According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 2,500 LPNs were licensed in Utah in 2010 compared to 18,230 RNs. Utah is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact which means that Utah-licensed LPNs may work in 24 states with their Utah license. Utah LPNs score above the national average on their initial NCLEX test: 99.7 percent of Utah LPNs passed on their first try compared to 85.2 percent of LPNs around the nation.
A report by the BLS finds that the demand for RNs will grow by 22 percent by 2018. The BLS finds that RNs in Utah make about $20,000 more per year than LPNs. Becoming an RN leads to more career opportunities as well as a higher salary. LPNs can continue their education while working toward an associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing. Loans and scholarships may be available, and employers often offer tuition reimbursement to employees who are pursuing work-related degrees.
Programs to Consider
College of Eastern Utah (Price). LPNs may receive the associate degree in nursing in less than three semesters after prerequisites. Classes include nursing process theory and clinical, family nursing, and manager of care theory and clinical. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Dixie State College of Utah (St. George). Dixie offers an LPN to associate degree in nursing program, and an RN to BSN program. The full-time ADN program takes 16 months to complete once prerequisites are met. Admission is limited. Admissions are determined by previous GPA, admissions testing, and an essay.
Salt Lake Community College. The two year program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree, entitling the graduate to sit for RN licensure. LPNs are eligible for advanced placement in the program by testing. The University of Utah offers an online BSN program for SLCC graduates if desired. The program is accredited by the NLNAC.
