Online Nurse Practitioner Schools in Delaware

Last Updated On Oct 16, 2024

11 Min Read

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Delaware has considerably low-cost and fast-paced nurse practitioner programs available in the state which means you don’t have to sacrifice your current nursing schedule for your future nurse practitioner career.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Depending on whether you’re enrolled part-time or full-time, you can generally expect to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree between 2 and 6 years, generally making it the fastest option for getting a nurse practitioner license (following a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree). The other option is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, but this can take upwards of 8 years to complete. One example of a fast MSN program in Delaware is the Online MSN offered by the University of Delaware which takes about 3 years to finish part-time.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

MSN programs, as a result of their timeliness, are usually the most affordable NP degree option as well. This of course will depend on where in Delaware you’ll be studying, the size of your prospective nursing program, and other factors such as cost of living, textbooks, and technology fees. You may also potentially save money on tuition if you have established residency in Delaware. One of the of the cheapest MSN programs in Delaware is Delaware State University which offers a tuition range of $700 – $1,400 per credit.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One of the most appealing aspects of nurse practitioner programs is the specialized curriculum. Enrolling in a nursing graduate program usually means that you’ll be given the opportunity to specialize in a specific practice area (or multiple practice areas) such as midwifery or pediatrics. One great specialized NP program you can find in Delaware is the Family Nurse Practitioner program offered by Wilmington University.

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond the traditional MSN and DNP degree programs, there are also a few alternative routes you can take to becoming a nurse practitioner based on the education or experience you already have. Below is the full list of NP degree program options and where you can find them in or near Delaware.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are typically the most common type of traditional NP degree program. They typically take about 2 years to complete once you’ve graduated from a BSN program. Examples in Delaware include:

Delaware State University – Dover, DE
Wilmington University – Wilmington, DE

RN to NP Programs

If you’ve already gained some experience as an RN, are licensed, and have an ADN or ASN, you may be eligible to enroll in an RN to NP program, also known as an ADN to MSN or an RN to MSN program. This is a bridge program that allows you to complete your MSN in a faster amount of time without having to get a traditional BSN. Examples close to or in Delaware include:

Delaware State University – Dover, DE
La Salle University – Philadelphia, PA

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If time and money are not a factor in your decision, you may want to look at Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. This is the highest level of degree that a nurse practitioner can obtain and having one often leads to more job security and higher pay. You can find these types of programs offered at:

University of Delaware – Newark, DE
Wilmington University – Wilmington, DE

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you already have an MSN or DNP and you’d like to tack on another specialization, you don’t necessarily have to complete a whole new degree. A Post-Master's Nursing Certificate is a 1-year certificate program that allows your to do so. Examples in or near Delaware include:

University of Delaware – Newark, DE
Wilmington University – Wilmington, DE

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than nursing, a Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) program, also called a direct-entry or accelerated MSN program, is another great alternative. These types of programs allow you to get an MSN without having to get a BSN. You can find these programs offered at institutions such as:

Drexel University – Philadelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA

General Admissions Requirements

If you’re ready to start applying, take a look at the following admissions requirements. Keep in mind that these may not be representative of your particular schools requirements:

BSN from an accredited school
Transcripts from all colleges attended
Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
Active, unencumbered RN license
Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
Resume or CV

Delaware NP License and Certification Requirements

If you want to work as a nurse practitioner in Delaware, the final step is getting licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner. To complete the application for NP licensure in Delaware, candidates must submit detailed documentation, including proof of their RN license and verification of their graduation from an accredited NP program. The application process involves completing a formal application and paying a fee, which is usually in the range of $170. You can find comprehensive guidelines and application materials on Delaware's nursing board website.

Certification in the chosen specialty area is also required for NPs in Delaware. Most applicants pursue certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which certifies NPs in various specialties. Certification eligibility typically requires holding a valid RN license and graduating from a master's or doctoral-level nursing program in the specialty area.

In Delaware, as of 2024, nurse practitioners have full practice authority, meaning they are legally allowed to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments independently without needing physician supervision. This level of autonomy enables NPs to provide a broad spectrum of healthcare services. Support, professional development opportunities, and further resources are available through organizations such as the Delaware Nurses Association (DNA), which advocates for advanced nursing professionals across the state.