Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 4, 2025
Utah relies on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to provide fundamental healthcare assistance throughout its hospitals, clinics and long-term care centers. As frontline caregivers LPNs track patient wellness while giving medicines and performing daily care tasks under guidance from registered nurses and physicians. The state population increase together with its developing healthcare network has created more opportunities for practical nurses especially throughout rural and underserved areas. The state dedicates resources to enhance medical access thus making LPNs vital members of healthcare teams.
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - nightingale.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nightingale College's Practical Nurse Diploma Program is a hybrid program designed to prepare students for PN licensure and the NCLEX-PN® exam. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, this program is ideal for those seeking a career in nursing. It combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, offering flexibility for students at various life stages. The program emphasizes practical skills and knowledge essential for nursing practice. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED. While specific costs and application dates are not detailed, the program's structure supports a comprehensive learning experience, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the nursing field.
Layton, UT - Private 4-year - eaglegatecollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eagle Gate College in Layton, UT, offers a hybrid Practical Nursing program designed to fast-track your nursing career. Complete your LPN training in just 12 months with a blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical experience. The program prepares you for the NCLEX-PN exam, offering a curriculum that covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Murray, UT - Private 4-year - eaglegatecollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Eagle Gate College in Murray, UT, offers a 12-month Practical Nursing program blending online and in-person learning. Designed for aspiring LPNs, it covers nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care. With a focus on NCLEX-PN preparation, students benefit from hands-on training in simulation labs. Financial aid is available, making this accelerated path to a nursing career both accessible and affordable. Start your journey today.
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis College in Salt Lake City offers a Practical Nursing program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as LPNs. The curriculum blends classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical experiences, covering topics like anatomy, emergency care, and pediatric nursing. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam. The program supports CNAs/STNAs with transfer credits for previous coursework. Small class sizes and experienced faculty ensure personalized learning. This program is a stepping stone for those aiming to enter the rapidly growing nursing field, with opportunities in various healthcare settings.
Logan, UT - Public 4-Year - usu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah State University's Practical Nursing Certificate provides a comprehensive one-year program preparing students for entry-level nursing careers. This intensive curriculum covers medical-surgical, mental health, and family health nursing, equipping graduates with essential skills to provide patient care, administer medication, and monitor health. Students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure, opening doors to employment in hospitals, physician offices, and nursing facilities. The program offers flexible learning across multiple campuses, making healthcare education accessible to diverse students seeking a rapid path into the nursing profession.
Nursing education programs in Utah primarily deliver in-person instruction because of the clinical requirements but institutions now provide hybrid learning alternatives. Students in these programs need to participate in skills labs and clinical rotations both at campus facilities and local healthcare sites because these experiences cannot be replicated through online learning. Theoretical classes in some institutions use online learning methods but still require students to attend skills labs and clinical rotations in person. The hybrid approach proves useful for students who need to balance family life and work responsibilities.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Gate College-Layton |
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| Eagle Gate College-Murray |
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| Utah State University |
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| Certifying Board | Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing – Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a DOPL-approved practical nursing program with official transcript submission |
| Application & Fees | $60 DOPL application fee, $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee, $30 fingerprint background check fee |
| Application Processing Time | Authorization to Test in 10 business days, complete application processed within 21 days of receipt of all materials |
| License Renewal | LPN licenses expire January 31 of even-numbered years, biennial renewal with a $68 fee (plus reinstatement fees if lapsed) |
| Continuing Competency | During each two-year cycle complete one pathway, 400 practice hours, or 200 practice hours + 15 CE, or 30 CE, plus one online suicide prevention training |
| Licensure by Endorsement | Out-of-state LPNs submit verification of current license (via Nursys or board), proof of education/exam, and fingerprint background check |
Utah provides LPNs with both excellent compensation packages and promising job market conditions across the entire state. The annual salary range for LPNs falls between $55,000 and $60,000 based on their work history and employment site. The healthcare networks operating in urban areas like Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden create better payment opportunities for nurses alongside increased job availability. The growing population of Utah combined with its aging senior population creates increased demand for skilled LPNs who work in long-term care facilities and home health services and outpatient facilities. The employment statistics show LPNs will experience significant growth throughout the 2030 time period because of expanding healthcare needs.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Utah | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $55,000 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $26.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$61,467 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $55,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$49,579 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~24% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~2,170 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Gate College-Layton |
| - |
| Eagle Gate College-Murray |
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| Fortis College-Salt Lake City |
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Utah’s LPNs can build their professional future by pursuing additional education and training opportunities. The LPN-to-RN bridge program represents a standard educational pathway for LPNs to use their previous training to become registered nurses. The educational programs provide credit for previous studies and clinical hours which helps students finish their RN education more efficiently. The educational programs at various institutions provide flexible schedules and part-time enrollment options to support working LPNs who want to pursue their studies. LPNs can obtain specialized certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or gerontology to improve their professional capabilities and access new employment opportunities. LPNs with experience can pursue leadership roles by becoming team leads or unit coordinators in certain healthcare settings. The process of continuous education stands essential for career advancement so LPNs typically choose to earn higher degrees throughout their careers. The educational support system of Utah enables practical nurses to develop their skills and advance their nursing careers.
Additional Nursing Programs in Utah
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