Utah Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

Nurse Practitioner Licensure Requirements in Utah

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Utah involves a clear—but detailed—process overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Each step builds upon the last, and knowing what’s required can make the path smoother, faster, and less stressful. Below are the four essential milestones for NP licensure in Utah, along with current fees, certification expectations, and key updates as of July 2025.

Hold (or Obtain) an Active Utah RN License

Every nurse practitioner starts with a registered nurse (RN) license. Utah offers two routes to RN licensure, depending on whether you’re entering the field or moving in from another state.

→ Licensure by Examination (First-Time Nurses)

To pursue RN licensure in Utah as a new graduate:

• Complete an approved diploma, ADN, or BSN from an ACEN or CCNE-accredited nursing program.

• Register for the NCLEX-RN via Pearson VUE at nclex.com, and pay the $200 exam fee.

• Request an official transcript from your nursing school be sent to DOPL.

• Once your Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued, schedule and sit for the NCLEX.

• After passing, apply for RN licensure on DOPL’s Online Services Portal, submit two fingerprint cards or schedule fingerprinting, and pay the $60 application fee + $30 fingerprint processing.

Tip: Utah is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), so qualifying residents receive a multistate license.

→ Licensure by Endorsement (Out-of-State RNs)

If you’re already an RN in another state:

• Complete the online RN endorsement application at dopl.utah.gov.

• Verify your license through NURSYS (or via a verification form if your state is not a NURSYS member).

• Submit fingerprints as above and pay the $60 application fee.

Complete a Graduate Nurse Practitioner Program

Once you’re a licensed RN, the next step is completing a graduate-level program in your NP role and population focus.

Graduate Program Requirements:

• Must be accredited by CCNE or ACEN.

• Can be a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or post-master’s certificate.

• Transcripts must show specific coursework in:

  • Advanced Health Assessment

  • Diagnosis & Clinical Decision-Making

  • Pharmacotherapeutics

Note: A DNP is not required but may open doors to leadership or faculty roles. Ensure your program prepares you for national certification in your selected population focus (e.g., Family NP, PMHNP, AGNP).

Earn and Maintain National Certification

After completing your graduate program, you must obtain national certification from a Utah-recognized certifying body. Certification must align with the role and population focus of your education.

Utah Accepts Certification from:

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

• National Certification Corporation (NCC)

• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

• American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

• National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA)

💡 Pro Tip: Your certification must remain active at all times. Utah ties license renewal to your certification status.

Apply for the Utah APRN License

With your RN license, graduate degree, and national certification in hand, you’re ready to apply for licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Utah.

How to Apply:

• Submit your application online through DOPL’s APRN Application Portal.

• Upload official graduate transcripts (sent directly from your university).

• Upload proof of national certification.

• Submit two fingerprint cards or schedule fingerprinting at DOPL’s Salt Lake City office (find more information about fingerprinting here).

• Pay the $100 APRN application fee.

• If you plan to prescribe controlled substances, apply for a Controlled Substance License ($100 additional fee).

Additional Requirements for PMHNPs:

• Must complete 3,000 hours of post-certification supervised practice.

• Can apply for an APRN-Intern license while completing those hours ($35 fee).

• At least 1,000 of those hours must be in mental health therapy.

International applicants must also:

• Demonstrate English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL).

• Provide 6,000 hours of qualifying practice experience.