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.
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 4 Best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Utah (Online & Campus) for 2025.
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 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.Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP
BSN-to-DNP Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesia
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.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 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!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 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!S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
4 |
Hourly | $66.20 |
Weekly | $2,648 |
Monthly | $11,470 |
Annual | $137,690 |
Hourly | $48.70 |
Weekly | $1,948 |
Monthly | $8,440 |
Annual | $101,300 |
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
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 |
Metro | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
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 |
Job Title | Average 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 | $0 | 0.00% |
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% |