[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Delaware ranks third in the nation for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rates, demonstrating the state’s commitment to quality education through its nursing programs. As a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, nurses can secure a multistate license and work across state lssalines with other compact states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing programs in Delaware, including requirements, earning potential, and job outlook for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each nursing school in Delaware holds both benefits and shortcomings. Ensure your program choice aligns with your professional goals and objectives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Delaware, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When deciding on a nursing program in Delaware, consider tuition, program length, the acceptance rate, location of clinical experiences, and placement assistance. Decide whether to take classes online or on campus.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other considerations include the NCLEX-RN pass rate, which demonstrates how well a program prepares its students for success, [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing accreditation[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Historically known as the “First State,” Delaware has also been called the “Most Tax-Friendly State.” Despite its small population, almost 70% of Fortune 500 companies are located in Delaware.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Do not let the size of this small state fool you. Delaware is bursting with treasures, including historical landmarks, museums and galleries, and scenic beaches.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The increase in federal funding for nursing offers many benefits as well, skyrocketing from $232,210 to almost $1.3 million in just two years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ranked as the ninth highest state with RN projected employment growth and the 12th with RN projected supply demand, Delaware offers freedom for nurses to unionize. Additionally, it boasts the third-highest NCLEX-RN pass rate among all states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two avenues for nurse licensing in Delaware include licensure by examination or by endorsement. First-time RN licensing is referred to as license by examination, while license by endorsement is for RNs relocating to Delaware who hold licenses in other jurisdictions or states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Delaware is among the 39 states and jurisdictions that have entered the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”]NLC agreement[/hen-ui-link], allowing nurses to practice across state lines. This multistate license permits nurses from another compact state to practice in Delaware without having to apply for state licensure. It also allows nurses with a Delaware license to practice in other compact states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN and nurse practitioner (NP) salaries in Delaware are below the national average. However, the cost of living is higher, with an index of 107.9.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs in Delaware is $74,330 with a national level of $80,010. Delaware NPs earn an average mean wage of $112,230 compared to $114,510 nationally. Learn more about RN salaries in Delaware[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RN employment in Delaware is projected to grow 20% from 2018-2028, and NP employment growth could increase 30.8% during that time frame.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the highest-paying cities for RNs in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, and Milford. However, nurse salaries in Delaware are below the national average. The table below demonstrates the average salaries for RNs in the top-paying metropolitan areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For four years in a row, ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware, has been ranked among the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Philadelphia — Camden — Wilmington[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$79,980[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Dover[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$71,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All prospective nurses need a nursing degree, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]passing score on the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], and a clear criminal background check to practice. Additionally, there are specific prerequisites unique to Delaware to become an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (APRN).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]licensed as an RN[/hen-ui-link], you must complete an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) program, meet the prerequisites, and pass the NCLEX exam. Earning [hen-ui-link href=”/state/delaware/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]nursing licensure in Delaware[/hen-ui-link] through the board of nursing also requires an FBI and state background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]APRN Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN, you’ll need to earn a[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link], hold a Delaware (or other NLC state) RN license, become certified, and get an APRN licensure from the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link]. The four certification specialties include clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, or certified registered nurse anesthetist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criteria for licensure include an application with fees and supporting documents and a criminal background check. Additional requirements specific to Delaware include a Delaware controlled substance registration and registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration if you are prescribing controlled substances. Also, a collaborative agreement information form is required.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become an RN in Delaware?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Steps to becoming an RN in Delaware include choosing your degree, meeting the prerequisites, and passing the NCLEX. For an NP, earn an MSN, become certified in a specialty, and apply for licensure as an APRN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a BSN make in Delaware?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/new-graduate-registered-nurse-salary/de” target=”_blank”]According to Salary.com[/hen-ui-link], a BSN graduate in Delaware earns $61,614-$78,525 with a median salary of $68,685 as of March 2022.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does nursing school cost in Delaware?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How should I choose a nursing field to go into?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help you choose the nursing path for you, know your strengths, weaknesses, passions, personality. Find a field that fits your personal goals and aspirations. Explore opportunities, test the waters, and determine if you need additional [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link] or education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]