Utah Nursing Schools And Programs

Utah is one of the fastest-growing nursing markets in the country. Demand for RNs is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, against 6% nationally, according to Projections Central. Public and private programs offer BSN and associate (ADN) paths, often at low in-state tuition. This guide covers accredited programs only.

The Best Nursing Schools in Utah

Brigham Young University (Provo) runs an MSN that prepares RNs to become family nurse practitioners, with coursework in evidence-based practice and extensive clinicals. Students complete 60-63 credits and finish with a thesis, clinical project, or scholarly paper.

• 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 non-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

University of Utah (Salt Lake City) offers a comprehensive undergraduate program with four tracks, including a nursing early assurance program (NEAP) and an online RN-to-BSN. NEAP students build evidence-based practice through regional clinical experiences and a simulation center, and the school partners with a medical academic center spanning 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

Utah State University runs a one-year practical nursing certificate covering basic care and medication administration and preparing students for the NCLEX-PN. Graduates can work as entry-level LPNs or continue into 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

Weber State University (Ogden) offers an ADN for aspiring RNs, with the 33 required credits typically completed in 24 months. After the first year, students qualify to sit for the NCLEX-PN and can practice as LPNs; associate graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN.

• 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

Utah Valley University (Orem) offers an affordable BSN degree-completion program for students transferring an associate of science in nursing from UVU or another school. Enrollees build skills in health assessment, population-based care, and community nursing through 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

Salt Lake Community College offers an affordable associate of applied science in nursing preparing students for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum combines lectures with experience in SLCC's healing arts lab, building skills in health assessment and medical-surgical nursing.

• 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

Utah Tech University (St. George), formerly Dixie State, offers an affordable associate nursing program with LPN-to-RN and paramedic-to-RN tracks. Students complete 64-68 credits in four semesters, and each track prepares enrollees for the NCLEX-RN.

• 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

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Utah

Weigh tuition and related costs, financial aid, the school's NCLEX-RN pass rate, format and logistics, and program reputation. If you plan to study online, ask about clinical placement in your community.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Utah

The median annual RN salary in Utah is about $80,000, slightly below the national median of $87,000, according to the BLS. Job growth, though, is among the highest in the country. Salt Lake City pays the most, with only small gaps to other Utah cities.

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Salt Lake City	$68,680
St. George	$67,040
Ogden-Clearfield	$65,650
Provo-Orem	$64,960
Logan	$64,790

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Utah

Utah requires a nursing degree from a state-approved school, a passing NCLEX score, and a clean background check.

RN Requirements

Earn an ADN (about two years) or BSN (about four years) and pass the NCLEX. Apply to the state board of nursing, have your school send official verification and transcripts, and submit fingerprints for a background check. Fees run $200 for the NCLEX-RN exam and $90 for license processing.

APRN Requirements

Graduate from an MSN or DNP program and pass the board certification exam. You also clear a criminal background check and submit verification of education and certification. Nurse anesthetists apply for a controlled substance license.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Utah

How long does it take to become a nurse in Utah?

Two years for an ADN or four for a BSN, the same as in other states. More employers, especially academic medical centers, prefer a BSN. With a degree in another field, you may qualify for an accelerated BSN.

Is nursing in demand in Utah?

Yes. The BLS projects 5% national RN growth between 2024 and 2034, and Utah's demand may run higher as one of the fastest-growing states, with more healthcare workers retiring or leaving the field.

Which Utah city pays nurses the most?

Salt Lake City, at an average of $68,680, followed by St. George ($67,040), Ogden-Clearfield ($65,650), Provo-Orem ($64,960), and Logan ($64,790).

What does nursing school cost in Utah?

A four-year BSN runs roughly $25,000 to $120,000; a two-year ADN runs $5,000 to $30,000. Actual cost varies with financial aid, books and supplies, and commuting or housing.