Online Nursing Schools in UT: Top Programs, Cost, and More

Understanding Different Types of Online Nursing Programs in Utah

With so many nursing programs in Utah to choose from, becoming an RN can be challenging. To make the search more feasible, students like you should understand the ideal factors to consider when selecting a school, such as online learning formats.

While nursing programs are increasingly utilizing online platforms for content delivery, there will always be an in-person clinical component to nursing school. However, this means you can typically do your coursework on your own schedule and plan around clinicals as you wrap up your degree. Continue reading to see which nursing degree options you have, and some spotlight schools for prospective students like you.

Online Undergraduate Degree Programs

If you’ve never earned a college degree, start here. You can begin with training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or invest longer in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Consider costs, time, and mode of delivery when choosing a program, as well as what you’d like as the outcome of your studies.

Graduate and Post-Graduate Degree Programs

Graduate nursing degrees, including a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or PhD in nursing is for advanced practice nurses who are looking to deepen their skillset. Whether you would like to practice as a Nurse Practitioner or other advanced practice provider or pursue nursing as an academic specialty, these programs are for you.

Bridge Degree Programs

Career advancement for nurses should be simplified, especially for practicing nurses. Bridge programs allow LPNs and RNs pursue a BSN or higher by streamlining coursework and considering what you already know. Check out some pathways to advancing your credentials through a bridge program.

Licensing Information & Requirements for Utah’s Registered Nurses

As in other states, you must become licensed to practice as an RN in Utah. The Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is the regulatory body that oversees the nursing licensure. The overall process to become a registered nurse in Utah is like most other states, but it’s still important to understand how the process will be unique for you.

1 – Earn an Accredited Nursing Degree

The first step in licensure is to graduate from an accredited nursing school. Regardless of your tier of nursing, this is crucial. You should look for schools that are approved by the DOPL as well as other national accrediting bodies, like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accredited programs will feature their accreditation status prominently on their website and advertising materials. If you are looking hard for information about accreditation for a program, move on to another clearly accredited program.

2 – Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

NCLEX questions cover four main categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Questions are multiple-choice, and test-takers receive a pass/fail score.

Prepare for the exam and take advantage of the resources from your program, such as our beginner’s guide to the NCLEX and our essential study skills guide for healthcare students. Schools will want to boast high first-time pass rates, which means they want you to do well. Talk to your preceptors, faculty, and instructors for advice and study preparation. Consider studying together with like-minded peers from your program.

3 – Apply for State Licensure

The DOPL compiled a guide to request to test online, and necessary paperwork required before taking the NCLEX-RN includes completing the Request for Authorization to Test application and submitting your official nursing school transcripts. Make sure you’ve met all of Utah’s licensing requirements before your apply to test. If you require accommodations for test-taking, have those materials prepared to submit. After passing the NCLEX-RN, you’ll pay a $90 fee and submit fingerprints to conduct a criminal background check.

If you plan to practice in other states than Utah in the future, check out the Nurse Licensure Compact that will help you apply for licenses in participating states.

4 – Maintain and Renew Licensure

Nurses must remain current with their medical knowledge, and the DOPL requires 200 hours of licensed nursing practice annually coupled with 15 hours of approved continuing education. Utah licensing also requires an approved continuing education course on suicide prevention.

The DOPL will mail you a renewal notice for your license 60 days in advance, so make sure you take care of renewal promptly as well as prioritizing changing your address with the DOPL if you move. You may be able to renew your license if it expired less than two years ago, but if it was longer than that, you must start the process over again.

5 – Pursue Specialty Certifications (Optional)

Did one of your clinical rotations feel more interesting than the rest? Do you like getting pulled to a particular unit once you’re on the floors? Consider a nursing specialty certification, like critical care, pediatrics, anesthesia, cardiac, family care, or midwifery. Many of these may require earning a master’s degree or beyond and open an array of doors as an advanced practice provider. Consider exploring the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Utah for areas of nursing that are currently in highest need to see where it may overlap with your area of interest.

Utah’s Registered Nurses Job and Pay Outlook

Best Online Options for Nursing Training in Utah

To make the selection process easier for prospective students like you, we’ve compiled a list of the best nursing schools. This ranking system was determined by analyzing self-reported data from the schools themselves in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We’ve combined the most ideal elements such as online learning formats, accreditation, and student resources in order to provide you with your best options. Read on to discover which schools made their way onto our list.