to meet the requirements of the track chosen. Accordingly, these specific requirements may vary somewhat.

Academic Standing - Satisfactory Progress

Graduate nursing students are expected to earn a B or better in all of their courses AND maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0 or better.

Required Background Check

Federal and state statutes require that criminal background checks be completed for all persons who provide nursing care for others or who have access to people who receive care. Clinical agencies prohibit placement of students with criminal histories of specific crimes and offenses that have been identified by the state of Wisconsin or others as bars to employment or licensure (such as abuse, assault, or neglect). The School of Nursing requires that all students complete a background information disclosure statement and a criminal history search. Individuals whose background check identifies bars to the provision of care in contracted agencies or places restrictions on client contact will not be allowed to progress in the program.

Transfer Credits Upon Admission
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to 18 credits may be transferred from another program and utilized to meet the post-baccalaureate to DNP program requirements of Viterbo University if equivalent. Up to nine credits may be transferred to the post-MSN to DNP program, if equivalent. In order to be considered for transfer, the grade earned must be at least a B. Transfer credits must be graduate credit taken from an accredited institution of higher education completed within the last five years and equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Courses older than five years may be given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits must have an official transcript sent to the director of graduate nursing program. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transcript credit will be provided to the student by the director.

Transfer Credits After Admission
The faculty of the Viterbo University graduate nursing program has carefully planned and developed a curriculum to meet the needs of the potential graduates of the chosen tracks. The content for the curriculum was designed for the curricular and graduate outcomes unique to this program and the specific role preparation. In view of the connection of the curriculum to the desired outcomes and the quality of the graduate, once a student has begun classes as a degree-seeking student in the Viterbo University graduate nursing program, all classes (excluding electives) must be taken at Viterbo University. Note: This policy is not applicable to post-MSN to DNP students wishing AGNP or FNP role preparation whose plan of study will be determined on an individual basis or to agreements established with collaborating institutions.

Time for Completion of Graduate Nursing Degrees

Six credits per semester is considered full-time study; however some semesters contain substantially more credits in the full time plan of study.

  • The post BSN to DNP program can be completed in three years. It is expected that students will complete the program within seven years or less.
  • The post MSN to DNP program can be completed in two years. It is expected that students will complete the program in four years or less.
  • The post MSN to DNP program including NP role preparation can be completed in three years. It is expected that students will complete the program in seven years or less.
  • Time spent as a non-degree student does not count toward the completion period, but students will be subject to the catalog/curriculum requirements in effect at the time they become degree seeking.
  • All full-time and part-time degree-seeking students who have not been granted a leave of absence must register each semester until all degree requirements are completed.

Practicum/Clinical Experiences

  • A student receiving a C or less for clinical practicum may be dismissed from the program. If dismissal does not occur, the student will be placed on a clinical remediation contract for the subsequent practicum, must repeat the course with a B or better grade, and must achieve B or better in all remaining practicum courses to remain in the program.
  • Prescribed numbers of clinical hours have been incorporated into the various plans of study available within the graduate nursing program. Students must have an RN license for the state in which the clinical site is located. The number of clinical hours varies depending on the track chosen. A ratio of four clock hours to one didactic hour per week is used; therefore one credit of practicum credit is 60 hours of clinical for the APRN and NP tracks. The student will receive a grade for clinical practicum experiences, a BC or better is required for progression. Receiving C or below may contribute to a decision to dismiss a student from the program or specific remediation procedures.

Didactic Classes (includes theory, seminar, and culminating project credits)

  • A student in the graduate nursing program who earns a C in any course, OR goes below a semester GPA of 3.0, will be placed on probationary status and must achieve a grade of B or better in all subsequent courses AND maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the program.
  • A student who earns less than a C will be required to repeat the course and earn B or better in this and all subsequent classes and maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the program.

DNP Project

Students will conduct a scholarly project over two or more semesters. This project is an opportunity for students to engage in independent research/evidence-based inquiry/scholarly work in a defined area of significance to the advanced nursing role. Students will work with faculty advisors for assistance, critique, and expertise. The student will receive a grade at the end of each semester of DNP project registration, and B or better indicates satisfactory progress. Students are required to disseminate their work in a prescribed way.

Certification

http://www.viterbo.edu/graduate-program-nursing

Learning Outcomes
  • Practice in an expanded, specialized, and/or advanced nursing role
  • Affirm the dignity of life and human diversity
  • Advocate for quality outcomes for individuals, families, populations, and systems
  • Demonstrate ethical leadership and faithful service in their chosen roles and settings
  • Facilitate the translation of research and evidence into practice
  • Utilize information and healthcare technology to impact best practice
Addendum

The School of Nursing is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing; P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708; 608-266-2112; web@drl.state.wi.us; and accredited at the DNP level by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530; Washington, DC 20036; 202-887-6791; 202-887-8476 (fax); www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation.

See the MBA/DNP Dual Degree Program for more information about this dual degree option.

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