2023 Best Online Nursing Programs in Utah

Becoming a Nurse in Utah

Becoming a nurse in Utah requires education and proof of competence. First, you need a certificate or degree from an accredited nursing program. The education requirements differ depending on the type of nurse you want to be. You'll need to further prove your knowledge and competence by passing a National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which can entitle you to a license.

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) issues licenses and enforces continuing education requirements for nurses. 

Nursing students at all levels can expect strong job prospects in Utah, according to Department of Labor projections. The Beehive State faces a severe nursing shortage as it grapples with the physical and mental toll of COVID-19 on its healthcare workforce. 

To learn about online nursing programs and requirements in other states, explore our list of accredited nursing degrees by state below:

Nursing Degrees by State

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

How To Get Certified Nursing Assistant Certification in Utah

Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Utah is a two-part process. The first step is to complete a state-approved CNA training program. There are more than 50 locations across the state, making it convenient for aspiring CNAs to find a local program. Applicants must then pass a state certification exam that includes a skills portion. After that, CNAs may sign up with the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry.

Renewal for the Utah nursing registry occurs every two years. CNAs will be mailed a notice 90 days in advance. CNAs must have worked under a licensed nurse for at least 200 paid hours during the preceding 24 months to maintain an active registration in Utah. If these employment requirements aren't met, a licensee may take the knowledge and skills certification exams again to recertify.

How To Get a Licensed Practical Nurse License in Utah

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Utah starts with completing an approved LPN education program. After finishing this, candidates can apply to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Applicants must then wait for the DOPL's approval to take the NCLEX-PN. After passing the exam, LPN candidates fill out an application manually or online, pay a $90 fee, and submit fingerprints as part of a criminal background check. 

LPNs must renew their Utah nursing licenses every two years. LPNs have three different options for completing their continuing education requirements. The first is to accumulate 400 hours of licensed practice during the renewal period. The second option is to have 200 hours of licensed practice in addition to 15 contact hours of continuing education. The third option is to complete 30 contact hours during the two-year licensing period.

How To Get a Registered Nurse License in Utah

Aspiring Utah registered nurses (RNs) must take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Applicants must first apply for permission from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to take the NCLEX exam. 

Candidates who pass can then complete the RN license application form and pay a $90 processing fee. They must also undergo a background check that includes a fingerprint analysis.

RN licenses need to be renewed every two years. Continuing education hour requirements are identical to those for LPNs. The board lists approved courses for Utah nursing licenses through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing as well as the Utah Nurses Association.

How To Get an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License in Utah

Aspiring advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must hold a current RN and complete either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. These programs teach the necessary knowledge and skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and pharmacotherapeutics that APRNs need

Applicants must also have official documentation demonstrating that they've passed the required NCLEX and also have a current national nursing certification in a specialty area. Finally, prospective Utah APRN licensees submit fingerprints as part of a background check. 

APRNs must maintain their national certification in order to renew their Utah nursing license. They also need to complete 30 hours of continuing education and 400 hours of professional practice during the two-year license renewal period.