Utah Online NP Programs
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“Nurse practitioners play a vital role in improving healthcare access across Utah, especially in rural communities where medical providers are often limited. Our DNP-FNP graduates are trained to practice independently, delivering comprehensive, holistic care to patients of all ages.”
Carrie Watkins Jeffrey, PhD, Director of the DNP Program, Weber State University’s Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing
Utah’s rapidly growing healthcare landscape has created a strong demand for nurse practitioners (NPs), making online NP programs an essential pathway for advanced nursing education. These flexible programs enable working nurses to earn their degrees while balancing their professional and personal responsibilities, thereby ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified providers.
According to CareerOneStop.org (2025), Utah has 3,680 NPs, and that number is projected to rise to 5,900 by 2032—an impressive 60 percent increase, well above the national average of 46 percent. This surge underscores the vital role of NPs in addressing healthcare needs across the state, particularly as Utah’s population continues to grow.
One key reason for Utah’s higher-than-average NP job growth is its rapidly increasing and aging population, leading to greater demand for primary and specialized healthcare services. Additionally, many parts of the state, particularly rural and underserved areas, rely heavily on NPs to fill gaps in care due to physician shortages. Online NP programs help meet this demand by providing accessible education and training, ensuring that more nurses can transition into advanced practice roles without having to relocate or pause their careers. As Utah continues to experience significant healthcare workforce needs, online NP programs remain a vital solution in preparing skilled, knowledgeable practitioners to serve communities across the state.
Meet the Expert: Carrie Watkins Jeffrey, PhD, MSN-Ed, RN
Dr. Carrie Watkins Jeffrey serves as the director of the DNP program and an associate professor at Weber State University’s Annie Taylor Dee School of Nursing. She began her nursing career in 2013 after earning a BSN from Minnesota State University. She furthered her education with an MS in nursing education from Weber State University and completed a PhD in nursing education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Jeffrey gained diverse clinical experience, working as a cardiac/pulmonary, medical/surgical, and float RN at the Mayo Clinic in Mankato, Minnesota. Upon relocating to Utah, she served in labor & delivery at McKay-Dee Hospital and as a clinic OBGYN RN at Wasatch OBGYN.
Since joining Weber State University as a full-time faculty member in 2017, Dr. Jeffrey has taught across various nursing programs, including associate degree nursing (ADN), master of science in nursing (MSN), and DNP programs. Her research interests encompass curriculum design and implementation, leadership in nursing, clinical education, mental health of nurses, and women’s health issues. Beyond her academic roles, she chairs the Weber State University Curriculum Committee and actively participates in multiple committees within the School of Nursing. She is also a member of the National League for Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Utah?
Dr. Jeffrey: Nurse practitioners play a vital role in improving healthcare access across Utah, especially in rural communities where medical providers are often limited. Our DNP-FNP graduates are trained to practice independently, delivering comprehensive, holistic care to patients of all ages. The DNP program at Weber State is rigorous and time-intensive, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to meet our communities’ healthcare needs with confidence and expertise. Our DNP program goes beyond preparing students for direct patient care—it also equips them to drive systems-level improvements in healthcare, improving outcomes for entire populations.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Jeffrey: For those considering a nurse practitioner program, I strongly encourage gaining solid clinical experience as a registered nurse. That hands-on experience builds essential skills that will help prepare students for advanced practice. All applicants to our program must be registered nurses with at least two years of clinical experience to ensure they enter the program with a strong foundation in patient care.
Aspiring DNP-FNP students should be prepared to immerse themselves in evidence-based practice. They will learn how to apply research to deliver high-quality, effective care. Success in a nurse practitioner program requires dedication, time management, and a passion for improving healthcare outcomes.
Most Affordable Online NP Programs in Utah (Ranked by In-State Tuition)
| School | Degrees | Specializations | Programs & Tuition | Programs | Tuition (in-state) |
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| Southern Utah University |
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| Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions |
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| Western Governors University |
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NP Practice Authority in Utah
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make in Utah?
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAmong her many diverse writing endeavors, Kimmy Gustafson has also lent her expertise to NPSchools.com since 2020, providing insightful and engaging content about the significant role of education in shaping our future generations of nurse practitioners. Many of her pieces include interviewing experts on timely topics such as healthcare workplace violence and moral distress.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.