Online Nursing Schools in UT: Top Programs, Cost, and More
Nursing is one of the most in-demand and rewarding careers today, and Utah has an increasing need for nurses at all levels. Fortunately, there are plenty of online education options available in Utah at every level of nursing as well. This guide will introduce you to the full range of online nursing programs in Utah today. We’ll give you information on admissions requirements, costs and lengths, content delivery formats, and much more — everything you need to determine which online program type is right for you.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareSocial WorkPre-Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv NursingWhy Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values.
Jump To Section
Understanding Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Utah
With so many online nursing program types to choose from, figuring out which one is right for you can be a challenge. To help make sense of it all, we’ve put together this comprehensive look at the many types of online nursing programs in Utah today.
What you’ll quickly learn is that, when it comes to nursing academics, “online” means many different things. For example, it’s not uncommon for online nursing programs to deliver all or most of their didactic coursework online.
However, there will always be an in-person clinical component to all online pre-licensure programs. That’s due to the need for hands-on practice experience with real patients as well as to meet state nursing licensure requirements.
It’s also important to understand that online content delivery may be either synchronous (requiring students to log on and participate in live-streamed class sessions) or asynchronous (allowing students to log on and attend to their studies at any time fitting their own schedules.)
Because of all of this, it’s critical that you not only determine the right nursing credential you need, but also gain a clear understanding of how a program delivers its content. Keep that in mind as you explore the following descriptions of online nursing program types in Utah.
Online Undergraduate Degree Programs
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
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR 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 and Post-Graduate Degree Programs
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)
Bridge Degree 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 Information & Requirements for Utah’s 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’s Registered Nurses Job and Pay Outlook
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $67,980 | $82,270 | $106,960 |
| Logan, UT-ID | $65,800 | $83,100 | $104,180 |
| Ogden, UT | $64,640 | $79,320 | $101,970 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT | $65,680 | $79,630 | $103,420 |
| St. George, UT | $67,400 | $83,360 | $104,310 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $70,680 | $83,140 | $114,340 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Utah | 25,300 | 31,710 | 6,410 | 25.30% | 2,170 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online Options for Nursing Training in Utah
To make the selection process easier for prospective students like you, we’ve ranked the best nursing schools in Utah today, which you’ll find in the list below. Our selections were made using self-reported data from the schools themselves in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Factors weighed include, among others:
- Proper accreditation
- Availability of online programs
- Tuition costs and availability of financial aid resources
- Curriculum content
- Access to career placement, academic counseling, and other student support services
To learn more on our selection process, click the “About the Ranking” button.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $11,284 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Utah
- The program offers an exclusive Dual Enrollment option allowing SLCC nursing students to take 1-2 online bachelor’s courses during their associate degree, giving them a head start and enabling BSN completion in as few as two semesters.
- Each student receives individualized program planning with an RN-BS advisor, ensuring a personalized and efficient pathway tailored to their life and career goals.
- The entire RN to BS program is fully online and asynchronous, designed for working nurses to progress on a flexible schedule without attending classes at set times.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $11,284 Avg. Aid Amount
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $7,666 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Utah State University
- The Nursing RN to BSN program at Utah State University features a fully online format that allows students to complete their degree in two, three, or four semesters, providing flexible and accelerated completion options.
- Students gain leadership and management skills combined with health informatics and evidence-based healthcare knowledge, preparing them for advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings including community and public health.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring high educational standards and career credibility for graduates.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $7,666 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $7,136 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Southern Utah University
- Southern Utah University Nursing program boasts a 100-percent graduate placement rate, ensuring every graduate secures a nursing job or acceptance into advanced nursing or medical programs.
- SUU offers an accelerated HP to BSN program that allows licensed health professionals to complete their BSN in less than 16 months, facilitating faster career advancement.
- Students benefit from extensive, varied clinical experiences in settings including acute care, long-term care, hospice, and community health, supported by hands-on instruction and strong faculty expertise.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $7,136 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $5,186 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Utah Tech University
- The Nursing program offers accelerated completion options with flexible pathways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as four semesters.
- Students gain diverse clinical experiences with hands-on training across specialties and settings, including hospitals and community health environments.
- The program fosters interprofessional collaboration by training nursing students alongside future doctors and pharmacists within a leading medical center.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $5,186 Avg. Aid Amount
- 39% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,770 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Weber State University
- Weber State University's Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing offers a flexible career-ladder model that allows students to enter and progress seamlessly from beginner levels to advanced nursing degrees, accommodating varied career stages and goals.
- The program is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools nationally for both quality and affordability, making it a cost-effective choice without compromising educational excellence.
- Students gain valuable professional connections through strong partnerships with nursing organizations, preceptorship placements, and direct job opportunities that enhance clinical experience and employment prospects.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,770 Avg. Aid Amount
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Westminster University
Salt Lake City, UTProgram Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $26,955 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Westminster University
- Westminster University’s Nursing program offers a year-round, accelerated 3-year BSN pathway allowing students to complete their degree and start their nursing career faster while enjoying a full on-campus experience.
- The program features personalized faculty mentoring and academic advising, with each student assigned a dedicated advisor to support clinical and academic success in state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Through a collaborative partnership with UPMC Jameson School of Nursing, students benefit from exceptional hands-on clinical experiences and leadership preparation, demonstrated by a consistent 100% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate for recent cohorts.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $26,955 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,816 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 28/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Utah Valley University
- Utah Valley University's Nursing program boasts a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for the Spring 2023 group, well above the national average, demonstrating its strong student success outcomes.
- The program offers extensive hands-on learning through simulation labs, clinical community opportunities, international healthcare experiences, and research internships, enriching practical skills for diverse healthcare environments.
- UVU Nursing emphasizes a supportive, inclusive learning environment that fosters academic rigor combined with collaboration, ethical professional standards, and accountability among students, faculty, and the community.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $3,816 Avg. Aid Amount
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 28/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UTProgram Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,843 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salt Lake Community College
- SLCC’s Nursing program offers an Express Pathway with personalized advising and flexible online options allowing students to start taking BSN courses during their associate degree for accelerated completion.
- The program uses a holistic admissions process including Multiple Mini Interviews with community healthcare partners to assess soft skills and personal qualities beyond GPA, enhancing student selection and readiness.
- SLCC Nursing is accredited by the ACEN and partners with clinical facilities for diverse real-world placements, supporting strong clinical experiences that prepare students for safe, evidence-based patient care.
Program Details
- NWCCU Accreditation
- $4,843 Avg. Aid Amount
- 33% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/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
Keep Learning
Graduating from Nursing School Debt-Free: How to Finish School Without Breaking the Bank
How to Get into Nursing School: An Online Guide for Students
Online Resources & Scholarships for Registered Nursing Students
