Utah’s aspiring nurses can pursue one of four distinct nursing roles: certified nursing assistant (CNA), licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Each role carries a unique mix of job responsibilities, educational requirements, and compensation. Utah is home to over 30 accredited nursing schools, so regardless of role, students can select from a breadth of quality nursing programs.
CNAs fill the most junior nursing role. They are usually supervised by registered nurses in providing basic care to patients. CNA candidates must complete a brief eight- to ten-week certificate program and pass a state-administered examination to attain licensure.
Registered nurses can independently carry out a broad range of healthcare responsibilities, and they often supervise the work of nursing assistants and practical nurses. RNs must complete either a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). All candidates must also pass the NCLEX-RN national examination to attain licensure.
Advanced practice registered nurses are the most senior of nurses. They must hold a graduate degree, typically a master of science in nursing (MSN). APRNs frequently choose to focus on specialized roles like nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist. These roles require one to three years of graduate study to attain licensure, depending on the field of specialization.
Regardless of nursing role, the compensation and career prospects in Utah are very compelling. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state’s CNAs earn a median annual salary of $22,500, its LPNs earn about $40,000 per year, and RNs receive almost $60,000 in annual pay. APRN compensation varies by role, ranging from $80,000 for nurse midwives to $124,000 for nurse anesthetists.
To provide a comprehensive view, we’ve listed below all of Utah’s accredited nursing schools. You’ll find them grouped by major metropolitan area.