Nursing Programs in Salt Lake City, UT

Last Updated On Jul 30, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Salt Lake City

Rankings help students quickly identify programs with strong outcomes, saving time and guiding decision-making. Registerednursing.org has created the Best Nursing Schools in Salt Lake City rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criteria. This objective approach highlights programs that effectively prepare graduates for licensure. Our methodology ensures transparency and reliability. https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Pass rates in the Salt Lake City area varied over the past three years, with the lowest average in 2022 and the highest in 2023. The 2024 average of 90.04% remains strong.

2024: 90.04% average pass rate (663 students)
2023: 91.44% average pass rate (724 students)
2022: 79.89% average pass rate (726 students)

Yearly Nursing Graduates

The number of nursing graduates in the region has remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease from 2022 to 2024. This consistency suggests steady program capacity.

2024: 663 graduates
2023: 724 graduates
2022: 726 graduates

Top Performing Schools

Among programs with sufficient data, Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences has the highest average pass rate. Its three-year average of 87.03% reflects consistent performance across 2,113 students.

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences: 87.03% average pass rate across 3 years (2,113 students)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Data categorizes Salt Lake City programs as large (more than 100 students per year), with no small or medium programs represented. The large programs achieved a 90.04% average pass rate.

Large (>100 students/year): 90.04% average pass rate (663 students)

Biggest Improvements

The pass rate at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences increased by 10.15 percentage points from the earliest year (79.89%) to the latest year (90.04%). This represents the largest improvement in the dataset.

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences: +10.15% from 2022 (79.89%) to 2024 (90.04%)

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's B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure) is a hybrid program for aspiring registered nurses. You'll complete online coursework at your own pace using a competency-based model, accelerating through familiar material. The curriculum covers general education, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nursing topics like adult health, psychiatric nursing, and community health. You'll develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills essential for patient care. You'll attend two in-person Learning Lab Experiences and complete seven clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities, guided by experienced preceptors. These hands-on experiences build confidence and competence. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers as staff nurses in hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies. The program is CCNE accredited and offers flat-rate tuition of $8,755 per six-month term. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

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

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 offers a comprehensive foundation for aspiring nurses. With tracks like U-EXCEL for high achievers, Prelicensure for newcomers, and Online RN to BS for professionals, it caters to diverse student needs. The program boasts a high NCLEX pass rate, state-of-the-art simulation centers, and interprofessional education. Accredited by CCNE, it prepares graduates for leadership, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care. Clinical experiences across the region enhance learning. Eligibility varies by track, focusing on academic excellence and professional readiness.

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 Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is a hybrid online degree designed for aspiring registered nurses. With no prerequisites required, you can dive right into nursing coursework covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. The curriculum blends online lectures with in-person labs and clinical rotations at our state-of-the-art simulation center in Draper, Utah. You'll gain hands-on experience caring for diverse patient populations across the lifespan, from maternal-newborn to mental health and adult nursing. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and begin careers as licensed RNs in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program features rolling admissions, three start dates per year, and support services including free tutoring and career placement assistance. ACEN-accredited, this ASN degree can be completed in as little as 20 months, offering a fast track to a rewarding nursing career.

ACEN accredited
$52,830 total program tuition
20-Month program
69 total credit hours
Rolling admissions
3 start dates per year
Starts spring/summer/fall
472.5 clinical hours
Capstone required
Prepares for NCLEX

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Joyce University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a 3-year pre-licensure degree that blends online coursework with hands-on clinical training. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and includes a capstone project. Students develop critical thinking and clinical judgment skills through immersive simulations at the state-of-the-art Draper Simulation Center and direct-care clinical rotations. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers in diverse settings like public health, mental health, and critical care. With no college prerequisites required, the program offers flexibility with asynchronous and real-time online classes. Dedicated student success advisors, tutoring, and job placement assistance support students throughout. The BSN is accredited by CCNE, ensuring a quality education that meets professional standards.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
3-Year program
120 total credit hours
Starts fall
Synchronous and asynchronous options
Capstone required
Prepares for NCLEX
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
Immersive experiential learning opportunities

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT - Private 4-year - westminsteru.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Westminster University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 3-year accelerated program that blends a rich liberal arts foundation with intensive nursing coursework. Students benefit from small class sizes, faculty mentoring, and state-of-the-art simulation labs that mirror real clinical environments. The curriculum includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, foundations of nursing, and a capstone synthesis, all delivered in a 4-semester format. Clinical experiences span diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community clinics, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers pathways to graduate degrees like MSN-FNP and DNP. Graduates are ready for careers as registered nurses across the four spheres of care, with strong employment rates and faculty connections to the healthcare field.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
3-Year program
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Scholarships available
Personal mentoring and academic advising
Small class sizes
State-of-the-art simulation lab
Clinical experiences in diverse settings
4-semester curriculum

Fortis College-Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, UT - Private 2-year - fortis.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College in Salt Lake City offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed to launch your career as a registered nurse. The hybrid format blends online coursework with on-campus training in an immersive simulation lab, where you practice real-world scenarios using high-fidelity mannequins. This approach builds clinical judgment and confidence before clinical rotations in hospitals and clinics. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, patient care, and critical thinking, preparing you to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates pursue entry-level RN roles in various healthcare settings. The program offers a dedicated entry path for LPNs/LVNs and can be completed in under 2 years. Career services connect you with local employers, and a partnership with Denver College of Nursing provides a pathway to RN-to-BSN or MSN programs. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Complete in just under 2 years
Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Financial aid available
Hybrid online and on-campus format
LPN/LVN to RN entry path available
Career services with local employer connections
Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure exam
Pathway to RN to BSN/MSN programs
Immersive simulation lab training
High-fidelity mannequins for real-world scenarios

*Official data: NCES IPEDS 2025 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

Ready to take the next step in nursing? We've compiled a helpful list of RN to BSN and RN to MSN programs to guide you. The table below highlights each school's city and state, key program features, and direct links to official program pages. Whether you're aiming for a bachelor's or master's degree, this list makes it easy to compare your options and find a program that fits your needs. Start exploring today.

Jump to City:

Draper, UT

Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences

RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 51 credit hours required
- 45 clinical hours required
- No course prerequisites
- Total cost $13,617
- 4 semesters program length
- Online asynchronous format
- Active RN license required
- ASN degree required

Layton, UT

Eagle Gate College-Layton

RN to BSN - Online RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online hybrid RN-to-BSN program
- Designed for Registered Nurses
- 20 month program length
- CCNE accredited
- Online coursework
- In-person preceptorship hours
- Evidence-based nursing practices
- Flexibility for busy professionals