Utah RN and LPN Continuing Competency
Utah RNs and LPNs must demonstrate continuing competency during each two-year renewal period. Rather than requiring every nurse to complete the same number of continuing education hours, Utah allows nurses to qualify through practice hours, a combination of practice and CE, or continuing education alone.
C-E-U.com can support Utah nurses who choose either of the CE-based pathways. Qualifying nursing courses can be used toward the 15- or 30-contact-hour education options when they meet Utah’s approved continuing education standards.
Utah Nursing Continuing Competency Requirements at a Glance
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | |
|---|---|---|
| General CE Requirement | No fixed CE requirement | No fixed CE requirement |
| Practice-Only Pathway | 400 hours in previous 2 years | 400 hours in previous 2 years |
| Combined Pathway | 200 practice hours + 15 CE hours | 200 practice hours + 15 CE hours |
| CE-Only Pathway | 30 contact hours | 30 contact hours |
| Renewal Period | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Suicide Prevention Training | State-required training applies | State-required training applies |
| Governing Body | Utah Division of Professional Licensing | Utah Division of Professional Licensing |
Utah RN and LPN Continuing Education Options
During the two years immediately preceding renewal, an RN or LPN must complete one of the following:
At least 400 hours of licensed nursing practice
At least 200 hours of licensed nursing practice plus 15 contact hours of approved continuing education
30 contact hours of approved continuing education
Utah RN and LPN Continuing Education — Up to 30 Contact Hours
C-E-U.com offers self-paced online nursing continuing education that can support Utah RNs and LPNs who use the 15-hour or 30-hour CE pathway. Courses provide documented contact hours and completion certificates for the nurse’s records.
Practice-Based Continuing Competency
Utah nurses who have sufficient recent practice hours do not necessarily need continuing education for renewal. A nurse with at least 400 hours of licensed practice during the preceding two years can satisfy the competency requirement through practice alone. A nurse with at least 200 hours can combine those practice hours with 15 contact hours of approved CE.
Additional Renewal Requirement
Utah law also requires nurses renewing a license to view the state-required suicide prevention video and provide proof in the manner required by the Division. This is separate from the RN/LPN continuing competency pathways described above.
Utah Nursing Continuing Education References and Resources
Utah Division of Professional Licensing — Nursing — Official source for Utah RN, LPN, APRN, and medication aide licensing and renewal information.
Utah Nursing Resources — Board resources, including the approved suicide-prevention training information for nurses.
Utah Nursing Practice Act — Utah statutes governing nursing licensure, practice, renewal, and competency requirements.
Utah Nursing Practice Act Rule — R156-31b — Administrative rules covering nursing licensure and continuing competency requirements.
Utah LPN Renewal Form — Official Utah DOPL renewal form with nursing renewal requirements and instructions.
Utah DOPL License Search — Online verification of Utah professional licenses.
Utah Controlled Substance Prescribing Requirements — Statutory requirements that may apply to APRNs and other controlled-substance prescribers.
Frequently Asked Questions: Utah Nursing Continuing Competency
Utah nurses can qualify through one of three pathways: 400 hours of licensed practice, 200 hours of practice plus 15 contact hours of CE, or 30 contact hours of CE.
Yes. Qualifying C-E-U.com nursing courses can be used toward the 15-hour or 30-hour continuing education pathways.
No. Nurses with at least 400 hours of licensed practice during the preceding two years can satisfy the competency requirement through practice alone.
Yes. Utah nurses must complete the state-required suicide prevention training as part of renewal.
Yes. Qualifying online nursing continuing education can be used toward the CE-based competency pathways.
No. Utah does not require routine RN or LPN CE reporting through CE Broker.
Start Your Continuing Education Today!
Complete online continuing education and training at your own pace. Access practical courses, downloadable certificates, and eligible CE Broker reporting for one year.