Like most states, Delaware is experiencing a shortage of health workers, particularly nurses. The increasing number of people receiving healthcare and the aging population are increasing the demand for skilled nurses more than ever.
If you are planning on pursuing your career in this state, it’s important that you start looking for the best nursing programs in Delaware since it’ll help you prepare for your career. To help you with that, below is an in-depth guide you can use.
Requirements: How To Become An RN In Delaware
There are different paths you can take to become a registered nurse in Delaware. Choose the path that’ll help you achieve your ultimate career goals.
Complete An Accredited Nursing Program
One of the fastest ways to become an RN in Delaware is to complete an ADN program. In just 2 years, you’ll be able to gain the skills and knowledge you’ll need to deliver proper and safe healthcare services to your patients.
However, you should take note that a lot of employers prefer applicants with a BSN degree. BSN programs in Delaware are more in-depth and comprehensive than ADN programs. This allows students to be more knowledgeable in nursing management, theories, and even informatics.
Pass The NCLEX
Competing an accredited nursing program qualifies you to take the NCLEX or the National Council for Licensure Exam. This test ensures that you’re fully prepared to work as a nurse in the state.
Before taking the exam, you’ll need to apply for Delaware licensure and register for the exam.
You can download the form from the official website of the Delaware Board of Nursing. Your application will require a notary plus complete fingerprints and criminal background checks. You will also be required to submit your transcripts (official copy)to the Delaware Board of Nursing.
Since the exam is administered by Pearson Vue, you’ll need to register on their website. Once granted the clearance, you’ll receive the ATT Or Authorization to Test. You can schedule your exam within 90 days after receiving it.
Get Your Nursing License
After passing the exam, you’ll be eligible to apply for your nursing license. As part of the application process, you’ll be required to submit your transcript directly to the state’s nursing board. You should also submit your nursing reference form and a copy of your driver’s license. If you don’t have one, you can submit your voter’s registration card, military form 2058 or federal tax return.
An “authorization for release of information” will be required, too. This is for the complete background check.
ADN Programs In Delaware
Admission requirements aren’t the same for all institutions. However, most of them require the following:
- A GPA of 2.5
- Completed online application
- Complete background inquiry, including health history
- CPR certification
- Record of updated vaccination
One of the most important things you have to check with your chosen ADN program is licensing. Usually, completing an ADN program should make you eligible to take the NCLEX. However, in some cases, it doesn’t. Before you enroll, it’s a good idea to check this first.
LPN To RN Programs In Delaware
Currently, there are no LPN to RN programs in Delaware. However, this doesn’t mean that there’s no way for you to become a registered nurse in Delaware if you’re a current licensed practical nurse.
There are online programs that are outside the state which you can take. Although the Delaware Board of Nursing doesn’t have one in its list of approved nursing programs, you can look at accredited schools offering online LPN-BSN programs. They can make you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and earn your license eventually.
BSN Programs In Delaware
Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in the state prepare its students not just for patient care but professional advancement, too.
With a lot of options in Delaware, you need to be extra picky to make sure you get yourself into the best BSN program in the state. In choosing, take a good look at the NCLEX pass rates, the satisfaction of students, costs, and the employment rate of its graduates.
BSN programs generally take 4 years or 8 semesters with a full-time commitment. To qualify, most institutions require applicants to present the following:
- Proof of completed background inquiry, including health history
- Record of updated vaccinations
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Completed prerequisite courses
MSN Programs In Delaware
MSN programs in Delaware can take up to 2 years or more, depending on the student’s level of commitment. While doing the program, students are highly encouraged to think twice about getting too much work since the coursework is generally more intensive and difficult.
Most MSN programs require applicants to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Some of them may require competitive GRE scores in the last 5 years.
Pursuing an MSN degree gives you the chance to work your way toward a more specialized career. A registered nurse with MSN degrees can work as a public health nurse, clinical leader, nurse administrator, or advanced practice nurse.
Accelerated Nursing Programs In Delaware
Accelerated nursing programs are also known as Direct Entry programs. They are offered to non-nurses who possess a Bachelor’s degree in a different field.
Completing an accelerated nursing program allows you to cover a great amount of learning material in a shorter amount of time. It comes with no scheduled breaks and a regular day of classes may take longer than average programs. As a result, you’ll be able to work on getting your license faster with this route.
The cost of completing an advanced program may cost no less than $50,000 on average. Applications are highly discouraged from being employed while studying since the program is both demanding and complex. It requires a lot of hours of homework in a week.
Including prerequisite classes, accelerated BSN programs can take about 11 to 18 months to complete.
Best Nursing Programs In Delaware
| TRADITIONAL | ONLINE | ACCELERATED | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | View School Profile |
| University of Delaware | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | View School Profile |
| Delaware State University | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Delaware Technical Community College - Owens | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Wesley College | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Beebe Medical Center | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Delaware Technical Community College - Terry | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Aspen University | ╳ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
| Western Governors University | ╳ | ✔ | ╳ | View School Profile |
A Closer Look At The Best Nursing Programs In Delaware
Picking a nursing program that’ll help prepare you for your future career isn’t easy. For that, important factors like NCLEX pass rates, the satisfaction rates of students and graduates, and costs were considered in coming up with this list.
1. Wilmington University
Wilmington University has a lot of options for its nursing students. It even has multiple RN-BSN online degrees.
One of the most popular options among students is the university’s standard RN-BSN program. It usually takes about 1.5 years to complete. Apart from that, the program also gives students the chance to get into MSN.
To qualify for its program, you need to complete its undergraduate application along with a $35 application fee. You’ll also need to submit the official transcripts from the previous schools you’ve attended as well as your immunization records.
2. University Of Delaware
The University of Delaware has a 4-year traditional BSN program designed to create well-rounded nurses. Located in Newark, it admits students into the nursing program during their first year. This allows the university to expose them to nursing topics early.
Apart from the traditional BSN program, it also offers an online RN-BSN. Students can also enroll in its accelerated degree program which takes 17 months to complete. It’s an on-campus program that admits students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a different field. second-degree BSN programs.
For those who want to advance their careers, the university also has a lot of MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. degree programs.
3. Delaware State University
Delaware State University’s BSN program is designed to prepare students for direct community involvement and real-world experience. It allows them to work on different healthcare sites, like public clinics and assisted-living facilities.
Apart from the traditional BSN program, DSU also offers a traditional MSN program. It has two main concentrations: Nursing Education and Global Leadership.
To qualify, you need to submit your official transcripts, proving that you graduated from a nationally accredited BSN program. You also have to submit a copy of your active and current RN license along with your current resume and three letters of professional reference. You will also need to pay a nonrefundable application fee which costs $50.
You can see its full list of admission requirements here.
4. Delaware Technical Community College – Owens
Based in Georgetown, the Owens Campus of Delaware Technical Community College offers an ADN program. It’s approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or ACEN.
The admission to its ADN program is quite strict and competitive. The university uses the students’ cumulative GPA, pre-admission exam scores, and completion of course prerequisites when assessing applications.
The NCLEX-RN pass rate of this university is 90.67% which is good.
5. Wesley College
Wesley College’s BSN program is quite interesting. To start, students start their clinical experience in their first year in the program. There are small clinical learning groups, too.
The four-year program aims to develop the professional attributes and skills students need to succeed in their nursing career. They are also taught leadership and management skills so that they can provide not just quality but cost-effective health care as well.
Its admission requirements include a cumulative high school or college GPA of 2.5 or higher and a combined SAT score of 1000 or higher. Applicants also need to present a satisfactory score on their pre-admission exam.
6. Delaware Technical Community College – Stanton
The Stanton campus has the largest nursing program out of the four campuses of Delaware Technical Community College. Because it’s a bigger program, applicants find the admission process less intense than the other two campuses.
Despite that, the Stanton campus still has a strong NCLEX pass rate which is quite impressive. It has a 92.79% pass rate, based on this file.
7. Beebe Medical Center
Beebee Medical Center is considered a healthcare facility. However, it does have an awesome nursing school. It’s the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing which offers one of the best accredited RN diploma programs around.
Take note that the school offers a diploma nursing program and not an ADN degree. However, it does lead to RN licensure and prepares students to complete a BSN degree in other universities like the University of Delaware.
8. Delaware Technical Community College – Terry
Located in the northern part of Dover, students who finish their ADN programs on the Terry campus find it easier to find a nursing job right out of school. Like the other campuses, this one also has a high NCLEX pass rate. In fact, in 2020, its pass rate was 91.36% as seen in this file.
9. Aspen University
There are no in-person programs from Aspen University that students can attend in Delaware. However, current registered nurses can enroll in its online RN-BSN program.
Lasting 12 months, this program is great for nurses who are currently working. Apart from the flexibility, the cost is low, too. You have the option to pay $250 per month.
Students who are thinking of advancing their careers in nursing, they can take advantage of Aspen’s online MSN programs.
10. Western Governors University
Just like Aspen University, Western Governors University is also an online school. It doesn’t have on-campus programs in Delaware.
Its online RN-BSN program can be completed in 18 months. Because of the flexibility it offers, most of its students are able to work while studying.
Apart from the online RN-BSN program, it also offers an online MSN program. You can find out more about their Master’s Degree Program options here.
