Best Nursing Schools in Utah: Top Online & Campus Programs
Nursing is one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers today. Learn more about the best nursing schools in Utah and how to find the right program for you.
As the fastest-growing state according to the 2020 Census, Utah has an increasing need for nurses at all levels to care for its citizens. In fact, along with the rest of the U.S., Utah expects its job growth rate for registered nurses to be well above average. This means now is a great time to become a registered nurse in Utah and for licensed RNs in the state to expand their credentials.
With many nursing programs in Utah to choose from, finding the right one for you can be challenging. Learn about top-ranked and accredited nursing programs and about the factors to consider when choosing which school and program to attend. Continue reading to see which schools made it onto our list as the best choices for prospective students like you.
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Public
Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Public
Utah Valley University
Orem, Utah
Public
Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Public
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Public
Utah Tech University
Saint George, Utah
Public
Westminster University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Utah
There are various levels of nursing practice with varying degrees of responsibility and patient care. Because of the differences in skills and training for different types of nurses, nursing schools in Utah offer a range of program choices. Below are some of the more commonly available nursing programs in Utah.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Utah
ADN Programs
Earning an ADN is ideal for those wishing to become RNS but who don’t yet want to earn traditional four-year BSNs. ADN coursework focuses on nursing-related, hands-on training and prepares students to sit for the NCEX-RN.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
Earning a BSN prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and includes core nursing coursework along with more theoretical nursing topics and general education requirements. This broad learning opens opportunities for management positions and pursuing graduate nursing degrees.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
An Accelerated BSN is ideal for students with prior college courses that transfer into the accelerated BSN program. It also prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Utah for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
These bridge programs are perfect for individuals with prior nursing experience and training. They allow LPNs to become RNs and current RNs with LPNs to quickly earn their BSNs by recognizing the academic nursing credits and nurse licenses they already have.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
An RN to BSN program is available to RNs looking to take the next step in their nursing careers. Incoming students use their earlier training as RNs to shorten the time it takes to earn their BSN degrees.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
The RN to MSN is a nursing bridge program tailored to RNs without bachelor’s degrees to earn MSNs. Some programs allow students to earn their BSNs on their way to earning their MSNs.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Utah
MSN Programs
MSN programs are for individuals looking to reach more advanced levels in nursing. Traditional MSN programs accept students with BSN degrees while direct-entry MSN programs accept those with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with This Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD programs are for individuals who want to take their nursing careers to the highest level possible. DNP degrees are ideal for those who want to continue working in clinical practice while a PhD is more appropriate for someone looking to teach at the college level or to engage in research.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate nursing certificates are for nursing professionals who want to move into a more advanced or different area of practice. Certificates offer a way to specialize without getting another degree.
Examples of Utah Nursing Schools with This Program
Understanding Online Nursing Programs in Utah
Many nursing programs are now hybrid with much of their coursework offered online and hands-on training obtained at clinical sites and/or in simulated or controlled lab settings. Some schools allow for in-person clinical requirements to be completed at approved sites close to where a student works or lives. Additionally, some graduate programs are fully online for students who already possess the necessary clinical training and want to shift from a clinical role into a non-clinical one in leadership or management.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Utah
There are various types of financial aid available to help alleviate the financial challenges associated with earning a nursing degree. Two of the most sought-after are scholarships and grants, which don’t have to be paid back and are provided by the nursing schools themselves as well as by private organizations like corporations and nonprofits. School loans are also common funding options, but they need to be paid back.
To learn more about how you can pay for your nursing education in Utah, check out our nursing scholarship guide and guide to graduating from nursing school debt-free
How to Become an RN in Utah: Licensing Information and Requirements
As in other states, you must become licensed to practice as an RN in Utah. Each state has its own regulatory body that oversees the licensing process. In Utah, it’s the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). The overall process to become a registered nurse in Utah is like most other states, but it’s still important to understand how the process is unique to the state.
Enroll in an approved RN nursing program
To be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN, students must be first complete an RN program approved by the DOPL. A program that’s accredited by either the ACEN or CCNE will also probably be a DOPL-approved program.
Register for the NCLEX-RN exam
You must pass the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. Most students register for the NCLEX-RN a few months before they plan to graduate from nursing school. Registration requires an NCLEX account through Pearson VUE and a $200 testing fee.
Submit necessary paperwork to the DOPL
Necessary paperwork required before taking the NCLEX-RN includes completing the Request for Authorization to Test application and submitting your official nursing school transcripts.
Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
NCLEX questions cover four main categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Questions are multiple-choice, and test-takers receive a pass/fail score.
Apply for a Utah registered nursing license
After passing the NCLEX-RN, apply online or by mail to the DOPL for your RN license. You’ll also pay a $90 fee and submit fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Utah
Utah's job market for Registered Nurses (RNs) is projected to grow significantly, with an expected increase of 25.3%, translating to over 6,400 new RN positions by 2030. This growth rate is considerably higher than the national average of 5.6%, reflecting the state's expanding healthcare needs. The average annual openings in Utah are projected to be about 2,170, likely due to growth, retirement, and turnover, offering many opportunities for new nurses.
When it comes to earnings, RNs in Utah have a wide potential salary range. The median annual salary is $79,790, with those in the 10th percentile making approximately $64,950 and those at the 90th percentile earning $102,000. Salaries vary slightly by region, with Salt Lake City offering slightly higher wages (median of $80,060) compared to other cities like Provo-Orem or Ogden-Clearfield, where the median is around $77,640-$78,580. This information can help prospective nursing professionals in Utah assess potential job opportunities and salary expectations based on their experience and location preference.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $64,950 | $79,790 | $102,000 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $62,950 | $79,920 | $100,290 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $63,290 | $77,640 | $98,020 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $63,180 | $78,580 | $102,160 |
| St. George, UT | $64,800 | $80,240 | $100,410 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $66,610 | $80,060 | $104,830 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
