Many nurses are born leaders. Those that choose to advance their practice towards a more leadership-focused specialty of nursing can earn either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP). DNP-prepared nurses may focus on concepts that are critical in today’s healthcare arena, such as:

  • Organizational systems
  • Business management
  • Leadership in nursing
  • Policy-making

Additionally, DNP nurses can choose clinical practice tracks such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or midwifery. Depending on their starting point, it may take students three to four years to complete a DNP program. Time to completion also depends on full or part-time status.

2026 Best DNP Programs in Delaware

At RegisteredNursing.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the Best DNP Programs in Delaware to help aspiring nurse practitioners find their ideal educational pathway. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like program quality, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes across the state's top nursing schools. Delaware offers several outstanding Doctor of Nursing Practice programs that prepare advanced practice nurses to deliver exceptional healthcare and take on leadership roles in complex medical environments. These programs provide rigorous academic training and practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make significant contributions to patient care and healthcare innovation. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Delaware

Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Delaware's DNP in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner offers an exceptional pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized pediatric healthcare expertise. This innovative hybrid program transforms experienced nurses into expert pediatric clinicians through comprehensive training focused on delivering high-quality children's healthcare. With a flexible online curriculum and periodic immersive learning experiences, students develop advanced clinical skills and scholarly competence. The program distinguishes itself with a competitive $1,069 per credit tuition rate, accommodating both full-time (3-year) and part-time (5-year) enrollment options. Students benefit from 100% clinical placement support, a 100% board pass rate, and an emphasis on population health and expert faculty mentorship.

  • 100% Online with Clinical Placements
  • Advanced Pediatric Care Focus
  • $1,069 per Credit Tuition
  • 3-5 Year Completion Options
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Practice Doctoral Degree
  • 100% Board Pass Rate
  • Comprehensive Clinical Training
  • Population Health Emphasis
  • Expert Faculty Mentorship

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Delaware's DNP program provides a comprehensive online educational experience for nurses seeking advanced practice leadership. Designed to accommodate both post-baccalaureate and post-master's students, the program offers diverse specialized tracks including Family, Adult-Gerontology, Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner pathways. With no GRE requirement and a competitive $1,069 per credit tuition rate, the program emphasizes population health, evidence-based practice, and advanced clinical expertise. The flexible 3-year full-time or 5-year part-time format, supported by Dean's Scholarship opportunities, enables working healthcare professionals to advance their careers while maintaining professional commitments.

  • 100% Online Program
  • Multiple Advanced Practice Tracks
  • $1,069/credit Tuition Rate
  • 3-5 Year Completion Options
  • 100% Clinical Placement Support
  • Population Health Focus
  • Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
  • No GRE Required
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Occasional Campus Immersion

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Delaware's DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration provides a rigorous 81-credit program preparing nurses to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare across all life stages. Emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, students undergo intensive clinical training with 1,120 practical hours, developing critical skills in managing acute and chronic conditions. The program welcomes both post-baccalaureate and post-master's students, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of RN experience. Graduates emerge as highly skilled primary care practitioners equipped to lead in integrated healthcare environments, with CCNE accreditation ensuring high-quality professional preparation.

  • 81 total credit hours
  • 1,120 clinical training hours
  • Primary care across lifespan
  • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
  • 3.0/3.5 minimum GPA requirement
  • One year RN experience required
  • CCNE accredited program

Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Delaware's DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner concentration offers an advanced hybrid program preparing nurses to address complex mental health challenges. Students develop comprehensive expertise in psychotherapy and medication management across the lifespan, preparing for PMHNP certification. The 81-credit program combines 1,008 clinical training hours with innovative teaching methods, focusing on evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. With post-baccalaureate and post-master's options, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement, and an admission interview, the program cultivates advanced practitioners capable of leading integrated mental healthcare delivery models.

  • 81 total credit hours
  • 1008 clinical training hours
  • Hybrid delivery model
  • Psychotherapy and medication management
  • Lifespan mental health focus
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Interview required for admission
  • Washington State approved

Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Delaware's DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care concentration prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver comprehensive healthcare for adults aged 18 and older. This hybrid program equips experienced nurses with specialized skills in health promotion, disease prevention, and interdisciplinary care delivery. Featuring 81 total credit hours and 1,120 clinical training hours, the program requires Delaware RN licensure, one year of nursing experience, and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Graduates emerge as skilled clinicians capable of addressing complex health challenges for adult and elderly populations across diverse practice settings.

  • 81 total credit hours
  • 1120 clinical training hours
  • Specialized adult/elderly care focus
  • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Delaware RN licensure required
  • One year nursing experience
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Delaware's online DNP Family Nurse Practitioner concentration offers a comprehensive 81-credit program preparing nurses to deliver primary healthcare across patient lifespans. Students develop critical skills in managing acute and chronic illnesses, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention. The program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, Delaware RN licensure, and one year of nursing experience. With 1,120 clinical training hours and an admission interview, graduates gain leadership capabilities in integrated healthcare delivery, focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration and high-quality patient care.

  • 81 credit hours total
  • 1120 clinical training hours
  • Comprehensive primary care focus
  • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited program
  • Interview required for admission
  • RN licensure in Delaware
  • One year nursing experience required

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Delaware's online DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care concentration provides advanced practice nurses with comprehensive healthcare training for adult and elderly populations. The 81-credit program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and leadership in integrated healthcare settings. Students develop expertise addressing complex health needs through rigorous coursework and 1,120 clinical training hours. With post-baccalaureate and post-master's options, a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, and CCNE accreditation, the program cultivates practitioners capable of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments.

  • 81 credit hours total
  • 1120 clinical training hours
  • Prepares primary care practitioners
  • Focuses on adult/elderly health
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
  • CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited
  • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • Advanced clinical skill development
Show 6 More Programs ˅
#2

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice program represents an innovative educational pathway for master's-prepared nurses. This 48-63 credit online program uniquely integrates advanced clinical leadership with comprehensive nurse educator training. Students explore critical domains including evidence-based practice, healthcare systems management, and sophisticated instructional methodologies. The curriculum is strategically designed to cultivate healthcare professionals capable of addressing complex nursing challenges through advanced teaching and clinical expertise. Graduates emerge with dual credentials, positioning themselves at the intersection of clinical innovation and educational leadership.

  • DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
  • 48-63 total credit hours
  • Two concentration options
  • Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
  • 500-1000 practice experience hours
  • Dual application required
  • Post-masters level program
  • Multiple nurse educator courses
  • Clinically focused doctoral degree
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Leadership concentration offers a dynamic online doctoral pathway for ambitious nursing professionals. Spanning 28 months, the program provides comprehensive leadership training through 12-16 courses, emphasizing health policy, informatics, and population health management. Students benefit from flexible learning options, including 100% online and hybrid modalities with multiple cohort start dates. The curriculum prepares nurses for high-level administrative roles, integrating advanced clinical skills with strategic leadership development. CCNE-accredited and featuring doctoral-prepared faculty, this program enables nurses to transform healthcare delivery through innovative leadership approaches.

  • 100% online or hybrid options
  • Leadership and Advanced Practice tracks
  • $2,139 per course
  • CCNE accredited program
  • 12-16 courses, 28 months
  • 1000-1500 practice hours
  • Multiple pathway options
  • Doctoral-prepared faculty
  • Flexible cohort start dates

Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Combined Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice program represents an advanced educational opportunity for master's-prepared nurses. This comprehensive 60-credit online program equips students with specialized mental health expertise across patient lifespans. Emphasizing holistic care, evidence-based practice, and healthcare policy, the curriculum prepares advanced practitioners for national certification. Students complete 700 clinical hours, developing sophisticated clinical skills and leadership competencies. The program uniquely bridges advanced practice with doctoral-level training, enabling graduates to deliver transformative psychiatric care and drive innovation in mental health nursing.

  • Online dual-degree program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • 700 clinical hours
  • National certification eligible
  • Master's degree required
  • Advanced clinical training
  • Leadership skill development
  • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Two separate applications
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.

Choosing a DNP Program

Delaware has only one DNP program based in-state–Wilmington University. However, the neighboring states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have over thirty available!

There are specific items students should consider when choosing a DNP program.

What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program

  • Cost – Currently, the tuition at Wilmington University for DNP students is $617 per credit. This figure does not include additional university fees. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university has a detailed breakdown of cost and expenses on its website and includes financial aid information.
  • Online Option – The DNP program at Wilmington University is 100% web-based. No campus visitation is required. In fact, students have the choice of presenting their final DNP project virtually or in-person.
  • Accreditation – Wilmington University's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures the curriculum has met national educational standards in nursing.
  • Residency Options – Wilmington University requires DNP students to complete 500 experiential engagement hours. This means that students must utilize nursing theory and apply it to professional nursing practice. University faculty provides oversight, and students work alongside a mentor. Following graduation, students may choose to apply for formal residencies or fellowships. While Delaware does not have one of these programs available, neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have quite a few opportunities.

As stated earlier, Wilmington University is the only DNP program based in Delaware. Their webpage provides a wealth of information about the program. The program is 100% online which is beneficial for students who must work full-time. The program can be completed in as early as 28 months. The following tracks are offered:

  • Traditional DNP: Advanced Practice
    • For NPs, CNMs, CNSs, and nurse anesthetists
  • Traditional DNP: Leadership
  • Accelerated MSN to DNP: NP to DNP or Leadership to DNP
  • Combination NP/ DNP
    • FNP and DNP
    • Adult-Gerontology NP and DNP
    • Psychiatric/ Mental Health NP and DNP (available in 2018)

Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements

Admission

Admission requirements for the DNP program at Wilmington University vary depending on which track the student chooses. Requirements include:

  • Current APRN license
  • Proof of specialty certification
  • Current employment in an advance-practice setting (i.e., administration, executive leadership, etc.)
  • Transcripts from a CCNE accredited program
  • Resume/CV
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Completion of a 1,000-word essay

Certification

The DNP program at Wilmington University requires existing national certification as an admission requirement for those in the advanced-practice concentration. In the combined post-master's certificate and DNP option, graduates are eligible for APRN licensure as well as national certification.

For those interested in the DNP-Leadership concentration, national certification is recommended, but not required. Students who complete the DNP-Leadership track are eligible to become certified in:

  • Executive Nursing Practice
  • Nurse Manager and Leader
  • Nurse Executive-Board Certified
  • Nurse Executive, Advanced-Board Certified.

Licensing

Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that nurses and advanced-practice nurses can provide care to patients in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. For first-time APRN licensing in Delaware, requirements include:

  • Master's degree (or higher)
  • Post-basic program certificate in a nursing specialty (with certification)
  • Practice in his/her clinical specialty for either 600 hours in the previous two years, or 1,500 hours over the last five years OR graduate from a specialty program within the last two years
  • Establish a collaborative agreement (if the applicant has practiced as an APRN for less than two years or fewer than 4,000 hours)
  • Provide proof of certification
  • Arrange for transcripts to be submitted
  • Complete the application for prescriptive authority (for controlled and non-controlled substances) if applicable
  • Complete the APRN application form and pay any applicable fees

Additionally, Delaware allows APRNs to apply for independent practice. Those approved do not need to establish a collaborative agreement. Delaware also allows APRNs to apply for a temporary license.

Delaware BSN to DNP Program Options

Unfortunately, Wilmington University's DNP program requires a minimum of an MSN for admission- no BSN to DNP option is available at the school.

Related Education Paths

Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Delaware

List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Delaware

Jump to City:

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University

  • Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
    • 48-63 total credit hours
    • Two concentration options
    • Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
    • 500-1000 practice experience hours
    • Dual application required
    • Post-masters level program
    • Multiple nurse educator courses
  • Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online dual-degree program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 700 clinical hours
    • National certification eligible
    • Master's degree required
    • Advanced clinical training
    • Leadership skill development
    • Evidence-based curriculum
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online or hybrid options
    • Leadership and Advanced Practice tracks
    • $2,139 per course
    • CCNE accredited program
    • 12-16 courses, 28 months
    • 1000-1500 practice hours
    • Multiple pathway options
    • Doctoral-prepared faculty

Newark, DE

University of Delaware

  • Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 81 total credit hours
    • 1120 clinical training hours
    • Specialized adult/elderly care focus
    • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Delaware RN licensure required
    • One year nursing experience
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
  • Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 81 total credit hours
    • 1008 clinical training hours
    • Hybrid delivery model
    • Psychotherapy and medication management
    • Lifespan mental health focus
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 81 total credit hours
    • 1,120 clinical training hours
    • Primary care across lifespan
    • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
    • 3.0/3.5 minimum GPA requirement
    • One year RN experience required
    • CCNE accredited program
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 100% Online with Clinical Placements
    • Advanced Pediatric Care Focus
    • $1,069 per Credit Tuition
    • 3-5 Year Completion Options
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Practice Doctoral Degree
    • 100% Board Pass Rate
    • Comprehensive Clinical Training
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • Multiple Advanced Practice Tracks
    • $1,069/credit Tuition Rate
    • 3-5 Year Completion Options
    • 100% Clinical Placement Support
    • Population Health Focus
    • Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
    • No GRE Required
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • 81 credit hours total
    • 1120 clinical training hours
    • Prepares primary care practitioners
    • Focuses on adult/elderly health
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
    • CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited
    • Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Website

    • 81 credit hours total
    • 1120 clinical training hours
    • Comprehensive primary care focus
    • Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited program
    • Interview required for admission
    • RN licensure in Delaware
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

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