A Guide to Nursing in Utah

If you are a registered nurse (or are thinking of becoming one), and you have an itch to move to Utah, the #1 place to visit in the world, read on to find the information you need, from licensing info, continuing education requirements, job & salary outlook, top hospitals, and nursing associations. Let us help you find your dream job!

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In this article, we will cover:

• Licensing information
• Steps for renewing a Utah nursing license
• Continuing education requirements
• Job & salary outlook for nurses in Utah
• Top hospitals in Utah
• Nursing organizations & associations in Utah
• Basic steps for licensing and certification
• Contact information

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Licensing information

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Utah whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Utah from another state. For more information visit the Utah licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX exam fee: $200
• Application fee: $60 (LPN/RN) $100 (APRN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $10
• Criminal background check fee: $20

Licensing fees by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $60 (RN/LPN); $100 (APRN)
• Fingerprint processing fee: $10
• Criminal background check fee: $20

License renewal fees:

• Application fee: $68 (RN/LPN); $78 (APRN)

Additionally, Utah is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.

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Steps for renewing a Utah nursing license

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Continuing education requirements

RN: Renewal period is every 2 years
Choose one of the following options:

• 15 hours of continuing education related to nursing and 200 of practice hours; or
• 30 hours of continuing education; or
• 400 hours of licensed practice

LPN: Renewal period is every 2 years
Choose one of the following options:

• 15 hours of continuing education related to nursing and 200 of practice hours; or
• 30 hours of continuing education; or
• 400 hours of licensed practice

APRN: Renewal period is every 2 years

• Must maintain national certification: and
• Must be currently certified in specialty area; or
• 30 hours of CEUs and 400 hours of practice each year; and
• APRNs with prescriptive authority are required an additional 3.5 hours in controlled substances prescribing, plus .5 hours from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing online tutorial

Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online.  The Utah Division of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.

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Job & salary outlook for nurses in Utah

Due to the shortage of nurses, these healthcare professionals are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates the profession will grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. The national average salary is $82,750.

We can also help you check out salary estimates to help determine if Utah is the right state for you.

[ MORE: Average nurse salary in Utah ]

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Top hospitals in Utah

If you’re not already picking up the phone to call movers, maybe this list of the best hospitals in Utah will sway you in the right direction. Here are the top hospitals according to U.S. News and World Report:

• University of Utah Hospital – Salt Lake City, UT: This hospital is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Ophthalmology (#11 in the nation)
  • Cancer (#30 in the nation)
  • Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

• Intermountain Medical Center – Murray, UT: This hospital is rated high performing in 1 adult specialty and 13 procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
  • Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion)
  • Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy)

• Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital – Saint George, UT: This hospital is rated high performing in 12 adult procedures and conditions. Some specialties include:
  • Orthopedics
  • Pneumonia
  • Kidney failure

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Nursing organizations and associations in Utah

Once you become a registered nurse (or even if you’re in the process), joining a nursing organization or association will give you access to networking, job opportunities, and a wealth of information shared between fellow nurses. Here are a few of the organizations and associations for nurses in Utah:

Utah Nurses Association – “UNA representatives collaborate with specialty nursing organizations such as the Utah Nurse Practitioners, Utah Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the Utah Action Coalition for Health to advocate for nursing professionals and the health of all Utahns.”

Utah American Association of Nurse Practitioners – “The American Association of Nurse Practitioners empowers all NPs to advance quality health care through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership.”

Utah American Association of Psychiatric Nurses – “We seek connections with each other to share and support as we strive to deliver excellent care, seek to continually improve our knowledge base as we endeavor to keep current with evidenced based practice, and advocate for ourselves as psychiatric nurses, for our profession and for those we serve.”

Check out the comprehensive list of national organizations as well.

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Basic steps for licensing and certification

Step 1: Education

Attend an accredited nursing school to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN will take between 18 and 24 months to complete, while you can expect to spend roughly four years to earn a BSN. If you already have an ADN, there is an ADN to BSN bridge program that allows you to earn a BSN in 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN bridge which takes three semesters of nursing courses to be completed in one year. These programs will save you time and money. The more education you have, the better your chances of landing your dream job. 

Step 2: Licensing

When you are six weeks away from graduation, you can apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. There are 75 to 265 questions on the NCLEX-RN with a five-hour time limit for completion. If you do not pass the NCLEX-RN on your first attempt, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

The NCLEX includes questions on the following topics to test nursing candidates’ knowledge:

1. Safe and effective care environment
2. Health promotion and maintenance
3. Psychosocial integrity
4. Physiological integrity

Step 3: Experience

This step in the process is to gain hands-on experience. This will provide you with invaluable opportunities to work with patients making you attractive to future employers.

Step 4: Certification

The final step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. Requirements for earning a certification vary so it is important to check with the governing body for information. Incredible Health offers free courses in order to obtain or renew certification requirements. Create a free account to access professional development mandates and get instant certificates.

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Contact information

Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Fax: (801) 530-6511

Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/index.html

Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor, 160
East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

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