A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Utah
🩺 How to Get Your Utah Nursing License in 2025: Exams, Endorsements, Renewals, CEUs & More
Utah’s stunning landscapes and strong public health outcomes make it one of the best places in the U.S. to live and work as a nurse. With some of the nation’s lowest rates of cancer, heart disease, and hypertension, RNs here not only earn competitive salaries but also contribute to a healthier-than-average population.
Whether you're just starting your career or moving from out of state, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step to get licensed, stay compliant, and thrive as a nurse in Utah.
🔗 Explore open nursing roles in Utah
📝 Utah RN Licensing by Examination (New Nurses)
1. Complete Your Education
Earn a degree from an accredited nursing program:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – ~2 years
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – ~4 years
- Accelerated BSN – For those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree
2. Register for the NCLEX
- Create an account at Pearson VUE
- Pay the $200 NCLEX fee
- Choose the correct program code
3. Submit Your Application to DOPL
- Apply online via the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) portal
- Upload transcripts
- Fee: $60 (RN), $10 fingerprinting, $20 background check
4. Complete Fingerprinting
- Local: Schedule with DOPL in Salt Lake City
- Remote: Submit 2 FD-258 fingerprint cards with your application
5. Pass the NCLEX
- Once approved, DOPL will send you your Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Retake allowed after 45 days if you don’t pass
🔁 Licensing by Endorsement (If You’re Already an RN Elsewhere)
To transfer your license to Utah:
- Hold an active license for at least 1 year
- Apply online via the DOPL portal
- Provide verification via NURSYS (if applicable)
- Submit fingerprint cards or schedule with DOPL
- Fee: $60 application, $10 fingerprint, $20 background check
Utah is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means RNs from other compact states can practice in Utah without a separate license, unless Utah becomes their primary state of residence.
🔄 License Renewal in Utah
1. When to Renew
- RN/LPN licenses expire every 2 years on January 31 of odd-numbered years
- DOPL sends a reminder 60 days prior
2. Continuing Competency
Choose one of the following to renew:
- 400 hours of licensed practice over 2 years
- 200 hours of practice + 15 hours of CEUs
- 30 hours of CEUs alone
A 1-time suicide prevention course is also required and can count toward CE hours.
3. Renewal Fees
- RN/LPN: $68
- APRN: $78
- Pay and renew via DOPL’s renewal system
💡 APRN & CE Requirements
- Maintain national board certification or complete:
- 30 CEUs biennially
- 400 hours of clinical practice
- If you hold prescriptive authority:
- 3.5 hours in controlled substance education required every renewal cycle
🔗 CEU courses accepted in Utah (free options)
🏥 Top Utah Hospitals to Work At
- University of Utah Hospital – Salt Lake City
Magnet-recognized, Level I trauma center, nationally ranked in multiple specialties
🔗 Careers page - Intermountain Health – Multiple locations
Large nonprofit system, offers sign-on bonuses and tuition support
🔗 Nursing jobs at Intermountain - Primary Children’s Hospital – Pediatric care leader affiliated with Intermountain
🔗 Learn more
🎓 Top Nursing Schools in Utah
- University of Utah College of Nursing
Ranked nationally by U.S. News - Brigham Young University – Provo
Strong NCLEX pass rates and LDS-affiliated values - Utah Valley University – Offers AAS, BSN, RN-to-BSN programs
💰 RN Salary Outlook in Utah
- Average RN salary in 2025: $79,300
- Salt Lake City metro average: $83,200
- Job growth forecast (2023–2030): +9% (higher than national average)
📞 Contact the Utah Board of Nursing
- Phone: (801) 530-6628
- Website: dopl.utah.gov/nurse
- Address: 160 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Ready to make your next move?
