Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for Salt Lake City-area practical nursing programs.
Public community college programs and private vocational schools both train LPNs in Salt Lake City, but they diverge in cost structure, clinical placement models, and admissions competition. Utah’s healthcare sector has grown faster than the U.S. average for much of the past decade, and licensed practical nurses remain essential in long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics across the Wasatch Front. The real split comes down to how much you pay, how long you wait for a seat, and how consistently a program’s graduates pass the NCLEX-PN on the first try.
Choosing the right LPN program in the Salt Lake City area means weighing cost, completion speed, and quality clinical preparation. The schools below stand out for their strong graduation rates, affordable net prices, and alignment with Utah's healthcare workforce needs. Each offers a direct path to the NCLEX-PN and a rewarding career in licensed practical nursing.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nightingale College | Salt Lake City, UT | $31,000/yr | Online learners with local clinicals | |
Nightingale College offers a hybrid Practical Nurse Diploma program from its Salt Lake City campus, blending online coursework with local clinical rotations. The college serves a high share of Pell Grant recipients (72.3%), signaling strong access for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The program is delivered over three semesters and prepares students thoroughly for the NCLEX-PN exam. Graduates carry moderate median debt ($25,250) and see median earnings of $27,126 ten years later, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1 supporting personalized attention.
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| #2 | Eagle Gate College-Layton | Layton, UT | $26,000/yr | 12-month completion seekers | |
Eagle Gate College's Layton campus provides a 12-month hybrid Practical Nursing program designed for rapid entry into the field. The program combines online instruction with hands-on clinical training, and financial aid is available for eligible students. Institutional data shows a net price of $25,873, with a graduation rate of 38.5% and a retention rate of 67%, while 81.7% of students receive Pell Grants. Graduates report median earnings of $37,518 a decade out, though average debt is higher at $43,021.
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| #3 | Eagle Gate College-Murray | Murray, UT | $27,000/yr (net price) | Hands-on simulation lab enthusiasts | |
Eagle Gate College's Murray campus offers a similar 12-month hybrid Practical Nursing program with a stronger emphasis on simulation lab training. The school reports a higher graduation rate (48%) and full retention, though net price is slightly higher at $27,345. Like its Layton counterpart, the program is military-friendly and does not require an entrance exam. Median graduate earnings are $37,518, with debt of $43,021 -- factors worth weighing alongside the accelerated pace.
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| #4 | Fortis College-Salt Lake City | Salt Lake City, UT | $28,000/yr | ||
Fortis College's campus-based Practical Nursing program in Salt Lake City boasts the highest graduation rate (59.8%) among surveyed schools, alongside low median debt ($13,000) and strong median earnings ($34,509). The program accepts transfer credits for CNAs/STNAs and emphasizes small class sizes with experienced faculty. With 84.7% of students receiving Pell Grants, Fortis demonstrates a commitment to accessible education, and its net price of $27,586 is competitive.
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| #5 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | $9,000 – $25,000/yr | ||
Utah State University's Practical Nursing Certificate is a one-year, ACEN-accredited program offered at multiple rural Utah campuses -- Logan, Blanding, Moab, and Price -- making it a strong choice for those willing to commute or relocate within the state. As a public institution, it offers a low net price for in-state students ($14,936) and a remarkable median 10-year earnings of $54,022 with only $14,340 in median debt. The program serves as a seamless bridge to USU's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing for RN advancement. Its 59.1% graduation rate and 92.5% admission rate reflect an inclusive, supportive environment.
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The chart below compares in-state tuition and net price at three Salt Lake City–area LPN programs, based on the most recent federal data. Net price reflects the institution-wide average cost after grants and scholarships, your actual out-of-pocket cost may vary. Total program expenses also include supplies, uniforms, and the NCLEX-PN exam fee (roughly $200).
Salt Lake City, area LPN programs outperform the national NCLEX-PN average by a wide margin, giving graduates a nearly guaranteed path to licensure on their first attempt.
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing reports these 2025 first-time pass rates for area programs.1
No single Utah statewide average is published for 2025, but the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated PN candidates was 83.4% in 20252. Every program on this list clears that threshold by at least 13 percentage points. Provo College’s perfect 100% pass rate is especially noteworthy, though all four schools demonstrate exam-readiness that far exceeds the typical national result.
NCLEX-PN pass rates are a direct measure of a program’s ability to prepare students for entry‑level nursing practice. A high first‑time pass rate signals strong curriculum, effective clinical training, and responsive faculty support, all of which reduce the risk of a costly retest. Employers and state boards notice these numbers too; graduates from programs with consistently strong pass rates often move through the hiring process faster. For anyone weighing LPN options in Salt Lake City, putting pass rates at the center of the decision alongside reviewing the broader landscape of Utah LPN programs helps ensure that the time and tuition invested lead directly to a license and a job.
The path from enrollment to a Utah LPN license is straightforward but requires careful planning. Most full-time practical nursing programs in Salt Lake City span 10 to 14 months, including all required clinical hours. Part-time tracks are available at some schools, extending the timeline to 18–20 months for students who need a slower pace.
Once you graduate, the licensure process begins. You must submit an application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), including official transcripts sent directly from your school. The application fee is $90 (2024 figures), plus $20 for a state background check and $10 for an FBI background check. Fingerprints can be submitted via two cards or live-scan. After DOPL reviews your materials (typically 14–21 business days), you receive authorization to test for the NCLEX-PN, which costs $200. Utah does not offer a temporary permit while awaiting exam results. Once you pass the NCLEX, your license is issued.
In total, plan for about 12–18 months from the first day of class to holding your LPN license. Utah is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so your license will be valid in most other states without additional applications.
The application deadline for Davis Technical College’s Practical Nurse program is June 17, 2026; planning ahead is essential to complete all prerequisites on time.
Most LPN programs near Salt Lake City require a high school diploma or GED, along with specific prerequisite courses. Anatomy and physiology with lab are typically mandatory, and some programs also accept human growth and development or psychology. For example, MTECH’s Practical Nursing program requires anatomy with lab, physiology with lab, and either human growth and development or psychology. Starting January 2026, Weber State’s integrated combined A&P no longer satisfies MTECH’s separate lab-course prerequisite, so applicants should verify transferability carefully. All programs also expect a minimum 18 years of age and often require a current CNA certification and Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association. A standardized entrance exam, such as the TEAS or a program-specific assessment, is also standard. MTECH uses its own Entrance Assessment but offers a waiver option for qualified applicants.
Salt Lake City-area LPN programs predominantly follow fixed cohort start dates rather than rolling admissions. Davis Tech’s deadline is June 17, 2026, and MTECH’s is June 22, 2026. These deadlines likely correspond to fall 2026 program starts. Other schools, such as Galen College of Nursing and Eagle Gate College, may offer multiple start dates throughout the year, but applicants should confirm directly with admissions offices.
Demand for LPN seats frequently leads to waitlists of one to two semesters at popular programs. Submitting a complete application early in the cycle improves your chances of securing a spot in the next cohort. Gather official transcripts, exam scores, and any required certifications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
Earnings for licensed practical nurses in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area are competitive with state and national figures, and job growth in Utah far outpaces the national average. Here is how the numbers break down.
Changing workforce needs in Utah hospitals and clinics have led to a wider variety of LPN-to-RN bridge options, many of which now blend online coursework with local clinical rotations.
Prospective students should start by checking the official nursing program pages of Weber State University, Utah Valley University, and Salt Lake Community College, all of which have historically offered bridge tracks. These pages list current formats, estimated program length, and application deadlines. Because curricula and waitlists can shift, always verify the latest details directly on each school’s site. The Utah State Board of Nursing maintains a directory of approved prelicensure programs, making it a reliable resource for confirming accreditation and admission standards. Similarly, the Utah Nurses Association occasionally publishes comparison tools and student guidance that can help you weigh options near Salt Lake City. Checking multiple sources ensures you have a complete picture of expectations and timelines.
For the most personalized answers, reach out to admissions offices. They can clarify whether a bridge program is offered fully on campus, in a hybrid format, or primarily online, and explain current prerequisites, waiting list timelines, and any employer partnerships that may affect scheduling or tuition. Typical admission requirements include a current Utah LPN license, at least one year of work experience, and completion of general education courses, but specifics vary by institution.
Here are answers to common questions about LPN programs, costs, and career prospects in the Salt Lake City area. The facts below are based on data from local schools and state licensing boards.
