Discover Viterbo University
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Viterbo University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, DNAP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Master's College & University: Larger Programs
- 4 year or higher institution
-
1,456 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking students - 971 Graduate Students Enrolled
- 72% Acceptance Rate
- 62% Graduation Rate
- 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, US
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Student Demographics
- 23 Average Age
- 24% Men
- 76% Women
- 2% Veterans
- 95% White
- 2% Hispanic
- 1% Black
- 2% Asian
College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.
Founded in 1890 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Viterbo University began as St. Rose Normal School, established by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to train sisters as elementary educators. It evolved into St. Rose Junior College in 1932, became Viterbo College in 1939, and adopted its current name in 2000, honoring Saint Rose of Viterbo, Italy, and its Franciscan heritage. Now a private Catholic university, Viterbo includes three colleges and nine schools, offering programs across 48 disciplines at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
The School of Nursing is particularly esteemed, focusing on developing nurse leaders skilled in holistic care and committed to advancing the field through wisdom and lifelong learning, aligned with the university's mission of service and education.
Nursing Programs at Viterbo University
Undergraduate Nursing Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- RN to BSN Completion
Graduate Nursing Programs
- Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN)
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Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- BSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- BSN-DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- BSN-DNP: Adult-Gero Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
- BSN-DNP: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
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BSN-DNP: Dual Degree DNP/MBA Nursing
- MSN-DNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- MSN-DNP: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
- MSN-DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- MSN-DNP: Post-MSN DNP Acute Care
- MSN-DNP: DNP Ethical Leadership
- MSN-DNP: DNP/MBA Dual Degree Program
- Post-Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
Hands-On Learning Experience
The School of Nursing provides students with exceptional nursing education opportunities, with access to top-tier clinical settings such as the Mayo Clinic Health Care System, Gundersen Health Care System, and various community-based facilities. Students receive high-quality education that emphasizes strong values-based principles, preparing them to serve the common good, which is a distinguishing feature of a Viterbo University graduate.
Mode of Learning
The BSN Program is an in-person program offering a four-year graduation guarantee.
The RN to BSN degree completion program is fully online, allowing ADN RNs to earn a BSN in 12-18 months.
The Direct Entry MSN Program is a 21-month, 63-credit-hour program that blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences.
Both MSN and BSN students can apply to the DNP program. The BSN to DNP track takes three years, while the MSN to DNP track takes two years. For those choosing an NP concentration, the MSN to DNP track requires three years. These durations are based on a full-time study pace, with part-time options available. Credit hours and program requirements vary by concentration.
The Post-Graduate Certificate Program consists of eight courses (21 credit hours) over five semesters, including two semesters of didactic coursework and three semesters (540 hours) of clinical experience.
NCLEX Pass Rate
Recent data from the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing shows that in 2023, 99.3% (142 of 143) of Viterbo University BSN graduates and 100% (13 of 13) of Master of Science in Nursing graduates passed the national NCLEX exam and became licensed RNs.
Admissions at Viterbo University
Admission to the nursing program is merit-based, with each applicant evaluated individually to reflect their unique qualifications.
Accreditation
The BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post Graduate APRN Certificate programs at Viterbo University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
As of July 2024, the CRNA program is not accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Prospective students should verify that the program meets licensure requirements in their intended state of practice and qualifies them for national certification, as regulations for nurse anesthetists have become more stringent in recent years.
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