Graduate Nursing (DNP) Admission Requirements

Graduate Nursing (DNP) Admission Requirements

Application Review & Interview Days

Once your application file is complete your materials are presented to the admissions committee for initial review for an invitation to interview. Applicants to the summer cohorts of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP),  Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and all BSN entry paths are encouraged to complete the application file in the fall by the Priority Application Deadline. 

Interview days for the 2022 cohort will be held on Wednesdays. Invitations to interview are extended by the program via email to selected candidates.  

Priority Application Interview Days on Wednesdays: 

•  Wednesday, November  10  (between 10:00 a.m. and noon) 
• Wednesday, December 15  (between 10:00 a.m. and noon) 
• Wednesday, January 12   (between 10:00 a.m. and noon)

Application Procedures

To apply to the Viterbo University Graduate School of Nursing, fill out the online  Application for Admission: School of Nursing Graduate Program.  

The BSN to DNP program has a first priority admission deadline of November 1, this is a completed application deadline. Interviews will be held on campus shortly following the November deadline. Continued review of applications and acceptance will be ongoing until the limits are met or until March 1. Those interested are encouraged to have all of their materials in by the end of December. CRNA track students apply to Viterbo University after they have been instructed by the School of Anesthesia program director.

The post-MSN to DNP entry paths offer admission in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.   

Admission Requirements for all 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 with the Supplemental Items list once an application is submitted. Documents must be submitted by either uploading them to your application portal or emailing them gradnursing@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.

• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate education (see instructions on application)
• Evidence of current, unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse
• Professional CV  or resume
• A personal statement (Essay), approximately two (double spaced, using APA style) pages in a formal essay format, addressing the following items in the essay. 
  • Describe your purpose and objective in pursuing graduate study.
  • How have your personal and professional experiences prepared you for graduate school?
  • Describe your understanding of the DNP role.
  • What are your short- and long-term professional goals and how will this doctoral program help you achieve these goals?
  • Describe a research/quality improvement project in which you have actively participated in and how has this experience influenced your decision to pursue graduate studies.
  • Discuss the challenges and rewards you anticipate to experience in this graduate program of study.
• Official Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores. Alternatively, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores may be submitted in lieu of MAT scores.
  • Information about taking the MAT exam in La Crosse is available from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse at 608-785-8073. There is a fee for the exam. Information about testing sites in other locations is available on the Pearson Education website: MAT Testing Centers. Advance arrangements are necessary at all sites. Applicants will need to designate Viterbo University to receive the official scores. 
    • Viterbo’s MAT code #1831. This code may not be listed specifically in the existing publications from MAT. 
    • Viterbo’s GRE code #1878
  • Post-BSN applicants with at least five previous graduate credits with a grade earned of ‘B’ or better will have the option to waive the MAT.  
  • Post-MSN entry applicants:  The MAT is not required for Post-MSN entry applicants. 
• Three (3) letters of recommendation.  Please email the  Recommendation Form link below to your three recommenders.  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 or Dr. Stolder.  A PDF copy of the  Recommendation Form can be printed here however, using the URL link is the preferred method.   
  • Recommendation Form Link: https://clgreports.exchange.viterbo.edu/LetterofRecommendation/LetterofRecommendation.aspx  
• 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: 
  • One recommendation should come from an APRN if you are in clinical practice. 
    • Note:  If you are applying to theDual DNP\MBA program applicants should submit a letter from your Director of Nursing, Nursing Administration, or an academic faculty.
  • One recommendation should come from your current clinical supervisor who supervises you during your hands-on health care experience, and either practices in the role you are seeking or works with individuals in the advanced practice role sought (APRN, PA, MD/DO) and has knowledge regarding the Nursing Practice role performance requirements.
  • And, one professional recommendation, from someone such as an MD/DO, PA, APRN.

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

Graduate Nursing (DNP) Admission Requirements