Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Utah

You can understand the natural beauty of Utah’s rural landscapes or the excitement of cities such as Provo or Salt Lake City. However, the need for nurse practitioners in the state also cannot be understated. If you have any interest at all in entering this exciting career, you can access some of the highest-paying salaries in the healthcare field and enjoy a a wide variety of nurse practitioner specializations. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Utah

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Utah identifies the top online options for aspiring nurse practitioners across the state. Programs are evaluated based on factors like completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty qualifications. For more information about our ranking process, visit the methodology page.

1.

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

The University of Utah's nurse practitioner programs offer a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, preparing students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare providers. Their nursing department philosophy focuses on evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and cultural competence to provide exceptional care for diverse populations. Graduates are well-equipped to make a positive impact in the ever-evolving field of nursing.

DNP Programs

• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program (A/Gacnp) Campus
• Certified Nurse Midwives Campus
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Fnp) Campus
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Campus
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Campus

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Campus
• Nursing Informatics Graduate Certificate Campus

MSN Programs

• MS Gerontology Campus
• MS Nursing Education Campus
• MS Nursing Informatics Campus

PhD Programs

• PhD in Nursing Campus

Dual DNP/PhD Programs

• Dual DNP-PhD in Nursing Campus

2.

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University's nurse practitioner program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, promoting the integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students are prepared to be leaders in providing compassionate and evidence-based care to diverse populations.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Campus

3.

Westminster University

Salt Lake City, UT

Westminster University offers highly comprehensive and accredited nurse practitioner programs, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of healthcare. The nursing department's philosophy emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, compassionate care, and leadership in creating positive patient outcomes. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, Westminster College prepares nurse practitioners to become leaders in the ever-evolving healthcare industry.

MSN Programs

• Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Campus

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

If you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner but worried about the cost or the amount of time that it might take to become one, you can rest assured that there are dozens of nurse practitioner programs that you can access in Utah that will likely meet your financial and graduation timeline goals.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

In 9/10 cases, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will be the fastest option for those looking to become a nurse practitioner. This is the minimum level of degree that students can graduate to become a nurse practitioner. MSN degree programs usually last about two years (as opposed to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree which takes at least six) but you can possibly complete it in even less time if you have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) and transferable credits. Here are a few examples of the quickest MSN degree programs located in Utah:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Whether they’re already working in the nursing field or just starting out, when researching nurse practitioner programs the first question on everyone’s mind is “How much is it going to cost?” You may be surprised to learn that nurse practitioner programs located in Utah (especially MSN programs) can be much lower than programs offered in other states. This is especially true if you have established residency in Utah and you’re looking for schools with smaller nursing programs and in areas where the cost of living is lower. Here are a few examples:

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Nurse practitioner specialties are a big draw for students looking to start this incredible career. Through specialized nurse practitioner degree programs, you can get certified in a practice area that interests you. These types of programs are offered at both the MSN and DNP levels. Below are a just a few examples that you can find in Utah:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

As mentioned, there are alternative educational routes for becoming a nurse practitioner besides MSN and DNP degrees. Below are a few other degree options you be interested based on your own specific circumstances.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs, for most working nurses, are the fastest route to becoming a nurse practitioner. They generally take between 2 and 6 years and come in a variety of specializations. Examples in Utah:

• Universitty of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
• Weber State University – Ogden, UT

RN to NP Programs

Nurses who already have spent some time as an RN, have their nursing license, and have graduated from either an ADN or ASN program may be interested in becoming a nurse practitioner through an RN to NP program (also called an ADN/ASN to MSN program). This will allow you to complete your MSN program in a much shorter amount of time. You can find these types of programs located at:

• Southern Utah University – Cedar City, UT

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you want to gain the highest level of education you can obtain as a nurse practitioner and you don’t have a limit on the time you want to invest, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a great option. These degrees take a minimum of 6 years to complete, but they often result in higher-paying and more advanced career aspects. In Utah, they’re offered by:

• University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-master's nursing certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• University of Utah – Salt Lake City, UT
• Weber State University – Ogden, UT

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are perfect for students who have already graduated from a bachelor’s degree program with a non-nursing major but would like to become nurse practitioners without getting another bachelor’s degree. They are longer than a traditional MSN program, but they are shorter than having to earn two degrees. Here are a few located in Utah:

• Joyce University – Draper, UT
• Southern Utah University – Cedar City, UT

General Admissions Requirements

As with any type of degree program, the specific admissions requirements will depend on the school. However, you can generally expect to submit the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Utah NP License and Certification Requirements

The last thing you’ll need to do before becoming a nurse practitioner is apply for an NP license and get certified. Applicants will need to gather all necessary documentation, including proof of RN licensure and educational credentials, and submit them along with a completed application form. The application fee in Utah typically falls around $240. More details about the exact steps and documentation needed for NP licensure in Utah can be found through the state's licensing board.

In terms of certification, nurse practitioners in Utah are required to obtain national certification in their area of expertise. Most NPs pursue certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which requires applicants to hold an active RN license and have completed a graduate program specializing in their field. Successfully passing a certification exam is also part of the process.

Utah NPs do not currently have full practice authority, meaning some collaborative agreements with a physician may be necessary, particularly for prescribing controlled substances. However, nurse practitioners can still provide a wide range of services and play a critical role in patient care. For additional resources, including continuing education and advocacy, NPs in Utah can connect with the Utah Nurses Association (UNA).

List of NP Programs in Utah