2022 - Best Nursing Schools in Delaware

Overview of Nursing Schools in Delaware

If you are looking to build your career in healthcare as a nurse, you are probably on the lookout for some of the best educational institutions that can pave the way towards your goals. Nursing schools in Delaware strive to equip its students with both practical and theoretical knowledge and prepares them to provide compassionate care in any healthcare setting.

In this article, we will talk about some of the best nursing schools in the state of Delaware that are committed to producing the best nurses to serve the state, nation, and global health.

About Nursing Schools in Delaware

The Future of Nursing Campaign selected the Delaware Nurses Association as an Action Coalition for action. This is a campaign that encourages nurses to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It is because of this that many nursing schools in Delaware have added a wide variety of accredited RN and BSN programs in both online and on-campus schools. Obtaining a BSN degree is very beneficial and can help nurses become more eligible for positions with greater professional responsibility. With a BSN degree, nurses are also able to expand their knowledge with experience gained while working in the field.

Delaware RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN

Best Ranked Nursing Schools in Delaware

To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Delaware and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

To create our rankings, we evaluated 3 ADN degree programs and 4 BSN degree programs in Delaware. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Delaware to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. 

Best Nursing Schools in Delaware

University of Delaware

School of Nursing

93.15% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE - 19716
• 
  (302) 831-2000

Nurse Admin: Elizabeth Speakman, EdD, RN, FNAP, ANEF, FAAN

Title: Senior Associate Dean

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 93.15%
• Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN

University of Delaware is located in Newark, Delaware.  Their school of nursing opened its doors in 1962, awarding its first BSN degrees in 1966. The University of Delaware has been ranked one of the best in both the nation and state. The university itself has zero-tolerance for discrimination based on any

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 1263
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,020
• Book and Supplies: $1,000
• Percent Received Aid: 89%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,188
• Percent Admitted: 66%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
• Graduation Rate: 82%

Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Department of Nursing

91.10% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE - 19901
• 
  (302) 857-1000

Nurse Admin: Joshua Barnes, MSN, RN

Title: Instructional Director and Department Chair, Terry Campus ADN and PN Program

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

Pursuing a nursing degree at Delaware Technical Community College is affordable, accessible, and the smart thing to do. Being one of the top colleges in the state, this college has a long history of giving to the community highly skilled nurses who are well equipped to handle any kind of

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 396
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,945
• Book and Supplies: $1,600
• Percent Received Aid: 88%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,588
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: 1,825%

Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington

91.02% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  333 N. Shipley Street, , DE - 19801
• 
  3025715300

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.02%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor

The Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington encourages and supports diversity by providing educational opportunities that facilitate growth and promote educational advancement.  Not just academic, the campus also provides degree, career-oriented programs, as well as developmental and community service activities so that the students learn to be well-functioning adults while

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Delaware Technical Community College-Owens

86.59% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  Route 18, Seashore Highway PO Box 610, , DE - 19947
• 
  3028565400

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.59%
• Programs: Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Associate

The Delaware Technical Community College - Owens Campus is an above-average public campus ranking among the top ones in the state when it comes to its nursing program. The campus features a small class size and a family-like environment. The community is positive and nurturing with a strict zero-tolerance policy

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Wesley College

86.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  120 N State St, Dover, DE - 19901-3875
• 
  3027362300

Nurse Admin: Paxton,

Title: Assistant Professor of Nursing and Director of the BSN Program

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.50%
• Programs: Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

For over 130 years, Delaware State University has been empowering students to turn their dreams into realities. The university prides itself on its rich history of inclusivity and diversity and preservation of history. Located in the historic city of Dover, DSU proudly houses some centuries-old structures on its campus. The

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University Information

• Total Faculty:
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
• Book and Supplies: N/A
• Percent Received Aid: N/A
• Average Grant or Scholarship: N/A
• Percent Admitted: N/A
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
• Graduation Rate: N/A

Delaware State University

84.66% 3-Year
Pass Rate

• 
  1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE - 19901
• 
  (302) 857-6060

Nurse Admin: Richardson,

Title: Chairperson/Associate Professor

• NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 84.66%
• Programs: Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing, Research or Clinical Nursing
• Award Levels: Bachelor

For over 130 years, Delaware State University has been empowering students to turn their dreams into realities. The university prides itself on its rich history of inclusivity and diversity and preservation of history. Located in the historic city of Dover, DSU proudly houses some centuries-old structures on its campus. The

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University Information

• Total Faculty: 254
• In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $8,358
• Book and Supplies: $2,000
• Percent Received Aid: 97%
• Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,120
• Percent Admitted: 39%
• Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
• Graduation Rate: 48%

Nursing Programs Offered by Delaware Nursing Schools

• Registered Nursing: 6
• Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Family Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Nurse Educator: 1
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
• Research or Clinical Nursing: 1
• Nursing Administration: 0

Delaware Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types

• University of Delaware: 4
• Delaware State University: 3
• Wesley College: 2
• Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington: 1
• Delaware Technical Community College-Owens: 1
• Delaware Technical Community College-Terry: 1

Delaware  RN Licensing Requirements

RN License by Exam

Delaware has strict requirements for gaining licensure as an RN. In addition to passing the NCLEX Nurses must submit the following:

• A completed Authorization for Release of Information form in order to request a criminal background check. It is important that nurses follow the instructions on the authorization form to arrange to be fingerprinted. This must be completed even if you have had a background check done for some other reason.
• A completed, signed, and notarized Application for Licensure as a Registered or Practical Nurse by Examination. Incomplete, unsigned, or not notarized will be rejected.
• A processing fee check or money order made payable to “State of Delaware”
• A copy of your driver’s license or other official form of identification

However, graduation must be recent and there are special criterions that must be completed if it is not.

• If more than 12 months have passed since graduation, nursing candidates will need to submit a Petition to Test form.
• If more than 24 months have passed since graduation, the candidate will be required to submit evidence of completing a NCLEX review course within the preceding six months.
• If more than five years have passed since graduation, candidates are no longer eligible for licensure by examination and should call the Board Office.

RN License by Endorsement

Nurses who have obtained licensure in another state are required to complete the application section of the Employer Reference Form and send to the most recent nursing employers, up to six months. Recent graduates are required to send the form to the school for processing. When the form has been completed, the employer must return the form directly to the Board office. Candidates must also submit an official transcript showing the degree received and the date it was received.

RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad

In order to obtain licensure after being receiving a nursing education outside the United States, nurses are required to submit a copy of their CGFNS certificate.

Nursing Compact Status for Delaware

A nurse compact state is one that allows nurses holding a nurse compact license (NLC) to work in multiple states without having to obtain different nursing licenses for each state. This license eliminates the need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and go through the licensure procedure of every state.

However, the NLC was replaced by the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which is only available for RNs and LPNs. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are required to hold an individual state license in each state where they wish to practice. 

The state of Delaware is a Nursing Compact State which means that Registered Nurses and LPNs who hold the eNLC can practice in any of the NLC states in the country.

Current RN Employment and Salary Delaware

There were approximately 11,410 RNs working in the state of Delaware, according to the data of May 2020. 

The nurses are paid an average hourly wage of $36, an average amount when compared to the rest of the US. The annual salary amounted to approx $74,330.

There is also a noticeable difference when it comes to the hourly wage of entry-level and experienced nurses. The recent graduates were earning $26 on average. In contrast, those with 20+ years of experience were making about $48 hourly, which only goes to show how experience and skill set are highly valued when it comes to nursing.

Projected RN Employment for Delaware

If recent events are of any indication, it might be safe to assume that the need for skilled RNs is only going to increase in society. Nurses are sought after as the closest personnel to patients in terms of care delivery in every healthcare facility. The need for RNs in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare centers is well known, but recent trends suggest a growing demand for school health nurses, occupational health nurses, as well as nurses in research.

There are multiple factors that cause a shortage of nurses in Delaware. The main factors are a lack of nurse educators and clinical sites for education.

BLS has projected the percentage change in nursing employment in Delaware from 2018 to 2028 to increase by 20%. There are approximately 12,040 nurses working in the state, which is expected to rise to 14,450. The change is evidently on the way as the average annual opening for RNs in Delaware is 950.

There are a wide variety of nursing jobs available including: eldercare, oncology, home healthcare, and rehabilitation.

RN Salaries in Delaware

The Wilmington Metropolitan division has a substantially larger amount of registered nurses than the other two areas. In addition, you will see that it has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.

Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Delaware

RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.

Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Delaware

Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Delaware offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Practice Authority in Delaware

As per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners in Delaware have Full Practice Authority.

A Full Practice Authority allows NPS to evaluate patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests; initiate and manage treatments which include prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing.

All NPS must have an RN license, a graduate degree, and a National Certification to get this authorization from the Board of Nursing.

Current NP Employment and Salary in Delaware

Currently, there are only 740 NPs working in the entire state of Delaware. However, the salary of NPs in Delaware is one of the highest in the country, with even recent graduates with the average annual wage being $82,190 per year. The salary does depend on the experience level. Experienced NPs with 20+ years of working experience make as much as $148,560, while recent graduates with 1 to 4 years of experience earn $93,260.

Projected NP Employment Delaware

Delaware is expected to have a huge increment when it comes to the employment of NPS. The number of working NPs is projected to increase to 1,020 from a base of 780, making a %change of 30.8% within just ten years. This might be facilitated by the average annual openings of 70 NPS, which will most definitely increase in the coming years.

The purpose of these data is to show how the nursing field is constantly changing, and the need for skilled clinical nurses and Nurse Practitioners is steadily increasing with time. RNs and Nurse Practitioners help to provide quality care to the patients while adhering to evidence-based practices and compassionate care.