Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Nurse practitioner programs in Delaware prepare registered nurses for advanced clinical roles across both urban hospitals and rural clinics. Key institutions such as the University of Delaware and Wilmington University offer CCNE‑accredited MSN and DNP tracks with specialties like family practice, adult‑gerontology, pediatrics, and psychiatric‑mental health. These curricula combine rigorous coursework with hands‑on clinical rotations to ready graduates for national certification and full Delaware licensure, including prescriptive authority. Upon completion, NPs are equipped to independently assess, diagnose, and manage patient care throughout the state.
Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Delaware's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepares baccalaureate nurses for advanced practice roles in complex healthcare systems. The program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner track designed for professionals seeking comprehensive patient care expertise. With highly sought-after faculty and a cutting-edge curriculum, students gain advanced clinical skills and evidence-based practice knowledge. Competitive tuition rates and flexible application deadlines make this program accessible for nursing professionals looking to elevate their career and make meaningful healthcare contributions.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares experienced nurses to diagnose and treat complex patient conditions across acute and critical care settings. With 42 credit hours and 816 practicum hours, this flexible program can be completed in three years while working full-time. Students gain advanced skills in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic reasoning, with a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit through a Dean's Scholarship. The program features 100% online coursework and clinical placements, ensuring comprehensive training for advanced nursing practice.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track offers a comprehensive master's program designed for baccalaureate-prepared nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Students receive world-class interprofessional education with a focus on evidence-based practice, preparing them to provide holistic mental health care across diverse patient populations. The program can be completed in three years and offers a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit through a College of Health Sciences Dean's Scholarship.
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in diverse healthcare settings. This 100% online program offers flexibility for working professionals, with a curriculum designed to enhance clinical skills and knowledge in primary care. Admission requires a BSN, RN licensure, and a 3.0 GPA. The program boasts a 100% board pass rate and clinical placement assistance. Tuition is $848 per credit, with no additional fees, making it an affordable option for advancing your nursing career.
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Post-Master's Certificate in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality acute care across the patient lifespan. Students gain comprehensive clinical training, with over 500 hours of hands-on experience, preparing them to diagnose, treat, and manage complex patient conditions. The program equips practitioners to perform comprehensive health assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate effectively within healthcare teams. With a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit and a strong focus on evidence-based practice, graduates are positioned to excel in acute and critical care settings.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive care for adult and older adult patients. This specialized program offers rigorous clinical training with over 500 hours of hands-on experience, enabling graduates to diagnose, treat, and manage complex health conditions. Designed for existing nurse practitioners, the program offers individualized study plans and prepares students for national certification exams. With a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit and admission requirements including a master's degree from an accredited nursing school, this certificate provides an efficient pathway to expand clinical expertise.
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver high-quality, comprehensive healthcare for children. This intensive program focuses on developing expert clinicians who can provide specialized pediatric care, lead healthcare innovations, and improve population health outcomes. With a flexible online format and occasional immersive learning experiences, students gain advanced clinical skills and scholarly expertise. The program offers a competitive tuition rate of $1,069 per credit and can be completed in 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time, making it accessible for working healthcare professionals seeking to elevate their pediatric nursing career.
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare across all life stages. Students develop critical skills in managing acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. This rigorous 81-credit program combines intensive clinical training with 1,120 practical hours, equipping graduates to lead in integrated healthcare environments. Ideal for registered nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise and professional impact, the program offers a pathway to becoming highly skilled primary care practitioners.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration equips advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills to deliver high-quality mental health care. Students gain expertise in psychotherapy and medication management across the lifespan, preparing for the PMHNP certification exam. The hybrid program combines innovative teaching methods with extensive clinical training, focusing on evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates develop advanced competencies to address complex mental health challenges and lead integrated healthcare delivery models.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adults aged 18 and older. Designed for experienced nurses, this hybrid program equips students with specialized skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and interdisciplinary care delivery. Graduates emerge as skilled clinicians capable of addressing complex health challenges for adult and elderly populations across diverse practice settings.
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Family/Individual Across the Lifespan prepares nurses for primary health care roles. This hybrid program blends in-class and practicum experiences, focusing on acute episodic and chronic illness management. Students learn health promotion, disease prevention, and primary care skills for diverse settings. The program requires 81 credit hours and 1120 clinical hours. Admission criteria include a nursing degree from an accredited school, a minimum GPA, and RN licensure in Delaware. Ideal for those aiming to lead in integrated healthcare and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dover, DE - Public 4-Year - desu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Delaware State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Option provides advanced practice nurses with comprehensive training to diagnose and treat patients across all life stages. The program empowers students to deliver evidence-based, holistic healthcare with a strong emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and addressing social determinants of health. Students gain advanced clinical skills to provide independent or collaborative medical care, focusing on wellness and equity in patient treatment.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Delaware State University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive mental healthcare across patient lifespans. The rigorous online program emphasizes holistic, evidence-based interventions, addressing critical healthcare needs through primary prevention, health promotion, and therapeutic strategies. Students gain expertise in managing psychiatric disorders while understanding health disparities and social determinants of health. The accredited program meets national educational standards, positioning graduates for successful certification and advanced practice roles in mental healthcare.
New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wilmington University's Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner program offers a comprehensive pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced practice specialization. Focusing on the Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner concentration, this 48-credit hybrid program prepares nurses to provide high-quality primary care for patients from late adolescence through the elderly population. With a competitive admission process requiring a BSN and minimum 2.75 GPA, students complete 600 clinical hours over three years, gaining extensive hands-on experience. The program provides flexible learning formats, including online and face-to-face courses, enabling working professionals to advance their nursing careers.
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Wilmington University's Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program provides comprehensive graduate-level training for registered nurses seeking advanced primary care specialization. The 48-credit hour program prepares students to provide comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan, with a focus on family health. Designed for completion in three years, the program combines online, face-to-face, and hybrid learning formats. Admission requires a BSN with a preferred 3.0 GPA, offering competitive entry for dedicated nursing professionals seeking to expand their clinical expertise and patient care capabilities.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Wilmington University's Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate equips advanced nursing professionals with specialized skills to provide comprehensive mental health care. This rigorous 27-credit program prepares graduates for national board certification, focusing on evidence-based practice, diverse patient populations, and advanced clinical interventions. Students complete 700 clinical hours across various settings, developing expertise in psychiatric assessment, therapeutic strategies, and interprofessional collaboration. The curriculum covers essential competencies in mental health management, emphasizing social justice, ethical principles, and innovative healthcare approaches.
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with this innovative dual-track program combining a Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, this comprehensive 60-credit online program prepares advanced practitioners to deliver holistic mental health care across patient lifespans. Graduates gain comprehensive clinical skills, leadership expertise, and national certification eligibility through rigorous coursework and extensive clinical practicums. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and transformative patient care strategies.
Many Delaware NP programs employ a hybrid format, delivering lectures and discussions online through asynchronous modules and live webinars. On‑campus intensives provide simulation labs and skills workshops to develop clinical techniques. Clinical rotations are coordinated locally at approved healthcare sites, enabling students statewide to fulfill practicum requirements without relocating. This flexible structure helps working nurses balance professional duties with academic progression.
Certifying Board | Delaware Board of Nursing – Advanced Practice section |
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Certification | Master’s degree or post-basic APRN program plus national NP credential verified by the Board |
License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal concurrent with RN license expiration (Feb 28, May 31, or Sep 30 of odd years) |
Continuing Education | 30 contact hours every two years, maintain national certification, prescribers require 2 hours controlled-substance CE |
License Application Fee | $181 initial APRN license, $272 reinstatement |
] Clinical Hours | Transcript evidence of practicum hours plus practice requirement (600 hours in 2 years or 1,500 hours in 5 years) or recent graduation |
Application Processing Time | Approximately 4–6 weeks via the DELPROS online system |
License by Endorsement | Active Delaware RN license (or NLC RN with future expiration) required |
out-of-state APRNs submit primary-source verification of credentials |
Nurse practitioners in Delaware earn an average annual salary of about $128,000, with entry‑level positions starting near $103,000 and experienced practitioners earning up to $166,000 at the highest percentile. Urban centers like Wilmington and Dover often offer wages slightly above the state average and may include sign‑on bonuses, loan repayment assistance, and comprehensive benefits packages. Specialty certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership roles can further increase earning potential.
Salary & Career Outlook | Delaware | USA |
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Avg Nurse Practitioner Salary | $118,282 | $62,340 |
Avg Hourly Wage | $57.00 | $29.97 |
90th Percentile Salary | >$132,379 | $80,510 |
Median Salary | $118,282 | $62,340 |
10th Percentile Salary | <$103,698 | $47,960 |
Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~45% | ~3% |
Annual Job Openings | ~N/A | ~54,000 |
Data from Govsalaries.com and Indeed.com
After initial NP certification, many practitioners pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice to deepen clinical expertise and qualify for executive or academic positions. Post‑master’s certificate programs enable NPs to add new specialties, such as acute care or women’s health, without completing another full degree. Those interested in research or teaching may enroll in PhD programs, while others transition into roles in healthcare administration, informatics, policy development, or telehealth leadership.
Learn more about Nurse Practitioner specialities.
Additional Nursing Programs in Delaware
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website