Transform Your Nursing Career in Utah
Utah's healthcare system needs qualified Registered Nurses now more than ever. Whether you're an experienced LPN or just starting to consider advancing your career, transitioning from LPN to RN opens up significantly higher salaries, expanded career opportunities, and greater professional autonomy.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about LPN to RN bridge programs in Utah, including accredited schools, salary expectations, Board of Nursing requirements, and career advancement opportunities. Utah is an eNLC state with a rapidly growing population and healthcare sector. Intermountain Healthcare is one of the nation's largest nonprofit health systems. Lower cost of living than neighboring western states. Utah has a younger population but growing healthcare needs.
Utah LPN to RN Salary Increase
Per Year
Per Year
Utah participates in the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which means your Utah RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. This opens up travel nursing opportunities, telehealth positions, and flexibility to work across state lines—a significant career advantage.
1. Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Utah (2026)
Utah offers several accredited LPN to RN bridge programs. Here are the top options for 2026:
Location: Salt Lake City, UT (multiple campuses)
Program Type: Associate of Science in Nursing (LPN advanced standing)
Duration: 2 years (standard); accelerated for LPNs
Format: In-person with clinical rotations
Estimated Tuition: $9,000-$14,000 (Utah residents)
Accreditation: ACEN accredited
Key Features:
- LPN advanced standing and credit transfer options
- ACEN accreditation ensures quality education
- Clinical partnerships with Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health
- Multiple campus locations throughout Salt Lake Valley
- Affordable community college tuition
- Evening and weekend options for working nurses
- High NCLEX-RN pass rates (85%+)
- Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Location: Logan, UT
Program Type: PN to RN Transition Program
Duration: Varies; typically 12-18 months for LPNs
Format: In-person with clinical experiences
Estimated Tuition: $7,000-$11,000 (Utah residents)
Accreditation: Approved by Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
Key Features:
- Designed for LPNs/LVNs transitioning to RN
- Clinical sites include Logan Regional Hospital, Cache Valley Hospital
- Northern Utah location (near Idaho border)
- Affordable technical college tuition
- Small class sizes and personalized instruction
- Financial aid available
- Strong job placement in Cache Valley and northern Utah
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Location: Ephraim, UT (with Richfield campus)
Program Type: Associate Degree Nursing (LPN pathway available)
Duration: 2 years; LPN advanced standing considered
Format: In-person with clinical rotations
Estimated Tuition: $8,000-$13,000 (Utah residents)
Accreditation: Approved by Utah Board of Nursing
Key Features:
- LPN credit transfer opportunities
- Clinical experiences in central Utah healthcare facilities
- Rural campus setting with close-knit community
- Affordable tuition
- Small class sizes
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Emphasis on rural healthcare
2. LPN vs RN Salary in Utah: Financial Benefits
Current Salary Data (2026)
| Position | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $57,000 | $27.40 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $83,000 | $39.90 |
| Salary Difference | +$26,000 | +$12.50 |
Regional Salary Variations Across Utah
| Location/Region | RN Average Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City/Wasatch Front | $80,000 - $92,000 | Largest metro; Intermountain, U of U Health major employers |
| Provo/Utah Valley | $75,000 - $88,000 | Growing region; Utah Valley Hospital, multiple facilities |
| Ogden/Davis County | $75,000 - $88,000 | McKay-Dee, Ogden Regional major employers |
| St. George/Southwest Utah | $72,000 - $85,000 | Fastest-growing Utah region; retiree destination |
| Rural Utah | $70,000 - $90,000+ | Shortage incentives and loan forgiveness in frontier areas |
Top Employers for RNs in Utah (2026)
- Intermountain Healthcare (25+ hospitals across Utah, largest employer)
- University of Utah Health (Salt Lake City) - Academic medical center
- HCA Mountain Division (MountainView Hospital, St. Mark's, others)
- Steward Health Care (Jordan Valley, Davis Hospital)
- Ogden Regional Medical Center
- McKay-Dee Hospital (Ogden)
- Utah Valley Hospital (Provo)
- American Fork Hospital
- VA Salt Lake City Health Care System
- Rural hospitals and clinics throughout Utah
3. Utah Board of Nursing & RN Licensure Requirements
Agency: Utah Board of Nursing
Address: Heber M. Wells Building, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/
Steps to Obtain Your Utah RN License
- 1Graduate from Accredited RN Program
- 2Submit RN License Application
- 3Complete Criminal Background Check
- 4Register for NCLEX-RN Exam
- 5Pass NCLEX-RN
- 6Receive Your Utah RN License
4. Financial Aid & Scholarships in Utah
Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
- Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2026-27)
- Federal Direct Loans: $5,500-$12,500/year
- Apply: FAFSA.gov
Utah-Specific Scholarships
Scholarships for Utah nursing students through state nursing organization
Employer-sponsored scholarships for nursing students who commit to working for Intermountain
Support for nursing students committed to rural Utah healthcare
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An LPN to ADN bridge program typically takes 12-18 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time. An LPN to BSN program takes 2-3 years depending on transfer credits and enrollment status.
The average RN salary in Utah is approximately $83,000 per year, compared to $57,000 for LPNs—a $26,000 annual increase (46% raise).
Yes! Utah is a member of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. Your Utah RN license allows you to practice in 40+ other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
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Explore Utah LPN to RN Programs
Questions? Contact the Utah Board of Nursing at (801) 530-6628