Nursing Schools in Delaware
Delaware offers a variety of pathways for individuals interested in pursuing a career in nursing. With 15 nursing schools across the state, prospective students can choose from programs ranging from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The state is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses licensed in Delaware to practice in other compact states.
Aspiring nurses in Delaware can pursue various educational routes. Nine schools offer LPN programs, while five provide Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, and four offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees. Additionally, there are options for accelerated BSN programs, LPN-to-BSN and LPN-to-ADN pathways, and RN-to-BSN programs.
Some of the well-known destinations for nursing education in Delaware include the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wilmington University. These institutions offer a range of nursing programs, from ADN to MSN, and are known for their comprehensive curricula and clinical experiences.
The cost of nursing education in Delaware varies depending on the program and institution. LPN programs typically cost between $5,000 and $15,000, while ADN programs range from $10,000 to $30,000. BSN programs can cost between $20,000 and $60,000.
Delaware faces a nursing shortage, as evidenced by the high demand for registered nurses and other nursing professionals. This shortage presents favorable job prospects for nursing graduates.
Salaries for nurses in Delaware are competitive. The median annual salary for Registered Nurses is $94,670, while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn a median annual salary of $63,490.
Top RN Programs in Delaware
The University of Delaware is a public university. It currently offers over 135 undergrad degrees and 142 master’s degrees, along with 67 doctoral programs and 28 certificate programs offered across 7 colleges and over 82 research institutes. The main campus is in Newark, which is a small city surrounded by over 12,000 acres of public parkland. The student population is nearly half the size of the city population, with over 22,000 students enrolled in the Fall 2015 school year. The university also provides emergency medical services to the campus and Newark community through the University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit, which is comprised of volunteer students from the university.
Nursing programs are offered at the University of Delaware School of Nursing (UD SON) at the College of Health Sciences. Students can enroll in a traditional BSN undergrad program, an accelerated program, or an RN to BSN pathway. The college also offers graduate programs, including an MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. in nursing. The traditional BSN program is a four-year option for incoming freshmen interested in a nursing career. Students develop their clinical skills at the UD SON’s Simulation Resource Center and through clinical work at local clinics. The school also includes a student organization that helps provide healthcare services to the community.
