Online Nursing Schools in Utah: Top Programs and More
Nursing is a high-demand career in Utah. Many schools across the state offer a wide range of online nursing programs at every level. This guide explores Utah’s online nursing options, covering admissions requirements, costs, program lengths, delivery formats, and more to help you find the program that’s right for you.
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Exploring Utah’s Online Nursing Programs
With so many online nursing program options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve created a clear overview of the different types of online nursing programs in Utah, and what “online” really means in practice.
As you review your options, keep these key points in mind:
- Online coursework varies by program. Most online nursing programs deliver all or most didactic coursework online, but the extent can differ.
- Clinical experiences are always in person. All pre-licensure programs require hands-on clinical training with real patients to meet state licensure requirements.
- Class formats may be synchronous or asynchronous. Some programs require live, scheduled sessions, while others allow you to complete coursework on your own time.
- Program delivery matters as much as the credential. Understanding how content is delivered is just as important as choosing the right nursing degree.
Use these considerations as you explore the online nursing program types available in Utah and identify the option that best fits your goals and schedule.
Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Utah
Undergraduate degree and certificate programs and courses are the starting point for entering the nursing profession. Options include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses, practical nurse (LPN) diploma and associate degree programs, and ADN and BSN pre-licensure degree programs for those intending to start their nursing careers as RNs.
Here’s a look at all of those options:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an excellent choice for anyone seeking quick entry into the nursing profession. CNAs complete a variety of tasks and responsibilities for patient care working under the supervision of other healthcare professionals.
CNA course lengths are typically one to three months and include some hands-on clinical training.
Example: Snow College Nursing Assistant Program
- Cost: $330 (tuition and fees, not including books and materials)
- Length: 1 semester (3 credits)
- Mode: Hybrid
Programs that might interest you:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide direct basic care to patients in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.
Online LPN programs include didactic coursework delivered online along with in-person clinical experiences. A completion time of around one year is common.
LPN practice in Utah requires taking and passing the NCLEX-PN.
Example: Eagle Gate College Practical Nursing Program
- Cost: $30,114 (total cost)
- Length: 12 months, 48 credit hours
- Mode: Blended (in-person & online)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. Students typically complete didactic coursework online along with extensive clinical hours attended in-person at medical facilities in the student’s or school’s local area.
Most ADN programs require two years of full-time study to complete.
Example: Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences Associate’s Degree in Nursing
- Cost: $56,340 (est. total program cost)
- Length: 5 semesters (20 months)
- Mode: Hybrid (online coursework, in-person clinicals)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs also prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN and registered nurse practice, but provide greater depth and breadth of nursing course content compared to ADN programs.
Traditional online BSN programs typically require four-years of full time study and include both online didactic coursework and extensive in-person clinical experiences in preparation for state licensure and competent nursing practice.
Example: Eagle Gate College BSN
- Cost: $76,744 (total cost)
- Length: As few as three years
- Mode: Blended (online and on-campus courses, plus in-person clinicals)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
An Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree seeking to enter the profession as a registered nurse. Students apply general education credits earned in their non-nursing bachelor’s program to their BSN degree requirements, thus shortening the time to degree completion to between 12 and 24 months.
Example: Roseman University of Health Sciences Accelerated BSN
- Cost: $73,200 (est. total program cost)
- Length: Less than 18 months
- Mode: Hybrid or on-campus, with in-person clinical rotations
Graduate Nursing Programs in Utah
Graduate nursing degrees and post-graduate nursing certificates are for current registered nurses seeking to advance their professional careers into administrative and leadership positions, specialized clinical practice roles (often as nurse practitioners) and top-level positions in research and academics.
Program requirements vary substantially from program to program due to the varying natures of academic and career purposes, as described below:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN degree programs offer registered nurses with a BSN the ability to substantially advance their careers into advanced nursing practice and leadership roles with about 18 months to two years of study.
Most MSN programs provide students with training to become an APRN or a Nurse Practitioner in a specialized area of practice.
Example: Utah Tech University Master of Science in Nursing Education and Leadership
- Cost: $383/credit (36 total credits)
- Length: Approx. two years full-time, but part-time study is available
- Mode: Online
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
DNP and PhD in Nursing programs are for individuals who want to take their nursing careers to the highest level possible. DNP degrees are ideal for those who want to continue working in clinical practice while a PhD is designed for students interested in top-tier careers in advanced research and postsecondary teaching.
Example: Westminster University Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Cost: $1,398/credit (32 total credits)
- Length: 12 months (3 semesters)
- Mode: Hybrid
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Post-graduate nursing certificate programs offer MSN-trained nurses the ability to expand their foundational knowledge and skills in an additional area of specialized practice without having to complete another full nursing master’s program.
Examples of post-master’s certificate specializations include:
- Administration and leadership
- Health policy
- Nurse education
- Pediatric care
- Women’s health
- Cost: Varies by chosen study pace. $6,955 per six-month term.
- Length: As few as 18 months (3 terms)
- Mode: Online, plus in-person clinical (local to you)
Utah Nursing Bridge Programs
Nursing bridge degree programs provide current LPNs and RNs with streamlined paths to moving up the career ladder. This is accomplished through curriculums that allow students apply their previous nursing education and professional experience to their bridge programs, resulting in reduced costs and shorter program lengths when compared to full degree programs.
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN programs allow current practical nurses to apply credits earned in their LPN programs to their bridge program requirements. The result is a quick and affordable path to NCLEX-RN eligibility and practice as a registered nurse.
Typical program lengths are one to two years for LPN to RN programs and two to four years for LPN to BSN programs.
Example: Weber State University Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse Program
- Cost: $234/credit (Utah residents): $692/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Length: Two semesters (8 months)
- Mode: Hybrid
RN to BSN
RN to BSN programs allow current registered nurses to apply their nursing diploma or ADN coursework to their bachelor’s degree requirements, significantly cutting program lengths and costs. As a result, most RN to BSN curriculums require completion of only around an additional 30 credits of advanced-level nursing coursework to earn the degree.
Typical program lengths for online RN to BSN programs in Utah are one year of full-time study and two years of part-time study.
Example: Utah Tech University RN-BSN
- Cost: $260/credit
- Length: 2-3 semesters (25 credits)
- Mode: Online
RN to MSN
RN to MSN bridge programs combine bachelor’s and graduate level coursework to provide current registered nurses with a nursing diploma or ADN the ability to move into advanced practice and leadership roles as APRNs or Nurse Practitioners.
These programs are often fully-online. However, specializations involving direct clinical care to patients include in-person clinical practice experiences that in some cases can be completed through the student’s current place of employment.
Example: Western Governors University RN to MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management
- Cost: $5,325 per term for undergraduate portion, $5,035 per term for graduate portion
- Length: 37 months (on average)
- Mode: Online
BSN to DNP
BSN to DNP programs provide RNs with a nursing bachelor’s an abbreviated path to obtaining their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree without first earning an MSN.
These programs, which typically require around four years to complete, prepare graduates for top-tier positions in advanced clinical practice and nursing administration.
Example: University of Utah BS-to-DNP
- Cost: $10,968/year (Utah residents): $20,254/year (out-of-state residents)
- Length: 3 years full-time (8-9 semesters)
- Mode: Hybrid
Direct-Entry MSN
As their title indicates, direct-entry MSN programs offer students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree but no prior nursing education or experience a direct path to obtaining RN licensure and entering the nursing profession at the advanced practice level. Curriculums combine online coursework with campus-based labs and extensive in-person clinical experiences.
Most programs require two to three years of full-time study.
Example: Eagle Gate College Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN)
- Cost: $975/credit
- Length: As few as 20 months
- Mode: Blended (online and in-person components)
Licensing Requirements for Utah Registered Nurses
You must have an RN license issued by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to practice as a registered nurse in Utah. Here are the steps you’ll take to obtain your initial Utah RN license.
1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree
The first step in becoming a registered nurse in Utah is to graduate from an accredited nursing program. Only consider those programs that are programmatically accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
2 – Apply for State RN Licensure
Once you’ve completed your pre-licensure nursing degree program, you’ll apply for your RN license through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), which will include submitting a request for Authorization to Test to take the NCLEX-RN. You’ll also:
- Pay the required application fee
- Provide fingerprint samples
- Complete a criminal background check
- Have your nursing school submit your official program transcript
You can also go ahead and register to take the NCLEX-RN with Pearson/VUE (the exam’s vendor), but you will not be able to take the test until you’ve received permission to do so from the DOPL.
3 – Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN
Now it’s time to prepare for and take the NCLEX-RN, the exam you must pass for state RN license eligibility. Once you’ve received your Authority to Test from the DOPL, you’ll schedule and take your exam at a Person VUE testing center.
There are lots of both free and paid test prep services you can use to prepare for the NCLEX-RN, including our own NCLEX for Beginners guide.
After taking your test, you can expect to receive your exam results in about ten days. If you’ve passed, the DOPL will issue your RN license permitting you to practice in Utah as a registered nurse.
4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure
RN licenses in Utah must be renewed every two years. Requirements for renewal include:
- Minimum of 400 hours of RN practice OR minimum of 200 hours of RN practice with completion of 15 hours of approved continuing education OR completion of 30 hours of approved continuing education
- Completion of approved online suicide prevention training
- Payment of $20 renewal fee
Licenses that have been expired for less than two years can still be renewed by meeting the above requirements and paying an additional $50 reinstatement fee. Nurses whose licenses have been expired more than two years may not renew their licenses and must start the application process over.
5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)
Obtaining nursing specialty certification is a great way to gain additional education and training in a particular area of nursing to advance and expand your professional skill set. Specialty certification can additionally aid you in competition for better and higher-paying jobs.
There are literally dozens of specialized areas of nursing practice for which you can get certification. Among the most popular are:
- Cardiac
- Critical Care
- Emergency Nursing
- Informatics
- Medical-Surgical
- Psychiatric-Mental Health
Utah Registered Nurse Salary & Pay
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | 10th Percentile ↕︎ | Median ↕︎ | 90th Percentile ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $68,920 | $84,600 | $109,050 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $63,650 | $86,120 | $107,960 |
| Ogden, UT | $67,170 | $81,840 | $105,430 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $70,670 | $81,780 | $106,330 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $71,700 | $85,890 | $115,460 |
| St. George, UT | $69,520 | $86,380 | $108,100 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Registered Nurses
| Area ↕︎ | Curr. Jobs ↕︎ | Proj. Jobs ↕︎ | New Jobs ↕︎ | Growth % ↕︎ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕︎ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,391,000 | 3,557,100 | 166,100 | 4.9% | 189,100 |
| Utah | 27,980 | 34,840 | 6,860 | 24.5% | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Best Online Nursing Programs in Utah
Galen Health Institutes-Salt Lake City
Program Details
- Location: Draper, UT
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 98%Students W/ Aid
- $7,456Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Galen Health Institutes-Salt Lake City
- Free application lowers the barrier to entry for prospective nursing students.
- Scholarships can reduce tuition, including a $3,000 ADN award for eligible high school seniors.
- Employer reimbursement and transfer-credit options may further lower total program costs.
Program Details
- Location: Draper, UT
- SACSCOCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 98%Students W/ Aid
- $7,456Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Western Governors University
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $5,054Avg. Aid Amount
- 42/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Western Governors University
- The hybrid prelicensure BSN combines about 60% online coursework with extensive hands-on labs and multiple hospital and community clinical rotations, preparing graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- The program is designed for accessibility in 20+ states with rolling start dates, structured progression from pre-nursing prerequisites into clinical nursing, and curriculum tailored to nontraditional students.
- Students may stack substantial aid, including up to $8,000 in Future of Nursing scholarships and additional DaVita clinical support funds that help cover non-tuition clinical expenses such as lost wages, travel, and childcare.
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 43%Students W/ Aid
- $5,054Avg. Aid Amount
- 42/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $10,995Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Utah
- The program offers multiple tailored BSN pathways, letting students advance from ADN to bachelor’s efficiently.
- Students benefit from flexible formats, including fully online RN-to-BS options designed for working registered nurses.
- Close integration with SLCC through the RN-BS Express Pathway provides dual enrollment and a faster, streamlined BSN completion route.
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 60%Students W/ Aid
- $10,995Avg. Aid Amount
- 19/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program Details
- Location: Draper, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $536Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
- No course prerequisites required, allowing students to start nursing coursework immediately and progress faster.
- Blended online and in-person learning with immersive, high-fidelity simulation labs that closely mirror real clinical environments.
- Fast-track pathway to RN licensure, with ASN completion in about 20 months and BSN in approximately three years.
Program Details
- Location: Draper, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $536Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 48%Students W/ Aid
- $4,955Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Nightingale College
- Utah BSN learners may receive a $205-per-credit tuition reduction, saving up to $24,600 over the program.
- The BSN program uses a blended-distance model that combines online coursework with supervised hands-on clinical experiences in approved healthcare settings.
- Graduates of the prelicensure BSN program can seamlessly transition into Nightingale’s RN-to-BSN track, benefiting from tuition waivers as alumni.
Program Details
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 48%Students W/ Aid
- $4,955Avg. Aid Amount
- 12/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Arizona College of Nursing-Salt Lake City
Program Details
- Location: Murray, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $6,135Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Arizona College of Nursing-Salt Lake City
- Earn a CCNE-accredited BSN in just three years or less, with no prerequisite coursework required.
- Benefit from fast-moving admissions and multiple start dates, helping you begin nursing courses sooner and progress quickly.
- Access employer partnerships offering structured career pathways, guaranteed employment opportunities, and employer-sponsored loan repayment after graduation.
Program Details
- Location: Murray, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 56%Students W/ Aid
- $6,135Avg. Aid Amount
- 20/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Eagle Gate College-Layton
Program Details
- Location: Layton, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $6,544Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eagle Gate College-Layton
- The Layton BSN program offers a flexible hybrid format, with the entire first year fully online.
- Students gain extensive real-world preparation through immersive simulation labs and diverse clinical rotations across healthcare facilities in Utah.
- The program features no waitlist, accepts transfer credits, and provides employment assistance and experienced instructors to support career outcomes.
Program Details
- Location: Layton, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 38%Students W/ Aid
- $6,544Avg. Aid Amount
- 28/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- Location: Provo, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $7,930Avg. Aid Amount
- 37/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Provo College
- Students can complete their BSN in as few as three years, entering the workforce sooner.
- The program offers multiple financial aid and scholarship options, including institutional grants for BSN students.
- Graduates receive ongoing, dedicated career services, including job placement assistance, employer networking, and resume/interview coaching.
Program Details
- Location: Provo, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $7,930Avg. Aid Amount
- 37/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Brigham Young University
Program Details
- Location: Provo, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $7,639Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Brigham Young University
- BYU offers competitive paid clinical training that also fulfills the BSN capstone requirement.
- The College of Nursing provides merit- and need-based scholarships for qualified nursing majors.
- BYU’s College of Nursing includes substantial financial aid opportunities through endowed scholarships and university support.
Program Details
- Location: Provo, UT
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 73%Students W/ Aid
- $7,639Avg. Aid Amount
- 21/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Eagle Gate College-Murray
Program Details
- Location: Murray, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $6,771Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Eagle Gate College-Murray
- 98% Murray BSN placement rate.
- Eligible BSN students can access institutional scholarships and federal financial aid.
- PN-to-BSN students may use block transfer options to reach RN status faster.
Program Details
- Location: Murray, UT
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 31%Students W/ Aid
- $6,771Avg. Aid Amount
- 22/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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