Compare costs, program length, and outcomes for the best online CNA programs available to Delaware residents.
Delaware employed 5,660 nursing assistants as of the latest BLS data, with a median annual wage of $39,240. Persistent workforce shortages, fueled by an aging population, make the demand for qualified CNAs urgent.
No in-state CNA programs met our ranking criteria this year. Instead, Delaware residents can enroll in online CNA programs that include required clinical rotations at approved sites throughout the state.
Delaware’s compact size is an advantage: clinical placements rarely require a long commute, so online learners can complete their training without uprooting their lives.
No in-state CNA programs appear in our rankings, but these nationally available online programs accept Delaware residents and offer the flexible scheduling that working adults often need. Each program includes a clinical component, which must be completed at a Delaware-approved facility. Before enrolling, confirm that the training hours align with Delaware's requirements, as you may need to pursue endorsement through the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Infinity College | Lafayette, LA | $0/yr (net price) | Time-conscious career starters | |
Infinity College offers a rapid two-week Nursing Assistant program with evening classes, ideal for busy adults. The hybrid format pairs online learning with an 80-hour externship, though clinicals must be completed at a Delaware-approved site. With a net price of $230 and an 84.8% graduation rate, it delivers strong value for Delaware students seeking a fast entry into healthcare.
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| #2 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Working adults needing flexible schedules | |
NWTC's Nursing Assistant technical diploma offers a flexible hybrid format with day, evening, and weekend options. The program boasts a 91% graduate employment rate and a median salary of $39,520 for its completers. With a net price of $9,918 and the potential to apply credits toward an associate degree, it provides a solid foundation for career advancement. Delaware students should note that clinicals must still be completed in person at a Delaware-approved site.
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| #3 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr | Cost-focused learners needing weekend clinicals | |
Odessa College's Certified Nurse Aide program is an affordable, accelerated 8-week pathway with a total cost of $1,900 that even covers textbooks and the state exam fee. The hybrid format includes online learning plus weekend clinical rotations, making it accessible for employed individuals. Delaware residents benefit from the low net price of $6,368, but must ensure clinical hours are completed at an approved facility in Delaware.
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| #4 | Cloud County Community College | Concordia, KS | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Cloud County Community College's 90-hour Certified Nurse Aide program combines online learning with in-person clinical sessions. It prepares students for state certification and offers military and financial aid eligibility. The net price of $11,685 is higher than some, but the small student-faculty ratio of 12:1 supports personalized instruction. Again, Delaware students need to confirm local clinical placement.
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| #5 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | $23,000/yr | ||
Pima Medical Institute's Nursing Assistant certificate takes about six weeks and focuses on clinical skills like infection control and emergency procedures. With a net price of $23,255, it is on the pricier side, but it offers federal financial aid and scholarships. The hybrid program includes hands-on training and externships, though Delaware residents must ensure in-person components are completed locally.
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| #6 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | $11,000/yr | ||
Mid-State Technical College offers an extremely affordable 81-hour Nursing Assistant program at just $445.15. The hybrid technical diploma includes a 27-hour clinical practicum and prepares students for state certification. With a net price of $10,873 and a solid median earnings figure, it's a strong value, though Delaware students need to arrange clinicals locally.
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| #7 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College's Nurse Aide/Medication Aide career studies certificate offers a hybrid pathway with an internship component. The net price of $5,490 is relatively low, and the program includes training in medical documentation and medication aide skills. However, Delaware residents should note that the G3 tuition assistance program is limited to Virginia residents.
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| #8 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
CVTC's Nursing Assistant technical diploma can be completed in 14 weeks or less and costs only $423. The program includes lecture, lab, and clinical practice, with credits that may transfer toward an associate degree in Nursing. Delaware students will benefit from the high 78% graduate employment rate and $46,297 median earnings, but must arrange in-person clinicals locally.
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| #9 | Victoria College | Victoria, TX | $3,000/yr (net price) | ||
Victoria College's Nurse Aide program offers a low net price of $3,043 and a tuition of just $650. The hybrid format includes a free online theory course and 50-60 clinical hours. While affordable, the graduation rate is lower at 29.3%, and Delaware residents must verify clinical placement locally.
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| #10 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
The College of Western Idaho's CNA Preparation program is a 12-week hybrid course priced at $945. It offers hands-on skills training and can be taken by students as young as 16. The net price is $8,500, and while clinicals are in Idaho, Delaware residents would need to complete those hours at an approved local facility.
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You may be searching for CNA classes near your home in Wilmington, Dover, or Newark, only to find that this directory highlights online programs rather than brick-and-mortar nursing schools in Delaware. The reason is straightforward: Delaware’s compact geography and small population mean there are limited state-approved in-person CNA training sites, especially outside the main urban corridors. When local schedules don’t fit or seats fill up fast, a high-quality online program offers a viable path that keeps your career on track.
The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality maintains an official list of approved CNA programs, and it includes a handful of community colleges and vocational schools. Delaware Technical Community College, with campuses in all three counties, is the largest provider. However, in-person classes often run on set semesters with waitlists, and evening or weekend options can be scarce. For many aspiring CNAs, the nearest approved program simply doesn’t match their timeline or location needs. That’s when looking beyond state lines becomes necessary.
Out-of-state programs that offer online didactic coursework have grown popular because they let you complete classroom hours from anywhere. You still need to arrange in-person clinical rotations, but many online providers help you set these up at a facility near you in Delaware. This hybrid model bridges the gap between limited local class schedules and the practical requirement of hands-on experience. Before enrolling, contact the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services or a professional nursing association to confirm that the specific online program’s format is accepted for Delaware certification. Policies change, and a quick check can save you time.
Not every online program meets Delaware’s standards. Start with the state’s approved list to see if any of the schools you’re considering are already recognized. Then, visit the provider’s website: look for pass rates on the state competency exam, detailed clinical coordination policies, and clear total costs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides state-level employment data that confirms steady demand for CNAs across Delaware, which makes it worthwhile to complete training through a reputable route, even if it’s not a local campus. When you’re ready to enroll, double-check that the program’s didactic hours align with Delaware’s requirement of at least 75 hours of theory and 100 hours of clinical practice.
Earning your CNA credential in Delaware involves a clear sequence of education, testing, and registration. Follow these five steps to start your career in nursing assistance.
Two paths lead to CNA certification in Delaware: completing a full state-approved training program or, for nursing students, using their academic experience to qualify for the competency exam. Both routes end with placement on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, but the steps and timeline vary depending on your background.
Delaware nurse aide training programs must meet the federal minimum of 75 total hours, combining classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Classroom time covers infection control, resident rights, communication, and basic nursing skills. Clinical rotations take place in a long-term care facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse instructor. Upon finishing, students receive a certificate of completion valid for 24 months.
The competency exam has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. Candidates must graduate from a Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) approved program before scheduling the test. You get three attempts to pass both sections. Nursing students who have completed equivalent coursework may qualify to sit for the exam without repeating the full program.
Before beginning clinical training or applying for the exam, candidates generally must clear a criminal background check and submit health documentation. This often includes a negative tuberculosis (TB) test result and proof of up-to-date immunizations. Specific requirements can vary by training provider, so confirm early with your chosen program.
After passing both exam components, your program or testing vendor typically submits your results to the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, managed by DHSS/DHCQ. You do not need to file a separate initial application. Certification lasts for two years from the date of issuance. Check your status through the Delaware Professional Regulation online portal.
To renew, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education, including six hours in dementia care and two hours in abuse prevention. You also need to have performed at least 64 hours of paid CNA work during the preceding two-year period. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before your certification expires. A 30-day grace period is available with a $25 late fee, but working on an expired certificate is not permitted.
If you hold an active CNA certificate from another state, you can apply for Delaware reciprocity. You must show completion of a training program meeting the federal standard in 42 C.F.R. § 483.152 and provide proof of at least 420 hours of CNA work within the past three months. Maryland applicants must also hold a current Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification. Once approved, your Delaware certification is valid for two years and follows the same renewal rules.
CNA training in Delaware requires a minimum of 150 hours, including classroom and clinical practice. Most programs last 4 to 12 weeks: full-time students can finish in about a month, while part-time learners may need up to three months. Online didactic courses often let you work at your own pace, which can shorten the overall timeline if you move quickly through the material.
For many Delaware CNA students, the biggest financial decision is not just which program to choose, but whether to pay out of pocket, tap into state and federal aid, or commit to an employer who will cover training in exchange for a work commitment. Each path carries its own tradeoffs between immediate affordability and long-term flexibility, and Delaware offers a range of options to help you get certified without breaking the bank.
Because no in-state CNA programs appeared in our ranking, Delaware students rely on online programs from accredited schools nationwide. The estimated total costs for these programs span a wide bracket. Among the top-ranked online programs, you will find options as low as $230 at Infinity College and up to $6,368 at Odessa College, with most programs clustering between $1,500 and $4,500. For example, Durham Technical Community College lists an estimated cost of $1,664, while Victoria College offers a program at $3,043. These figures often represent net out-of-pocket expenses after grants and scholarships, and many schools allow you to pay in installments or qualify for further assistance.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a major funding source for Delaware residents. Administered through the Delaware Department of Labor and accessible via Delaware JobLink, WIOA can cover the full cost of CNA training at approved providers, including tuition, textbooks, and exam fees. To apply, you typically need to provide identification, Social Security card, proof of income or unemployment, Delaware residency, and documents like SNAP or TANF records. Because WIOA focuses on in-demand fields such as healthcare, CNA programs frequently qualify as eligible training. Additionally, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services occasionally offers training subsidies for healthcare workers, and the Delaware Workforce Training Grant supports employers who partner with training providers, though that grant flows through companies rather than directly to students.
If you enroll in a qualifying certificate program at a Title IV–eligible institution, you may be able to use federal Pell Grants, which do not need to be repaid. The ranked online programs show high Pell participation rates: at Midland College, for instance, over 92% of students receive Pell Grants, while Durham Technical Community College reports over 88%. This indicates that CNA students commonly qualify for need-based federal aid, especially at community colleges. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility, and check with the program's financial aid office to confirm that the specific CNA track meets federal aid requirements.
Several Delaware healthcare employers will pay for your CNA training upfront if you agree to work for them after certification. Notable examples include ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Genesis HealthCare, all of which operate nursing homes, hospitals, or long-term care facilities in the state. These programs often include the cost of the certification exam and may provide wages during training. The tradeoff is a service commitment, typically six months to a year, which can be an ideal arrangement if you plan to gain experience at that facility anyway. Check current openings on employer websites or contact human resources directly for details.
Beyond tuition, your total out-of-pocket costs will include several smaller but necessary items. Expect to pay for textbooks (approximately $50–$150), scrubs and shoes ($50–$100), a criminal background check ($50–$75), drug screening ($30–$50), and the Delaware CNA certification exam, which costs around $115–$150. Many programs bundle some of these costs into tuition, so review the school's breakdown carefully. When comparing program costs, always ask for a detailed list of what is covered and what remains your responsibility, so you can budget accurately from day one.
Delaware employed 5,660 nursing assistants as of the latest BLS data, with a median annual wage of $39,240. Wages vary by metro area, and the state's healthcare sector continues to drive steady demand for CNAs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for nursing assistant jobs nationally, which supports a positive outlook for Delaware students entering the field.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | 5,660 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $40,120 |
| 25th Percentile Wage | $36,280 |
| Median Annual Wage | $39,240 |
| 75th Percentile Wage | $43,680 |
While BLS reports wage data for only one Delaware metro area, the Dover median provides a local benchmark. Nationally, nursing assistants earn a median wage that is relatively close, but your earning potential may vary by city and employer.
Career advancement as a CNA means moving beyond entry-level care into roles with more responsibility, higher pay, and expanded scope of practice. Delaware offers clear progression from CNA to licensed practical nurse (LPN) to registered nurse (RN) and beyond, often with bridge programs that let you earn credit for what you already know. A CNA credential is not a dead end but a launchpad into a lifelong nursing career.
Becoming an LPN is a common first advancement. LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months and prepare you for the NCLEX-PN. In Delaware, institutions like the Delaware Skills Center and Polytech Adult Education offer practical nursing programs that lead to LPN eligibility. Some employers even provide tuition assistance for CNAs who want to continue working while studying. The national median annual wage for LPNs exceeds $60,000, a significant jump from CNA pay, though Delaware-specific earnings may differ. Check the salary table on our Delaware LPN page for localized figures.
After LPN, the next rung is RN, which opens doors to broader clinical duties and leadership roles. Delaware Technical Community College has an associate degree nursing program with an LPN advanced placement option, letting LPNs bridge to RN in less time than starting from scratch. Most RN programs take two to three years total for someone with an LPN background. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can work in hospitals, clinics, or specialty units. For those aiming higher, many RNs complete an RN-to-BSN program online, often while working full time. BSN-prepared nurses in Delaware can move into management, public health, or school nursing, with earning potential well above the state median for RNs.
CNAs do not have to wait to specialize. Gaining experience in geriatrics, hospice, or rehabilitation can lead to higher pay and specialized roles. Delaware recognizes medication aide or medication technician certifications, which allow CNAs to administer routine medications under supervision after additional training and testing. This certification can be earned while working and adds a valuable skill that employers reward. Some CNAs also pursue phlebotomy or EKG technician certifications to diversify their résumé.
Nursing schools value applicants with hands-on patient care experience. A year or more as a CNA shows you can handle the physical and emotional demands of nursing, making your application stand out. Many Delaware nursing programs even award preference or advanced standing to current CNAs. Starting as a CNA lets you test the waters, build a professional network, and fund your education step by step. It is not just a job; it is the first chapter of a career with clear upward mobility.
Navigating the steps to become a CNA in Delaware brings up many common questions. Below we cover key topics from program length and costs to certification and reciprocity. Each answer is designed for quick skimming and featured-snippet clarity.
The online programs below accept students from Delaware and complement the top-ranked options above. Each listing includes the school name, state, program format, and estimated net price to help you compare your choices. Explore these additional pathways to find the CNA training that fits your schedule and budget.
