Best Nursing Schools in Delaware – 2024

As the first state to ratify the US Constitution, Delaware’s “First State” nickname also applies to its nursing job growth. The small state boasts an outsized demand, expecting over 13,000 additional registered nursing jobs needed by 2030. That’s 820 new nurses per year on average.

Nurses here earn an average salary of $77,760 annually. Though Delaware has only 7 nursing schools for its population, top programs deliver NCLEX exam passing rates ranging 84-93%. In a state where nursing shortages align with an aging population, Delaware offers fantastic career prospects to care for communities from the beaches to wine country. Learn about nursing schools in Delaware.

• There are 7 nursing schools in Delaware.
• The CCNE accredits 2 nursing school(s)
• The ACEN accredits 5 nursing school(s).
• The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in Delaware is between 76.58% and 89.32%.
• The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in Delaware is between 80.51% and 90.68%.
• RNs currently employed in Delaware are 11,760.
• RNs in Delaware earn an average of $77,760 per year or $37.39 per hour.
• Delaware needs 13,350 new RNs by 2030 or 820  new nurses per year.

Overview of Nursing Programs in Delaware

Common nursing program options in the state include:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
• RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
• PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.

When weighing nursing program options, key factors like time commitments, tuition costs, career advancement potential, and personal interests matter greatly. Bachelor’s degrees set you up well for flexibility, growth into specialties, and maximizing salary over time.

Delaware Board of Nursing & State Licensing

The Delaware Board of Nursing oversees approval and accreditation of nursing programs in the state. Graduating from a state-approved program ensures curriculum aligns to national standards for licensing exams and practice requirements.

All nurses must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and meet experience and renewal requirements to gain and maintain an active Delaware nursing license. Understanding state regulations early allows you to pick compliant programs.

What Are the Best Nursing Schools in Delaware?

Public, Private and Online Nursing Programs in Delaware

Both public and private universities and colleges in Delaware offer quality nursing programs, from undergraduate nursing degrees through doctoral programs. Online options also exist.

Public Nursing Programs in Delaware

• Delaware Technical Community College – associate’s and bachelor’s degree nursing programs offered at campuses statewide. High-value education preparing nurses for licensure and beyond.
• Delaware State University – Bachelor’s, RN-BSN, Master’s and DNP programs focused on developing compassionate, culturally competent nursing leaders.

Private Nursing Programs in Delaware

• Wilmington University – Extensive nursing options including LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and certificate programs in areas like nursing education and nursing leadership.
• Wesley College – Strong undergraduate pre-licensure BSN program emphasizing evidence-based practice. Accelerated RN and Master’s in Nursing Education also available.
• University of Delaware – Highly competitive BSN, Accelerated BSN, Master’s, DNP and PhD in Nursing programs that spur innovation through evidence-based learning.

Online Nursing Programs

Can’t attend classes in-person? Many accredited online nursing programs serve Delaware students:

• Western Governors University – Nationally ranked for online education including RN to BSN and Master of Science Nursing programs with multiple specializations.
• Grand Canyon University – Christian university offering flexible online nursing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral pathways for nursing advancement.

When evaluating online programs, ensure proper accreditation and state approvals are in place for credentialing and licensure needs.

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Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs provide a fast-track option for earning a Bachelor’s in Nursing. Designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field from an accredited university, ABSN programs allow you to transition into professional registered nursing practice in as little as 12 months.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

ABSN programs cram traditional 2+ year BSN curriculum into an intensive 12-18 month timeline through accelerated courses and hands-on clinical training.

ABSN Admissions Requirements

Typical prerequisites include:

• Existing bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ GPA
• Completed anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and social science courses
• Competitive GRE scores
• CPR certification
• Immunization records
• Criminal background checks
• Professional references
• Essays demonstrating motivation

Due to popularity, clinical nursing experience improves prospective applicants’ chances.

ABSN Program Format

• Didactic Training – Accelerated coursework builds knowledge in areas like pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment and evidence-based practice.
• Clinical Rotations – Crucial hands-on development across hospital units – pediatrics, maternity, oncology, ICUs. Rotations help cement concepts learned in-class through real nursing practice across diverse populations and acute or chronic settings.
• Nursing Skills and Simulation Labs – Using specialized mannequins and virtual simulation technologies, nursing schools recreate scenarios for trainees to problem solve and master assessment, communications, clinical skills and rapid decision making abilities.
• Specialty Focused – Some ABSN programs offer concentrations in high demand nursing areas like emergency care or critical care to develop expertise.

ABSN Outcomes

If considering an ABSN pathway, evaluate program success through nursing certification and licensure exam pass rates which indicate quality standards:

• Post-graduation certification rates (90%+)
• NCLEX-RN licensure exam pass rates (85%+)

Earning an ABSN launches nursing careers quickly while developing well-rounded competencies. Motivated students gain advanced standing for graduate nursing education.

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ABSN programs enable ambitious learners to enter professional registered nursing practice rapidly.

RN to BSN Programs

Already an RN? Earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree markedly boosts career prospects and salary potential long-term versus settling at the associate’s ADN level. Delaware offers tailored pathways to upgrade credentials through RN to BSN programs.

RN to BSN Pathways

While valued clinical skills drive associate’s level nursing professions, hospitals and care settings increasingly expect BSN degree status for the best nursing jobs. Expanding responsibilities in care coordination, leadership, and population health warrant enhanced bachelor’s-level competencies.

RN to BSN curriculum adds critical thinking, technology use, health policy, evidence-based practice, and team coordination training to existing medical know-how. Program formats include:

Online RN to BSN – Complete flexibility fitting coursework into busy schedules. No on-campus requirements.

In-Person RN to BSN – Local programs integrating classroom learning with organizational and leadership skills development. Some blend online and campus elements.

RN to MSN Bridge Programs – Accelerated options allowing Associate’s prepared nurses to earn a Master’s, bypassing the BSN. Ideal for focused specialization.

Earning Credit For Your RN experience

Look for RN to BSN programs offering generous transfer credit and advanced standing policies, which minimize repeats of early nursing major coursework. Some schools grant credits for on-job learning or past nursing classes.

Evaluate each program’s flexibility around scheduling courses, part-time options, affordable tuition rates and availability of dedicated nursing academic advisors. Investing in an RN to BSN provides excellent ROI through boosted career prospects and pay.

Best RN to BSN Schools in Delaware

• Best RN to BSN Programs in Delaware

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Upgrading an RN to a BSN degree offers long-term flexibility for specialization, leadership growth and maximum salary – a smart investment.

Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs

For nurses seeking advanced specialty practice and leadership opportunities, a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree offers access and mobility.

MSN Specializations

Various MSN tracks exist depending on desired nurse practitioner roles and credentials:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – Primarily treat patients across family practice settings
• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Care for teens through older adult patient populations
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) – Support child health from infancy through young adult
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – Treat psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions
• Nursing Administration – Manage nursing units or healthcare organization operations
• Nursing Education – Academic instruction and teaching future nurses

Additional MSN specialties serve unique health needs and environment. Select focus aligning strengths to interests.

Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in Delaware

• Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Delaware

MSN Program Formats

• Full-time – On-campus programs with year-round accelerated course loads
• Part-time – Allows working nurses to continue jobs while taking classes
• Online MSN – Maximum flexibility for remote completion; clinical hours arranged locally

Weigh program timeframe and setting fit. Note specialized MSN tracks require 500+ faculty-supervised clinical hours – plan schedules accordingly around program expectations.

Getting Into MSN Programs

Due to small class cohorts and competitive placements, aim for:

• 3.0+ GPA in BSN undergraduate coursework
• High GRE test scores
• Relevant RN experience
• Strong professional references
• Compelling application essays

Evaluate required undergraduate statistics coursework when selecting programs and anticipated gaps.

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Specialized MSN graduates step into coveted advanced practice nursing roles that manage care across populations.

Pursuing a terminal degree in nursing? Two pathways exist depending on clinical practice vs. research goals – the practice-oriented DNP or academic, discovery-focused PhD.

Doctoral Nursing Programs

For specialized advanced practice nurses, top leadership roles and nursing faculty careers, a doctorate sets you apart. Compare the DNP and PhD routes.

DNP Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) prepares elite nursing clinicians to lead care innovations and apply evidence creatively for optimal health outcomes. Coursework advances clinical scholarship, leadership, technology use and practice transformation – creating expert nurse practitioners equipped to steer complex decision-making.

• Post-Master’s DNP – 3 years post-MSN building on existing NP education and patient care experience through a scholarly project. Students conceptualizing new clinical programs and care delivery models benefit most.
• BSN to DNP – 4-5 years beginning as a bachelor’s prepared RN and culminating as a doctorally prepared advanced practice registered nurse, prepared to lead improvements in nursing systems and policy.

PhD in Nursing Overview

The PhD in Nursing program trains nurse scientists for academic teaching and research careers focused on building bodies of knowledge. Rigorous coursework dives into theory development, research methodologies and advanced statistical analysis while a dissertation advances original science.

• Full-time – 4-7 years immersed in research and professor development
• Part-time – Allows working nurses to continue jobs while taking classes

Funding, research mentors and faculty resources indicate program support levels for PhD students. Many serve as research or teaching assistants to offset tuition.

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Leap to the top of your nursing specialty by completing an advanced practice DNP or research-focused PhD.

Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in Delaware

Beyond the immense personal fulfillment serving patient health needs, nursing offers fantastic career prospects in Delaware.

• Excellent Job Growth – By 2030, Delaware nursing jobs are projected to rise over 15% – much faster than average occupations. New roles keep pace with aging populations and increased demand. Rural and inner city regions also continue needing skilled nurses.
• Competitive Pay – In 2021 registered nurses (RN) earned an average annual salary of $79,000 in Delaware with top 10% exceeding $98,000 as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Trajectory expects current shortages and clinical complexity contributing to higher future wages.
• Varied Work Environments – Nurses qualify for diverse settings like hospitals, private practices, schools, prisons, surgery centers, public health departments and home health. Specialize across fields from pediatrics, to cardiology, oncology or emergency.

Delaware provides incredible opportunities to launch nursing careers with staying power. Now let’s explore steps to gaining credentials.

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Rewarding lifelong careers rich with purpose and growth potential await in Delaware’s expanding nursing field.

How to Earn Your Delaware Nursing License

Securing a Delaware nursing license requires completing approved training programs, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and upholding ethical standards. Follow these key steps:

1. Graduate from an Approved Registered Nursing Program

• Diploma programs
• Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)

Delaware offers several accredited ADN and BSN pathways across universities, colleges and technical schools.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Upon completing a nursing diploma or degree, register for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Check Pearson VUE test center locations.

3. Apply for RN Licensure

With passing NCLEX results, submit a licensure application either by:

• Endorsement – If actively licensed in another state
• Examination – Based on exam results

Include background checks, employment details and eligibility questionnaires meeting Board standards.

4. Maintain an Active Delaware Nursing License

Once approved, renew licenses every 2 years before expiration dates by:

• Completing continuing education credits
• Remitting fees
• Updating contact details

Also uphold ethical obligations around privacy, medical record-keeping and safe practices.

Understanding nuances in maintaining Delaware credentials provides smooth renewals and mobility.

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With the right accredited education and exam results, securing RN licensure in Delaware opens rewarding career paths.

Finding the Right Nursing School in Delaware

When evaluating the over one dozen nursing schools and programs in Delaware delivering Board approved training, look for signals of quality.

Key Indicators of Top Nursing Programs

• State Approval & National Accreditation – Confirm regional and program-level oversight through the Delaware Board of Nursing plus ACEN or CCNE accrediting bodies. Indicates adherence to industry educational standards.
• Strong First-Time NCLEX Pass Rates – Passing this critical RN licensing exam on the first try signals effective teaching practices. Look for 85%+ rates. Detailed data available via the Office of Educator Preparation, Certification, Support and Assessment.
• High Job Placement – Quality nursing schools support graduate transitions into the working world through relationships with area employers and advisers guiding resumes to available openings matching competencies.
• Tuition Fees & Scholarship Availability – Compare total program costs inclusive of textbooks, equipment and uniforms. Leverage school-specific aid opportunities, external scholarships, plus state and federal support to lower out-of-pocket expenses.
• Faculty Student Ratios – Adequate instructor access and enough clinical placement slots for hands-on development are vital. Highly competitive programs ensure sufficient oversight resources.
• Online Options – For flexibility needs, validate proper approvals for online courses to count towards graduation and credentialing requirements in Delaware.

Evaluating dimensions like NCLEX pass rates, faculty ratios and graduate job success ensures you find nursing programs matching your dedication to excel.

Getting Licensed as an RN in Delaware

Upon completing approved Delaware nursing school education, use this overview of steps towards securing your registered nurse license through examination.

Licensure Pathway Step-By-Step

1. Successfully Pass the NCLEX Exam

With transcript in hand, register to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Both caters to entry-level nursing proficiency protecting public safety. Evaluates mastery of standards for safe effective practice.

2. Submit Delaware RN Licensure Application

Within 90 days of passing the NCLEX, file all required paperwork including:

• Completed application form plus fees
• Criminal background checks
• Official sealed transcripts
• Proof of identification
• Previous licensure details if transferring

3. Receive Delaware RN License

Once approved, you will receive an official license number and certificate of registration. This must be renewed every 2 years before expiration through continuing education credits and fees.

4. Maintain Licensure Obligations

Always uphold professional codes of conduct around documentation, patient privacy, ethics reporting of complaints/unlawful acts and renewal deadlines. Meet requirements to keep hard-won licensure in good standing.

With dedication through nationally accredited nursing programs, launching a Delaware nursing career is within reach to transform lives through compassionate, skilled care.

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Secure your foundation for purposeful work by gaining RN credentials. Then continue growing specialties and advancing nursing expertise over a lifetime.

In-Demand Nursing Specializations

Once licensed, consider enhancing expertise through future BSN or MSN education in high-demand nursing specialties within Delaware:

• Emergency Room (ER) Nursing – Fast-paced trauma, critical care needs
• Operating Room (OR) Nursing – Assist surgeons for optimal outcomes
• Obstetrics (OB) Nursing – Support childbirth, gynecological surgery
• Oncology Nursing – Care for cancer patients and families
• Intensive/Critical Care (ICU) Nursing – Life support across illnesses, post-op
• Pediatric Nursing – Address needs from infancy through young adult

Nursing Job Growth & Salaries in Delaware

The job outlook for nurses remains extremely robust driven by aging populations requiring expanded health services. Careers balance recession-proof demand with competitive Delaware wages.

• Job Growth – Nursing employment in Delaware is projected to surge over 15% through 2030, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics – nearly 3x the growth for overall occupations.
• Nursing Salaries – In 2021 registered nurses (RN) mean wages reached $79,000 with top 10% earning over $98,000 in Delaware. Trajectory expects salaries will continue rising with shortages and advanced care needs.

Nurses in Delaware fill crucial societal roles that also enable personally fulfilling lifelong careers rich in purpose, flexibility and advancement. Let the calling to meaningful work guide your nursing education decisions.

FAQ Nursing Schools in Delaware

What is the timeline to complete a BSN program in Delaware?

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs typically take 4 years to complete as full-time students. Accelerated options for those with a prior bachelor’s degree cram courses into 12-18 months. Evaluate public and private Delaware schools’ nursing program timeframes fitting your schedule.

Do I need an Associate’s Degree before applying to Delaware ABSN programs?

Most Delaware Accelerated BSN programs do require a prior bachelor’s degree in any field along with core prerequisites. Some schools offer RN to MSN bridge programs allowing Associate-Degreed RNs to advance straight to a graduate degree. Review admissions criteria closely.

What undergraduate degrees help with becoming an RN?

While any bachelor’s degree meets Accelerated BSN requirements, complementary majors like nutrition, biology, chemistry, psychology or sociology provide a helpful knowledge base for nursing. Alternatively earn an Associate’s Degree in nursing at one of Delaware’s community colleges or 4-year university.

Where do Delaware nursing schools offer practical experience?

Delaware nursing schools connect students with practical clinical experiences across the state’s many hospitals, clinics, doctors offices and community health settings. Check schools’ partner sites to see rotation opportunities fitting your interests from pediatrics to surgery to public health nursing.

What Delaware license allows LPN or LVN practice?

The Licensed Practical Nurse license enables vital healthcare roles under RN or provider supervision. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam after accredited LPN training then abide by Delaware Board of Nursing standards for renewal through working hours and continued learning. Easily transition into nursing diploma or degree programs for career growth.

More of the Best Delaware Nursing Schools

Ranking Methodology and Data Sources

• Ranking Methodology
• University Webpages
• Delaware State Board of Nursing
• Department of Education’s College Scorecard
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
• Department of Labor Projected Employment
• Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data

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