How to Become an RN in Utah – A Simple Guide

Do you plan on becoming a registered nurse in Utah?

We think that’s a great idea!

Nursing is a very rewarding job. You get to save and improve the lives of others. 

Also, the demand for nurses in Utah is projected to increase in the near future. So, there will be many career opportunities for aspiring nurses who want to work in the state.

But the question is… How do you become one? 

Isn’t the process complicated and overwhelming?

Well, we don’t deny that you’ll need to put in a lot of time and effort. You need determination! 

But we’re here to help you with the process… We’ve simplified it into 5 guiding steps. 

And we’ll even answer some FAQs, such as:

• • What are the job opportunities for an RN in Utah?

• • What is the average salary of an RN in Utah?

• • How can I upgrade my license?

• • When can I renew my license?

• • How do I apply for a nursing license in Utah if I am a nurse from another country? 

But before anything else, are you aware that there are many types of nurses other than Registered Nurses (RNs)? 

You can read up on the different types of nurses in this article.

But for this guide, we’ll run down quick, simple steps on how to become an RN in Utah!

Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Utah: 5 Simple Steps

Here are the five simple steps to becoming a registered nurse in Utah! 

1. 1. Plan and prepare for your nursing career

1. 1. Choose the best nursing school for you

1. 1. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN)

1. 1. Obtain your RN license

1. 1. Get a nursing job

Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps! 

Step #1 – Plan and Prepare for Your Nursing Career

The first step you need to take is to plan and envision the career path you’re taking.

It’s better to already know what kind of nursing career you want, and whether or not you want to specialize.

Would you want to do more routine work? Or would you like to try having more responsibility and authority? Are you interested in having administerial work?

These are the type of questions you can start asking yourself so that you can make better decisions about what type of program or school you should enroll in. 

This step is where you also assess your skills and abilities to truly know what you’re capable of once you’re out there in the field.

Step #2 – Choose the Best Nursing School for You 

When it comes to enrolling in a nursing school, you have the option to choose where you want to attend.

But first, take note of the two different types of degrees a registered nurse can finish with.

What are ADN and BSN?

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes 2 to 3 years to complete. This degree is offered at many community colleges in the US. The ADN prepares you for basic healthcare responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can be completed in 4 years. This degree is offered at many state universities. BSN prepares you to provide nursing care and even administrative and leadership responsibilities.

Here is a table that gives a very general comparison of ADN vs. BSN.

	ADN	BSN
Time to complete	2 years	4 years
Enrollment fees	More affordable	More expensive
Course work	Core nursing subjects: Microbiology Foundations in Nursing Chemistry Behavioral Health English Communications	Core nursing subjects and more: Anatomy and Physiology Nutrition Emergency Care Statistics Psychology/Anthropology Pharmacology Health Assessment Family, Community, and Population-Based Care Public and Global Health Nursing Theory, Research, and Ethics
Job Responsibilities	Basic healthcare tasks such as providing medication, assisting doctors, and taking the health histories of patients.	More career options from working in the ER and focusing on taking care of specific groups such as children or the elderly.
Job Opportunities	Less	More
Salary	Average salary of $50,861 per year	Average salary of $75,688 per year

Getting an ADN degree is more affordable and easier to complete than getting a BSN degree.

Since it is a shorter program and available in most technical colleges in the state, it is a good route to becoming an RN. 

But you can still choose to take a BSN degree even after you’ve obtained your ADN degree. This is called an RN to BSN program. 

This route allows you to have more career opportunities, such as being a public health nurse and even a nursing school instructor.

Many career opportunities await with a BSN degree. You can also take higher studies and get a doctorate or master’s degree.

There are so many options when it comes to career opportunities as an RN.

It all matters with the path you choose to take or continue.

How to Choose a Good Nursing School in Utah

Choosing the best nursing school truly depends on your preference.

But keep in mind that the school should be state-approved by the Utah State Board of Nursing. Some schools operate without a license, so be on the lookout for that.

Furthermore, take note of the licensure exam pass rate of the school you choose. A high passing rate means that graduates from that school have a higher chance of passing the licensure examinations. 

After taking the prerequisite and general education courses, you are now eligible to take the licensure exam.

Step #3 – Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

The National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) is required for aspiring nurses who plan to obtain their RN license.

As a candidate who will register for the NCLEX-RN in Utah, you need to submit an online application to the Utah State Board of Nursing. 

You need to pay a total of $100, which includes the $60 application fee and two $20 background check fees.

You will also be required to submit other documents, such as your transcript of records and a criminal background check. 

Once your application is approved, you can sign up for the NCLEX on Pearson Vue. You will need to pay another $200 for this.

If you fail to pass the exam on the first try, you can submit a notice of intent to retake the exam. You can submit this to the Utah Board to verify your eligibility.

Step #4 – Obtain Your RN license

After passing the NCLEX-RN, you are now eligible to get your RN license.

Obtaining a Utah RN License by Examination

As previously mentioned, taking and passing the NCLEX-RN is necessary for all aspiring RNs.

This is the option you need to take if you’ve never passed the NCLEX before. 

After you pass the NCLEX, you will be given your RN license by the Utah State Board of Nursing. 

Obtaining a Utah RN License by Endorsement

You can also obtain an RN license in Utah through endorsement.

This is the option you should take if you are an active RN in another state and want to get licensed in Utah. 

To do this, you must provide license verification and pay an application fee.

In Utah, transcripts aren’t required. But you also need to declare the state of Utah as your primary residence and provide your home address in Utah within 30 days after your arrival.

But take note that Utah is also part of the Nursing Licensure Compact. This means that if you are from another nursing compact state, you may be granted permission to work in Utah without going through the whole endorsement process. 

Step # 5 – Get a Nursing Job

Now that you’ve gone through the previous steps… Congratulations, you’re now a registered nurse!

It’s time to look for job opportunities that require your specific skills.

There are many opportunities waiting for you, and it’s a good time to explore what you love doing.

It’s also a good time to see whether you want to pursue more advanced nursing practice or not. 

Just make sure to keep your license updated and never stop pursuing continuing education. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an RN in Utah

Alright! We’ve covered a lot of things already. 

However, you may still have lingering questions in your mind about what life as an RN in Utah is like. 

We’re here to answer a few of those questions. 

What are the Job Opportunities for an RN in Utah?

Most nurses in Utah are hospital nurses at around 61%, with RNs occupying 77% of the nursing staff.

What is the Average Salary of an RN in Utah?

An average salary of an RN in Utah is around $67,180. This wage is quite below the national average of $75,330. 

Here are the top-paying cities for RNs in Utah:

• • Salt Lake City, UT – $75,570 per year

• • Clearfield, UT – $70,450 per year

• • Orem, UT – $69,900 per year

• • St. George, UT – $68,490 per year

• • Logan, UT – $67,790 per year

How Can I Upgrade My License?

You can choose to upgrade your ADN license if you apply for the BSN education program.

If you already have a BSN degree, you have the option to become an advanced practice nurse (APN) and also take master’s and doctorate degrees.

When Can I Renew My License?

The expiration of the license for RNs in Utah is every January 31st of odd years.

You have to pay the $58 renewal fee and it will be processed online within 24 hours.

To have your license reinstated, there is a $78 fee within 30 days after expiration. The fee goes up to $108 after 30 days and within two years of expiration.

How do I Apply for a Nursing License in Utah if I am a Nurse from Another Country? 

For international RNs planning to get a license in Utah, you need to pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) qualifying exam before taking the NCLEX-RN. 

You will also go through a credential evaluation through CGFNS.