Utah
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
Utah Nursing CEU Overview
Utah requires registered nurses to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The Utah Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Suicide Prevention. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing before enrolling.
Nursing in Utah
Utah has approximately 40,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 3.4 million. Intermountain Healthcare is the dominant health system, operating hospitals throughout the state. University of Utah Health provides academic medicine in Salt Lake City. Utah's growing population and young demographics create diverse nursing opportunities.
Utah requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years or 400 hours of nursing practice during the renewal period. Utah mandates opioid education as part of CE requirements. This flexible approach allows nurses to demonstrate competency through either education or practice.
Common Practice Settings in Utah
Intermountain Healthcare
The largest Utah-based health system operates facilities throughout the state and is known for healthcare quality initiatives.
University of Utah Health
The academic medical center provides specialty care and research opportunities.
Rural Utah
Rural areas of southern and eastern Utah face healthcare access challenges.
Utah License Renewal Tips
Complete 30 contact hours OR 400 practice hours.
Include opioid education in your CE activities.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Track your practice hours if using that option for renewal.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Utah
Utah is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work in border areas near Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, or Nevada.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention Required each renewal | 0.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Hours must relate to nursing practice.
- 0.5 hours suicide prevention required each renewal.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention Required each renewal | 0.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
- 0.5 hours suicide prevention required each renewal.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
40
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Suicide Prevention Required each renewal | 0.5 | Each renewal |
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 15 | Each renewal |
Controlled Substances Prescribing For prescribers | 3.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
40
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 15 | Each renewal |
Controlled Substances Prescribing For prescribers | 3.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
40
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 15 | Each renewal |
Controlled Substances Prescribing For prescribers | 3.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
40
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 15 | Each renewal |
Controlled Substances Prescribing For prescribers | 3.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
40
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 15 | Each renewal |
Controlled Substances Prescribing For prescribers | 3.5 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
Utah requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, Idaho has no general CE requirement, while Wyoming has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, Utah allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward Utah requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how Utah compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Utah Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.