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.
While no Delaware-based CNA programs appear in this ranking, the programs below are nationally available online and accept students from Delaware. Each offers a hybrid format that combines online coursework with in-person skills labs and clinical training. Clinical hours must still be completed in person at a Delaware-approved facility, so confirm placement options with each school before enrolling.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Pima Medical Institute-Aurora | Aurora, CO | $23,000/yr | Structured in-person learners wanting exam preparation | |
Pima Medical Institute-Aurora offers a short certificate program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on skill labs. The program is designed to be completed in about six weeks and includes infection control, emergency procedures, and basic nursing care. Its graduation rate is approximately 72 percent and the average net price is around $23,255. Students who finish are eligible to sit for the CNA exam, and financial aid such as Pell Grants may be available.
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| #2 | Lake Region State College | Devils Lake, ND | $14,000/yr | Hybrid learners balancing work and training | |
Lake Region State College's CNA training is a 75 to 80 hour program with hybrid and face-to-face options. Online theory is paired with skills labs and clinical experiences, and graduates are prepared for state certification. The college reports a graduation rate of about 52 percent and an average net price near $13,600. Students may explore workforce development funding or employer reimbursement.
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| #3 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | $11,000/yr | Budget-conscious learners preferring blended delivery | |
Mid-State Technical College offers an 81-hour Nursing Assistant technical diploma with a 27-hour clinical practicum. The program uses a hybrid/blended delivery model with daytime or evening classes and prepares students for state certification. Its graduation rate is approximately 52 percent, and the average net price is around $10,873. The total program cost of $445.15 makes it an affordable entry point.
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| #4 | Odessa College | Odessa, TX | $3,000 – $5,000/yr | ||
Odessa College's Certified Nurse Aide program combines 60 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours in an eight-week hybrid format. Online coursework is paired with weekend clinical rotations at local facilities. The college reports a graduation rate of about 37 percent and an average net price near $6,400. Total program tuition of $1,900 covers textbooks, scrubs, and the state exam fee.
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| #5 | College of Western Idaho | Nampa, ID | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
College of Western Idaho's Certified Nursing Assistant Preparation is a 12-week pathway covering patient care, basic nursing techniques, and infection control. The curriculum blends online instruction with in-person skills training and includes hands-on practice. The college reports a graduation rate of about 31 percent and an average net price near $8,500. The program cost of $945 is designed for students age 16 and older. ACEN accredited
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| #6 | Brightpoint Community College | Chester, VA | $5,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Brightpoint Community College's Nurse Aide/Medication Aide Career Studies Certificate teaches anatomy, safety techniques, infection control, and medical documentation. The hybrid program includes an internship for hands-on field experience. Brightpoint reports a graduation rate of about 38 percent and an average net price near $5,490. Virginia's G3 tuition assistance is available to eligible in-state students, so Delaware residents should verify their own financial aid options.
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| #7 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
Johnson County Community College offers a 96-hour Certified Nurse Aide course with online theory and in-person labs and clinical training. The program covers vital signs, patient transfer techniques, and infection control, and offers multiple scheduling options. JCCC reports a graduation rate of about 31 percent and an average net price near $14,176. Students may qualify for the Kansas Promise Scholarship, though Delaware residents should verify out-of-state aid eligibility.
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| #8 | Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne, WY | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Laramie County Community College's CNA program uses a hybrid model with online theory and a 30-hour clinical experience. The program is state-approved and prepares students to sit for the state exam. LCCC reports a graduation rate of about 38 percent and an average net price near $7,300. Total program cost is approximately $1,200, with additional requirements for immunizations, CPR, and background checks.
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| #9 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr | ||
Northcentral Technical College's Nursing Assistant program is a three-credit technical diploma requiring 120 course hours. The hybrid format offers some online flexibility, and completion makes students eligible for the state competency evaluation. NTC has a graduation rate of about 45 percent and an average net price near $10,300. Program cost is approximately $583 for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
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| #10 | Victoria College | Victoria, TX | $3,000/yr (net price) | ||
Victoria College's Nurse Aide program combines a free 60-hour online theory course with 50 to 60 clinical hours completed on campus and at local healthcare agencies. The hybrid format offers flexible scheduling at two campus locations. Victoria College reports a graduation rate of about 29 percent and an average net price near $3,000. Tuition of $650 includes the textbook, and graduates are eligible to take the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Exam.
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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.
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.
