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Overview of Nursing Schools in Delaware

  • There are 7 nursing schools in Delaware. The CCNE accredits 1 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 4 schools in Delaware.
  • Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Delaware is between 80.51% and 91.10%.
  • The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Delaware is between 84.66% and 93.15%.
  • The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
  • Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Delaware can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.

Recommended Nursing Schools for Delaware

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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

Compare RN Programs ADN BSN
Number of Nursing Programs 3 5
Average NCLEX Passing Rate 86.67% 88.85%
NCLEX Passing Rate Range 80.51% to 91.10% 84.66% to 93.15%

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 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%

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 front. Also, it prohibits any kind of harassment in order to create a safe and welcoming environment for students hailing from every background.

University of Delaware's School of Nursing prepares students to become population health experts in all kinds of settings. The school achieves this through various programs designed to assist students in bringing out the best of them. One such program is the state-of-the-art simulation labs that accurately resemble healthcare facilities and provide students with real-life environments. The labs offer realistic hospital equipment, audiovisual technology, high-fidelity mannequins, task trainers, and patient actors in their unique Health Care Theatre program. 

In addition to that, the University of Delaware also has its own Nurse Managed Primary Care Centre, which provides healthcare to adults, and exposure to this facility enables students to put their theoretical knowledge to practice.

Undergraduate Programs - The School of Nursing offers a traditional BSN program, an Accelerated BSN program, and an RN to BSN program. These rigorous and innovative curricula prepare nurses to become esteemed healthcare leaders upon graduation. 

Education School of Nursing comes with service-learning, study abroad, community engagement, undergraduate research opportunities, and mentored clinical experiences.

Graduate Programs - The graduate programs like MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in Nursing Science, and Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner enable nurses to advance their careers as nurse leaders, advocates, expert healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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

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%

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 situation in all kinds of healthcare facilities. 

Alumni of Delaware Technical Community College have gone on to perform excellently at acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, physician offices, private clinics, hospice, public health, schools, and many other areas. The students are taught communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, academic research skills, patient care and management, and respect for the patient's individuality. Thus, if you want to be a part of an institution that doesn't just aim to fill the gaps in nursing resources but works to instill the values of compassionate and scientific healthcare in each nurse that it produces, then Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Campus is your best bet.

To ensure that no student gets left behind due to financial issues, the college has a Student Excellence Equals Degree Scholarship (SEED) program wherein students do not have to worry about tuition fees standing in the way of their degree. 

They offer a traditional ADN program and an LPN to ADN program.  Their college is also a "Connected Degree" program, meaning that the student makes an early decision to transfer to either Delaware State University or Wilmington University to pursue their BSN degree after obtaining their ADN degree.

Undergraduate Programs - The college offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program that teaches necessary knowledge and skills that are required to make a positive difference in the global healthcare scenario. The degree integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills and academic research. 

Similarly, the RN to BSN program builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills that nurses already have. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice with expanded roles encompassing advocacy, leadership, and scholarship.

 

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

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

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 still excelling at the discipline they are studying. The students live and learn in an intimate community-like environment that strengthens their friendships and bonds and allow them to receive individualized care and instructions from the Delaware Technical Community College instructors.

The college prepares students to be the best care providers they can be while also teaching them how to make positive impacts on patients' lives. The nurses graduating from here have gone on to become highly-skilled care providers and leaders. Since the college itself does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, the graduates also live with similar principles and practice on the same even when they are working in the area of their choice. 

Their college is also a “Connected Degree” program, meaning that the student makes an early decision to transfer to either Delaware State University or Wilmington University to pursue their BSN degree after obtaining their ADN degree.

Undergraduate Programs - The Associate Degree Nursing prepares students in every form needed to pass the NCLEX-RN and helps them work as Registered Nurses in any kind of healthcare facility. They learn to integrate sound nursing judgment, incorporate theoretical knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, and informatics to provide quality healthcare to the community members.

The RN to BSN program is perfect for the RNs looking to expand their horizon and further strengthen their knowledge and skill set. The program is also available online so that working RNs can coordinate the classes with their schedules.

 

 

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

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

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 towards any kind of discrimination and violence. 

The nursing department at this college represents the campus's core values, which are commitment, responsiveness, and vision. They also gladly welcome and accept international students who pass the selection criteria to their nursing program as well as other programs.

Initially established to educate nurses to serve the Delaware community, the campus now graduates students who are able to work at any healthcare facility, big or small, at any level, national or global. The nursing students learn top-notch skills taught by some of the best instructors in the state, and they practice their clinical skills at a variety of healthcare facilities before graduating and working as registered nurses. 

Undergraduate Programs - The Owens Campus offers one of the state's best Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs. Graduates of this program gain the necessary skills and expertise to pass the NCLEX-RN and practice as skilled and competent RNs.

Wesley College

86.50% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 120 N State St, Dover, DE - 19901-3875
  • 3027362300
Nurse Admin: ,
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.50%
  • Programs: Nurse Educator, Registered Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

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

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 university advocates affordable education, inclusivity, and student leadership. 

The university's Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences' Department of Nursing is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds. The students get to practice their clinical skills in a variety of healthcare agencies like hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and community health settings. The college also has a well-equipped, high-fidelity simulation lab manned by expert clinical instructors, where students can learn to perfect their skills before getting hands-on experience in actual health care facilities. The graduates have been integrating evidence-based principles, sound nursing judgments, the sciences, and clinical reasoning skills in whichever area of work they have chosen.

Undergraduate Programs - Delaware State University offers the Baccalaureate Nursing program that focuses on extensive face-to-face interaction between instructors and students. The nursing students are taught the necessary skills, confidence, and communication ability required of a Registered Nurse.

Graduate Programs - The MSN degree here is offered in two concentrations; Global Leadership and Nursing Education. This degree is entirely online, and they prepare nurses to become competent leaders and educators.

Delaware State University

84.66% 3-Year
Pass Rate
  • 1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE - 19901
  • (302) 857-6060
Nurse Admin: ,
  • NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 84.66%
  • Programs: Nursing Administration, Registered Nursing, Research or Clinical Nursing
  • Award Levels: Bachelor

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%

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 university advocates affordable education, inclusivity, and student leadership. Wesley College is the nursing college of Delaware State University.

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

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.

OccupationEmployment1 to 4 Years5 to 9 Years10 to 19 Years20+ Years
Nursing Instructors320----
Registered Nurses11,410$54,260$60,940$84,070$100,150
Nurse Anesthetists70----
Nurse Midwives40$70,200$80,850$111,190$127,640
Nurse Practitioners740$82,190$93,260$127,530$148,560
LPN / LVN2,290$42,760$47,190$61,010$65,290
Nursing Assistants4,930$27,130$29,220$37,290$40,250
Source: BLS - November, 2021

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.

Occupation20182028Change%ChangeAvg. Annual Openings
LPN / LVN2,3502,65030012.8220
Nurse Anesthetists150180302010
Nurse Practitioners7801,02024030.870
Nursing Assistants4,9605,61065013.1660
Nursing Instructors300360602030
Registered Nurses12,04014,4502,41020950
Source: BLS - November, 2021

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:

Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.

Online NP Programs Liked by Mississippi Nurses

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

OccupationEmployment1 to 4 Years5 to 9 Years10 to 19 Years20+ Years
Nursing Instructors320----
Registered Nurses11,410$54,260$60,940$84,070$100,150
Nurse Anesthetists70----
Nurse Midwives40$70,200$80,850$111,190$127,640
Nurse Practitioners740$82,190$93,260$127,530$148,560
LPN / LVN2,290$42,760$47,190$61,010$65,290
Nursing Assistants4,930$27,130$29,220$37,290$40,250
Source: BLS - November, 2021

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.

Occupation20182028Change%ChangeAvg. Annual Openings
LPN / LVN2,3502,65030012.8220
Nurse Anesthetists150180302010
Nurse Practitioners7801,02024030.870
Nursing Assistants4,9605,61065013.1660
Nursing Instructors300360602030
Registered Nurses12,04014,4502,41020950
Source: BLS - November, 2021

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