Overview of Nursing Schools in Utah
- There are 17 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 54.47% and 186.10%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Utah is between 71.11% and 98.67%.
- 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 | 92.40% | 86.33% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 54.47% to 186.10% | 71.11% to 98.67% |
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
- University of Utah College of Nursing: 10
- Nightingale College: 3
- Western Governors University: 2
- Westminster College: 2
- Brigham Young University-Provo: 2
- Snow College: 1
- Utah State University: 1
- Provo College: 1
- Eagle Gate College-Layton: 1
- AmeriTech College-Draper: 1
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 11 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
Pass Rate
- 4001 South 700 East Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT - 84107
- (801) 274-3280
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.91%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN, RN to MSN
View More
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
Southern Utah University
Pass Rate
- 351 West University Blvd, Cedar City, UT - 84720
- (435) 586-7700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 95.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
View More
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%
Utah Valley University
Pass Rate
- 800 W University Parkway, Orem, UT - 84058-5999
- (801) 863-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.53%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
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%
Dixie State University
Nursing Department, College of Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 225 S University Avenue, Saint George, UT - 84770-3876
- (435) 652-7500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
View More
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%
University of Utah College of Nursing
Pass Rate
- 201 Presidents Circle, ROOM 201, Salt Lake City, UT - 84112-9008
- (801) 581-7200
- 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
View More
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%
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:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
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.