Viterbo University Nursing School Review

Viterbo University (VU) is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which has a population of 52,000 people. Viterbo University was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and also has satellite centers in West Allis, Wisconsin and Des Moines, Iowa. The university is named after Viterbo, which is a city in Italy, which was home to the founder of the school.

Total yearly enrollment for Viterbo University is over 3,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school offers 50 undergraduate majors, 27 minors, and five graduate degrees. The schools at Viterbo University include the School of Nursing, the School of Letters and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Fine Arts, and the School of Education. The School of Nursing at Viterbo University is accredited by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN)

VU offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which is intended to prepare individuals for a career as a Registered Nurse. Individuals who complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Viterbo University go on to apply to write the NCLEX-RN examination, in order to become licensed as a Registered Nurse. Registered Nurses go on to work in a variety of healthcare environments including; hospitals, long-term care facilities, hospices, nursing homes, and many more. Viterbo University also offers a pre-nursing curriculum. In the students sophomore year, students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program conduct their clinical practice at either Gundersen Lutheran or Franciscan Skemp medical center. Individuals can also complete their clinical practice at a variety of community-based healthcare organizations in the area in maternity nursing, mental health nursing, nursing of children, adult health nursing, nursing of older adults or public health nursing.

Viterbo University also offers study abroad opportunities for their nursing students, through the Global Education Program, which allows students to complete nursing experience in other countries and gain an understanding through cultural immersion.

Individuals in the nursing program at Viterbo University are mandated to complete liberal arts education courses in a variety of fields.

In order to apply to the VU BSN program, individuals must have completed high school education or GED, and must provide transcripts as proof of education. Individuals who have completed any college level education, must also submit transcripts to Viterbo University. When applying to the School of Nursing at Viterbo University, individuals must submit a criminal background check, as well as a drug screening and proof of immunization records. Applicants need to also provide proof of CPR certification, before being admitted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Viterbo University. Without submitting these materials, students will not be considered for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Viterbo University. In order to apply to the School of Nursing, individuals must first be admitted into Viterbo University. Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Viterbo University are able to apply for financial aid through the university.

BSN Completion Program

The BSN Completion Program at Viterbo University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is intended for Registered Nurses who wish to earn their bachelor’s degree off-campus, quickly. Classes take place one day every week, in seven-week blocks. The program is available at several locations and dates of the programs and final locations are determined based on enrollment numbers.

Graduate Programs in Nursing

The graduate programs in nursing at Viterbo University include tracks in Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care), Family Nurse Practitioner (Lifespan), Nurse Educator, or Advanced Clinical Nursing (CNL and other related preparations). The programs can be completed in three years, with six credits completed each year on a full-time basis. Classes take place one day per week and the total amount of clinical hours and credits required for graduation differ depending on the specific program. Clinical practice can be completed in the student’s hometown if required and part-time options are possible. Graduates of this program can go on to write the certification exam depending on their chosen specialization, including the ANCC, AANP, CNC or CNL exams.

Contact:
Viterbo University
900 Viterbo Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
United States
Phone: (800) 848-3726