Best Nursing Schools in Utah

Brigham Young University’s BSN program offers a rigorous, campus-based curriculum that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experiences. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and entry into registered nursing practice. Unique global health practicums in the Czech Republic and Ghana help students build cultural competence. Students also participate in nursing clubs, research, and scholarship programs that reinforce service-oriented, professional nursing. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates for BYU BSN graduates were 94.49% in 2022, 96.12% in 2023, and 96.75% in 2024. The program does not publish ACT/SAT entrance exam requirements in its promotional materials, so prospective students should contact admissions for specifics.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Western Governors University offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure) designed for aspiring registered nurses in Utah. The competency-based online curriculum covers anatomy, microbiology, adult health, psychiatric nursing, and community health, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Clinical preparation includes two in-person learning labs and seven hands-on rotations with experienced preceptors. No ACT or SAT is required, but applicants must take the HESI or TEAS entrance exam. This CCNE-accredited program charges a flat rate of $8,755 per six-month term and accepts transfer credits. NCLEX-RN pass rates for Utah graduates reached 96.4% in 2024, reflecting strong preparation for licensure.

• CCNE accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI, TEAS
• 4-Year program
• Complete in minimum time for completion in this program is 2.5 years
• 12 start dates per year
• Starts rolling
• Asynchronous online classes
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Military benefits accepted

Arizona College of Nursing-Salt Lake City's three-year BSN program in Murray offers a direct path to RN licensure without prerequisite coursework. The curriculum integrates general education, nursing core, and hands-on clinical training in pathophysiology, pharmacology, community health, and maternal care. NCLEX-RN prep starts from day one, featuring dedicated exam classes and virtual practice tests. Students gain experience through simulation labs with lifelike mannequins and clinical rotations at partner healthcare facilities. Small classes, flexible evening/online scheduling, and career services support working adults, contributing to a 99% employment rate within six months of passing the NCLEX. This CCNE-accredited program requires the HESI entrance exam (not ACT/SAT) and offers up to $5,000 in scholarships. NCLEX pass rates were 100% in 2023 and 92.21% in 2024.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: HESI
• 3-Year program
• Complete in three years or less
• 6 start dates per year
• Asynchronous online classes
• 90% licensure pass rate
• 99% job placement rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum

Southern Utah University's BSN prelicensure program in Cedar City blends rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training across four semesters. Offered full-time on campus with fall and spring starts, the curriculum emphasizes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, nutrition, and human development, then advances to nursing theory and practice in settings like acute care, ICU, hospice, community health, pediatrics, and maternal/newborn units. This CCNE-accredited program reports strong NCLEX pass rates: 91.89% (2022), 90.79% (2023), and 95.18% (2024). Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and holistic review of essays, recommendations, and work experience—no ACT/SAT or other entrance exams required. Graduates are prepared for RN licensure in any U.S. state and can pursue master's or doctoral nursing education.

• CCNE accredited
• No entrance exam required
• 4-Semester program
• Apply by 2026-09-02
• Full-time enrollment
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required

Utah State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing is a two-year, ACEN-accredited route to RN licensure, integrating theory with clinical experiences in hospitals, clinics, and home care. The curriculum covers patient care, health promotion, and illness prevention, preparing graduates for pediatrics, maternity, surgical, psychiatric, and geriatric settings. The program is offered at Blanding, Moab, Price, Tooele, and Vernal campuses. Admission is competitive and requires a current Utah LPN license, references, work experience, and an entrance exam, with a minimum B- grade per course. The 2024 ADN NCLEX pass rate was 83.33%. Personalized advising helps students navigate the program successfully.

• ACEN accredited
• Entrance exam required
• 2-Year program
• Work experience required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Clinical settings: hospitals, clinics, home care
• Prepares for RN licensure
• Statewide campus locations available
• Hold current Utah LPN license required