Nursing Programs in Salt Lake City, UT
The Salt Lake City area offers a number of nursing education programs, ranging from entry-level programs for individuals just starting their studies to advanced nursing practice programs aimed at preparing nurses for leadership roles in medicine. Unsure where to start? Below is information outlining the various program options as well as up-to-date school listings.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Salt Lake City
Rankings help students identify quality nursing programs by providing objective comparisons based on key metrics. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Salt Lake City" rankings, focusing on NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria to evaluate program effectiveness in preparing graduates for licensure. For detailed methodology, see https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.
Yearly Pass Rate Trends
Salt Lake City nursing programs show fluctuating pass rates over recent years. The data reveals a recovery trend after a dip in 2022.
- 2024: 90.04% average pass rate with 663 students
- 2023: 91.44% average pass rate with 724 students
- 2022: 79.89% average pass rate with 726 students
BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs demonstrate higher average pass rates than Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in the Salt Lake City area.
- BSN programs: 94.31% average pass rate with 211 students
- ADN programs: 88.05% average pass rate with 452 students
Top Performing Schools
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences shows strong performance among Salt Lake City nursing schools with consistent data across multiple years.
- Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences: 87.03% average pass rate with 2,113 students over 3 years
Pass Rate by Program Size
Large nursing programs in Salt Lake City maintain solid pass rates, indicating effective preparation at scale.
- Large programs (>100 students/year): 90.04% average pass rate with 663 students
Biggest Improvements
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences shows significant pass rate improvement, suggesting enhanced program effectiveness.
- Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences: 10.15% improvement from 79.89% to 90.04% between 2024 and 2024
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - wgu.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Governors University offers a hybrid Prelicensure Nursing Bachelor's program that blends online coursework with hands-on clinical training. This four-year program requires a 30-hour weekly study commitment and costs $8,755 per six-month term. Students complete two in-person Learning Labs and seven clinical rotations across 24 states, with no previous college experience required. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates showing strong performance: 91.23% in 2022, 93.75% in 2023, and 96.36% in 2024. As a bachelor's-level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, making it accessible to diverse applicants.
- Hybrid online and in-person program
- $8,755 per six-month term
- Available in 24 states
- Two Learning Labs and seven clinical rotations
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- 4-year standard completion time
- Requires 30 hours/week study commitment
- Background check and immunization requirements
- No previous college experience needed
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 4-Year - utah.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Utah's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides multiple pathways including U-EXCEL for high achievers, Prelicensure for new students, and an Online RN to BS option for working nurses. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and patient-centered care through interprofessional education and diverse clinical rotations across the region. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for bachelor's level admission. NCLEX pass rates have shown consistent improvement, reaching 94.87% in 2024 from 156 test-takers, demonstrating strong graduate preparation. The campus features state-of-the-art simulation centers and world-renowned faculty to enhance professional readiness for various nursing roles.
- High NCLEX pass rate
- State-of-the-art simulation centers
- Interprofessional education
- Accredited by CCNE
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multiple tracks available
- Focus on leadership
- Evidence-based practice
- Patient-centered care
- For high achievers: U-EXCEL
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Draper, UT - Private 4-year - joyce.edu
Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Joyce University's 20-month Associate of Science in Nursing program offers a hybrid format combining online coursework with clinical experiences in Draper, Utah. This ACEN-accredited program requires no prerequisites and includes 472.5 clinical hours for hands-on practice. For the ADN program, NCLEX pass rates have improved from 78.25% in 2022 to 88.05% in 2024, with 452 test-takers in the most recent year. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through a curriculum covering essential nursing skills and utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation center.
- 20-month program length.
- Hybrid online and in-person learning.
- No prerequisites required.
- 472.5 clinical hours.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- ACEN accredited.
- Flexible online coursework.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- State-of-the-art simulation center.
- 69 credit hours total.
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
The 3-Year Online BSN Program at Joyce University provides a hybrid nursing education with online coursework and in-person clinical training in Draper, Utah. This CCNE-accredited program requires no prerequisites and includes 517.5 clinical hours. For the BSN program, NCLEX pass rates have increased from 87.22% in 2022 to 94.31% in 2024, with 211 test-takers in the most recent year. The program features flexible learning options, hands-on simulations, and is open to students in multiple states. No entrance exam is required for admission.
- 3-year program length.
- 94.31% NCLEX pass rate.
- No prerequisites required.
- Hybrid online and in-person.
- 120 credit hours.
- 517.5 clinical hours.
- Flexible learning options.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Hands-on simulations.
- Open to multiple states.
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT - Public 2-Year - slcc.edu
Associate - Nursing AAS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Salt Lake Community College's campus-based Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing provides a two-year pathway to nursing licensure with comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical training. This program emphasizes practical experience in a supportive environment, preparing graduates for immediate employment or further education. For admission, ACT or SAT scores are required for this bachelor's-level equivalent program. The NCLEX pass rates for the ADN program show consistent performance, with 86.85% passing in 2024 among 251 students, up from 82.68% in 2022, reflecting the program's effectiveness in preparing students for licensure.
- Two-year AAS degree
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for employment
- Hands-on training
- Competitive admission costs
- Located in Salt Lake City
- Comprehensive coursework
- Supportive learning environment
- Ideal for aspiring nurses
- Focus on practical experience
Westminster University
Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - westminstercollege.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Westminster University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Salt Lake City provides a rigorous four-year undergraduate education that integrates liberal arts with hands-on clinical training. The program emphasizes critical thinking and ethical patient care through small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship. Students develop practical skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical settings. As a bachelor's level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, with recent NCLEX pass rates showing improvement from 76.92% in 2023 to 88.46% in 2024, indicating strong preparation for licensure. Graduates are well-equipped for nursing careers with high employment rates.
- 4-year undergraduate degree
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Accredited by CCNE
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Faculty mentorship
- Liberal arts foundation
- Ethical patient care focus
- Leadership skill development
Entry Level ADN & BSN Programs in Salt Lake City, UT
For students without nursing education or experience, an entry-level nursing program is the place to start. In the Salt Lake City area, the choices for entry-level nursing programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and direct-entry Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs (BSN). Both programs prepare students for the nursing certification exam and their first professional jobs as nurses.
ADN Programs
ADN programs provide students with a basic understanding of nursing theory and practice, and usually take around two years to complete. Upon graduation, students will have a nursing diploma, the baseline degree required for nursing positions in a variety of healthcare settings. Salt Lake Community College offers a two-year ADN program that prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, and to either begin working as a nurse or to matriculate into a BSN program.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
A bachelor’s-level nursing program provides a more in-depth nursing education than an ADN program, with additional coursework in public health, management and leadership and nursing research. The BSN degree may open the door to a wider range of job opportunities and career growth opportunities. Western Governors University offers a BSN program that offers didactic coursework in an online format with the clinical practice component taking place in a local healthcare setting.
Learn more about Utah Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Salt Lake City, UT
Registered nurses who have completed their ADN but are interested in advancing their careers by earning a higher degree may be interested in RN to BSN or MSN programs. These specialized “bridge programs” provide a quicker route to a higher degree for working nurses by taking their previous coursework into account.
RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN bridge programs provide a convenient path to a bachelor’s degree for working RNs who hold an associate’s degree. One example of these programs is the RN to BSN program at Nightingale College, which offers coursework entirely online to accommodate working students and can be completed in three terms or 12 months.
Learn more about Utah RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
RN to MSN programs are also designed for RN license-holding nurses who have completed their ADN degree. Upon completion, students will hold a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) and be prepared for specialized advanced practice careers. Western Governors University offers RN to MSN programs that allow students to choose a concentration in nursing education, leadership and management, and nursing informatics.
Learn more about Utah RN to MSN Programs
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
Salt Lake City, UT
University of Utah
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Geriatric Nursing Leadership
Concentration: Geriatric Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online learning format.
- $400 per credit cost.
- 30 major credits required.
- Geriatric Nursing Leadership concentration.
- Summer, fall, spring start terms.
- RN license required.
- 3.0 GPA minimum.
- Associate degree prerequisite.
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 30 total credits required
- Fully online program format
- $400 per credit tuition
- Geriatric Nursing Leadership emphasis
- Multiple start terms: Fall/Spring/Summer
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Nine prerequisite courses needed
- Designed for working RNs
Western Governors University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 1 year
- Only 35 clinical hours
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- $5,325 per term
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Six embedded professional certificates
- Online flexible learning
- No set class times
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Salt Lake City, UT
An increasing number of nurses are going back to school for advanced practice nursing degrees in order to secure leadership positions and higher salaries. In the Salt Lake City area, nurses have the option of selecting an MSN program, post-master’s certificate programs, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D. programs.
MSN Programs
A master’s degree is required for many leadership positions in nursing, as well as for nurse practitioner and administration roles. An MSN degree program allows students to learn advanced nursing practice theory and skills, as well as to concentrate their studies in a particular field of nursing. The MSN program at Westminster College allows students to focus their studies in nurse anesthesia and the family nurse practitioner role.
Learn more about Utah Nurse Practitioner Programs
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Designed for nurses with an MSN who would like to move into a new specialty area of nursing, post-master’s certificate programs provide students with master’s-level coursework in a given practice area. The University of Utah offers 15-credit certificate course programs for BSN-educated nurses in case management, informatics and nursing education, as well as nurse practitioner certificates for MSN-educated nurses that focus in women’s health, nurse midwifery, family medicine and adult/gerontology acute care.
Learn more about Utah Post-Master's Certificate Programs
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
DNP programs prepare nurses for the highest level of nursing practice with coursework in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare policy, healthcare systems, and leadership. The University of Utah offers a DNP program with the following specialty tracks: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwifery.
Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare nurses for careers in research and academia. The Ph.D. program at the University of Utah offers a distance-learning program using live video-conferencing technology and on-campus intensives that allow students to complete the program from outside the Salt Lake City area.
Learn more about Utah DNP Programs
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Salt Lake City
Draper, UT
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- Online asynchronous format
- One-year completion time
- Nursing Education concentration
- 32 credit hours total
- 270 precepted clinical hours
- $18,816 estimated cost
- BSN degree required
- Active RN license needed
Salt Lake City, UT
Nightingale College
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN Ed)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited program.
- 24-month completion time.
- 41 semester credits required.
- $460 per credit tuition.
- Estimated total cost $20,125.
- Alumni tuition reduction $50/credit.
- Online instruction delivery.
- Practicum experiences included.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery.
- 55 semester credits total.
- Six semesters completion time.
- $550 per credit tuition.
- Estimated cost $34,810.
- BSN with 3.0 GPA required.
- Current RN license needed.
- One year RN experience required.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 24-month program length.
- Hybrid online and in-person format.
- $550 per semester credit tuition.
- Requires bachelor's degree in nursing.
- CCNE accredited MSN program.
- 55 semester credits total.
- 37 didactic theory credit hours.
- 18 clinical learning credit hours.
University of Utah
- BSN to MSN - MS in Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Three semesters completion
- Asynchronous coursework available
- Clinical experiences arranged locally
- Nationally respected program
- Expert faculty instruction
- Focus on patient-centric systems
- Improves clinical workflows
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- 36 total credit hours
- Online and asynchronous format
- 16-month completion possible
- 240-hour practicum experience
- $931.50 per credit tuition
- Fall semester start
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- RN licensure required
- BSN to MSN - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- 900 direct patient care hours
- 100% national certification pass rate
- Advanced neonatal care training
- Two years clinical experience required
- MSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year hybrid doctoral program
- 850+ direct patient care hours
- Advanced practice clinical rotations
- Prepares for ANCC/AACN certification
- Multiple clinical specialty options
- Distance learning available
- Covers acute/critical care environments
- MSN to DNP - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year doctoral program
- Hybrid learning format
- Focuses on Adult/Gerontology care
- Evidence-based practice training
- Clinical experiences included
- Policy development skills
- Comprehensive healthcare approach
- Advanced nursing practice
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year doctoral program
- Pediatric care from infancy to adulthood
- Clinical experiences in multiple settings
- Certification exam eligibility
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Comprehensive pediatric healthcare skills
- Professional leadership development
- MSN to DNP - Dual Women's Health/Midwifery Track
Concentration: Women's Health - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual certification track
- Doctoral level program
- Hybrid learning model
- On-campus simulation training
- Faculty practice partnership
- National certification preparation
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- Leadership skill development
- MSN to DNP - Dual Women's Health/Nurse-Midwifery
Concentration: Nurse-Midwifery - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Dual Certification Track
- Hybrid Learning Model
- National Certification Preparation
- State-of-the-Art Simulation Training
- Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Focus
- Leadership and Policy Development
- Faculty Practice Partnership
- Clinical Shift Requirements
- MSN to DNP - Family Primary Care
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year doctoral program
- Hybrid learning format
- Comprehensive clinical experiences
- National certification preparation
- Lifespan patient care focus
- Policy and leadership training
- Advanced clinical skills development
- MSN to DNP - Nurse Midwifery DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year doctoral program
- Woman-centered healthcare focus
- Evidence-based clinical training
- Advanced nurse midwifery specialty
- Leadership and research integration
- Comprehensive women's health curriculum
- Clinical competency development
- MSN to DNP - Post-MS to DNP
Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Minimum 36 credit hours
- Full-time or part-time options
- Online and executive formats
- No required on-campus attendance
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Designed for APRNs and non-APRNs
- Systems-level leadership training
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year doctoral program
- Compassionate client-centered care
- Psychosocial and neuro-biological focus
- Policy and leadership development
- Interprofessional clinical training
- Comprehensive mental health assessment
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- National certification preparation
- MSN to DNP - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral level women's health specialty
- Hybrid program with campus requirements
- National certification preparation
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Interprofessional training opportunities
- Option for dual certification
- State-of-the-art simulation center
- Clinical partnerships in Salt Lake City
Western Governors University
- BSN to MSN - M.S. Nursing – Education
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to MSN bridge program
- $5,035 per six-month term
- Average completion in 38 months
- CCNE-accredited program
- No RN work requirement
- Earn BSN and MSN simultaneously
- 32 total program courses
- Designed for working nurses
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN-FNP program
- 2.5 years average completion time
- 650 clinical practice hours
- $6,850 per six-month term
- Prepares for national certification exams
- Available in 41 states
- Requires active RN license
- BSN prerequisite required
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Nursing - Nursing Informatics (RN to MSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- CCNE-accredited degree.
- RN-to-MSN bridge program.
- Nursing Informatics specialization.
- Tuition per six-month term.
- Flexible, self-paced schedule.
- Clinical practice experiences included.
- Earn NAHQ HQ Principles certificate.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Nursing - Nursing Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program.
- 14 total courses required.
- $5,035 tuition per term.
- Flat-rate tuition structure.
- BSN degree required for admission.
- Active RN license required.
- No RN work requirement for admission.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science in Nursing.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- BSN-to-MSN program.
- Online with clinical internships.
- 17 courses total.
- 650 direct patient care hours.
- 2.5 years to complete.
- Tuition $6,955 per term.
Westminster University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- 42 total semester hours
- 720 minimum clinical hours
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Holistic healthcare approach
- Prepares for ANCC/AANP certification
- 4-year maximum completion time
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Grade of B or higher mandatory
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid 3-semester program
- Terminal degree for nurses
- Small class sizes
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- CCNE accredited program
- Yearly fall semester entry
- Full-time or part-time options
- Scholarly project component
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year doctoral program
- Hybrid online and on-campus learning
- 900 average clinical cases
- 100% job placement rate
- Salary range $120k-$180k
- 35+ clinical site affiliations
- On-site anesthesia simulation lab
- Optional Ghana service-learning
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Salt Lake City, UT
Draper, UT
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 20-month program length.
- Hybrid online and in-person learning.
- No prerequisites required.
- 472.5 clinical hours.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- ACEN accredited.
- Flexible online coursework.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- 3-year program length.
- 94.31% NCLEX pass rate.
- No prerequisites required.
- Hybrid online and in-person.
- 120 credit hours.
- 517.5 clinical hours.
- Flexible learning options.
- Accredited by CCNE.
Layton, UT
Eagle Gate College-Layton
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format.
- First year online.
- CCNE accredited.
- Small class sizes.
- Hands-on labs.
- Career support services.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Flexible for busy adults.
Salt Lake City, UT
Fortis College-Salt Lake City
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Financial aid available.
- Career advancement opportunities.
- Flexible learning options.
Nightingale College
- Bachelor's - BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online BSN program
- Flexible 3-year completion
- Hands-on field experiences nationwide
- Virtual simulations and labs
- NCLEX-RN success coaching
- 120 credit hours required
- $645 per semester credit
- Financial aid available
Salt Lake Community College
- Associate - Nursing AAS
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year AAS degree
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for employment
- Hands-on training
- Competitive admission costs
- Located in Salt Lake City
- Comprehensive coursework
- Supportive learning environment
University of Utah
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- High NCLEX pass rate
- State-of-the-art simulation centers
- Interprofessional education
- Accredited by CCNE
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Multiple tracks available
- Focus on leadership
- Evidence-based practice
Western Governors University
- Bachelor's - Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online and in-person program
- $8,755 per six-month term
- Available in 24 states
- Two Learning Labs and seven clinical rotations
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- 4-year standard completion time
- Requires 30 hours/week study commitment
- Background check and immunization requirements
Westminster University
- Bachelor's - Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-year undergraduate degree
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Diverse clinical experiences
- Accredited by CCNE
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Faculty mentorship
- Liberal arts foundation
