Last Updated/Verified: September 15th, 2023

If you want to jumpstart your career in Utah’s growing healthcare field, you may want to consider becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

The LPN certification is one of the shortest routes for nurses to go from the classroom to the workforce and begin a rewarding career.

• In Utah, the base pay for LPNs is around $26.90 per hour.
• LPNs in Utah typically make an additional $8,625 in overtime pay each year.
• In addition to salary, LPNs in Utah commonly receive benefits such as paid time off, referral program, license and tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k).
• The national job outlook for LPNs is projected to grow 9% by 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The annual mean wage in Utah is $47,550, which is slightly lower than the national average of $48,820.

Utah has several robust LPN programs to choose from across the state. Salt Lake City, St. George, and Provo-Orem have some of the most abundant programs and job opportunities for LPNs.

Overview of LPN Schools in Utah

In Utah, you can find LPN programs from a range of settings, including community colleges, private institutions, and vocational training facilities. Each LPN program has its own set of courses and learning activities. However, common among LPN programs across the state are the courses designed to prepare students to be competent LPNs, which will be assessed in the post-program licensure exam.

Some common subjects covered in Utah’s practical nursing programs include the following:

• Nursing Fundamentals
• Pediatric Nursing
• Safety and Ethical Patient Care
• Pharmacology for Nursing
• Anatomy and Physiology

LPN Accreditation

LPN programs in Utah must be accredited by a state-recognized third-party organization like the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students must graduate from an accredited program to be eligible to take the pre-licensure exam and become an LPN.

LPN Admissions Requirements

Requirements for admission into most LPN programs in Utah will be similar. However, each school’s requirements may vary slightly. For this reason, prospective students should contact the admissions office at each school to get all of the details. Commonly, admissions will need:

• High school diploma or equivalent GED
• Passing of the ACT or TEAS exams
• Minimum 2.5 GPA on all prerequisite college courses

LPN Tuition & Costs

Tuition and costs can vary widely among LPN programs. For this reason, applicants should speak with an admissions counselor from each prospective school to get a rundown on tuition costs and a list of additional expenses and fees. Students may need to pay for school supplies, uniforms, textbooks, housing, laptops, and other expenses that are not included in the tuition cost. The good news is many schools offer financial assistance, scholarships, and grants to students who qualify. Financial aid can help reduce these costs.

LPN Licensing Requirements in State 

The first step to getting your LPN license in Utah is to complete a state-approved practical nursing program and receive the completion certificate. Next, register for and take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN) exam.

Checklist to become a Utah LPN: 

1. Attend and graduate from a Board-approved LPN program.
2. Submit official transcripts & register for the NCLEX-PN (in Utah, these steps must be done at the same time).
3. Schedule and take the NCLEX-PN test.
4. Upon receipt of a passing NCLEX-PN score, submit an application plus a $90 fee by mail or online.
5. Complete your fingerprint cars at a local police department or fingerprinting facility, then submit the cards via mail to the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL), P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114.

NCLEX-PN Exam

Aspiring LPNs in Utah will need to take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam as part of the process of obtaining licensure. The NCLEX-PN tests prospective LPNs on the nursing knowledge and skills acquired through completion of coursework in an accredited pre-licensure program. To register for the exam, candidates must create an account through Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee of $200.

LPN Reciprocity

Utah is a Nursing Compact State. The Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license with the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement. This means if you have an active LPN license in another state, you can apply for licensure in Utah through endorsement.

LPN Salaries in Utah 

The base hourly wage for LPNs in Utah is $26.90 per hour, with around $8,625 additional income in overtime pay per year. Nationwide, the average annual wage for LPNs is $48,820. Average salaries for LPNs in Utah, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics are as follows:

• Central Utah nonmetropolitan area ($44,770)
• Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area ($44,830)
• Logan ($36,940)
• Ogden-Clearfield ($46,800)
• Provo-Orem ($46,910)
• Salt Lake City ($51,820)
• St. George ($43,020)

The average annual salary for LPNs in Utah is lower than the national average, except for Salt Lake City, which is slightly higher than average. LPNs can often earn higher salaries by obtaining certifications in specialized niches such as IV infusion or geriatric care. Further, as LPNs gain more experience, there are more opportunities to earn higher salaries than those brand-new to the field.

Job Outlook for LPNs in Utah 

In Utah, many older nurses are retiring, leaving vacancies that need to be filled. For this reason, there is an abundance of job opportunities for new LPNs in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPN employment across the country is expected to grow 9% by 2029, much faster than other occupations in the nation.

In addition to nurses aging out of the profession, the aging population of patients is driving demand for more LPNs in the field. There is a growing need for more home care and outpatient care services for the elderly and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

Top LPN Schools in Utah 

Utah State University
2695 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322-2695
435-797-9684

Utah State University offers a practical nursing certificate with courses emphasizing the correlation between nursing theory and biological, physical, and behavioral sciences. Students have the opportunity to learn nursing skills in clinical settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, home care, and extended care facilities. This program is ACEN-accredited and students are prepared to move up the ladder to other nursing programs upon completion.

Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College
200 North, Washington Boulevard
Ogden, UT 84404
801-627-8300

Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College is an ACEN accredited school with an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 100%. This school’s practical nursing program consists of nine courses across two semesters and a variety of learning activities. Students will participate in lectures, simulation labs, clinical experiences, discussion groups, and written work.

Davis Applied Technology College
550 East 300 South
Kaysville, UT 84037
801-593-2500

The practical nursing program at Davis Technical College prepares students to operate as LPNs in a wide range of healthcare environments. Additionally, graduates will be well-prepared to move up to the next level of nursing degrees, the Associate Degree, if they so choose. This school is ACEN accredited, with an NCLEX-PN pass rate of 100% and a progression rate to the Associate’s Degree program of 95%. 

Bridgerland Applied Technology College
1301 North 600 West
Logan, UT 84321
435-753-6780

Bridgerland Applied Technology College was founded in 1971 in Logan, Utah. This school has grown to include campuses in several other locations, including Rich County, Brigham City, and Box Elder County. Bridgerland’s practical nursing certificate program consists of two semesters of comprehensive, competency-based education using classroom instruction, clinical experiences, and lab simulations. This school is accredited and successfully prepares students to take the NCLEX-PN exam.

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBTech)
1100 East Lagoon Street
Roosevelt, UT 84066
435-722-6900

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBTech) offers a practical nursing program that combines fundamental nursing skills with scientific principles in both theory and application. Graduates from this program are equipped to work in a structured healthcare setting as an LPN. Over 90% of recent graduates have found gainful employment after completing this program.

Weber State University
3850 University Circle
Ogden, UT 84408
801-626-6000

Established in 1889, Weber State University’s main campus is in Ogden, Utah, with branches in Layton, Morgan, Kaysville, Clearfield, and Roy. Weber University offers a practical-to-registered nurse program. This program is for current LPNs or recent LPN graduates who want to continue their education in the nursing field and eventually become registered nurses. This school provides education at the Associate Degree level, which is a stepping stone on the path to R.N. certification.

Snow College
150 College Avenue
Ephraim, Utah 84627
435-283-7000

Snow College offers an ACEN accredited LPN to R.N. program from the Richfield campus in Utah. The goal of the Associate Degree program is to educate students to become competent and caring nurses, inspire lifelong learning, and encourage community involvement. The school’s NCLEX pass rate for 2020 is 86.6% and the job placement rate is 87%.

Mountainland Technical College
1410 W 1250 South
Orem, UT 84058
801-753-6282

Mountainland’s program prepares students to work as entry-level nurses and provides classroom theory concurrently with clinical experience.

Additional Resources

Utah State Board of Nursing

The Utah State Board of Nursing is part of the Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL) located in Salt Lake City.

Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor
160 East 300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
801-530-6628 

Utah Nurses Association

Utah’s Nursing Association has been around for over 100 years. The association now operates as the voice for close to 40,000 registered nurses across the state of Utah. Nurses in the association benefit from having a dual membership with the state association as well as the national American Nurses Association.

4505 Wasatch Boulevard Suite 330 B
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
801-272-4510