How To Become a Nurse in Delaware 2025

Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession, one that is fundamental to American public health. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), registered nurses (RNs) make up the largest component of the national healthcare workforce. There are currently more than 4.7 million registered nurses providing important patient care services across the U.S.

This article examines the steps to earning RN licensure in Delaware, accredited nursing programs, nursing job outlooks, and more. Read on to learn how to become a nurse and begin an exciting career in the world of healthcare.

What Does an RN Do?

Certified registered nurses have a broad range of duties. RNs manage everything from direct patient care to developing quality assurance procedures and directing complex nursing care systems. An RN's role encompasses responsibilities like:

• evaluating patients' conditions
• recording patients' medical histories and current symptoms
• administering treatments and medicines
• collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
• helping with diagnostic tests and analyzing results
• educating patients and their caregivers about managing illnesses and injuries at home

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Delaware?

The exact length of time it will take you to become a nurse in Delaware depends on your chosen degree program. Prior experience and education can expedite your continuing education.

If you choose to pursue your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), you can graduate and qualify for your RN license in two years. If you opt for your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can be eligible in four years. If you are interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, you will need to earn an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It typically takes two to three years to earn a master's degree.

You can fast-track your nursing education if you have applicable experience or education. For example, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can enroll in ADN advanced placement programs and graduate in one year. Students who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree can pursue an accelerated BSN and graduate in 12 to 16 months. There are many accelerated nursing programs online.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Delaware

The following steps outline the process to becoming a registered nurse in the state of Delaware, from the educational requirements for nurses to submitting your application to the Delaware Board of Nursing.

Step 1: Enroll in a Nursing Program

To be eligible for RN licensure, you must enroll in an accredited nursing program. This includes ADN and BSN programs, as well as accredited diploma programs. ADN and BSN programs are available at colleges and universities; nursing diploma programs are taught at hospitals. All programs cover nursing theory coursework, simulation lab skills, and clinical experiences.

Nursing programs must be vetted and approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These independent accrediting organizations ensure that nursing schools' standards meet the national standard for excellence.

Step 2: Pass the Exam

Once you've graduated from your nursing program, you are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX-RN exam assesses nursing candidates for competency in categories such as safety and infection control, health promotion and maintenance, and pharmacological and parental therapies. You receive either a passing or a failing grade on the NCLEX-RN exam, as it is not scored numerically.

Step 3: Apply for Licensure

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for your nursing license through the Delaware Board of Nursing. You will need to submit your official school transcripts, exam results, a copy of your driver's license, and a nursing school reference form submitted directly from your school.

All nursing license applicants must undergo a criminal background check. These background checks are conducted through the State of Delaware and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Delaware

The Delaware schools featured here all offer accredited nursing programs. We highlight a selection of diploma and degree programs, all of which lead to RN licensure in the state of Delaware. Accredited online nursing programs are also popular pathways for students looking to become registered nurses.

1. Delaware County Technical College

Delaware County Technical College (Delaware Tech) offers a two-year AAS nursing degree program conducted over five semesters. The curriculum consists of general education courses, nursing theory courses, and supervised clinical practices.

Delaware Tech offers its AAS program at three campuses: Newark, Dover, and Georgetown. If you are an LPN or a certified paramedic, you can receive advanced placement in the program and graduate in one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,576 per year (in-state); $11,438 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

2. Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing

Located in Lewes, DE, the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing operates through the Beebe Healthcare network and offers an accredited diploma program that can be completed in two years. The Rollins School of Nursing was established in 1921 and has continually graduated nurses eligible for RN licensure to serve in the state of Delaware.

The program's curriculum is delivered over four semesters and includes courses like nursing care of special populations and advanced concepts of nursing. The program also includes skills practice at its state-of-the-art simulation lab and regular clinical rotations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,800 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware (UD) is a large public school located in Newark, DE, and has the state's primary BSN program. UD's traditional four-year BSN program ranks in the nation's top 11% undergraduate nursing programs.

The curriculum is rigorous and begins with nursing theory coursework in the program's first year, continuing into the final semester. Most classes are conducted in person; however, students may be able to take online classes to fulfill their free electives. Simulation labs and hands-on clinical experiences round out UD's BSN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,280 per year (in-state); $40,840 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Other Nursing Degree Programs

Nearby states also offer accredited nursing degree programs. The following two schools are located in Pennsylvania, presenting AAS and BSN degree options for nursing students.

Delaware County Community College

Located in Media, PA, Delaware County Community College has an AAS program that can be completed in two years. The associate degree program's 71-credit curriculum spans four semesters.

Nursing courses include pharmacology for healthcare, lifespan human development, and human anatomy and physiology. Students gain direct patient care experience at various local healthcare facilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $136 per credit (in-state); $408 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) is a mid-sized public college based in Williamsport, PA, and is a Penn State affiliate school. Penn College offers a traditional four-year BSN program that emphasizes leadership, communication, and collaboration.

Many courses focus on specialization in care, including obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing. Students with transfer credits from certain college courses (e.g., biology or chemistry) may be eligible to complete the program in fewer than four years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $530 per credit (in-state); $795 per credit (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: ACEN

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Delaware

Nurses are in-demand healthcare professionals; the need for their services continues to grow in Delaware and beyond. O*NET predicts that Delaware's need for nurses will grow by 16% each year for the next decade, outpacing the national rate of 6%.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for RNs is $93,600, with salaries ranging between $66,030 and $135,320 or higher. A nurse's degree level and experience affect their earning potential. For example, a recent ADN program graduate in an entry-level position will earn less than an experienced nurse practitioner who holds an MSN degree.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Delaware

Here, we answer frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse in Delaware, including topics such as education prerequisites and nursing degree timelines.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Delaware?

The cost of a nursing degree varies greatly according to the school, degree level, transfer credits, and any available financial assistance. Nursing degree costs can range from $6,000 to $15,000 for an ADN and from $64,000 to $164,000 for a BSN. Generally, public schools are less expensive than private schools; they also offer reduced tuition rates for in-state residents.

Financial aid opportunities such as grants, scholarships, and work-study programs help keep nursing degree costs low. To determine your eligibility for financial aid, apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Online colleges that accept FAFSA offer other affordable education pathways.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Each nursing degree program will have its own particular set of education prerequisites. These courses are generally science- and math-focused and can include microbiology, chemistry, and nutrition. Some degree programs also require English and sociology courses.

You can complete many of these self-paced nursing prerequisites online. For a positive online learning experience, consider investing in one of the best laptops for nursing students.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to have previous healthcare experience, like being a paramedic or an LPN, or hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This prior knowledge enables you to bypass general education courses and move directly into nursing coursework. You can become a registered nurse in about one year via accelerated degree pathways.

Otherwise, an ADN is the fastest degree path to become an RN. You can complete an ADN program in two years as a full-time student.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

Nursing degree programs are intensive, consisting of nursing theory, simulation lab work, and clinical rotations. Which will be the easiest nursing degree for you depends on your specialization interests and career goals.

An ADN program may be considered relatively easy as compared to a more advanced BSN or MSN program, as it is the shortest degree program. You can enroll in some ADN programs on a part-time basis.

Find a Nursing Degree

There is a degree pathway out there that's right for you, no matter your nursing career goals. We invite you to connect with Learn.org's partner institutions to discover the best way to get started on your education journey.