# The Top 5 LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Salt Lake City, UT \(2026\) - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-5-lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs-in-salt-lake-city-ut-2024/ - Published: 2024-02-12 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide crucial healthcare services, but many seek to advance their skills and career opportunities by earning a Registered Nurse (RN) degree. An LPN to RN bridge program allows current LPs to leverage their existing knowledge and clinical hours while efficiently transitioning to RN licensure. In the Salt Lake City region, these accelerated "bridge" programs are widely available, but vary significantly in quality, cost and outcomes. This guide provides an in-depth look at the top LPN to RN programs in Salt Lake City to help current LPNs make an informed choice. ## A Quick Look at LPN to RN Bridge Programs Before reviewing the top local programs, it helps to understand the basics of LPN to RN bridge programs: - **Flexible Schedules** – Many feature night, weekend and online options to accommodate working LPNs - **Credit for LPN training** – Programs give credit for previous LPN work rather than starting over - **Accelerated Curriculum** – Finish RN degree faster by focusing just on advanced nursing topics - **Clinical Rotations** – Apply classroom knowledge through 200-500 hours of clinical rotations In most programs, students graduate ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and earn their RN license. This opens up significantly more career opportunities and earning potential. Now let‘s explore the standout LPN to RN bridge programs in Salt Lake City and surrounding suburbs. ## 1. Dixie State University Nursing [INSERT INFOGRAPHIC OR IMAGE] **Key Stats:** - Program Formats: LPN to ASN, LPN to BSN - Program Length: ASN – 3 Semesters, BSN – 5 Semesters - Admissions: Rolling deadlines - Credit Hours Required: 62 (ASN), 120 (BSN) Dixie State‘s CCNE-accredited nursing school is the #1 ranked LPN to RN program in Utah. The flexible program formats and multiple start dates per year make it friendly for working LPNs seeking career advancement. Both the Associate (ASN) and Bachelor‘s (BSN) degree options utilize advanced placement to award up to 6 credits for qualified LPNs. This allows students to forego certain nursing prerequisites. The 63-69 credit ASN curriculum spans just 3 semesters and emphasizes clinical competency. Applicants must complete all prerequisites from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.75 GPA prior to starting the core nursing courses. Over 500 highly competitive clinical rotation hours prepare students sit for RN licensure. Those able to commit more time upfront can pursue the accelerated 15-month BSN designed specifically for LPN degree-holders. This rigorous program includes management and community health topics befitting a well-rounded nurse leader. **Unique Strengths** - High NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate - Multiple program entry points per year - State-of-the-art simulation training [WEBSITE BUTTON] ## 2. Ameritech College Associate Degree Nursing [INSERT INFOGRAPHIC OR IMAGE] **Key Stats:** - Program Format: LPN to ADN - Program Length: 5 Semesters - Admissions: Rolling enrollment - Credit Hours Required: 72 Ameritech College is one of Utah‘s top-rated private nursing schools, and its accelerated ADN pathway stands out as an excellent bridge option for LPNs. By validating fundamental nursing concepts mastered during LPN training, the program shortens the timeline to around 20 months of full-time study. This makes it one of the quickest LPN to RN options in Salt Lake City. The curriculum provides advanced coursework across medical, surgical, critical care, pediatric and mental health nursing. Students apply their developing skills during 400 hours of clinical rotations conducted at major regional healthcare providers. Like all Ameritech programs, the LPN to ADN pathway utilizes cutting-edge simulation labs and best-in-class instructors to prepare students for RN practice. Graduates consistently post strong pass rates on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. **Unique Strengths** - Innovative simulation lab technology - Highly flexible full and part-time options - Strong industry relationships for clinicals [WEBSITE BUTTON] ## Comparison of Top LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Salt Lake City | Program | Program Types | Program Length | Admissions | Credit Hours | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Dixie State University | LPN to ASNLPN to BSN | ASN: 3 SemBSN: 5 Sem | Rolling | 62120 | | Ameritech College | LPN to ADN | 5 Semesters | Rolling | 72 | | Western Governors Univ. | LPN to BSN | Self-paced | Monthly | 120 | | Eagle Gate College | LPN to ASN | 4 Semesters | Quarterly | 72 | | Stevens-Henager College | LPN to ASN | 60 Semester Weeks | Monthly | 75 | ## Choosing the Best LPN to RN Bridge Program Selecting the right RN program is an important investment, so it pays to thoroughly research all options. Here are some key factors LPNs should consider: **Schedule Flexibility** – Convenient evening and online options allow working LPNs to complete courses **Program Length** – Accelerated curriculums build on existing LPN knowledge **Cost** – Compare not just tuition rates but also Fees, textbooks/supplies and financial aid options **Faculty** – Experienced instructors and nursing-focused curriculum provide better preparation **Clinicals** – Quality and variety of clinical rotation partners improves real-world experience **Student Outcomes** – Strong graduation + NCLEX pass rates indicate effective programs LPNs should schedule consultations and campus visits explore how well each school aligns with their needs and expectations. ## Job & Salary Outlook for RNs in Salt Lake City RN degree programs in Salt Lake City offer students exciting career opportunities given substantial nursing job growth and competitive wages. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Utah RNs to expand significantly over the next decade – over 3x the pace of all occupations statewide. By 2030, nearly 1 in 10 new Utah jobs could be in nursing. Nurses with Bachelor‘s degrees and specialty certifications will be in especially high demand. These trends create a strong job market – over 90% of recent nursing graduates in Utah readily find registered nursing positions. Median annual salaries for RNs in the Salt Lake City metro as of 2020 reach nearly $70,000, over 35% above the median wage. RN employment is centered in hospitals, physicians offices, home health agencies and outpatient care centers within commute distance of Salt Lake. Top employers like University of Utah Health, Steward Healthcare and Intermountain Healthcare hire hundreds of new RNs annually, and offer outstanding benefits plus opportunities for career advancement. In summary, LPN to RN bridge programs offer an excellent pathway to higher nursing roles that are both economically vital and personally meaningful. ## Applying to LPN to RN Bridge Programs LPNs ready to advance their career should begin the application process 6-12 months before their preferred program start date. Here‘s an overview of the typical LPN to RN application cycle: - **April – June** – Research programs and complete applications - **August-September** – Interview and explore financial aid options - **October – December** – Receive admission decision and enroll - **January/Spring Start** – Begin LPN to RN bridge program Required application materials generally include: - Transcripts and evidence of LPN licensure - Letters of recommendation - Essay or personal statement - Fee payment It helps to prepare early for program interviews and standardized tests some schools require. Thoroughly reviewing the RN curriculum and clinical training can also provide helpful context. With rolling admission cycles at some colleges, applying early improves an applicant‘s chances and flexibility around preferred start dates. ## Conclusion and Recommendations For LPNs in the Salt Lake City area seeking greater career opportunities and earning power, LPN to RN bridge programs offer an excellent and accelerated pathway to RN licensure. Of the many local options, **Dixie State University** stands out as the overall leader in academics, flexibility for working students and positive outcomes. The school offers both Associate and Bachelor‘s pathways depending on student needs and goals. However, quality alternatives like **Ameritech College** provide similar abbreviated LPN to RN curriculums with the convenience of rolling enrollment dates. Their innovative learning formats may also appeal to certain applicants. Regardless of where current LPNs choose to continue their education, advancing to registered nursing positions provides outstanding job prospects and financial rewards in one of Utah‘s highest demand fields. --- Source: [The Top 5 LPN to RN Bridge Programs in Salt Lake City, UT \(2026\)](https://33rdsquare.com/the-top-5-lpn-to-rn-bridge-programs-in-salt-lake-city-ut-2024/)