The Top Nursing Schools in Delaware

The Top Nursing Schools in Delaware

Delaware distinguishes itself as the third-ranking state in the nation for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates, showcasing a steadfast commitment to quality nursing education. The state’s top-notch NCLEX-RN pass rates signify the excellence of nursing schools in Delaware.

This comprehensive guide delves into degree and licensing requirements, potential salaries, and job growth projections for aspiring nurses. Additionally, being a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state allows nurses to obtain a multistate license, facilitating work across state boundaries with other compact states. Read on to discover more about the leading nursing programs in Delaware, covering prerequisites, earning prospects, and career outlook for nurses.

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Exploring the Finest Nursing Institutions in Delaware

Each nursing school in Delaware presents a unique blend of advantages and considerations. It is crucial to align your program choice with your professional aspirations and objectives.

Our Ranking Method: Employing a data-driven approach, we employ a methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Delaware, streamlining the process of finding a program that suits your needs. Our methodology centers on key metrics that we deem significant for students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. We rely on publicly available provisional datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is accurate as of the publication date of this article, and program-specific details may vary.

#1 University of Delaware

Newark, DE
4 years
Online + Campus

As a prominent public institution, the University of Delaware (UD) provides both graduate and undergraduate nursing education. UD’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree stands out as one of the leading nursing programs in Delaware, catering to experienced nurses holding a bachelor’s degree. The program offers specializations in family/individuals, adult-gerontology, and psychiatric-mental health.

– Program: Master of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Newark, Delaware
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Tuition: $776/credit
– Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 3 years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 96.4%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $93,342 for master’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $12,730
– Out-of-state: $34,160
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $34,164
– Out-of-state: $34,164
– Retention Rate: 90%
– Admission Rate: 66%
– Students Enrolled: 23,613
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 96%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Delaware State University

Dover, DE
4 years
Online + Campus

Situated in Dover, Delaware State University (DSU) is a notable public college, ranking among the finest nursing schools in Delaware. DSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, incorporating simulation labs, smart classrooms, and clinical experiences. The program prepares candidates for the NCLEX-RN exam and subsequent careers in registered nursing. DSU also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

– Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
– Campus: Dover, Delaware
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $7,038 per year for Delaware residents; $16,960 per year for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: High school diploma with a minimum 3.0 GPA; ATI TEAS exam
– Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 92.9%
– Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $72,022 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $7,038
– Out-of-state: $16,960
– Average Graduate Tuition
– In-state: $5,160
– Out-of-state: $11,376
– Retention Rate: 74%
– Admission Rate: 39%
– Students Enrolled: 4,739
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 65%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Delaware Technical Community College-Terry

Dover, DE
4 years
Online + Campus

Delaware Technical Community College operates a primary campus in Dover, along with additional campuses in Georgetown, Wilmington, and Stanton. The school’s RN-to-BSN program ranks among Delaware’s top nursing programs for working registered nurses (RNs). This flexible program, primarily delivered online, includes in-person practicum placements. Delaware Tech also offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

– Program: RN-to-BSN
– Campus: Dover, Delaware
– Type: Public
– Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
– Tuition: $153 per credit for Delaware residents; $381 per credit for out-of-state students
– Admission Requirements: Associate degree or diploma in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA; RN license
– Minimum Time Commitment: 4 semesters
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.4%
– Average Undergrad Tuition
– In-state: $4,575
– Out-of-state: $11,438
– Average Graduate Tuition: Not provided
– Retention Rate: Not provided
– Admission Rate: Not provided
– Students Enrolled: 12,955
– Institution Type: Public
– Percent Online Enrollment: 93%
– Accreditation: Yes, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Delaware

Selecting a nursing program in Delaware involves careful consideration of factors such as tuition costs, program duration, acceptance rates, the location of clinical experiences, and the availability of placement assistance. Additionally, deciding whether to attend classes online or on campus is a crucial decision.

Other essential considerations encompass the NCLEX-RN pass rate, reflecting how well a program prepares its students for success, nursing accreditation, and the array of financial aid options available for aspiring nurses.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Delaware

Discovering the Charms of Nursing in Delaware

Recognized historically as the “First State” and acclaimed as the “Most Tax-Friendly State,” Delaware stands out not just for its small population but also as the headquarters for nearly 70% of Fortune 500 companies. This compact state, despite its size, unfolds as a treasure trove with its historical landmarks, vibrant museums and galleries, and picturesque beaches.

In recent years, Delaware has experienced a substantial boost in federal funding for nursing, surging from $232,210 to an impressive $1.3 million within a mere two-year span.

Ranked as the ninth-highest state with projected RN employment growth and twelfth in projected RN supply demand, Delaware presents a conducive environment for nurses to unionize. Furthermore, it proudly holds the third-highest NCLEX-RN pass rate among all states.

Navigating Nurse Licensing in Delaware

Aspiring nurses in Delaware have two pathways for obtaining licensure: licensure by examination or licensure by endorsement. The former, referred to as license by examination, pertains to first-time RN licensing. On the other hand, license by endorsement is designed for RNs relocating to Delaware with existing licenses from other jurisdictions or states.

Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), a collaborative agreement involving 39 states and jurisdictions. This agreement allows nurses to practice seamlessly across state lines. Nurses from compact states can practice in Delaware without obtaining a state license, and reciprocally, nurses with a Delaware license can practice in other compact states.

Salary and Career Outlook for Nurses in Delaware

While RN and nurse practitioner (NP) salaries in Delaware may fall below the national average, the state’s cost of living is higher, reflecting an index of 107.9.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs in Delaware stands at $74,330, slightly lower than the national average of $80,010. Nursing Practitioners in Delaware earn an average mean wage of $112,230, comparing closely to the national figure of $114,510.

The job outlook for RNs in Delaware is promising, with a projected growth of 20% from 2018 to 2028. For NPs, employment growth is anticipated to soar at 30.8% during the same period.

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Delaware

Several cities in Delaware offer lucrative opportunities for RNs, including Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, and Milford. However, it’s important to note that nurse salaries in Delaware, while competitive, still trend below the national average. The table below provides insights into average salaries for RNs in the highest-paying metropolitan areas.

Highest-Paying Cities

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Philadelphia — Camden — Wilmington	$79,980
Dover	$71,240

Source: BLS

For four consecutive years, ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware, has earned a spot among the World’s Best Hospitals, according to Newsweek.

How to Become a Nurse in Delaware

Becoming a nurse in Delaware involves essential steps, regardless of whether you aim to pursue a traditional RN role or advance to an APRN position.

RN Requirements:

To secure licensure as an RN in Delaware, completing either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is a prerequisite. Successful candidates must fulfill program prerequisites, pass the NCLEX exam, and undergo an FBI and state background check.

APRN Requirements:

For those aspiring to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), obtaining a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice is necessary. Holding a Delaware (or other NLC state) RN license, earning certification, and acquiring APRN licensure from the state board of nursing are subsequent steps. APRNs can specialize in clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.

Specific licensure criteria encompass submitting an application with fees and supporting documents, undergoing a criminal background check, obtaining a Delaware controlled substance registration, and registering with the Drug Enforcement Administration for those prescribing controlled substances. Additionally, a collaborative agreement information form is required.

FAQs About Nursing in Delaware:

1. How do I become an RN in Delaware?

– Steps include choosing your degree, meeting prerequisites, and passing the NCLEX. For an NP, earn an MSN, become certified in a specialty, and apply for licensure as an APRN.

2. How much does a BSN make in Delaware?

– According to Salary.com, a BSN graduate in Delaware earns $61,614-$78,525 with a median salary of $68,685 as of March 2022.

3. How much does nursing school cost in Delaware?

– Tuition for nursing school in Delaware varies by program. For an ADN, in-state tuition can range from $4,000-$5,000 per year. For a BSN, the cost can be between $7,000 and $14,000 annually for state residents.

4. How should I choose a nursing field to go into?

– To choose the right nursing path, consider your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and personality. Align your field with personal goals, explore opportunities, and assess the need for additional certifications or education.