Utah’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
If you’ve been thinking about a career in nursing, now is the time to start. The national growth rate for registered nurses (RNs) is 6% between 2021-2031, whereas Utah has a projected growth rate of 20% between 2020-2030, with 1,920 projected annual RN openings. This means there are plenty of RN job openings to choose from.
U.S. News ranks Utah as the best place to live in the country. Utah offers an enticing environment for individuals looking to live and start a nursing career. The state is known for its beautiful landscapes, including magnificent national parks, providing residents ample opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures.
In addition to the scenic beauty, Utah boasts a robust healthcare industry with a growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, including nurses. Utah’s focus on healthcare is evident as it ranks #12 for healthcare access and #2 for healthcare quality in the country. The state is experiencing significant population growth, leading to increased healthcare needs and job opportunities in the nursing sector.
Utah’s healthcare system is highly regarded, with several prestigious hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide innovative and advanced care. The University of Utah Health, Intermountain Healthcare, and Utah Valley Hospital are a few examples of renowned medical institutions in the state. Additionally, these institutions prioritize the professional development of nurses, fostering an environment that encourages learning and growth.
Utah has various professional resources available. The Utah Nurses Association (UNA) promotes the nursing profession, advocates for the rights and interests of nurses, and offers networking and educational opportunities. Utah also provides competitive salary options for nurses and a relatively low cost of living compared to other states, enhancing its residents’ financial stability and quality of life.
The Best Nursing Schools in Utah
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Utah to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Utah based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Utah Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Nursing Programs:
#1 ADN Nursing Program
Utah Tech University
Utah Tech University is a public university in St. George, Utah. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program with two options: the paramedic to RN bridge program and the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program. Each option offers a path toward an associate degree (AAS) and registered nursing licensure. The program is 64-68 credits. Students must complete at least 64 college-level credits and at least 20 semester hours of credits at Utah Tech for institutional residency. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a grade of a C or higher in each general education, program prerequisites, and core discipline requirement course.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,730
Out-of-State: $11,925
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,730 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$11,925 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
91.3% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Job Placement 2016-2017 |
100% |
| Students Enrolled |
12,481 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 ADN Nursing Program
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College is a public community college in Salt Lake City, Utah. They offer an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing that prepares students to succeed in the diverse, dynamic nursing field. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their Healing Arts Lab, where they can practice patient care safely, using proper equipment without fear of real-life consequences. This state-of-the-art center specializes in interactive learning through the use of real-life scenarios, computerized mannequins, and hands-on, practical learning to simulate hospital, clinical, and long-term care settings. Additional hands-on learning experiences are obtained through clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $3,167
Out-of-State: $10,488
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$3,167 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,488 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
82.61% |
| Program Completion Rate 2017 |
98% |
| Job Placement 2016-2017 |
74% |
| Students Enrolled |
18,167 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#3 ADN Nursing Program
Utah State University
Utah State Universityis a public university in Logan, Utah. They offer an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) that can be completed in two years when attending full-time, building upon the practical nursing certificate. In the AAS nursing program, nursing theory is correlated with knowledge from biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, as well as experiences in the classroom. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in nursing skills labs and clinical settings that take place in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,960
Out-of-State: $24,080
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,960 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,080 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
82.14% |
| Program Completion Rate 2022 |
95% |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
28,063 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 BSN Program
Utah State University
Utah State University is a public university in Logan, Utah. They offer a BSN program that prepares students for eligibility to apply for RN licensure. Through this four-year program, students can obtain their BSN degree. The BSN program also prepares students who are interested in obtaining a graduate degree in advanced nursing practice. Their nursing program correlates nursing theory with nursing knowledge from the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, as well as experiences in the classroom. Students will be given hands-on learning experiences in their skills lab and clinical rotations at various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $8,960
Out-of-State: $24,080
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$8,960 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$24,080 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
94% |
| Retention Rate |
74% |
| Students Enrolled |
28,063 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#2 BSN Program
Brigham Young University
Brigham Young Universityis a private university in Provo, Utah. They offer a BSN program that develops professional nurses who promote health, care for the suffering, engage in the scholarship of discipline, invite the Spirit into health and healing, and lead with faith and integrity. BSN graduates are prepared to perform in entry-level RN positions in hospital and community settings. Students are given hands-on learning opportunities in their state-of-the-art simulation lab and clinical practice opportunities in various urban and rural hospitals, schools, home health, and community settings. Students may also gain extended experiences with specialized national and international health programs.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,120
Out-of-State: $6,120
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,120 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,120 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94.49% |
| Admission Rate |
69% |
| Retention Rate |
90% |
| Students Enrolled |
23,318 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#3 BSN Program
Roseman University
Roseman University is a private university in South Jordan, Utah. They offer an accelerated BSN program with a hybrid-online or on-campus learning modality. The BSN program prepares students for entry into practice as a nurse generalist. The on-campus learning modality offers the didactic component on campus, while the hybrid-online learning modality offers the didactic component online through faculty presentations. Both modalities require clinical rotations, group assignments, and lab assignments to be conducted in person at one of the Roseman campuses or healthcare facilities in Southern Nevada or Uta. The program takes less than 18 months to complete.
Average Tuition
In-State: $60,000
Out-of-State: $60,000
Show More
| Average In-State Tuition |
$60,000 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$60,000 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
93.13% |
| Admission Rate |
41% |
| Retention Rate |
78% |
| Students Enrolled |
3,104 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Utah
When choosing a nursing program in Utah, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program.
Why Become a Nurse in Utah
Utah’s healthcare system is consistently recognized for its high quality of care, making it an excellent environment for nursing professionals. The demand for nurses in Utah is also projected to grow rapidly, ensuring a robust job market with ample opportunities for career advancement. Utah offers competitive salaries and benefits for nurses, allowing for a rewarding and financially stable career.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks Utah as the top state in the country to live in, ranking healthcare access #12 and healthcare quality #2. Utah has been ranked one of the top states in the country for the best healthcare systems in America, showing strengths in healthcare quality and access with the cheapest annual healthcare premiums and the highest percentage of employer coverage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Utah employs 22,830 nurses who earn an average of $76,400 annually. While this is below the national average, Utah offers a low cost of living, allowing your paycheck to stretch further.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Utah
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the average mean wage for an RN in Utah is $76,400, and it employs 22,830 nurses. Utah also employs 2,740 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who make an average wage of $115,610.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Utah for RNs |
| Salt Lake City, UT |
$79,370 |
| Central Utah nonmetropolitan area |
$74,950 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT |
$73,140 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Utah
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Utah Board of Nursing Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN. After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Utah, you must complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Utah:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first RN license in Utah, you must renew it every two years. A Utah RN license expires on January 31st of odd years. Before license renewal, you must complete 400 hours of licensed practice OR at least 200 hours of licensed practice with 15 hours of approved continuing education OR completed 30 hours of continuing education. You must also complete at least one online suicide prevention training listed on the
Utah Board of Nursing website.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to become an APRN in Utah:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Utah.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Utah APRN licenses must be renewed every two years and expire on January 31st of the even year. Before renewal, you must have practiced at least 400 hours during the past two years and have completed 30 hours of continuing education. You must also complete at least one online suicide prevention training listed on the Utah Board of Nursing website. If you are licensed to prescribe controlled substances, you must also complete four hours of approved continuing education in controlled substance prescribing, including 3.5 hours of approved controlled substance education and 0.5 hours from DOPL’s online controlled substance tutorial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Utah
Is Utah a good place for nurses to work?
Utah is a great place to work. Utah consistently ranks highly in healthcare quality rankings, emphasizing patient outcomes and satisfaction. The demand for nurses in Utah is projected to significantly increase, ensuring a stable job market and a wide range of employment opportunities.
Is Utah a compact state for nursing?
Utah is a compact state for nursing. You can practice nursing in Utah with a compact RN license for another state.
What are the requirements for RNs in Utah?
Once you have been issued your first RN license in Utah, you must renew it every two years before January 31st of odd years. Before license renewal, you must complete 400 hours of licensed practice OR at least 200 hours of licensed practice with 15 hours of approved continuing education OR completed 30 hours of continuing education. You must also complete at least one online suicide prevention training listed on the Utah Board of Nursing website.
How much does a Utah RN license cost?
It costs $200 to take your NCLEX-RN exam in Utah. The application for licensure by exam or endorsement is $60. You will also be charged a fingerprint processing fee of $10 and a criminal background check fee of $20. It costs $68 to renew your Utah RN license.
