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Nursing jobs in Utah are expected to grow by almost one-third from 2018-2028. Learn about nursing schools in Utah and how to apply for a Utah nursing license.
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Taha Raja / 500px Prime / Getty Images
Utah's population continues to boom, with Salt Lake City emerging as a technology hub. As a result, nursing employment has also expanded. Between 2018 and 2028, the number of registered nursing (RN) jobs in Utah is projected to grow by 28.2%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This guide introduces the best nursing programs in Utah and explores how to earn a Utah nursing license. Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Utah.
The Best Nursing Schools in Utah
Whether you want to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN), public and private nursing programs in Utah offer attractive options, often with very low in-state tuition. This guide includes only accredited schools, as unaccredited schools are not a good investment for your time and money.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Utah, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
#1 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Brigham Young University-Provo
Provo, UT
4 years
Campus
BYU's master of science in nursing program prepares RNs to become family nurse practitioners. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practice and features extensive clinical experiences.
Enrollees complete 60-63 credits. The MSN culminates with a thesis, clinical project, or scholarly paper addressing a clinical problem. One of the best nursing schools in Utah, BYU offers assistantships and scholarships.
Program(s): Master of science in nursing - family nurse practitioner
Campus: Provo
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $453 per credit ($906 per credit for Latter-day Saints)
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program, minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, and current Utah RN license
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.8% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $83,177 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,790
Out-of-state
$5,790
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
34,318
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
The University of Utah offers one of the most comprehensive undergraduate nursing programs in Utah. The program's four tracks include a nursing early assurance program (NEAP) and an online RN-to-BSN option.
NEAP students develop an evidence-based practice through clinical experiences across the region. Learners can access a state-of-the-art simulation center. The school partners with a medical academic center covering a six-state region.
Program(s): Nursing early assurance program, RN-to-BSN, pre-licensure, Salt Lake Community College RN-to-BS express pathway
Campus: Salt Lake City
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $920 per credit for NEAP (in-state), $3,433 per credit for NEAP (out-of-state); $260 per credit for RN-to-BSN
Admission Requirements: high school senior or first-year college status and minimum cumulative 3.3-3.5 GPA for NEAP; associate degree from an accredited nursing program, minimum 3.0 GPA, and RN license or eligibility for RN-to-BSN
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.6% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $57,995 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,412
Out-of-state
$26,017
Retention Rate
89%
Admission Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
32,852
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Utah State University
Logan, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
USU delivers a one-year practical nursing certificate program. One of the best nursing schools in Utah, USU prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The certificate program covers basic care and medication administration.
After passing the NCLEX-PN exam, graduates can work as entry-level licensed practical nurses. Graduates can also pursue USU's associate of applied science in nursing.
Program(s): Practical nurse certificate, associate of applied science in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, RN-to-BSN
Campus: Blanding, Moab, or Price, Utah
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED and prerequisite courses with minimum B- grades
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $50,231 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,549
Out-of-state
$21,087
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
27,810
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Weber State University
Ogden, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
One of the best nursing schools in Utah, WSU offers an associate degree in nursing for aspiring RNs. Students typically complete the 33 required credits in 24 months.
After their first year of studies, learners qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the exam, individuals can practice as licensed practical nurses. Associate program graduates qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and become registered nurses.
Program(s): Associate degree in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice
Campus: Ogden
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $5,329 per year (in-state), $15,746 per year (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED for ADN
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months for ADN
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.4% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,482 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,990
Out-of-state
$14,973
Retention Rate
66%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
29,644
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
One of the most comprehensive and affordable nursing schools in Utah, UVU offers a BSN degree-completion program. Students transfer an associate of science in nursing from UVU or another institution.
Enrollees gain skills in nursing health assessment, nursing care for various populations, and community nursing. Learners complete nursing practice simulations.
Program(s): Associate of science in nursing, bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing
Campus: Orem
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $315 per credit for BSN (in-state), $888 per credit for BSN (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: ASN, prerequisite courses, and RN licensure for BSN
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 95.9% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $54,894 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,122
Out-of-state
$15,872
Retention Rate
65%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
41,728
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#6 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
2 years
Campus
One of the most affordable nursing programs in Utah, SLCC's associate of applied science in nursing program prepares enrollees to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Participants gain skills in health assessment and medical surgical nursing. The curriculum features lectures and experiences in SLCC's healing arts lab. Graduates who pass the NCLEX exam can practice as registered nurses.
Program(s): Associate of applied science in nursing, advanced placement program for licensed practical/vocational nurses
Campus: Salt Lake City
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $267 per credit (in-state), $656 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED, certified nursing assistant license or medical assisting experience, prerequisite coursework, and TEAS scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.2% first-time pass rate
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $52,848 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Tuition
In-state
$3,437
Out-of-state
$11,968
Retention Rate
59%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
29,517
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#7 Utah Nursing Schools and Programs
Dixie State University
Saint George, UT
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in St. George, Dixie delivers one of the most affordable nursing programs in Utah. The associate-level nursing program offers two tracks. Students can pursue a LPN-to-RN program or a paramedic-to-RN program.
Students can complete the 64-68 credits in four semesters. Each track prepares enrollees to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program(s): AAS in nursing - LPN-to-RN and paramedic-to-RN, RN-to-BSN, nursing pre-licensure BS
Campus: St. George
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $105 per credit (in-state), $337 per credit (out-of-state)
Admission Requirements: LPN license or paramedic certification, minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses
Minimum Time Commitment: Four semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.7% first-time pass rate
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,680
Out-of-state
$14,976
Retention Rate
57%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Featured Online MSN Programs
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Utah
Finding the right nursing school in Utah involves weighing factors, such as tuition and related costs, financial aid, the school's NCLEX-RN (nursing license exam) pass rate, the school's format and logistics, and program reputation. If you plan to attend nursing school in Utah online, inquire about getting a clinical placement in your community.
Why Become a Nurse in Utah
In addition to the increasing demand for nurses, in-state tuition for a BSN remains low, making nursing school in Utah more affordable.
Utah is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means getting a Utah RN license allows you to work in the 39 other NLC states without applying for a separate license.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Utah
The median salary for RNs in Utah is $67,180, a figure below the national median of $75,330, according to the BLS. However, the median salary for NPs is $111,200, not significantly lower than the national salary of $111,680.
While job growth for nurses is high, Utah is also projected to have a surplus of 4,100 nurses from 2014-2030. Because Utah is an NLC state, nursing school in Utah and getting Utah licensing is still a good investment.
Salt Lake City offers the highest median salary for RNs in the state, with only a slight differential between it and other Utah cities.
Besides competitive salaries, Utah offers great outdoor recreation opportunities, including motorbiking, hiking, camping, and skiing. Utah is home to some of the country's most stunning national parks and scenic attractions, such as Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Monument Valley, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.
One benefit of attending nursing school in Utah is access to recreation during vacation periods.
Utah, like other states, requires a nursing degree from a state-approved school, passing the NCLEX, and a successful background check.
RN Requirements
To become an RN in Utah, you must earn an ADN or BSN and pass the NCLEX exam. An ADN takes two years to complete, while a BSN takes four years. You must apply for a license from the state board of nursing and have your school send official verification of your education and transcripts. You must also submit your fingerprints for a background check. The state government website offers a full list of requirements and a description of the process, including fees ($200 for the NCLEX-RN exam; $90 for license processing).
Prospective RNs must pass a criminal background check and submit verification of education and certification. Nurse anesthetists should apply for a controlled substance license. The state board of nursing website lists the full requirements and process.
It takes two years to complete an ADN program or four years for a BSN program, whether you attend nursing school in Utah or another state. A growing number of employers prefer a BSN, especially academic medical centers and higher-level positions. If you have a degree in another field, you may be eligible for an accelerated BSN program.
Are nurses in Utah in demand?
The BLS projects the demand for RNs to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Utah's demand for RNs may continue to expand as more healthcare workers retire or leave the field as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are the highest paying cities for nurses in Utah?
Salt Lake City is the highest-paying city for nurses in Utah, with an average salary of $68,680. St. George is the next highest at $67,040, and Ogden-Clearfield at $65,650. Provo-Orem offers an average RN salary of $64,960, with Logan's average salary at $64,790.
How much does nursing school cost in Utah?
Nursing programs in Utah cost between $25,000 to $120,000 for a four-year BSN program. An ADN program can cost between $5,000 and $30,000 for a two-year program. Individual costs vary based on financial aid, books and supplies, and commuting or boarding expenses.
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NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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