How to Become an LPN in Utah
The Utah State Board of Nursing regulates the licensing and practice of nurses in the state. There are more than 3,300 licensed practical nurses (LPN) in Utah, which makes up 11% of the entire nursing workforce in Utah. Utah is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
An LPN registered in another Compact state can practice nursing in Utah without a new license. However, if an LPN makes Utah their primary home residence, they will have to obtain a new license in Utah.
LPNs are required to complete an accredited and approved LPN program and pass the National Council for Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to be employed as an LPN. A student enrolled in a registered nurse (RN) program may apply for LPN by equivalency once the equivalent LPN course work has been completed. This will allow the student to take the NCLEX-PN exam, and if the student passes work as an LPN while completing studies to become an RN. Graduates of the LPN program will receive a diploma or certificate.
Courses taken in an LPN program include nutrition, anatomy, microbiology, nursing fundamentals, medical terminology, basic and advanced first aid, obstetric, pediatric and geriatric studies. Clinical training is held at an area healthcare facility. The training allows students to experience firsthand, hands-on patient care and participate in actual care situations. Students must pass both phases of the course in order to graduate. Classes and clinical training are taught by registered nurses who are also certified nursing instructors.
Students in the final semester of the LPN program are allowed to apply to the Utah State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-PN exam and register for the NCLEX-PN exam. Students must also complete a criminal background check and fingerprint card. Students who have their fingerprint card completed by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) of Utah will not be charged a fee.
Once Pearson VUE has been notified the student’s application has been approved, including successful clearance of the background check and fingerprint card, the student will be notified and allowed to schedule the exam. The student will be notified of the results within two weeks and will receive their paper license within three weeks. If the student does not pass the exam, they are allowed to reapply and take the exam after a 45 day waiting period.
LPNs in Utah are required to renew their license every two years and LPN licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Requirements for renewal are to submit an application no sooner than 60 days prior to expiration for renewal and complete 30 hours of continuing education, or 200 practice hours and 15 hours of continuing education or 400 practice hours.
LPNs are in great demand in Utah and by the year 2020, nursing opportunities will increase by 20 to 22%. The average salary is $39,500 and entry level LPNs can expect to earn $26,000 their first year of employment. In addition to salary, LPNs often receive other benefits that may include health insurance, pension and/or 401K participation, long and short term disability, dental insurance and tuition reimbursement. LPNs can often increase their salary by enhancing their education by taking additional nursing classes and taking on higher levels of responsibility.
LPNs will find employment in hospitals and nursing homes, assisted care facilities and rehabilitative centers, private and public clinics, correctional facilities, educational facilities, summer camps and occupational health centers. Large corporations often have an on-site first aid facility that will employ an LPN. For LPNs who would rather not practice in a medical facility will find employment reviewing medical claims for insurance companies.
LPN Schools in Utah
- Gain Knowledge and Skills While You Earn Your Nursing Degree at Fortis!
Programs:
- Practical Nursing
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Patient Care Technician
- And more...
- 100% online programs at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Transfer up to 90 credits into an undergraduate degree program.
- Up to 50% of your master’s degree can be transferred in to help maximize the credit you previously earned.
- *Excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Administration
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator
- Flexible, online RN-BSN and MSN programs available
- RN-BSN program is designed to help registered nurses earn their bachelor’s in as little as 9 months
- Courses designed to expand on student’s prior knowledge and enhance their patient care skills
Programs:
- Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Administration
- There's still time to apply to Grand Canyon University and pursue your education. Learn more today!
- Study on your schedule - GCU offers many programs 100% online to fit your busy lifestyle.
- GCU offers a variety of opportunities to reduce the cost of furthering your education. Campus students may qualify for scholarships, while online students can take part in limited special offers.
- A regionally accredited university, GCU also holds specialized accreditations and approvals for some of our core program offerings.
- Degrees in business, education, nursing, humanities and social sciences, theology and more. Find the degree that fits you.
- Talk to us today to learn more about financial aid and start dates!
Programs:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
- M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Flexible, online and on-campus program available.
- Capstone projects and clinical practicums that can help prepare students for more career opportunities.
- Students learn from instructors with experience in the health care field.
- Programs include Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration, Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, Master of Health Care Administration, and more.
Programs:
- MS in Nursing
- Master of Science - DNP Path (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner
- And more...
Programs:
- Associate of Science in Nursing
- Bachelors of Nursing
- Diploma in Medical Assisting
- And more...
At Broadveiw University, we prepare students for exciting careers in high-value fields. Imagine getting paid for what you love doing. It all starts with career-based training at Broadview University.
Programs:
- Medical Assistant (Diploma)
Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Earn your graduate degree online with Northcentral University. We offer online programs focused on doctoral and master’s degrees in the schools of business and technology management, education, psychology and marriage and family sciences.
Programs:
- Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
- PhD - Addictions
- PhD - Gerontology
- And more...
Established in 1897, Bradley University is a private, independent institution of higher learning in Peoria, Illinois. Inspired by our founder, notable philanthropist Lydia Moss Bradley, we pursue excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and service; and we celebrate leadership, integrity, diversity and collaborative learning. Today, we offer an impressive array of more than 130 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs across five colleges and the Graduate School.
Programs:
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Leadership Track (MSN to DNP)
- Online Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN-FNP)
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (BSN to DNP)
- And more...
List of Approved UT Practical Nursing Schools
Bridgerland Applied Technology College
1301 North 600 West
Logan, UT 84321
435-753-6780
Davis Applied Technology College
550 E 300 S
Kaysville, UT 84037
801-593-2500
Mountainland Applied Technology College
Ogden Weber Applied Technology College
200 N Washington Blvd
Ogden, UT 84404
801-627-8300
Snow College
150 College Avenue
Ephraim, UT 84627
435.283.7000
Uintah Basin Applied Technology College
1100 E Lagoon St
Roosevelt, UT 84066
(435) 722-4523
Utah State University LPN Program
5100 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322
(435) 797-9675
Weber State University LPN Program
School of Nursing
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-6142
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