7 Best ADN Programs in Utah – (2-Year RN Programs)


Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH (Introduction), and Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org (School Profiles)

Enrolling in one of the ADN programs in Utah is a smart move that will enable you to join the nursing workforce faster. You always have the option to go back to school and continue your nursing education later on; in fact, many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement options. As an RN with an associate degree in nursing, you can expect your annual salary to average $76,400. You’ll have tremendous employment opportunities, too, since demand for ADN-prepared RNs is anticipated to rise by 20 percent in the next 10 years. Sound like a good fit for your professional ambitions? Reading about the 7 best ADN programs in Utah will help you get started.


WHAT ARE THE BEST ADN PROGRAMS IN UTAH (ONLINE AND CAMPUS)?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 7 best nursing schools for ADN programs in Utah. You can complete most of these programs in 2 years.


1. Weber State University - Ogden


Program Details: One of the best ADN programs in Utah, Weber State University’s ADN program is offered sequentially. The program first starts with one year of PN courses, after which students are eligible to take the PN exam. Thereafter, students continue with the program to complete the remaining ADN coursework. Leading to the NCLEX-RN exam, the program comprises a total of 63 credits. The program covers topics such as pharmacology, patient-centered nursing care, nursing foundations, and complex patient-centered care.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for this 2-year RN program in Utah, potential students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Also, you must complete prerequisite courses and have either a CNA or EMT certification. The program also requires applicants to have a GPA of at least 3.0.


Why Choose This Program

• Weber State University’s ADN program is community focused. The program provides students with service learning opportunities in diverse community healthcare settings.
• Weber State University’s ADN offers several learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Students engage in clinical rotations, internships, and simulations to prepare for real-world challenges of patient care.
• Weber State University’s ADN program provides students with flexibility in terms of study formats and locations. This means you’ll be able to opt for full-time or part-time study, and online or on-campus classes, based on your convenience and preference.


2. Utah Valley University - Orem


Program Details: With a degree in nursing from Utah Valley University, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community health clinics, military, nursing education, and long-term facilities to name a few. Its ADN program includes hands-on clinical experiences and theoretical lectures to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience. The ADN coursework includes topics such as health assessment, nursing pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing care, microbiology, and complex nursing health needs.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for this ADN program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. In addition, you must complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. To complete the application process, you must be prepared to submit an application and all your official transcripts.


Why Choose This Program

• Utah Valley University’s ADN program is one of the most affordable 2-year RN programs in Utah. The program is an accessible option for students seeking high-quality education.
• Utah Valley University’s ADN program is ranked highly for alumni earnings. The high salaries indicate that graduates are fully prepared for a successful nursing career.
• Utah Valley University offers a multicultural learning environment that values diversity. The rich diversity helps ADN students build cultural competence.


3. Salt Lake Community College - Salt Lake City


Program Details: Another one of the well-known ADN programs in Utah, Salt Lake Community College’s associate degree in nursing program is a comprehensive coursework that comprises 68 credits. The program takes two years to complete and culminates in the NCLEX-RN exam. Students first complete the prerequisites, followed by 48 credits of required courses. The required courses include a broad range of topics such as the fundamentals of nursing, health assessment, pathophysiology, med-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, pharmacology, obstetrics & pediatric nursing, and nursing pharmacology.


Admission Requirements: The admission process of Salt Lake Community College’s ADN program is selective. Prospective students must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old. To qualify, the program requires a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must submit their transcripts and TEAS scores to apply.


Why Choose This Program

• Salt Lake Community College’s ADN program has articulation agreements with several four-year institutions in the state. The agreements facilitate a seamless transition to a BSN or MSN program.
• At Salt Lake Community College, ADN students benefit from diverse clinical placements. Students gain real-world experience in various types of healthcare settings.
• Salt Lake Community College’s ADN program is known for its affordability and flexibility, making it one of the most accessible ADN programs in Utah.


4. Utah State University - Logan


Program Details: Utah State University’s ADN program is structured to be completed within two years of full-time study. The curriculum is designed to cover essential topics in basic and advanced nursing concepts. The program combines classroom lectures with clinical training to provide an immersive learning experience. Students obtain proficiency in health promotion, disease prevention, med-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, and family health nursing. Upon graduation, they are fully prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Utah State University’s ADN program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. This 2-year nursing program in Utah also requires the completion of prerequisite courses, including human anatomy & physiology, English, chemistry, and a course in statistics. To apply, you must submit an application fee and your official transcripts.


Why Choose This Program

• Utah State University’s ADN program not only boasts of a high graduation rate but also takes pride in the excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam pass rate.
• Utah State University’s ADN program is one of the more affordable ADN programs in Utah.
• Utah State University’s ADN students benefit from the expertise of the program's faculty. The program provides a supportive learning environment where the faculty is committed to helping students achieve a positive academic & professional outcome.


5. Fortis College - Salt Lake City


Program Details: Fortis College’s ADN program boasts of a meticulously designed curriculum that helps students obtain proficiency in basic and advanced concepts in nursing. Leading to the NCLEX-RN exam, this 2-year RN program in Utah prepares graduates to work in different types of work settings, including med-surgical, pediatric, oncology, mental health, geriatrics, and women’s health. The ADN coursework emphasizes holistic nursing care and equips students with a well-rounded skillset.


Admission Requirements: Fortis College’s ADN program is open to high school graduates who have a GPA of at least 2.5. The program requires the completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. To complete the admission requirements, students must be prepared to submit their official transcripts and TEAS scores.


Why Choose This Program

• Fortis College’s ADN program is offered in a hybrid format. The program combines the flexibility of online and on-campus classes to meet the evolving needs of students.
• Fortis College’s ADN program goes beyond traditional lectures and provides students with meaningful clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Fortis College’s ADN program emphasizes lifelong learning. Program graduates stay abreast of the latest developments and are prepared to offer future-ready nursing care.
• Fortis College’s ADN program has established a partnership with Denver College of Nursing. The partnership provides students with a seamless transition to their BSN and MSN programs.


6. Snow College - Ephraim


Program Details: Snow College’s ADN program is concurrently offered at two campuses of Richfield and Ephraim. Starting in fall and spring, the program spans four semesters. This ADN program in Utah is a comprehensive coursework that covers a wide range of topics, including the fundamentals of nursing, mental health nursing, med-surgical nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, and pharmacology. Toward the end of the program, students complete a nursing capstone.


Admission Requirements: To qualify for Snow College’s ADN program, you must have a high school diploma or GED with a GPA of at least 2.80. This ADN program in Utah also requires the completion of prerequisite courses such as human anatomy & physiology, chemistry, and English. Students must also have a current CNA license. To apply, submission of official transcripts, an essay, and two recommendations is required.


Why Choose This Program

• Snow College’s ADN program maintains small-sized classes with each of its campuses enrolling up to 12 students.
• Snow College’s ADN program allows students from both, Richfield and Ephraim campuses to interact with peers and faculty via video conferencing.
• Snow College’s ADN program allows a successful transfer to several BSN and MSN programs in the state.


7. Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences - Draper


Program Details: At Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, the ADN program is designed to equip students with a solid skill set in critical thinking, informatics, and clinical judgment. The curriculum comprises 69 credits, offering courses in a blended format. The program also includes 472.5 hours of clinical training. Most students complete this ADN program in Utah within 20 months of full-time study. Upon completion of the program, graduates are fully prepared to provide competent and compassionate care for diverse patient populations.


Admission Requirements: If you are interested in applying for Joyce University’s ADN program, you must foremost have a high school diploma with a GPA of at least 2.5. This ADN program in Utah also requires the submission of a TEAS score and official transcripts. In addition, applicants must also complete pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C.


Why Choose This Program

• The ADN program at Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences, stands out with its impressive pass rate of over 97.56% on the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Joyce University boasts of a state-of-art simulation center, where ADN students receive ample clinical training. Moreover, because clinical experiences are integrated throughout the program, students have the opportunity to concurrently apply theoretical knowledge to immediate practice.
• Joyce University’s ADN program takes pride in accomplishing successful student learning outcomes. Students not only pass the licensure exam but also demonstrate proficiency in the nursing field.


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