[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Increase your salary and job opportunities by becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Utah. Demand for RNs in Utah is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”] Projections Central[/hen-ui-link]. This figure is much higher than the average 6% growth for RNs nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover the top nursing schools and programs in Utah and how to earn a nursing license in the state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you want to earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/” target=”_blank”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] or an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/” target=”_blank”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link], public and private nursing programs in Utah offer attractive options, often with very low in-state tuition. This guide includes [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]only accredited schools[/hen-ui-link], as unaccredited schools are not a good investment for your time and money.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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. This ranking is from 2023.[/hen-ui-text]
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1
Brigham Young University-Provo
Provo, UT
4 year
Campus
Accredited
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
12%
Online Enrollment
$7,290
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
90%
Retention Rate
$7,290
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
34,318
Institution Type
Private
#2
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
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
34%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,211
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
89%
Retention Rate
$25,455
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
32,852
Institution Type
Public
#3
Utah State University
Logan, UT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
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
50%
Online Enrollment
$ 5,996
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
74%
Retention Rate
$20,327
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
27,810
Institution Type
Public
#4
Weber State University
Ogden, UT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
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
35%
Online Enrollment
$ 7,476
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
66%
Retention Rate
$16,656
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
29,644
Institution Type
Public
#5
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
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
32%
Online Enrollment
$ 9,513
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
65%
Retention Rate
$25,391
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
41,728
Institution Type
Public
#6
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
2 year
Campus
Accredited
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
31%
Online Enrollment
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
59%
Retention Rate
N/A
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
29,517
Institution Type
Public
#7
Dixie State University
Saint George, UT
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited
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
29%
Online Enrollment
$ 5,970
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State
57%
Retention Rate
$15,090
Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
N/A
Students Enrolled
11,193
Institution Type
Public
[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the increasing demand for nurses, nursing school in Utah more affordable; the average tuition in Utah is over $2,000 less than the national average, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Utah is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-compact-states/” target=”_blank”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)[/hen-ui-link] state, which means getting a Utah RN license allows you to work in other NLC jurisdictions without applying for a separate license.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median annual salary for RNs in Utah is about $80,000, which is slightly below the national median of $87,00 for all RNs, according to the BLS. However, the projected job growth for nurses in Utah is one of the highest in the U.S.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salt Lake City offers the highest median salary for RNs in the state, with only a slight differential between it and other Utah cities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One benefit of attending nursing school in Utah is access to recreation during vacation periods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in Utah[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Salt Lake City[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,680[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]St. George[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$67,040[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Ogden-Clearfield[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$65,650[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Provo-Orem[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,960[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Logan[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$64,790[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: BLS [hen-ui-article-card title=”Nurse Salary in Utah” href=”/state/utah/rn-salary/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Utah, [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]like other states[/hen-ui-link], requires a nursing degree from a state-approved school, passing the NCLEX, and a successful background check.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RN in Utah, you must earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]ADN[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/index.html” target=”_blank”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] 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).[/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN), you must graduate from a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of nursing science[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link] (DNP) program and pass the board certification examination.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/index.html” target=”_blank”]full requirements and process[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Utah RN BSN Programs + Online Options” href=”/state/utah/bsn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Utah[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become a nurse in Utah?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Are nurses in Utah in demand?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are the highest paying cities for nurses in Utah?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much does nursing school cost in Utah?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]