There are a few different paths you can take to become a registered nurse (RN) in Utah. But regardless of what type of nurse you desire to be, you must obtain a Utah Nursing License to practice. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a nursing program in Salt Lake City or hope to earn your nursing degree from another part of the state, you can only apply for your license after completing a pre-licensure RN program at an accredited nursing school.
Plenty of opportunities to achieve a stable nursing career in Utah await. Learn what it takes to earn your Utah Nursing License.
Nursing Requirements in Utah – Education
Prospective RNs must attend an approved nursing program. You can meet the education requirements for a professional nursing career through different types of degree programs. Luckily, some of the best schools in Utah have stellar nursing programs to help streamline your occupation. Nursing classes are just the beginning of this exciting and rewarding career path.
Below is a breakdown of the most common pre-licensure nursing programs.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Many hopeful LPNs attend a nursing college or an accredited LPN program. You may transition into registered nursing eventually if you earn an ADN.
An Associate of Science (ADN) nursing degree will open plenty of doors to offer care in various settings. Programs can be found throughout the state and are also offered at many community colleges. ADN nurses often represent a high percentage of nurses working in long-term care such as nursing homes and home health settings. However, there are still opportunities to progress to managerial positions.
Duration: 2 – 3 years
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares nursing students to provide care in numerous settings. The potential to move up to administrative and leadership positions is higher with a BSN. These nurses represent a high percentage of Utah-based nurses working in hospital settings.
You can earn a Bachelor of Science at several Utah nursing schools, including State Universities and private colleges.
Duration: 4 years or 3 years (year round)
How to Get a Utah Nursing License
Before you can begin a stable nursing career in Utah, you must become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Utah. ALL applicants must pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Below is a breakdown of how you can apply for licensure to become an LPN or an RN.
Applying for Licensure – RN
You should apply to the Board during your final semester at your selected Utah nursing school. This will help you obtain your license quicker once you become eligible. Expect to pay $100 to the Board, which includes your application fee and background check fees. Background checks must be checked through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You can get your fingerprinting done at the DOPL office to avoid paying an additional fee.
You should register for the NCLEX-RN well in advance of the time you plan to take it. A general rule of thumb is at least two months before your desired exam date. Register for your exam here. The cost to register is $200. Once you graduate from your RN program, you must send an official transcript to the DOPL. An authorization to test will be sent once the licensing Board and the testing company confirm you have met the requirements.
If you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can expect your Utah Nursing License to be mailed within three weeks. If you fail, you may apply to retake the exam. The Utah Board must communicate eligibility each time you take the exam.
Utah is unique in the world of nursing. There’s an expected peak in interest, and a 32.6% occipital growth is projected for the 2014 to 2024 decade.
Sources:
https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-utah/
https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm
Information in this blog post is accurate as of July 20, 2021.