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Top Utah RN to BSN Programs

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), close to half of all healthcare employers require their new RN hires to hold, at the very least, a bachelor's degree, while nearly 9 in 10 employers express a strong preference towards nurses with bachelor's degrees. The increased demand for RNs with bachelor's degrees has prompted scores of ADN-educated nurses across the country to enroll in RN to BSN bridge programs, which are popping up at colleges and universities all over Utah. Finding a top program that aligns with your needs is never an easy task, however. That's why we've put together a list of Utah's top RN to BSN programs.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in Utah

There are a few things to look for in an RN to BSN program in Utah. Students should keep the following in mind:

  • Tuition rates
  • Program size
  • Accessibility of faculty/staff
  • Proper program accreditation
  • How long the school/program has been operational
  • Percentage of students who complete the program
  • Graduate employment data
  • Scheduling options (full-time/part-time)
  • Partnerships with local hospitals for internships/employment
  • Cost of living in the immediate area

Testing and Certification

Since RNs have to pass the NCLEX-RN before becoming fully licensed, they are not required to take any additional licensing exams upon completion of an RN to BSN program.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in Utah

1. University of Utah

Originally founded in 1850, the University of Utah (U of U) - the state's flagship university - is a public research university located in Salt Lake City. U of U offers a unique, online RN to BSN program that allows students to specialize in Geriatric Nurse Leadership. The program can be completed in two, three, or four semesters, although those that opt for the Geriatric specialization must complete four semesters. Coursework, which includes classes like Physical Assessment, Health Promotion, and Systems and Populations, is delivered entirely online by experienced faculty. New students are admitted three times a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
  • Intermountain LDS Hospital
  • St Mark's Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in U of U's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $7,800 in tuition plus additional fees.

2. Utah Valley University

First established in 1941 under the name Utah Valley State College, Utah Valley University is a public university located in Orem, Utah. UVU's 30 credit hour, flexible RN to BSN bridge program is offered in an asynchronous online format so that students can complete coursework wherever they want and at their own pace. This alone makes UVU's program ideal for nurses who are working full-time. Included in the program's curriculum are courses like Nursing in a Global Perspective, Navigating Health Systems, and Nursing in the Community among others. Both part-time and full-time options are available. Full-time students can complete the program in one calendar year. New students are admitted every fall and spring semester.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Orem Community Hospital
  • Utah Valley Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in UVU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $11,820 plus additional fees.

3. Westminster College

Founded in 1875, Westminster College is a private liberal arts college situated in Salt Lake City. WC offers a hybrid online/in-class RN to BSN program that boasts an incredibly low student-to-faculty ratio, with class sizes capped at 11 students. The 30 semester unit program's curriculum places a heavy emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and leadership in the workplace and community. Students who are enrolled full-time can complete the program in as little as 3 semesters, while part-time options are available as well. New cohorts begin three times per year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Salt Lake Regional Medical Center
  • Intermountain LDS Hospital
  • St Mark's Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Westminster College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $16,500 plus additional fees.

4. Ameritech College of Healthcare

First established in 1979, Ameritech College of Healthcare is an accredited, for-profit vocational college that's located in Draper, Utah. With its RN to BSN program, ACH looks to provide students with opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare field in the shortest time possible. Students who enroll in ACH's 48 credit hour, online RN to BSN program full-time tend to finish in three to four semesters. If students wish to progress through the program at a slower rate, however, they have up to three years to complete the program. Courses that students will tackle while enrolled include Communication in Healthcare, Contemporary Nursing Issues & Innovations, and Quality and Safety in Nursing, to name a few.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Mountain Point Medical Center
  • Intermountain Riverton Hospital
  • Lone Peak Hospital

Tuition:

Students who enroll in ACH's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $9,408 plus additional fees.

5. Dixie State University

Established in 1911, Dixie State University is a public university that's located in St. George. DSU offers an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online in just three semesters or twelve months of full-time study. The 28 semester unit program is also offered to students who would like to enroll part-time. Included in the program's curriculum are courses like Professional Nursing Roles, Health Assessment, and Nursing Policy & Ethics, among others. Students who wish to attend DSU's RN to BSN program full-time can start January, May, or August while part-time students can enter six months out of the year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Dixie Regional Medical Center
  • VA St. George Community Clinic

Tuition:

Students who enroll in DSU's RN to BSN program can expect to pay around $7,140 plus additional fees.