Alverno College

Alverno’s nursing education is unique for its Assessment-as-Learning model. Instead of traditional GPA-based letter grades, students receive narrative feedback on their mastery of eight "abilities," such as effective communication and problem-solving. The traditional BSN is a direct-entry program for women, while the 2+2 BSN allows transfer students to complete their clinicals in two years. A standout offering is the 18-month Direct Entry MSN (DEMSN), designed for career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This intensive track—offered in Milwaukee and Mesa, AZ—awards both a BSN and an MSN simultaneously, preparing graduates for leadership roles from the start of their nursing careers.

The program is centered in the Center for Clinical Education (CCE), a high-fidelity environment that replicates the intensity of a major medical center. The CCE features four specialized simulation suites, including Trauma/ICU, Labor and Delivery, and Medical-Surgical rooms. Students work with advanced manikins that simulate real-time physiological crises, supported by portable electronic health record (EHR) units to mirror modern documentation practices. Clinical rotations are guaranteed without a waitlist, thanks to deep partnerships with all major Milwaukee healthcare systems, including Advocate Aurora Health, Froedtert, and Children’s Wisconsin. This hands-on rigor is highly successful; many Alverno students complete their NCLEX-RN licensure exam before their final graduation date.

Compared to other programs, Alverno stands out for its small 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and its 100% internship rate for final-semester students. The DNP program is fully online and can be completed in just 18 months, offering tracks in Strategic Leadership or Direct Care. Admission to the undergraduate program is holistic, while the DEMSN requires a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA and specific prerequisites in Anatomy, Microbiology, and Statistics completed within the last seven years.