4 Best DNP Programs in Utah – 2025


Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Looking for a way to optimize your professional nursing autonomy? DNP programs in Utah can train you to become a nurse practitioner, and since Utah is a full-practice state, you’ll be able to diagnose and treat patients to the full extent of your education. A DNP can also train you to become an executive nurse leader, a nurse educator, or a researcher working on nursing-related issues. As a DNP-educated RN in the Bee Hive State, you’ll make $127,690 annually on average, and your employment options will expand by 60 percent in 10 years. The list below of the 4 best DNP programs in Utah contains a lot more information.


WHAT ARE THE BEST DNP PROGRAMS IN UTAH (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 4 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Utah (Online & Campus) for 2025.


1. The University of Utah - Salt Lake City


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dual Women's Health Nurse Practitioner/Nurse-Midwifery, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner


MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Organizational Leadership


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The University of Utah is home to one of the best DNP programs in Utah. The school offers a BSN-to-DNP pathway, which is an excellent option for baccalaureate-prepared nurses desiring to earn a terminal nursing degree. Additionally, there are eight BSN-to-DNP specialty tracks to choose from, which means you can find a path that aligns with your academic and professional goals.

The BSN-to-DNP program is a full-time pathway designed to be completed in three years or eight semesters. Distance learning is available for six of the BSN-to-DNP specialty pathways. Classes for the remaining program options are offered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online learning. At the University of Utah, you will complete between 77 and 88 credits in the BSN-to-DNP program, depending on your chosen specialty.

Curriculum plans for all pathways begin with advanced first-semester courses, including Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics Across the Lifespan, Fundamentals of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Advanced Pathophysiology for DNP. In the second semester, specialty-specific courses begin with the curriculum tailored to your chosen path. Each specialty pathway includes clinical practicums designed to prepare you for practice as a specialist in your chosen field.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Utah, you must have (or be in the process of earning) a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited college or university. If you are in the process of earning your BSN, you must complete the degree before beginning the DNP program.

Candidates must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all college coursework. You must have an active, unrestricted RN license. One year of direct patient care experience is preferred. In addition to completing a FutureU application, you must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools you have attended, a Personal Goal Statement, a professional resume, and three letters of recommendation.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-master's DNP program at the University of Utah is available part-time or full-time. If you enroll full-time, you can complete the program in five semesters. Part-time students require one additional year to meet the program graduation criteria. The MSN-to-DNP program features executive and online formats. The executive format requires students to attend video conferences four to five times each semester. No campus attendance is required.

The MSN-to-DNP is available with an opportunity to specialize in Organizational Leadership. The program is a 34.5-credit pathway. In this program, you will study Foundations of Health Informatics, Healthcare Finance & Budgeting for Organizational Leaders, and Workforce Management in Nursing.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the MSN-to-DNP program must meet all BSN-to-DNP admission criteria and must possess either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a non-nursing master’s degree.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Utah’s DNP programs offer guaranteed clinical placement sites for students living near the Wasatch Front area. If you live outside the Intermountain West Region, your Specialty Track Director will work with you to arrange clinical experiences. Because the school advocates to help ensure your clinical placement, you can feel confident you will have adequate learning experiences to prepare you as you begin to transition your career to the DNP level.
• The University of Utah’s DNP program is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice! This recognition speaks volumes about the quality of the program offered by the school.


2. Westminster University - Salt Lake City


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The BSN-to-DNP program at Westminster University offers an excellent opportunity for baccalaureate-prepared nurses seeking a terminal nursing degree specializing in nurse anesthesia. The program admits students in the summer semester annually and takes three years to complete. The 90-credit nurse anesthesia program offers a rigorous curriculum. You will study advanced Pharmacology, Anesthesia Principles, Clinical Research, and Epidemiology & Population Health. The program includes 1,000 hours of clinical practicum, which includes hands-on care of anesthesia patients and completion of a DNP Scholarly Project.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program at Westminster University is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must have a current RN license in good standing without restrictions and a minimum of one year of critical care experience. One year of intensive care unit experience is required; adult ICU (cardiac/neuro/thoracic/shock-trauma) is preferred. You must have a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned from an accredited program. All candidates must provide three letters of recommendation from colleagues who can attest to their character and work performance, including one recommendation from a current or previous supervisor. You must provide a current resume and CCRN certification score report.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-masters DNP program in Utah at Westminster University accepts applications on a rolling admission basis and admits students yearly in the fall. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters of full-time study. A part-time enrollment option is also available that can be completed in five semesters. The program features a hybrid format, blending online and traditional classroom learning.

The MSN-to-DNP program prepares you to evaluate and analyze scientific knowledge to ensure quality healthcare systems, improve patient and organizational outcomes, and utilize information literacy and technology to improve healthcare delivery. Upon completion of the program, you will have an in-depth knowledge, and the skills needed to demonstrate expertise in professional communication, leadership, scientific foundations, and healthcare systems.

To earn the post-masters DNP, you must complete a minimum of 32 semester hours. The program begins with the study of Advanced Theory & Ethical Issues in Advanced Nursing Practice and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Theory, Design, & Methods. All students in the DNP program must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. You may transfer up to 700 clinical hours from your master's nursing program with approval from the DNP program director.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The MSN-to-DNP program at Westminster University is open to advanced practice registered nurses who meet the following criteria. Candidates must complete a graduate application and submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended. You must have a Master of Science in Nursing earned at an accredited school of nursing, an APRN license, and a National Nurse Practitioner Certificate. Additionally, you must submit a professional statement and a detailed professional resume.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Westminster University offers small class sizes, which means you will receive dedicated attention and individual help throughout the program.
• Program faculty for the DNP programs at Westminster University are doctoral-prepared and have a broad range of clinical experiences. Many remain in active practice in addition to teaching, which means you will learn from professionals who are aware of the most current trends in healthcare.


3. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions - Provo


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner (Clinical Leadership and Executive Leadership)


MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Clinical Leadership and Executive Leadership


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-bachelor's DNP program at Rocky Mountain University is one of the best DNP programs in Utah. The program, which is primarily online, is designed to be completed in eight semesters. The first three semesters of the program are exclusively online. During semesters four through eight, three-to-five-day on-site visits are required once per semester.

The Family Nurse Practitioner program is a 71-credit pathway. All students in the BSN-to-DNP program complete a set of core nursing courses on subjects including qualitative inquiry, evidence-based practice, and biostatistics. The FNP curriculum includes 18 credits of specialty-relevant coursework, consisting of three clinical courses, each with a corresponding clinical practicum. Students in the BSN-to-DNP program also have the option of specializing in Clinical Leadership or Executive Leadership by earning an additional nine credit hours.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: the BSN-to-DNP program is available to prospective students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must have a minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0. Additionally, you must have a current RN license and one year of work experience as a registered nurse and submit two letters of recommendation.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: At Rocky Mountain University, you can go from having a master’s degree in nursing to earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in just four semesters. The school admits students to the post-master's DNP program annually in the fall semester. The program is 100% online, making it an excellent choice for working professionals.

The post-master's DNP curriculum includes 38 core credits and nine specialty credits. Students in both the Clinical Leadership and Executive Leadership pathways begin by taking classes, including Advanced Scientific Underpinnings, Health Policy & Finance, and Organizational Behavior Management & Informatics. The Clinical Leadership pathway includes three courses designed to prepare you to provide patient care through advanced practice. The Executive Leadership pathway is designed to prepare you to lead healthcare organizations through knowledge of administrative strategies and advanced business practices.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN-to-DNP program at Rocky Mountain University, you must have a Master of Science in Nursing degree earned from an accredited institution and have an active, unencumbered RN license in your state of residence. Candidates seeking admission to the Clinical Leadership track must be an advanced practice registered nurse. You must provide copies of all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and two letters of recommendation.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Rocky Mountain University reports that graduates of its DNP programs perform exceptionally well on national certification exams following program completion. Good pass rates are a strong indicator that the programs are high quality and prepare students for success!
• Graduates of the DNP programs in Utah at Rocky Mountain University are prepared to be experts in their field. The school is known for educating highly qualified nurse professionals, which is a testament to their commitment to nursing education!


4. Weber State University - Ogden


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP


BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner


MSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Executive Leadership


BSN-to-DNP Program Details: The post-bachelor's DNP program in Utah at Weber State University offers opportunities to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The program features a hybrid format, combining online and in-person learning with extensive labs and clinical learning opportunities.

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty is a 76.5-credit pathway designed to be completed in eight semesters. The Psychiatric Mental Health NP specialty requires 74-75 credits and takes seven semesters to complete.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Admission to the BSN-to-DNP program requires candidates to be a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA- accredited nursing program. Candidates must have a current unencumbered RN license and two years of full-time experience or three years of part-time experience working as a registered nurse. Applicants seeking admission to the FNP specialty must have a college GPA of 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale.


MSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you have a master’s degree in nursing and are ready to earn a DNP and become an expert nurse leader, Weber State University has a great program to consider. The post-master's DNP Executive Leadership program is a part-time, five-semester program. The program features online classwork with one on-campus meeting at the end of the program to disseminate your DNP Project.

The 31-credit curriculum features classes, including Healthcare Policy & Professionalism, Systems Approach & Quality Improvement, Research Foundations & Evidence-Based Practice, and Advanced Health Population. All students in the DNP program must complete at least 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Clinicals are arranged and completed close to your home.


MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the MSN-to-DNP program must have either a Master of Science in Nursing Degree OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree AND a Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, or Master of Public Health degree. Your nursing degree must have been earned at an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited nursing school. You must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher for all college-level coursework and a minimum of 60 transferable credits. You must submit two letters of recommendation, a professional resume or curriculum vitae, a personal essay, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools.


Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• If you are an active Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, you can take advantage of preceptor benefits at Weber State University and earn up to six credit hours of tuition reimbursement per semester!
• Weber State University has several clinical partnerships, which means you will have a broad range of experiences to prepare you for DNP practice.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED


1. Who Accredits DNP Programs In Utah?




2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited DNP Programs In Utah?


4


3. What Is The Average DNP Salary In Utah?


Hourly$66.20
Weekly$2,648
Monthly$11,470
Annual$137,690


4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level DNP Graduates Make In Utah?


Hourly$48.70
Weekly$1,948
Monthly$8,440
Annual$101,300


5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced DNP Graduates Make In Utah?


Level of ExperienceHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
1-4 Years of Experience$55.11$2,204$9,550$114,620
5-9 Years of Experience$65.05$2,602$11,280$135,300
10-19 Years of Experience$72.44$2,898$12,560$150,680
20 Years or More Experience$86.57$3,463$15,010$180,060


6. What Is The Average DNP Salary In Utah By Metro?


MetroHourlyWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Logan$54.88$2,195$9,510$114,140
Ogden-Clearfield$65.14$2,606$11,290$135,490
Provo-Orem$64.84$2,594$11,240$134,870
St. George$64.55$2,582$11,190$134,270
Salt Lake City$68.24$2,730$11,830$141,940


7. Average DNP Salary In Utah Vs. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Utah


Job TitleAverage
Annual Salary
Difference
Number%
Podiatrist$147,530-$9,840-6.67%
Dentist$139,970-$2,280-1.63%
Optometrist$139,280-$1,590-1.14%
Nurse With DNP$137,690$00.00%
Pharmacist$130,770+$6,920+5.29%
Veterinarian$128,940+$8,750+6.79%
Physician Assistant$126,460+$11,230+8.88%
Radiation Therapist$103,970+$33,720+32.43%
Physical Therapist$96,860+$40,830+42.15%
Audiologist$86,380+$51,310+59.40%
Occupational Therapist$85,750+$51,940+60.57%
Speech-Language Pathologist$83,650+$54,040+64.60%
Dental Hygienist$78,910+$58,780+74.49%
Chiropractor$76,220+$61,470+80.65%


Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.



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