Overview of Nursing Schools in Utah

  • There are 20 nursing schools in Utah. The CCNE accredits 8 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 12 schools in Utah.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Utah is between 58.30% and 176.87%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Utah is between 25.00% and 97.91%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Utah can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

Recommended Nursing Schools for Utah

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

About Nursing Schools in Utah

Utah has had a nursing shortage for several years and has been working hard to fill the voids. Nursing schools have responded to the call by creating nursing programs with flexibility to meet the needs of busy, working adults.

Nursing is becoming one of the best career choices in Utah, especially during the current times. There are currently 23,690 Registered Nurses employed in Utah across all kinds of healthcare facilities. These nurses earn $71,353 on average, with the ones with more than 20 years of experience earning more than $92,000 annually. However, these figures are expected to go up exponentially as the state is projected to need 30,000 RNs by 2028, which means that the annual wage will also increase.

In addition, if you are planning to work in Utah as a Nurse Practitioner, you’d be happy to know that the 1,610 NPs working there are currently earning $158,890 on average annually. Also, the state is expected to need 590 NPs more by the year 2028, which means an average annual opening of 170 NPs. NPs in Utah have a Reduced Practice authority which means that the State practice and license laws reduce the ability of all NPs to engage in at least one element of NP practice. The NPs require career-long regulated collaborative agreements with another healthcare provider in order to provide patient care.

It is also good news that Utah is one of the many states that have implemented the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). An eNLC allows nurses to work in the Nurse Licensure Compact states regardless of which state they obtained their license in. Therefore, if you are an RN or LPN currently holding a license in another Nurse License Compact state, then you will not need to obtain a separate license to work in Utah. However, this legislation currently doesn’t benefit the APRNs, so they will have to pass their licensure examination and obtain a license in Utah should they wish to practice here.

Utah has multiple high-ranking nursing schools that are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and highly-qualified instructors. These schools offer multiple courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, leading up to PhD and DNP as well.

In our Utah RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Utah RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.

In the State of Utah, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.

Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.

BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Utah RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 11 11
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 92.65% 81.32%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 58.30% to 176.87% 25.00% to 97.91%

Nursing Programs Offered by Utah Nursing Schools

  • Registered Nursing: 16
  • Family Nurse Practitioner: 3
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • CNL: 1
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Nursing Administration: 1
  • Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: 1
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 1

Utah Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

Best Ranked RN Programs in Utah

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Utah and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 9 ADN degree programs and 10 BSN degree programs in Utah. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Utah to provide our state rankings. View our methodology

Western Governors University

Department of Nursing

97.91% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT - 84107
  • (801) 274-3280
Nurse Admin: Janelle R. Sokolowich, Ph.D., MSN Ed, RN
Title: Academic Vice President And Dean
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.91%
  • Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 3093
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $200
  • Book and Supplies: N/A
  • Percent Received Aid: 75%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: N/A

Western Governors University is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.  WGU is a non-traditional university and their education is based on competencies, which means that their approach allows the students to learn things they do not already know, taking into consideration past education and work experience.

Western Governors University allows nursing students to complete their degrees online at any time or place that works for them. Students have loved this institution because they don’t have to choose between their education and work.

At Western Governors University, although the coursework is online, students will never be alone in their educational journey. Each student is paired with a mentor who has worked in the healthcare industry and will provide continual support, encouragement and help them achieve their goals. This online nonprofit organization is very affordable and also provides multiple scholarship opportunities to nurses who have shown exceptional activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes. 

Undergraduate Programs: The University offers an RN to BSN online program that is designed for working RNs who want an affordable and accessible bachelor’s degree to expand their career. However, for students who don’t hold a nursing license, the University has a Nursing (Prelicensure) BS degree that is offered in areas where the University has partnerships with healthcare employers. These partnerships allow students to practice in clinical sites and provide them with clinical coaches to successfully complete their degrees and build competence. 

Graduate Programs: The Nursing Education (BSN to MSN) degree prepares students to teach the next generation of nurses. Graduates of this degree are eligible to work as Nurse Educators, Nursing Faculty, Program Director, Academic Clinical Nurse Educator, and more. For students who don’t currently have a bachelor’s degree, the Nursing Education (RN to MSN) course includes a BSN program component in the degree itself. 

Similarly, there are also Nursing Informatics (BSN to MSN) and Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN) degrees that empower data-driven nurses. The Nursing Leadership and Management (BSN to MSN) and (RN to MSN) courses exist for students who are ready for greater responsibility like the director of nursing, chief nursing officer, and more. 

For nurses looking to advance their career in the clinical sector, the Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to MSN) course prepares them to become board-certified FNPs.

Apart from these degrees, the University also offers two Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership and Management.

Southern Utah University

Department of Nursing

95.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 351 West University Blvd, Cedar City, UT - 84720
  • (435) 586-7700
Nurse Admin: Selwyn D. Layton, DNP, RN
Title: Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.50%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 339
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,726
  • Book and Supplies: $1,600
  • Percent Received Aid: 96%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,817
  • Percent Admitted: 76%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 17%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%

Southern Utah University offers a learning-centered education that meets the requirements of both the students and employers. The courses combine classroom and experiential learning, emphasizing caring, critical thinking, patient safety, ethical decision-making, communication, civic responsibility, and professional excellence. 

The University offers small class sizes, career-focused learning, and hands-on experience that enable the students to become competent nurses in every form. Students learn to provide quality professional nursing care based on a synthesis of theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing, physical and social sciences, arts and humanities, and life experiences. Students are offered hands-on experiences with state-of-the-art healthcare equipment, one-on-one instructional experiences, and varied hands-on clinical practicum opportunities that provide them with the necessary skills to practice as quality care providers. 

Undergraduate Programs: The Pre-Licensure Nursing program is designed to empower students to get their nursing licenses and work as nurse generalists in all kinds of healthcare facilities.

For health professionals such as LPNs and Paramedics, the HP to BSN program allows them to obtain their BSN degree and get their RN license.

Similarly, there is an online RN to BSN course designed for working RNs who don’t have their BSN degree. This course allows them to balance their work and education without having to compromise on either.

Utah Valley University

Department of Nursing

92.53% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 800 W University Parkway, Orem, UT - 84058-5999
  • (801) 863-8000
Nurse Admin: Dale Maughan, PhD, MSN, RN
Title: Chair
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.53%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 753
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,010
  • Book and Supplies: $588
  • Percent Received Aid: 74%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,386
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 32%

One of the leading nursing colleges in the state, Utah Valley University, prepares nurses for a successful nursing career via a team-oriented learning process and highly skilled faculty. Students learn the required knowledge and clinical judgment skills in order to provide expert nursing care in a dynamic healthcare environment. 

Nursing students at Utah Valley University get the chance to engage in hands-on learning in simulation labs and in clinical rotations. They participate in research, internships and also get international healthcare experiences. The University offers physical, online, or hybrid classes for different courses. The courses here are competitive and have high academic standards while also being balanced with a compassionate and team-oriented emphasis on preparing professional, skilled, and caring nurses.

Undergraduate Programs: Utah Valley University offers an Associate in Science in Nursing with a BSN completion program. Graduates of the ASN program can take their NCLEX-RN examination and practice as skilled RNs. They are also eligible to seamlessly transition to the BSN degree should they wish to. 

In addition, there is also an RN to BSN degree that allows ASN graduates to learn and apply leadership skills, genomics, global health perspectives, and research practice. The RN to BSN program classes are available online, hybrid, or face-to-face. 

Graduate Programs: The MSN program at Utah Valley University is an online course that can be taken full-time or part-time. Students are prepared for advanced roles as nurse educators in both clinical and academic settings.

Utah Tech University

Nursing Department, College of Health Sciences

92.20% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 225 S University Avenue, Saint George, UT - 84770-3876
  • (435) 652-7500
Nurse Admin: Judy Scott, EdD, MSN, RN
Title: Interim Nursing Department Chairman
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
  • Programs: Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 236
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,862
  • Book and Supplies: $800
  • Percent Received Aid: 90%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,901
  • Percent Admitted: N/A
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
  • Graduation Rate: 35%

Utah Tech University is located in St. George, Utah.  Utah Tech University offers an ADN program and an RN to BSN program.  Students enrolled in the ADN program may continue into the RN to BSN program without reapplying if they pass their courses and the NCLEX-RN.  The RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as 12 months, if attending full-time, but can also be completed on a part-time basis, which is ideal for the working nurse.

University of Utah College of Nursing

College of Nursing

91.80% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
  • (801) 581-7200
Nurse Admin: Marla J. De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN
Title: Dean, Louis H. Peery Presidential Endowed Chair, And Professor
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.80%
  • Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP

University Information

  • Total Faculty: 4193
  • In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,893
  • Book and Supplies: $1,036
  • Percent Received Aid: 87%
  • Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,345
  • Percent Admitted: 79%
  • Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%

University of Utah College of Nursing is the only college of nursing with a PhD program in Utah, and it is committed to serving the people of Utah and beyond. The college aims for excellence in education, research, and clinical care. Students learn in a diverse, inclusive, and independent environment that helps to bring out the compassionate human beings and leaders in them.

Students learn to practice their skills in clinical rotations in a variety of settings across the region. They are also exposed to interprofessional education experiences along with community-engaged learning. Nursing students learn to integrate theory and research into evidence-based practice as the University is associated with a research-intensive medical academic center that covers a six-state region. 

Undergraduate Programs: For students who are currently high school seniors or are first-year college students with less than 30 credit hours, the University of Utah College of Nursing offers a Nursing Early Assurance Program. This track in the Baccalaureate Nursing Program allows direct entry to candidates that are planning on majoring in nursing at the University of Utah.

Similarly, for students who don’t currently hold a nursing license, the 16-month BSN program allows them to earn their BSN degree and a nursing license.

In addition to that, if you currently hold an Associate Degree in Nursing but want to earn a Bachelor’s degree, the College of Nursing offers an affordable online RN to BSN program that you can choose to complete in two, three, or four semesters.

There is also an Express Pathway which is a bridge program allowing second-semester nursing students in Salt Lake Community College to seamlessly transfer to the University of Utah and enroll in the online RN to BSN course upon completion of their SLCC program.

Graduate Programs: The University of Utah College of Nursing offers three online specialty tracks that allow students to specialize in distinct areas of healthcare. The specialties are Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Gerontology.

The College of Nursing offers the only DNP and PhD in nursing courses in the entire state. The BS to DNP program offers specialties in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care, Neonatal, Nurse-Midwifery, Primary Care (Adult/Gerontology, Family, and Pediatrics), Psychiatric Mental Health, Women’s Health, Women’s Health and Nurse-Midwifery dual track. 

Similarly, the Masters to DNP program offers Direct Care for (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) and Organizational Leadership (for non-APRNs, Nurse Administrators, and APRNs)

Grade
University
Utah Rank
Degree
87.50 Salt Lake Community College 5 ADN
86.80 Weber State University 6 ADN
86.60 Fortis College 7 ADN
84.10 Utah State University 8 ADN
79.80 Snow College 10 ADN
58.30 Nightingale College 11 ADN
86.76 Weber State University 8 BSN
68.38 Provo College 11 BSN

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Utah

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Utah

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Utah offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

MSN Programs Recommended by Our Education Experts

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Utah  RN Licensing Requirements

Utah State Board of Nursing
Heber M. Wells Building
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 530-6701

RN Licensure by Exams

Candidates are encouraged to apply to the board during the final semester of nursing school. This will allow for licensure to be gained as soon as the candidate is eligible. There is a $60 fee for the application and two $20 fees for background checks. The background check must be completed through both the Bureau of Criminal Identification and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Candidates will need to register for the NCLEX ahead of time and pay the $200 testing fee. Official transcripts will be sent to DOPL immediately after graduation. At this point, as long as all requirements have been met, the candidate will be issued authorization to test (ATT) and will be able to schedule the exam. In the case that a candidate is unsuccessful, the candidate may submit a notice of intent to retake in order to verify eligibility.

RN License by Endorsement

A registered nurse who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states will be able to gain licensure in Utah by endorsement. The candidate will be required to submit verification of licensure. If the candidate is declaring Utah as their primary residence, they must submit a Utah address to the board within 30 days of arriving in the state.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

Registered nurses who obtained licensure outside of the United States will be required to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) qualifying exam and submit a credential evaluation before taking the NCLEX exam.

RN Salaries in Utah

Salaries in the state of Utah are dependent on the experience and education level of the individual registered nurse. However, the median salary in Utah is just under $59,000 annually. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree opens up many opportunities to nurses that would not have been previously available. Some positions include home health care and community agencies. There are also job opportunities outside of direct care, which include case management, among other exciting careers. Advanced training can even open up roles such as hospice care managers.

Utah Registered Nursing Salaries

The Salt Lake City metropolitan area has the highest number or registered nurses employed than any other area statewide. In addition, it also has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.


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