Jake Flannigan, NP
June 26, 2025
Delaware offers diverse pathways for aspiring and practicing nurses to advance their careers, from entry‑level Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to advanced Nurse Practitioner (NP) degrees. Whether you’re beginning your healthcare journey as a CNA, bridging from Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pursuing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure, or enrolling in an NP program, Delaware’s colleges and community colleges blend rigorous classroom instruction with hands‑on clinical placements in Wilmington hospitals and coastal clinics. With flexible program formats, on‑campus, online, and hybrid, graduates gain the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in Delaware’s evolving healthcare landscape while earning competitive salaries.
Dover, DE - Public 4-Year - desu.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Delaware State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program equips students for successful nursing careers through immersive hands-on training in advanced simulation labs and diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing, it emphasizes professional development and community engagement, preparing graduates to pass the NCLEX and become licensed Registered Nurses. As an HBCU, it offers a supportive environment, and the program requires an ACT or SAT entrance exam for admission.
Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Traditional BSN program ranks in the top 11% nationally, offering a four-year campus-based curriculum for freshmen. It integrates rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training, service-learning, and study abroad opportunities, enhanced by the CSIIDEE center for simulation and interdisciplinary education. Graduates with a 3.0 GPA can pursue direct admission to the MSN program. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are typically required for bachelor's level programs; check the school's admissions policy for specifics.
Delaware’s LPN programs blend focused classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community health centers. Over 12 to 18 months, students gain hands‑on experience administering medications, monitoring patient status, and providing basic nursing care under professional supervision. After successfully passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning licensure, graduates step into roles that support RNs and physicians by enhancing patient access and continuity of care. By strengthening Delaware’s practical nursing workforce, particularly in its smaller towns and suburban clinics, these programs help ensure high‑quality care is available throughout the state.
Delaware’s CNA offerings deliver six to twelve weeks of training focused on patient comfort measures, infection control, and accurate vital‑sign checks, supplemented by supervised practicums. Learners gain confidence in assisting with mobility, feeding, and daily personal care, all while maintaining meticulous records for nursing review. Upon certification, CNAs step into roles that anchor care delivery in hospitals, residential facilities, and community health centers. Their presence eases nursing workloads and enhances overall patient experience statewide.
Delaware’s RN to BSN programs pair flexible online coursework in leadership, community and population health, informatics and policy with supervised clinical rotations at Wilmington’s hospitals and Kent County’s community clinics. Offered in part‑time and accelerated tracks, these pathways let RNs maintain their positions while they complete a BSN. Earning the degree hones skills in evidence‑based practice and care coordination, aligns with employer expectations for baccalaureate‑prepared nurses, and opens doors to specialty certifications and leadership roles across the state.
Delaware’s Nurse Practitioner programs expand upon a BSN foundation by combining advanced didactic instruction with extensive supervised clinical placements, typically completed in two to three years, in concentrations such as family practice, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Available through on-campus cohorts, hybrid schedules, and fully online modalities, these MSN and DNP pathways guide nurses toward APRN credentialing and Delaware licensure. Graduates step into roles as primary care providers, chronic disease specialists, and telehealth practitioners in hospital systems, community clinics, and underserved rural zones. By bolstering the supply of highly trained practitioners and extending access to comprehensive care, NP programs play a pivotal role in strengthening Delaware’s healthcare network.
| Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still a common entry route, BSN preferred by employers, only one public ADN program |
| RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | Not offered in Delaware |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | Required by BSN-in-10 law, RN-to-BSN programs strongly supported |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs have full practice authority |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide |
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website