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Navigating the Nursing Profession in Utah

Updated: Aug 21, 2022



Let us help you land on your dream job here in Utah! Read this article to know more about the licensing process in Utah, and more!

 

Through this article, you will be able to know the following:

  • Licensing fees

  • Licensing renewal process (step-by-step)

  • Continuing Education requirements

  • Licensing and certification

  • Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Utah

  • Popular in-state hospitals

  • Prominent in-state

  • Contact details



 

Fees for the Licensing

The table below shows the necessary licensing fees. Whether you are a first-time nurse, applying by endorsement, or renewing your license this is information well worth keeping in mind. For more information, visit the Utah licensing page for more details.


 



Since Utah is a nursing compact state, nurses are allowed to apply for multi-state licenses. However, it is inadvisable to apply for licensure in Utah if you permanently reside in another compact state. Only do so if you know you are going to move into Utah permanently.


*All rates are subject to change


 

Licensing Renewal Process

  1. Check when your license expires by visiting the Utah Board of Nursing website. Utah has a Verification page for you to verify your license.

  2. Before your license expires, make sure that you have completed the requirements for continuing education.

  3. Apply for your renewal process by going to the Utah Board of Nursing. You may check on the Renewal Information page for more specific information.



 

Requirements for Continuing Education in Nursing

The following are the Continuing Education Requirements for nurses in Utah.

Renewing of CEUs for Registered Nurses is every 2 years

Select one below on the following options:

  • 15 hours of CEU associated to nursing along with 200 hours of license practice; or

  • CEU associated to nursing for 30 hours; or

  • 400 permitted practice hours

Renewing of CEUs for Licensed Practical Nurses is done every 2 years

Select one below on the following options:

  • 15 hours of CEU associated to nursing along with 200 hours of license practice; or

  • CEU associated to nursing for 30 hours; or

  • 400 permitted practice hours

Renewing of CEUs for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses is done every 2 years

  • National certification is required: and

  • Presently have a license in specialty area; or

  • 30 hours of CEUs and 400 hours of authorized practice annually; and

  • APRNs who have a prescribing authority must complete an extra 3.5 hours of controlled substance prescribing training, as well as.5 hours of online training from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Vita Werks provides free and online ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states. Also, The Utah Division of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, accepts ANCC-accredited courses.

 

Licensing and Certification


Step 1: Education

To earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you must attend an accredited institution that offers ADN for 18-24 months. You can also take a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree in an accredited institution. Roughly you will spend 4-5 years to earn this degree. For those who already have ADN, there are certain programs that lead you to BSN and it will only take you 12-18 months. There is also an RN to BSN program that will take one year for you to earn the degree. The said programs will let you save a bunch of money and time and you can easily take chances to be on your dream job.


Step 2: Licensing

Six weeks before your graduation, you can start the process of your application for the NCLEX-RN exam. This exam is composed of 75-265 items and you will be given a limit of 5 hours to finish all of it. Failing the exam does not necessarily mean that you do not have the chance anymore. After your first try, you just have to wait for 45 days and you can apply again.

The scope of NCLEX includes questions about: (1)health promotion and maintenance; (2)safe and effective care environment; (3)physiology and integrity; and (4) psychology and integrity.


Step 3: Experience

This time, you must learn how to take the opportunities in gaining first-hand experiences in dealing with patients, with colleagues and superiors, and with the different situations that you might face. These invaluable experiences will make you more attractive to bigger employers in the future.

Step 4: Certification

Your last step is to obtain certifications for your chosen career. There are different requirements for earning a certification, depending on your preferences so it is important to check with the governing provider for information. You can attend several trainings, seminars or workshops in varied institutions for this purpose.

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Job and Salary Expectations of Nurses in Utah

Shortage of healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, has been a perennial issue in the country. This makes nurses highly in demand during this period of time. This profession will increase by about 9% from 2020 to 2030. The average annual salary is currently $$72,790.


Let us help you check out average wages of nurses to help determine if Utah is the right place for you.


 

Popular Hospitals in Utah

Still not decided on whether to work as a nurse in Idaho or not? This list of the best hospitals in the state will surely help you make that decision to go in the right direction. U.S. News and World Report made a list of the best and popular hospitals in Utah. Here are some of them:


Has a high performance rating in 1 adult specialty as well as 13 procedures and conditions


Among the specialties are Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, Back Surgery (Spinal Fusion), and Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy)


University of Utah Hospital – (Salt Lake City, UT)


Nationally ranked in two adult specialties


Rated high in three adult specialties as well as 14 procedures and conditions


Among the specialties are Ophthalmology (#11 in the nation), Cancer (#30 in the nation), and Gastroenterology & GI Surgery



Has a high performance rating for 12 adult procedures and conditions


Among the specialties are Orthopedics, Pneumonia, and Kidney failure



 

Nursing Associations in Utah

Becoming a member of a nursing association opens a lot of opportunities to your career growth. It gives you the advantages of varied job offers and networking, and a bunch of information and experiences shared between you and your fellow nurses. Through these organizations, learning and professional growth never stop. Listed below are just a few of the nursing organizations that you can find and join once you are in Utah.

Utah Nurses Association – “They work with specialist nursing groups, including the Utah Nurse Practitioners, the Utah Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the Utah Action Coalition for Health to lobby for nursing professionals and Utahns' health.”

Utah American Association of Nurse Practitioners – “They encourage and support all Nursing Practitioners to move forward in quality health care through implementation, learning, advocacy, study, and good supervision.”

Utah American Association of Psychiatric Nurses – As a mental health care worker, we strive to provide superior care, keep evidence-based practices up-to-date, and continually improve our knowledge base to focus on our profession. While striving, we seek mutual connections to share and support each other. To the people we serve.

Also, check out the comprehensive list of national organizations.l.



 

Contact Details

Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing

Phone: (801) 530-6625

Fax: (801) 530-6511

Address: Heber M. Wells Bldg., 4th Floor, 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111



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