Hannah Pierce, BSN
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs throughout Delaware serve registered nurses who want to improve their educational level for career advancement opportunities. Delaware’s healthcare system demands BSN-prepared nurses for its hospitals and care centers as the industry advances toward more specialized and leadership positions. The compact nature of Delaware means nurses serve both urban Wilmington and rural areas, which makes adaptability an essential quality.
New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu
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Wilmington University's RN to BSN Pathway is a specialized degree-completion program designed for licensed registered nurses holding a bachelor's degree in another field. This accelerated online program allows students to build upon their existing healthcare experience and education, enabling seamless professional advancement. Students can transfer up to 89 credits and complete the remaining 31 nursing-specific credits. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced nursing competencies across professional roles, including leadership, teaching, research, and global healthcare perspectives.
The state of Delaware provides numerous online RN to BSN programs that offer flexible educational paths for nursing professionals. Students who work can benefit from RN to BSN programs that provide full online coursework because they can maintain their employment responsibilities. The online educational formats use asynchronous classes, which let nurses access and finish assignments on their own schedule. The learning programs combine both online teaching with limited physical classroom meetings. Students who want to interact face-to-face occasionally can benefit from this learning approach, which maintains their convenience. The educational institution provides evening and weekend classes for students who need scheduling flexibility.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University |
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| Certifying Board | Delaware Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from a DBON‑approved program, transcript submission, fingerprint‑based background check, and NCLEX‑RN pass |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial renewal, RN licenses expire February 28, May 31, or September 30 of odd years based on original issuance |
| Continuing Education | 30 contact hours per two‑year cycle plus attestation of 1,000 practice hours over five years or 400 hours over two years |
| License Application Fee | $181 application fee for RN licensure by exam or endorsement |
| Clinical Hours | Minimum 400 clinical practicum hours required in BSN curriculum, verified via official transcripts |
| Application Processing Time | Exam applications processed in 10–12 weeks, interim permit in 24–48 hours, permanent license issued after NCLEX results and cleared background check |
| License by Endorsement | Apply within 60 days of relocating, $181 fee, submit active‑license verification, transcripts, proof of CE/practice hours, and fingerprints |
The job market for RN to BSN graduates in Delaware offers favorable wages along with promising career prospects. Registered nurses in Delaware receive average salaries reaching the mid-$70,000 range, while BSN-educated nurses earn better wages because of their advanced qualifications and potential leadership positions. The highest nursing salaries exist in Wilmington and its surrounding urban areas because major hospital systems actively recruit top nursing professionals. Rural areas of Delaware also need BSN-educated nurses because they face a nursing workforce deficit. Healthcare quality initiatives, along with population aging, will cause the nursing profession to expand throughout the upcoming years. BSN graduates can pursue employment at hospitals and also at outpatient clinics, as well as public health organizations and educational facilities.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Delaware | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $79,300 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $38.13 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$95,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $79,300 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$55,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 9% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~150 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University |
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The BSN not only leads to enhanced career opportunities for healthcare professionals within the Delaware healthcare system, but it also serves as a stimulus for career advancement. With a BSN, RNs can advance to a position as a charge nurse, nurse manager, or clinical coordinator. Jobs at this level require more responsibility and come with higher pay. BSN allows nurses opportunity to be certified in specialty areas like oncology, infection control and case management which makes the employees more marketable. A BSN is a prerequisite for individuals aiming for a master of science in nursing or doctoral degrees in advanced-practice nursing. BSN allows a nurse to become a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist and to be a nurse educator. Nurses with BSNs can help to shape healthcare policy and sit on hospital boards, and as role models they have a role in influencing the next generation of nurses as they start their practice. The course offers a strong foundation for lifelong learning and career advancement.
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