Olivia Chen, NP
June 23, 2025
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential healthcare services by helping patients with their daily needs including bathing needs, feeding requirements, and health monitoring responsibilities. The healthcare system of Delaware depends heavily on Certified Nursing Assistants who work under nurses to deliver proper patient care throughout nursing homes and hospitals as well as home healthcare settings.
The clinical training requirement for Delaware CNA programs includes in-person attendance yet theory sections can be studied online. Students who need to manage work responsibilities or other obligations find advantage in this combination of online and in-person education. The online section of nursing education focuses on teaching nursing fundamentals and infection control as well as patient rights. Students must complete their clinical hours at healthcare facilities in person since hands-on learning remains essential for developing real-world competencies.
| Eligibility Prerequisites | At least 16, government-issued ID & SSN, cleared state & federal fingerprint background checks, required immunizations & health screenings |
|---|---|
| Certifying Board | Delaware Division of Health Care Quality, Office of Long-Term Care Residents Protection |
| Training Program | 150 hours total (75 classroom, 75 supervised clinical) |
| Fees | No state or registry fee, exam vendor fees ~$108–118, retest $40–68, reciprocity $30 |
| Certification Exam | Pass written/oral knowledge test and five-task skills evaluation (up to three attempts) |
| Registry Activation | Added to the registry within two business days of passing exams |
| Renewal Requirements | Biennial renewal with 24 hours of approved continuing education (including dementia & abuse prevention) plus 64 hours of paid work under RN/LPN supervision |
| Endorsement | Out-of-state CNAs apply via reciprocity, submit proof of certification and 420 qualifying work hours (or equivalent training), pay $30, and are exempt from retesting |
The salary for Certified Nursing Assistants in Delaware spans between $36,000 and $38,000 annually according to both location and experience level. The starting hourly wage for entry-level CNAs ranges between $17-18 but hospitals and specialized care settings provide higher compensation. The healthcare needs of Delaware alongside its aging population will maintain steady demand for Certified Nursing Assistants in the state. The majority of Delaware CNAs work at nursing homes and hospitals alongside home healthcare agencies to provide critical patient care. The employment numbers for CNAs in Delaware will mirror national trends because experts predict a 4% increase in their workforce during the next ten years. CNA professionals will find many employment opportunities throughout Delaware because the demand for their services continues to increase.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Delaware | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual CNA Salary | $33,280 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $16.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$38,500 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $33,280 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$27,600 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~4% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~520 | ~54,000 |
CNA roles provide secure work opportunities which serve as entry points for nurses who want to advance their nursing career. CNA experience leads to opportunities for certification as both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Delaware colleges together with universities operate bridge programs which enable CNAs to achieve nursing credentials through faster completion of accelerated nursing courses. The credit system of these programs allows CNAs to finish their LPN or RN training faster because of their existing clinical experience. Employers within Delaware support the career development of CNAs by providing educational reimbursement benefits as well as flexible scheduling options for continuing studies. The career advancement opportunities for CNAs exist through educational pathways which provide support from both their practical experience and academic achievements.
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