Nurses need to be licensed if they want to work in the US. They also have to fulfill certain pre-defined requirements and possess certain skills to do their jobs properly. Nursing is not an easy profession since it revolves around treating sick and injured people.

Should I Become a Nurse in Utah?

If you want to become a nurse, you first have to decide whether you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This is an important step because the educational and licensing requirements are different for both fields.

Read the following guide to find out how to become a nurse in Utah.

Education Required Educational requirements differ for RNs and LPNs
License/Certification Mandatory
Experience/Training Not a compulsion
Key Skills/Qualities Passion, Compassion, Physical Fitness, Strong Observational Skills, etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $77,460 (Registered Nurses)

$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Job Outlook (2018-28) 12% (Registered Nurses)

11% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Utah $67,970 (Registered Nurses)

$49,660 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses)

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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The job outlook for nurses is extremely positive as per the estimates published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will experience job growth of 11%, while Registered Nurses will enjoy a 12% increase in employment opportunities between 2018 and 2028.

Steps to Become a Nurse in Utah

The following steps should be completed to become a nurse in Utah

    1. Meet the Educational Requirements

Candidates who want to become Registered Nurses have to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to start their journey. As for people who want to become Licensed Practical Nurses, a postsecondary nondegree award will work for them. Having said that, competition is fierce so getting an associate’s degree will help land a job as an LPN.

    1. Clear the Licensing Exam

Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a mandatory requirement to become a nurse. RNs have to clear the NCLEX-RN test whereas LPN’s need to clear the NCLEX-PN exam to apply for licensure.

    1. Apply for Licensure

After clearing the NCLEX, aspiring nurses will have to apply to the relevant state board or authority for the provision of a license. Candidates will have to pass through certain steps at this stage like clearing a background check and submission of fingerprints. Once everything is sorted, the license will be issued and candidates can start applying for jobs.

How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Utah?

It will take candidates between 4 to 6 years to become Registered Nurses and anywhere between 1 to 2 years to become Licensed Practical Nurses.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Utah?

The requirements to become a nurse in Utah are:

  • Complete the necessary education
  • Clear the licensing exam (NCLEX)
  • Get your license
  • Apply for jobs

How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Utah?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, Registered Nurses earned $67,970 (annual mean income) in Utah. Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses in Utah made $49,660 (annual mean income).

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