Utah Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses
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“Nursing is such a wonderful profession, where you can go home at the end of each shift knowing you made a positive difference in the world.”
Andrew Nydegger, DNP, President of the Utah Nurses Association
Nursing has long been a respected profession in the United States. Registered nurses work in countless settings to provide essential care to diverse patient populations. And yet, despite the size of the nursing workforce, the United States still faces a nursing workforce shortage that is genuinely critical in many states.
Utah is facing serious challenges to its nursing workforce. The factors contributing to stress on the state’s workforce include rapid technological change, an aging population requiring a reorientation of care models and resource allocation, the significant and enduring impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, high workloads, and issues of compensation and other critical benefits.
It will thus be critical to support the training and retention of new nursing professionals in the immediate future. To successfully train and retain nurses some industry professionals argue that reinvigorating a fundamental enthusiasm for the nursing profession will be a critical ingredient of a truly sustainable state and national nursing workforce strategy. The challenges the nursing profession currently faces are truly that serious.
Despite daunting challenges, Utah is taking steps to overcome stressors to its workforce. For example, in March 2022, approximately 20 highly trained military medical personnel traveled to Utah for a 30-day deployment to assist University of Utah Hospital staff and patients. This effort, made possible through a collaboration between the US Department of Defense, FEMA, and state leaders, was meant to serve as a short-term recovery response to reinforce critical staffing.
Later, in 2022, the University of Utah College of Nursing increased its enrollment capacity to counteract the state’s nursing shortage. And yet increasing enrollment capacity is not a measure that will bear immediate benefits. Training cohorts of new nurses capable of replenishing the state’s workforce is a process that is measured on a time span of years and even decades.
The recent years of serious challenges to Utah’s nursing workforce can nonetheless be seen as an opportunity. With such high demand for nurses, new professionals who have completed their training in Utah can expect to find ample opportunities.
Read on to discover Utah’s top undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, salary expectations, and licensing requirements for nursing careers in this state.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
Meet the Expert: Andrew Nydegger, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Dr. Andrew Nydegger is the president of the Utah Nurses Association and is with the North-west College Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing. He was born and raised in Utah.
Before becoming a registered nurse, Dr. Nydegger served as a Korean translator in the US Air Force. During his service, he became ill and became a nurse to pay forward the excellent care he received. He earned a BSN from the University of Utah, an MSN from Western Governors University, and a DNP from Samford University. Dr. Nydegger was recently awarded the Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award from Western Governors University for his work in nursing education and professional advocacy.
NursingColleges.com: How has graduating from a nursing program enhanced your career?
Dr. Nydegger: Nursing was a second career for me. To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I had some great instructors in nursing school. Nursing (particularly nursing education) became so much more than just a job. It became a passion that enveloped my life and identity.
Now, I get to travel around the country, meet amazing people, and help change the world for the better. Nursing is such a wonderful profession, where you can go home at the end of each shift knowing you made a positive difference in the world.
NursingColleges.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective nursing student?
Dr. Nydegger: Keep an open mind. In the world of nursing, things are in constant flux. Nothing ever goes as planned because we are always working with people, and people are unpredictable.
Also, keep an open mind toward your life path. I thought I was going to become a pediatric nurse. When I got to that clinical rotation, I found that I really don’t like that field, and I am not good with kids.
Luckily, nursing has so many different paths. You just need to keep an open mind and explore all that nursing has to offer.
Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Utah
Located in the largest Utah city outside of Salt Lake County, Provo College offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program featuring a dynamic curriculum composed of both online and in-person coursework, simulation experience, and a clinical training component.
Courses cover topics including the science of nursing, adult health nursing, maternal/newborn family nursing, transition to nursing practice, and more.
Course topics include nursing as a caring science, adult health human caring nursing, maternal/newborn family caring nursing, pediatric human caring nursing, transition to practice, and more. Students need not live in Provo to pursue this program as Provo College serves students throughout Utah County.
Upon completion of this 67-credit-hour program, students are well prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and thereby secure their nursing license to begin practice as registered nurses. Graduates go on to work in a variety of care settings, including long-term care, critical care, community health nursing, school nursing and more.
Students enrolled in the BSN program benefit from other resources, including faculty coaching services. Students may obtain coaching from faculty in a number of topics, including fundamentals, adult medical-surgical, pediatrics, mental health, community health, nutrition and still more. Students completing general education courses can also get general tutoring support in writing and mathematics labs. As nursing study can prove quite demanding, Provo College also offers services to support the social and emotional health needs of students.
- Location: Provo, UT
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Southern Utah University (SDU) Department of Nursing offers several academic programs designed to provide a learning-centered education that effectively prepares nursing professionals to work in a variety of roles within the field of nursing. Regardless of the chosen degree track, students will complete a curriculum defined by a holistic approach and composed of topics such as nursing care, critical thinking, ethics, patient safety, civic responsibility and more. SDU’s nursing program curriculum is designed under AACN Essentials.
SDU offers three BSN program options: pre-licensure BSN, health professional (HP)-to-BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs. The pre-licensure program is a four-semester program offered at two different start times per year. This fully in-person program features clinical training options in various specializations, including long-term care, home health and hospice, acute care hospitals, and much more.
The HP-to-BSN is a three-semester program that starts once a year in summer, is fully in-person, and includes community clinical experience options throughout Utah. This program is ideal for various health professionals, including licensed practical nurses, paramedics, respiratory therapists, military medics, and even athletic trainers. Finally, the online RN to BSN program allows existing nurse professionals to expand their expertise and career potential. The curriculum trains students to develop their skills in analysis, communication, critical thinking, evidence-based care, and problem-solving further, and it enhances their commitment to lifelong learning. Graduates may work in various roles such as travel nurse, nurse manager, school nurse, correctional nurse, nursing research assistant, and more.
- Location: Cedar City, UT
- Duration: Ten to 16 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The University of Utah College of Nursing Programs, originally founded in 1948, provides nursing education designed to train highly skilled nursing professionals committed to patient-centered nursing care, improving individual patient and system outcomes, promoting health and related healthy behaviors, and much more. Regardless of their chosen specialization, students receive training in nursing theory, evidence-based practice, population-focused interventions, professional nursing standards, and other essential topics.
The University of Utah is also noteworthy for establishing the first midwifery academic program west of the Mississippi River (1965), being the only school in Utah that offers a PhD in nursing, and its association with a research-intensive medical academic center that serves a six-state region.
The College of Nursing offers four BSN pathways. These are the nursing early assurance program (NEAP), the pre-licensure BSN program, an online RN to BS program, and the RN-BS Express Pathway. The NEAP program is an early assurance, direct entry program for high school seniors and first-year college students with a maximum of 30 credits. Successful applicants begin their nursing training after first completing two years of general and prerequisite coursework.
The pre-licensure program begins three times a year, can be completed in as little as four semesters, and provides a curriculum on evidence-based practice, leadership, and health promotion. The fully online RN-to-BS program is for registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing. This program includes two clinical projects. Students may choose to specialize in geriatric nursing leadership.
Finally, the RN-BS Express Pathway is a bridge program that allows second or third-semester Salt Lake Community College students to enter the online RN-to-BS program after completing their SLCC education.
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Duration: One to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences offers a 120-credit hybrid bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. The curriculum consists of 68 credits of core courses, 52 credits of general education courses, and 320 hours of direct clinical care for which academic credit is granted.
The curriculum is designed under the Essentials of Professional Nursing articulated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Admission does not require students to have any existing prerequisite coursework. Students can complete the program between six and eight semesters, depending on past coursework that may be used as transfer credit. Students also complete hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art simulation center. This program is not open to students of all fifty states. Prospective students should research the university website to verify application eligibility.
Students have three degree pathway options: a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and an RN-to-BSN program. The accelerated BSN option can be completed in as little as twenty months, features the same blended learning format as the traditional BSN program, and does not require prerequisite coursework as a condition of enrollment. The RN to BSN program requires completion of 120 credits. Up to 69 credits may be transferred from an existing degree. The requirements of this program thus allow students to complete it in as little as twenty months. The RN to BSN curriculum enhances the clinical care and leadership skills of professionals with a nursing background, thus preparing them for leadership and management positions.
- Location: Draper, UT
- Duration: 20 months to four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Utah State University (USU) Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. This pre-licensure program is only offered on the Logan campus and accepts students who do not have existing LPN or RN credentials. Program graduates are prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN examination and obtain practice licensure. Graduates are also well prepared to pursue graduate nursing education. This program features limited enrollment and is considered a competitive program. The BSN curriculum features nursing theory, knowledge derived from biological, physical, and behavioral science, laboratory skills practice, and clinical training in acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, ambulatory clinics and other environments.
Professionals already working as registered nurses may apply to USU’s RN to BSN completion program. Students of this program build off past formal training typically acquired through an associate’s degree in nursing. Curriculum topics include professional nursing, population health, evidence-based healthcare, informatics, geriatric nursing care, advanced health assessment, healthcare trends and more. Students must also complete a final capstone experience to graduate.
- Location: Logan, UT
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Accredited Graduate Nursing Programs in Utah
The Brigham Young University College of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree specializing in family care (FNP). Approximately 30 students are typically enrolled in this program at any time. Students generally complete the program within two to three years but are permitted up to five years to complete their degree. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) role focuses on health promotion, health maintenance, prevention, counseling and patient education. Illness care management is also a responsibility an FNP may have. An FNP is trained to apply an epidemiological approach to health problems and understand family and community systems, effectively manage resources, and use a variety of technologies when indicated in patient care.
Advanced practice nurses with an FNP specialization have a number of skills to offer. FNPs are trained to integrate scientific findings from diverse fields to continue improving patient care, participate as change agents to optimize patient outcomes, intervene at a system level to influence healthcare and health policy, participate, collaborate, and consult as members and leaders of care teams to manage and coordinate care, provide care in a compassionate manner, and much more.
- Location: Provo, UT
- Duration: Two to three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The mission of the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON) is to create a more equitable healthcare environment in which all people may “experience life and death to the fullest.” The CON seeks to fulfill its mission by unifying and inspiring scientists, educators, clinicians, staff, and students to create equitable improvements in healthcare that ultimately benefit the entire population.
The CON offers four online specialty tracks within its MSN degree program. These tracks include nursing leadership, nurse education, nursing informatics, and gerontology. The tracks vary in terms of total credit hour requirements, whether there is a clinical training requirement, and the anticipated duration. Some tracks feature summer terms. However, all tracks can generally be completed in five semesters. Given the relatively sparse information on the university’s website, the best way to learn about graduate nursing programs is to attend an online information session. Details on such sessions can be found on the CON webpage.
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- Duration: Four to five semesters
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Utah Valley University master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program is an online program featuring a robust curriculum necessary to further develop skilled nursing professionals. This program prepares students for advanced practice roles as nurse educators in academia and in the field of clinical nurse education in healthcare institutions.
Students primarily interested in future roles where education may be a prime focus will likely be a good match for this program. At the same time, opportunities for graduates are not restricted to academic roles. Graduates can often use their master’s degree to advance in their current positions, attain leadership roles or become administrators and educators in various non-academic settings.
The curriculum features a wealth of topics designed to effectively prepare students for many career possibilities. Major curriculum subjects include, but are not limited to, leadership development, nursing informatics, nursing theory, nursing research, roles and collaboration in nursing education, curriculum design and development, and nursing teaching. Students complete a project or thesis at the end of their studies.
- Location: Orem, UT
- Duration: Two to three years, depending on the pace of study
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
The Weber State University Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing master of science in nursing (MSN) program is designed for nurses seeking to advance into leadership roles in both academia and the healthcare industry. This fully online program offers two leadership track: nurse educator and nurse leadership and management.
The program offers support from nursing faculty with education, clinical care, and leadership backgrounds. This accelerated program allows students of either track to complete studies in three consecutive semesters over 12 months.
Students of the 31-credit nurse leadership and management track complete a curriculum featuring several evidence-based learning opportunities. Coursework concludes with a community-based residency experience in clinical, academic, or administrative nursing leadership.
Coursework focuses on workforce development and retention, budgeting, and performance measurement and oversight. The nurse educator track is a 34-credit program featuring instruction in curriculum design, instructional strategy, student assessment, and program evaluation. Graduates of this program may work as educators in both academic and clinical settings.
- Location: Ogden, UT
- Duration: One year
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Nursing School Accreditation
Accreditation provides prospective students peace of mind. Accredited academic programs and their corresponding higher education institutions give applicants confidence that their decision to pursue additional education will be a worthwhile investment. Academic nursing programs are typically accredited by one of two accrediting organizations. These are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In Utah, nursing professionals both seek and renew their licenses through the state of Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who live in Utah and meet the uniform licensure requirements may be eligible for a multistate license, also known as a compact license. Because licensure requirements typically vary according to state as well as what type of nursing an individual practices, it is important for both prospective and current nursing professionals to understand licensure requirements when making critical career decisions clearly.
A compact license is a license that allows a nurse to practice in all member states of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The NLC allows a registered nurse holding a compact license to work in any state that is a member of the NLC. In other words, a compact license allows a nurse to practice in both a home state (state of residency) and all NLC member states. While holding a compact license in an NLC member state has certain genuine advantages, it is essential to remember that the NLC requires nurses to abide by the nursing practice laws and rules of whatever state or states in which they practice. Nurses must always be licensed in the states where they provide nursing services at the time such services are rendered. Utah is one among the majority of states that is in fact a nurse licensure compact state.
Continuing education is generally required to maintain and renew a nursing license. If a nurse decides to move out of state or pursue work in a different specialization, the nurse may need to fulfill additional education or other requirements to practice elsewhere.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Utah?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of November 2024.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries
| United States | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 630,250 | 1,420 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,790 | $57,430 |
| 10th percentile | $45,670 | $40,730 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,730 | $57,200 |
| 90th percentile | $77,870 | $74,500 |
Registered Nurse Salaries
| United States | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 3,175,390 | 24,730 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $94,480 | $83,100 |
| 10th percentile | $63,720 | $64,950 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $86,070 | $79,790 |
| 90th percentile | $132,680 | $102,000 |
Nurse Anesthetist Salaries
| United States | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 47,810 | No data available |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $214,200 | $125,890 |
| 10th percentile | $139,980 | $47,990 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $212,650 | $121,660 |
| 90th percentile | >$239,200 | $220,670 |
Nurse Midwife Salaries
| United States | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 6,960 | 130 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $131,570 | $133,930 |
| 10th percentile | $87,320 | $75,340 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $129,650 | $134,550 |
| 90th percentile | $177,530 | > $239,200 |
Nurse Practitioner Salaries
| United States | Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 280,140 | 2,650 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $128,490 | $127,820 |
| 10th percentile | $94,530 | $83,070 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $126,260 | $123,200 |
| 90th percentile | $168,030 | $171,000 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licenses in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing | Utah requirements to earn an LPN license include:
|
Utah LPN license renewals are due by January 31st every even year. To renew, candidates must submit an application and pay the $68 fee. They must also complete either 400 hours of licensed practice, 200 hours of practice and 15 hours of continuing education or 30 hours of continuing education. |
Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing |
Utah requirements to earn an RN license include:
| License renewals for RNs in Utah are due by January 31st every odd year. To renew, candidates must submit an application and pay the $68 fee. They must also complete 400 hours of licensed practice, 200 hours of practice and 15 hours of continuing education, or 30 hours of continuing education. All renewing nurses must complete at least one online suicide prevention training listed on the DOPL website |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing | In Utah, a CNS is licensed as an APRN and needs the following to be eligible for licensure:
| APRN licenses in Utah expire on January 31 of even years so renewal is required biennially. Utah requires that APRNs maintain their national certification as a condition for renewal of licensure, as well as an online suicide prevention training program. The renewal fee is $78. |
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Utah, a CNM license requirements include:
|
CNM licenses in Utah expire every two years. To renew, CNMs must maintain their AMCB certification. If the CNM holds a controlled substance license, they must also complete at least four continuing education hours per licensing period. A controlled substance prescriber shall complete at least 3.5 hours of continuing education hours in one or more controlled substance prescribing classes and a half-hour for the online |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Utah, an NP is licensed as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and needs the following to be eligible for licensure:
|
APRN licenses expire on January 31 of even years so renewal is required biennially. Utah requires that APRNs maintain their national certification as a condition for renewal of licensure, as well as an online suicide prevention training program. The renewal fee is $78. |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Utah
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
|
In Utah, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN and need the following to be eligible for licensure:
|
APRN licenses in Utah expire on January 31 of even years, so renewal is required biennially. Utah requires that APRNs maintain their national certification as a condition for renewal of licensure, as well as an online suicide prevention training program. The renewal fee is $20. |
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterAt NursingColleges.com, Rachel Drummond has applied her extensive experience in education and mindfulness to elucidate the importance of self-care for nursing students since 2022. Through her writings, she underscores the role of mental and physical well-being in fostering resilient and compassionate healthcare professionals.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.