Best Utah LPN to RN/BSN Programs 2026
Utah’s bridge programs emphasize advanced nursing concepts and clinical skills. Students complete coursework in leadership, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. Clinical training ensures readiness for licensure and RN responsibilities.
2026 Best LPN to RN Programs in Utah
Nightingale College
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - nightingale.edu
Associate - LPN-to-ASN Bridge Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Nightingale College's LPN-to-ASN Bridge Program is a 16-month hybrid offering that combines online coursework with on-ground clinical experiences, designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nurse roles. It efficiently prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, with tuition ranging from $4,000 to $9,000. This program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam and is military-friendly, making it an accessible option for working professionals aiming to boost their earning potential by transitioning from LPN to RN.
- 16-month hybrid program
- Online didactic instruction
- On-ground clinical experience
- $4,000-$9,000 tuition range
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- No prior BSN required
- Career advancement opportunity
- Increases salary potential
Weber State University
Ogden, UT - Public 4-Year - weber.edu
Associate - Practical to Registered Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Weber State University's Practical to Registered Nursing Program is a hybrid offering tailored for Utah's LPNs, providing a direct path to RN licensure through an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science degree. The program emphasizes NCLEX-RN exam preparation and clinical training, enabling career advancement without requiring entrance exams. With an estimated cost of $1070, it supports flexible learning for working professionals, enhancing earning potential and eligibility for entry-level clinical practice in the state.
- Hybrid nursing program
- Utah-specific licensure pathway
- Two degree options
- Entry for LPNs/NCLEX-eligible
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Estimated program costs: $1070
- Second-year enrollment
- Career advancement opportunity
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT - Public 4-Year - uvu.edu
Associate - MTECH-LPN to ASN
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah Valley University's LPN to ASN program is tailored for MTECH-LPN graduates, offering a seamless transition to an Associate in Science in Nursing degree. It awards 22 credit hours for prior LPN coursework, allowing students to enter the program in the third semester. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, patient safety, and professional growth, this campus-based program includes classroom, lab, simulation, and clinical components with varied schedules. Admission requires a 3.5 GPA for MTECH graduates within the last five years, and it supports progression to a BSN degree.
- Campus-based program.
- For MTECH-LPN graduates.
- Transition to ASN degree.
- Option to pursue BSN.
- 22 credit hours awarded.
- Join in third semester.
- 3.5 GPA requirement.
- Focus on patient safety.
- Evidence-based nursing practices.
- Professional development emphasis.
Utah Tech University
Saint George, UT - Public 4-Year - utahtech.edu
Associate - LPN-to-RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah Tech University's LPN-to-RN Bridge Program is an intensive, campus-based course designed for licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nurse roles. It features a two-semester curriculum with specialized transition courses, hands-on clinical and simulation experiences, and a total cost of approximately $7,149. The program emphasizes face-to-face learning and prepares graduates for expanded healthcare responsibilities, with pathways available for further BSN education. No entrance exams are required, as this is a bridge program building on prior LPN experience.
- Face-to-face program only
- Two-semester nursing track
- Specialized LPN transition courses
- Total program cost $7,149
- Clinical and simulation experiences
- Campus-based nursing curriculum
- Pathway to RN-BSN program
Snow College
Ephraim, UT - Public 4-Year - snow.edu
Associate - LPN-RN Bridge
Campus Based - Visit Website
Snow College's LPN-RN Bridge program is an Associate of Science in Nursing pathway designed specifically for licensed practical nurses, offering a focused two-semester curriculum to transition to registered nursing roles. It emphasizes critical thinking, clinical skills, and compassionate care through flexible learning with live and video instruction across Richfield and Ephraim campuses. With small class sizes and fall and spring admissions, it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, enhancing career opportunities in varied healthcare settings without requiring an entrance exam.
- Two-semester nursing program
- Concurrent campus instruction
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Limited class size
- Fall and spring admissions
- Live and video conferencing
- Multi-campus learning options
Utah LPN to RN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
Utah LPN to RN bridge programs are designed for currently licensed practical nurses who want to become registered nurses. While each program sets its own admissions criteria, common Utah requirements include:
- Current, unencumbered LPN license that is valid for practice in Utah
- Completion of prerequisite college courses with a minimum grade, often including Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry, Human Growth and Development or Lifespan Psychology, English Composition, College Algebra or Statistics, and Introductory Psychology
- Minimum cumulative GPA in prerequisite coursework as specified by the program
- Proof of current immunizations, TB screening, and required health clearances for clinical placement
- American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certification
- Criminal background check, fingerprinting, and drug screening for clinical eligibility
- Standardized admission testing if required by the school
For RN licensure in Utah after graduation, you must apply to the Utah Board of Nursing, complete state and federal background checks, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Graduating from a board-approved prelicensure program is required to be authorized for the NCLEX-RN in Utah.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN to RN curricula in Utah build on your practical nursing experience and expand competency in RN-level assessment, clinical reasoning, and leadership. Typical coursework includes:
- Transition to the RN role, nursing process, and evidence-based practice
- Health assessment across the lifespan with advanced physical exam skills
- Pathophysiology and pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical application
- Adult medical-surgical nursing, including care of complex and unstable patients
- Mental health nursing, maternal newborn, and pediatric nursing
- Community and population health, quality improvement, and patient safety
- Nursing leadership, delegation, informatics, and interprofessional communication
- Supervised clinical rotations in acute, long-term, and community settings
Accreditation matters for Utah students because it supports quality standards, facilitates transfer of credits and entry to RN to BSN or graduate programs, and may be important for employment. Look for prelicensure program accreditation by ACEN or CCNE and Utah Board of Nursing approval. Board approval is essential for NCLEX-RN eligibility in Utah, and national accreditation strengthens your options for future education and federal financial aid eligibility.
LPN to RN Schools and Classes
Across Utah, LPN to RN bridge options are available at public colleges, regional campuses, technical colleges, and universities. Programs may culminate in an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and many grant advanced standing or credit-by-competency to licensed LPNs.
Expect a blend of classroom, skills lab, simulation, and clinical rotations. Common classes include advanced medical-surgical nursing, complex care, gerontology, obstetric and pediatric nursing, psychiatric mental health, community and public health, leadership and management, and transition-to-practice capstones. Simulation labs are used to rehearse high-risk, low-frequency scenarios, develop clinical judgment, and practice team communication before and alongside direct patient care.
Career Outlook
RNs in Utah work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgery centers, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, home health and hospice, schools, and public health. Many roles involve 12-hour shifts in acute care, while ambulatory and community settings may offer more regular schedules. Utah’s growing population and expanding healthcare systems sustain demand for RNs, particularly in fast-growing communities along the Wasatch Front and in rural areas where recruitment can be challenging.
Compared with LPN roles, RN practice in Utah includes a broader scope such as comprehensive assessment, independent nursing diagnoses, development of care plans, patient education for complex conditions, and leadership or charge responsibilities. RNs typically have higher earning potential and greater mobility across specialties, as well as a clearer path to advanced practice and leadership roles. LPNs often focus on long-term care and outpatient settings, while RNs have wider access to critical care, emergency departments, perioperative services, and specialty clinics.
LPN to RN Program Length
- Full-time bridge programs: Commonly 2 to 3 semesters of nursing coursework after prerequisites for the ADN pathway. LPN to BSN options may take about 4 to 6 semesters post prerequisites.
- Part-time bridge programs: Designed for working LPNs, often 4 to 6 semesters for ADN-level nursing coursework, with BSN pathways extending longer. Weekly course and clinical loads are reduced.
- Evening and weekend cohorts: Select Utah programs offer nontraditional schedules with labs and clinicals on evenings or weekends. Time to completion is typically similar to part-time pathways.
Total time to graduation depends on how many prerequisites you bring in, how much advanced standing the program awards for LPN experience, and clinical site availability.
2026 Fastest LPN to RN Programs in Utah
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Weber State University |
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| Utah Valley University |
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| Nightingale College |
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Tuition and Costs
Tuition varies by Utah institution type, degree level, and residency. In-state tuition for LPN to ADN bridges at public colleges commonly falls within a moderate range for the nursing coursework, with additional costs for remaining prerequisites. LPN to BSN options at public universities are higher on a per-credit and total-program basis, while private institutions generally cost more. Expect separate mandatory fees for labs and simulation, clinical placement, testing platforms, liability insurance, and graduation.
- Typical in-state tuition ranges for the nursing portion of LPN to ADN programs at public Utah colleges: approximately the mid four figures to low five figures
- Typical in-state tuition ranges for LPN to BSN programs at public Utah universities: approximately the low to mid five figures across the nursing curriculum
- Additional student costs: books and supplies, uniforms, stethoscope and clinical equipment, immunizations, background check and drug screen, CPR certification, transportation to clinical sites, NCLEX exam and Utah RN licensure application fees
- Housing and living expenses: on-campus room and board at Utah public institutions often totals roughly the upper four figures to low five figures per academic year, while off-campus costs vary widely by region. The Wasatch Front tends to be higher than rural areas, and sharing housing can reduce expenses.
2026 Affordable LPN to RN Programs in Utah
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Weber State University |
|
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| Utah Tech University |
|
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| Nightingale College |
| - |
Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?
Utah students can find LPN to RN pathways delivered in several formats:
- In-person: Traditional on-campus lectures, labs, and clinical rotations at Utah healthcare facilities.
- Hybrid: Didactic courses delivered online or in a flipped format, combined with required in-person skills labs, simulation, and supervised clinical hours in Utah or approved sites.
- Online components: Some coursework may be fully online, but prelicensure RN education requires hands-on clinical experiences. Fully online LPN to RN programs without in-person clinicals are not available because Utah licensure requires completion of supervised clinical education.
If you consider an out-of-state online program with Utah clinical placements, ensure it is authorized for clinical experiences in Utah and is both board-approved and properly accredited. This protects your eligibility for the NCLEX-RN and licensure in Utah.
LPN to RN Licensure Requirements in Utah
NCLEX-RN Exam Information
Graduates of Utah LPN to ADN or LPN to BSN bridge programs must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses in Utah. The process typically involves:
- Applying to the Utah Board of Nursingfor RN licensure by examination and completing fingerprints and a criminal background check.
- Requesting official transcripts be sent directly from your nursing program showing degree awarded and graduation date.
- Registering for the exam and obtaining an Authorization to Test via the official NCLEX site.
- Scheduling and taking the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE. Utah receives results electronically; licenses are issued after all requirements are met and the exam is passed.
Utah may offer a temporary permit for qualified applicants whose files are otherwise complete; check current application instructions on the Utah Board of Nursing for availability and conditions.
RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Utah licenses RNs by endorsement for nurses who hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or territory. Typical endorsement requirements include an application with fees, license verification from your original state of licensure, a background check, and compliance with any Utah-specific requirements. A temporary permit may be available while your endorsement is processed if you meet the criteria.
Utah participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. With a Utah multistate RN license, you can practice in other compact states without obtaining additional single-state licenses. If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate RN license there, you may practice in Utah on that privilege. Nurses who relocate and establish Utah as their primary state of residence must apply for Utah licensure to continue practicing. For participating states and eligibility details, see the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Licensure Requirements
The Utah Board of Nursing, housed within the Division of Professional Licensing, regulates RN licensure. For initial RN licensure by examination after completing an LPN to RN bridge program, applicants generally must:
- Graduate from an an approved RN program (ADN or BSN) and have official transcripts sent to the Board.
- Submit a completed application with required fees.
- Complete fingerprinting and pass a state and federal criminal background check.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
For licensure by endorsement, Utah requires verification of your existing RN license and a background check. If you lack recent practice, the Board may require a refresher or reentry program before licensure.
License Renewal
Utah RN licenses renew on a biennial cycle. RNs must complete continuing competence within each two-year renewal period and attest to it at renewal. Utah provides multiple ways to meet continuing competence, such as approved continuing education, recent practice hours, national certification, or a Board-approved refresher course. Keep documentation in case of audit and ensure all activities fall within the current renewal period.
- Renew every two years by the deadline posted by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
- Complete your chosen continuing competence option during the two-year period before renewal.
- If your license lapses or you have not practiced for an extended period, the Board may require additional steps, such as a refresher course, before reinstatement.
For current forms, fees, background check instructions, and detailed continuing competence options, consult the Utah Board of Nursing.
LPN to ADN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Typically 1 to 2 years. For example, the program at Utah Tech University is two semesters, while Nightingale College's program spans 16 months.
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Program Focus:
This pathway builds upon the existing knowledge of an LPN, providing the additional theoretical and clinical education necessary for the expanded scope of practice of a registered nurse. The focus is on preparing graduates for entry-level RN positions in various healthcare settings.
Average In-State Tuition in Utah:
Tuition varies by institution. For example, the estimated total cost for the LPN to RN bridge program at Utah Tech University is approximately $7,149. Nightingale College's LPN-to-ASN program has tuition fees ranging from $4,000 to $9,000. At Weber State University, the estimated cost is around $1,070, though this may not include all fees.
Best For:
LPNs seeking the fastest route to becoming a registered nurse, allowing for a quicker transition into the RN role and a faster potential increase in earning power.
School Types:
Community colleges, technical colleges, and some state universities.
LPN to BSN Bridge Program
Program Length:
Approximately 2 to 4 years. In Utah, a direct LPN to BSN bridge program is less common. The typical pathway involves completing an LPN to ADN program (1-2 years) and then enrolling in an RN to BSN bridge program, which can often be completed in as little as 12-18 months.
Credential Awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
NCLEX-RN Eligibility:
Yes. Students become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN after completing the initial phase of their education that awards an associate degree.
Program Focus:
This pathway provides a more comprehensive education, including coursework in nursing research, leadership, community and public health, and healthcare policy. It prepares nurses for a broader range of roles, including leadership and management positions.
Average In-State Tuition in Utah:
The total cost is a combination of the LPN to ADN program tuition and the subsequent RN to BSN program tuition. RN to BSN programs in Utah have an estimated tuition cost ranging from approximately $7,650 to $10,200, depending on prior credits.
Best For:
LPNs who have long-term career goals that may include leadership, advanced practice, or specialized nursing roles, and who are seeking a deeper and broader nursing education.
School Types:
Universities and four-year colleges, many of which offer online and flexible options for working RNs.
Choose LPN→ADN If:
- This is the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse, allowing for an earlier career transition and salary increase.
- The overall tuition for an ADN program is generally less than that of a four-year BSN program, making it a more financially accessible option for many.
- An ADN serves as a solid foundation for later pursuing a BSN through an RN to BSN bridge program, allowing individuals to work as an RN while continuing their education.
- Many LPN to ADN programs are designed to accommodate the schedules of working LPNs.
Choose LPN→BSN If:
- A BSN is often required for leadership and management positions, as well as roles in specialized areas like public health, nursing education, and informatics.
- Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher long-term earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
- A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing graduate-level nursing education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
- Many healthcare organizations, particularly major hospitals, are increasingly preferring or requiring a BSN for their registered nurses.
List of LPN to RN Programs in Utah
Ephraim, UT
Snow College
- Associate - LPN-RN Bridge
Campus Based - Website
- Two-semester nursing program
- Concurrent campus instruction
- NCLEX-RN preparation
- Limited class size
- Fall and spring admissions
- Live and video conferencing
- Multi-campus learning options
Ogden, UT
Weber State University
- Associate - Practical to Registered Nursing Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid nursing program
- Utah-specific licensure pathway
- Two degree options
- Entry for LPNs/NCLEX-eligible
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Estimated program costs: $1070
- Second-year enrollment
- Career advancement opportunity
Orem, UT
Utah Valley University
- Associate - MTECH-LPN to ASN
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- For MTECH-LPN graduates.
- Transition to ASN degree.
- Option to pursue BSN.
- 22 credit hours awarded.
- Join in third semester.
- 3.5 GPA requirement.
- Focus on patient safety.
Saint George, UT
Utah Tech University
- Associate - LPN-to-RN Bridge Program
Campus Based - Website
- Face-to-face program only
- Two-semester nursing track
- Specialized LPN transition courses
- Total program cost $7,149
- Clinical and simulation experiences
- Campus-based nursing curriculum
- Pathway to RN-BSN program
Salt Lake City, UT
Nightingale College
- Associate - LPN-to-ASN Bridge Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 16-month hybrid program
- Online didactic instruction
- On-ground clinical experience
- $4,000-$9,000 tuition range
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- No prior BSN required
- Career advancement opportunity
- Increases salary potential
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