Utah Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2024

Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in Utah

The Utah nurse practitioner journey demands four major requirements. These are:

• Initial RN license
• Advanced educational requirements
• National certification
• Applying for the Utah state NP license

Follow below to learn how to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in Utah.

Initial Registered Nurse (RN) License

Already have your RN License?  Skip to the next section

Every nurse practitioner is first a Registered Nurse license holder. After attaining the RN license, you can then set off to meet the additional demands of an NP license. There are two routes toward RN licensure. There is licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement. Let’s find out the differences between the two.

Licensure by Examination

To qualify for the RN license in Utah, you must have attained any of the following; a diploma in nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. You must acquire any of the above-mentioned educational requirements in accredited nursing schools. See this list of accredited nursing schools in Utah to ensure that you make the right choice of institution.

A nursing diploma should take you between one to three years depending on the institution. The associate degree takes from 18 to 24 months, while the bachelor’s degree in nursing is a four-year program. All of these are full-time programs. Part-time programs will extend the normal durations.

However, it is important to note that bachelor’s degree holders will enjoy preference in landing the most preferable RN positions. If you have an ADN and want to switch to a BSN, there are ADN to BSN bridge programs you can enroll in some of the accredited nursing schools.

Afterward, apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for RN (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX is a qualifying exam for RN licensure. The National Council of States Board of Nursing (NCSBN) organizes the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, a private testing organization. Visit the Pearson VUE NCLEX website to create an account and register for the test. You can also send in your application via mail to NCLEX Operations at PO Box 64950, St Paul, MN 55164-0950. You can also place a call to 1-866-49NCLEX. Your application will be complete when you pay the $200 examination fee. You can make the payment online through the debit card, credit card, or prepaid payment routes on the Pearson VUE website.

Request a copy of your transcript from the registrar of your institution. Submit the transcript of your institution as you send a request for authorization to test on the website. Your request will take between 3 to 10 business days to process. If your request is successful, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) via mail. The ATT lasts for 90 days within which you should complete your registration. The ATT comes with your candidate number and several choices of dates, times, and venues in Utah. You can now proceed to schedule your test by choosing the most convenient test options.

You will find out the results of your NCLEX-RN test through a mail that the DOPL will send to your mail. If you pass the NCLEX-RN, you should apply for the RN license on the DOPL/USBON website. Visit the DOPL RN application page to fill out the application form. The application attracts a fee of $95. Your application will include two copies of your fingerprints for a criminal background check. You can access fingerprint services from a police department or sheriff’s office closest to you. The DOPL’s fingerprint services are available every weekday too. Your license should be ready within 14 business days if no unusual issues arise.

RN Licensure by Endorsement

The licensure by endorsement channel is for nurses who hold RN licenses.

• First, fill out the licensure by endorsement application form on the DOPL website.
• For states who are part of NURSYS, complete the Nursys verification and designate Utah as your verification destination.
• For states that are not part of NURSYS, get in touch with their nursing boards and get them to send you a Verification of License form which you should fill and tender to the Utah State Board of Nursing.
• Complete the background check through the DOPL fingerprint service or submit two fingerprint cards to a nearby sheriff or a police department.
• Your licensure by endorsement application costs $95.

Advanced Educational Requirements

In addition to the diploma, ADN, and BSN qualifications for the RN license, you will need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Optionally, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a doctorate in a related field will boost your chances of attaining leadership positions amongst Nurse Practitioners. Again, ensure you only study in approved and accredited Utah nursing schools.

National Certification

The nurse licensing board of Utah recognizes several national certifying bodies. Only certifications from these bodies will be admissible for NP licensure in Utah. These recognized bodies are:

• National Certification Corporation (NCC)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetics (NBCRNA)

Getting a Nurse Practitioner License to Practice in Utah

After securing your national certification, the last step to becoming a nurse practitioner in Utah is applying for the state license. You should apply to the DOPL by filling out the APRN license application form on their website. Your application should include three sets of fingerprint cards for background checks. You can get your fingerprint verification at the DOPL office.

Your application should also contain your official transcript (stamped and sealed) of your advanced degree from your nursing school. This transcript must contain proof that you took a course in pharmacotherapeutics and advanced health assessment diagnosis and treatment. The DOPL charges $140 for application and processing. An intern license will attract an additional $35.

APRN licensure in Utah requires at least 4,000 hours of professional practice (6,000 hours) for international applicants. International applicants will submit proof of success in an English proficiency test like IELTS along with their application.

Apply for your license on the Utah State Board of Nursing website.