---
title: Requirements To Obtain Your Utah Nursing License
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/requirements-to-obtain-your-utah-nursing-license/"
type: post
date_published: 2021-07-20
date_modified: 2021-07-20
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 700
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/requirements-to-obtain-your-utah-nursing-license/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nurse-Assistant-RN-1.jpg"
categories:
  - Nursing Careers
---

# Requirements To Obtain Your Utah Nursing License

![Nurse's assistant communicating with patient.](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nurse-Assistant-RN-1.jpg)

There are a few different paths you can take to become a registered nurse (RN)
in Utah. But regardless of what type of nurse you desire to be, you must obtain
a Utah Nursing License to practice. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a
nursing program in Salt Lake City or hope to earn your nursing degree from
another part of the state, you can only apply for your license after completing
a pre-licensure RN program at an accredited nursing school.

Plenty of opportunities to achieve a stable nursing career in Utah await. Learn
what it takes to earn your Utah Nursing License.

##### 󠀁**What are the nursing education requirements in Utah?**󠁿

Prospective RNs must attend an approved nursing program. You can meet the
education requirements for a professional nursing career through different types
of degree programs. Luckily, some of the best schools in Utah have stellar
nursing programs to help streamline your occupation. Nursing classes are just
the beginning of this exciting and rewarding career path.

Below is a breakdown of the most common pre-licensure nursing programs.

##### 󠀁**Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) **󠁿

Many hopeful LPNs attend a nursing college or an accredited LPN program. You may
transition into registered nursing eventually if you earn an ADN.

An Associate of Science (ADN) nursing degree will open plenty of doors to offer
care in various settings. Programs can be found throughout the state and are
also offered at many community colleges. ADN nurses often represent a high
percentage of nurses working in long-term care such as nursing homes and home
health settings. However, there are still opportunities to progress to
managerial positions.

**Duration**: 2 – 3 years

##### 󠀁**Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) **󠁿

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares nursing students to provide care in
numerous settings. The potential to move up to administrative and leadership
positions is higher with a BSN. These nurses represent a high percentage of
Utah-based nurses working in hospital settings.

You can earn a Bachelor of Science at several Utah nursing schools, including
State Universities and private colleges.

**Duration**: 4 years or 3 years (year round)

##### 󠀁**How do I get a Utah nursing license?**󠁿

Before you can begin a stable nursing career in Utah, you must become licensed
as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Utah. ALL applicants must pass the National
Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) developed by the National Council of
State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

Below is a breakdown of how you can apply for licensure to become an LPN or an
RN.

##### 󠀁**Applying for Licensure – RN**󠁿

You should apply to the Board during your final semester at your selected Utah
nursing school. This will help you obtain your license quicker once you become
eligible. Expect to pay $100 to the Board, which includes your application fee
and background check fees. Background checks must be checked through the Bureau
of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
You can get your fingerprinting done at the DOPL office to avoid paying an
additional fee.

You should register for the NCLEX-RN well in advance of the time you plan to
take it. A general rule of thumb is at least two months before your desired exam
date. Register for your exam [here](http://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). The cost
to register is $200. Once you graduate from your RN program, you must send an
official transcript to the DOPL. An authorization to test will be sent once the
licensing Board and the testing company confirm you have met the requirements.

If you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can expect your Utah Nursing License to be mailed
within three weeks. If you fail, you may apply to retake the exam. The Utah
Board must communicate eligibility each time you take the exam.

Utah is unique in the world of nursing. There’s an expected peak in interest,
and a 32.6% occipital growth is projected for the 2014 to 2024 decade.

**Sources:**

[https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/](https://dopl.utah.gov/nurse/)

[https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-utah/](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-utah/)

[https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm](https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm)

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_Information in this blog post is accurate as of July 20, 2021._

**Categories:** Nursing Careers