2024 - Best LPN Programs in Utah
Utah believes in promoting high-quality service by ensuring continued education opportunities to stimulate and advance the professional development of their healthcare workers. The country is expected to see an increase of 11% in licensed practical nurse (LPN) jobs by 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This influx of jobs has applicants scrambling to meeting the requirements and apply by exam. Prospective LPNs in Utah can be on their way to this rewarding and in-demand career pathway in as little as one year of school. LPNs in Utah earn approximately $26.82 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $55,790. This is roughly $70 per year less than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Utah? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Utah are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 10 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.
To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Utah click here.
Details on Utah LPN Schools & Classes
Utah is home to a handful of schools that offer practical nursing programs. Whether a student is looking to attend full-time or part-time, during daytime hours or in the evening, there’s something for everyone in Utah. The traditional, full-time LPN program takes around one year to complete, while part-time students will take closer to two years. Some schools utilize a “hybrid” model, which allows some of the content to be completed online.
LPN programs in the state consist of core nursing courses, and may include labs and clinical hours. Common course topics include:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Caring for the Adult
- Pediatric-Maternity Nursing
- General Psychology
- Professional Transition for the Practical Nurse
Accreditation
Accredited programs are highly recommended to students searching for LPN programs in Utah. These programs meet the strict academic requirements of accredited organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), making them much safer bets than non-accredited programs. Students should also ensure that the program they choose is registered with and approved by the Utah State Board of Nursing.
Admission Requirements
Each school will have their own requirements for admission, so students are advised to research each program carefully, but many of them include elements such as the following:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of all prerequisite courses
- Certification or academic-related experience (such as CNA certification) is helpful
- Faculty interview and personal essay
- Submission of background check/drug screen
Tuition and Costs
While LPN program costs can fluctuate depending on school, location, and many other factors, students can expect to be on the hook for the costs of tuition, fees, and course supplies (textbooks, etc.). Indirect expenses should also be considered, and can include things like gas, room/board, and more. Financial aid options are available for well-qualified students, and scholarships may also be a possibility.
As an example on expenses, the LPN program at Uintah Basin Technical College in Roosevelt costs nearly $2,000 for tuition and an addition $1,000 or so for books and supplies.
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Utah LPN to RN/BSN programs page.
Utah LPN Licensing Requirements
The state of Utah allows individuals looking to become LPNs in the state to meet education requirements by attending a state-approved, board-certified nursing program and taking the state-required test.
In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit an application to the state, including:
- Fingerprint cards
- Official transcript from state-approved school
- NCLEX registration
Utah LPN licenses expire January 31st every even-numbered year.
NCLEX Exam Information
Students are required to take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination upon graduating from their LPN program. The test covers many aspects of nursing that are included in the LPN program curriculum. For further information on the NCLEX-PN, we have prepared a comprehensive overview which can be found here. Students may also wish to take the NCLEX-PN practice test in preparation for the real exam.
LPN Reciprocity and NLC
As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Utah is a state that allows nurses from other NLC states to work within its boundaries without having to obtain additional licensure. Nurses licensed outside of the compact area can still apply for an LPN license in the state of Utah by endorsement, and by providing the following:
- Fingerprint cards
- Official transcript from state-approved nursing school
- Verification of licensure
Applicants who have studied abroad and have a license equivalent to a Utah LPN license must provide the above, but they are also required to submit official transcripts that have been evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and pass the NCLEX.
2024 UT NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics
- Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 10
- Total Number of Test Takers in 2022: 339
- 2022 Average Statewide Utah NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 95.8%
Top Ranked Utah LPN Programs
Bridgerland Technical College
Bridgerland Technology College is located in Logan, Utah, with additional campuses located in Bridgeham City and Woodruff. BATC strives to deliver competency-based career and technical education through traditional coursework and technology enhanced methods with hands-on training for occupational skills and workforce development.
Ogden-Weber Technical College
Ogden-Weber Technical College (OWATC) is located in Ogden, Utah, with additional campuses located in Roy and Salt Lake City. OWATC offers convenient schedules and high-demand training opportunities-with certificate programs in over 300 courses in more than 50 employment categories. The practical nursing program is taught in a new state-of-the art 85,000 square foot Barker Family Health Technology Building on the main campus.
Davis Technical College
Davis Technical College is located in Kaysville, Utah, with additional locations in Clearfield and Draper. DTC promotes educational and career pathways, providing innovative curriculum and hands-on learning with equipment that can be found in the modern workplace to meet the employer needs and ensure student success.
Continued List of All Programs in Utah
| Ranked | Program | Score |
|---|---|---|
| #4 |
Mountainland Technical College
2301 West Ashton Blvd., Lehi, UT 84043
(801) 863-6282 | 97.00 |
| #5 |
Dixie Technical College
610 S Tech Ridge Dr., St. George, UT 84770
(435) 674-8400 | 96.80 |
| #6 |
Uintah Basin Technical College
1100 East Lagoon Street, Roosevelt, UT 84066
(435) 722-6900 | 95.90 |
| #7 |
Southwest Technical College
757 W 800 S, Cedar City, UT 84720
(435) 586-2899 | 94.50 |
| #8 |
Tooele Technical College
88 S Tooele Blvd, Tooele, UT 84074
(435) 248-1800 | 94.18 |
| #9 |
Utah State University
Logan, Utah, UT 84322
(435) 797-1000 | 90.30 |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program |
|---|
|
Nightingale College
95 S State St Suite 400, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(801) 689-2160 |
Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.
Additional UT Nursing Resources
- Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Lincensing - Nursing
Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
- Utah Nurses Association
4505 Wasatch Boulevard Ste. 330B
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
Phone: (801) 272-4510
LPN Salary in Utah
The table below lists career information retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Utah. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | 480 | $29.02 | $60,370 |
| Ogden, Clearfield | 270 | $27.71 | $57,650 |
| Provo, Orem | 240 | $25.28 | $52,590 |
| St. George | 90 | $26.33 | $54,770 |
| Logan | 70 | $23.28 | $48,430 |
Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)