Nursing Programs in Wilmington, DE
Located along the Christina and Delaware Rivers and sandwiched between Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the southwest and New Jersey to the east, the city of Wilmington, Delaware is in the middle of it all. The region is a blend of old and new with castle-like estates and gardens to the spacious north and modern tax-free shopping downtown. Nursing professionals in and around Wilmington, DE earn about $29 per hour on average according to Indeed.com. RNs can achieve greater stability in their careers, as well as increased pay, by obtaining advanced degrees.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Wilmington, DE
Nursing has evolved over the past decade with RNs being entrusted and authorized to decide on and carry out treatments for patients. You too can enter or advance your career in nursing with an LPN to RN, ADN, or BSN degree. Colleges in Wilmington have made such entry-level programs accessible to those with and without a healthcare background.
LPN to RN Programs
LPNs commonly tend to patients with chronic illnesses such as the elderly but they also provide basic nursing care to patients in doctor’s offices and medical centers. However, Licensed Practical Nurses know they can’t make patient diagnoses or decide on treatments and must instead rely on instructions from RNs or APRNs. Delaware Technical and Community College outside of Wilmington, DE offers an accelerated LPN to RN track that lets dedicated LPNs earn their Associate Degree in Nursing in just over a year.
ADN Programs
If you think you have a mind for medicine and a heart for healing, the profession of nursing may be for you. Delaware Technical and Community College, located 20 minutes outside of Wilmington, offers an Associate Degree in Nursing that readies students to provide hands-on care to patients. As nurses interact with patients more than any other healthcare professionals including doctors, the ADN gives you the training and skills to effectively carry out your duties.
Direct-Entry BSN Programs
Nurses with critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills have more confidence in performing the ordinary and difficult parts of their jobs. Those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing have shown to produce fewer errors and provide overall higher quality of care for patients. The University of Delaware in Wilmington offers a traditional BSN program with a focus on nursing core components as well as specifics such as mental health, pediatrics, gerontology, and public health. Graduates are ready to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Find out more about Delaware Accelerated BSN Programs.
Wilmington RN Program NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Wilmington | Delaware | |
---|---|---|
NCLEX-RN Students Total | 296 | 581 |
NCLEX-RN Students Passed | 243 | 472 |
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | 82.1% | 81.2% |
Top Ranked Accredited Nursing Programs in Wilmington
Listed below are the top nursing schools in Wilmington based on our RegisteredNursing.org RN program rankings for Delaware out of 6 other accredited programs offered in the state:
- Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton - #2
School | Contact Information |
---|---|
Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton
| 400 Stanton Christiana Rd Newark, DE 19713 (302) 454-3900 |
University of Delaware
| 25 North College Ave Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2792 |
RN to BSN Programs in Wilmington, DE
It’s been shown that patient outcomes improve when nurses hold BSNs. Recognizing the need for more nurses with bachelor’s degrees, colleges in and around Wilmington, DE are offering more working nurse-friendly RN to BSN bridge programs.
RN to BSN Programs
Staff nurses who lack a bachelor’s degree may, despite their years of experience, be overlooked for promotions or the best positions in preferred units. Hospitals and medical centers are pressured to staff up with nurses who hold BSNs. The University of Delaware in Newark has been a pioneer in distance learning since 1993 and offers a fully online RN to BSN program for nurses looking to advance their education.
Find out more about Delaware RN to BSN Programs.
New Castle, DE
Wilmington University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN Pathway
Online Learning - Website
- Accelerated online degree completion
- Maximum 89 transfer credits
- 31 nursing core credits
- Designed for RNs with prior degree
- Flexible professional development pathway
- Global health care focus
- Professional role development courses
- Total 120 credits required
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Wilmington, DE
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), particularly nurse practitioners, are performing tasks once limited to physicians such as administering medication and performing patient diagnoses. APRNs are also taking charge of nursing units and leading healthcare policy change to improve patient care. RNs in good standing in Wilmington, Delaware can achieve this APRN status by earning a master’s, post-grad cert or doctorate degree in less time than they may have thought.
MSN Programs
Advance Practice Nurses such as Nurse Practitioners are performing patient evaluations and assessments taking over many duties formerly limited to only doctors. If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, Wilmington University in Delaware has several practitioner-level MSN programs. Designed to be both flexible and affordable, the Family or Adult/Gerontology NP programs include a robust curriculum that puts graduates at the forefront of providing primary care for patients.
Find out more about Delaware Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate Programs
Current Advanced Practice Nurses seeking to gain practitioner competencies can do so in less time by completing a post-grad certificate rather than earning an additional degree. Offered on a part-time basis in a blend of online and on-campus modalities, Neumann University, located about 25 minutes northeast of Wilmington outside of Delaware, offers an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care post-grad cert. The curriculum is concentrated on patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and holistic treatments.
Find out more about Delaware Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP Programs
Advanced Practice Nurses are influencing national and regional healthcare policy and having a broad impact on the quality of patient care. Those who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice, the terminal practitioner degree in the field, have the potential to have the greatest impact on policy development. Though it isn’t a career path for everyone, the University of Delaware in Wilmington has a DNP program that focuses on population health, healthcare delivery, and healthcare system management among other far-reaching topics. The program has part- and full-time options.
Find out more about Delaware DNP Programs.
New Castle, DE
Wilmington University
- Master's - Forensic Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN Forensic Nursing course
- 3 credit specialized course
- Explores healthcare legal implications
- Addresses critical social issues
- Multidisciplinary team approach
- Master's - MSN Leadership
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
- 36 total credit hours
- Nursing Education concentration available
- Completed within 5 years
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- Requires undergraduate statistics
- Three specific education courses
- Capstone project required
- Aligned with AACN Essentials
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48-credit graduate nursing program
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Hybrid learning format
- CCNE accredited program
- 3-year completion timeline
- BSN required for admission
- 2.75+ GPA preferred
- Adult/Gerontology concentration
- Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 48-credit hour program
- 3-year completion timeline
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- CCNE accredited program
- Multiple learning format options
- Fall and Spring admission
- Maximum 6 transfer credits
- Competitive admission standards
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership
Concentration: Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Five nursing leadership concentrations
- Customizable degree plans
- 15-18 credit certificate
- Designed for MSN graduates
- Specialized professional development
- Concentrations include executive leadership
- Nursing education pathway available
- Legal nurse consulting option
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership
Concentration: Legal Nurse Consultant - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Concentration in Legal Nurse Consultant.
- Requires master’s degree in nursing.
- Focuses on legal and medical systems.
- Courses on ethics and forensic nursing.
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles.
- Emphasizes leadership and advocacy.
- Customizable degree plans available.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Leadership
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility.
- 18 credits required.
- Focus on Nurse Educator.
- Advanced teaching techniques.
- Curriculum development skills.
- Instructional technology integration.
- Leadership in nursing education.
- Master’s degree required.
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Four concentrations available
- Includes Nurse Educator option
- Flexible online and in-person formats
- Accelerated 7-week classes
- Affordable tuition rates
- Led by experienced nurse leaders
- Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
- Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- Post-Masters Graduate Certificate
- 700 Clinical Practice Hours
- National Board Certification Eligible
- 27 Total Credit Hours
- Advanced Mental Health Specialization
- Comprehensive Clinical Preparation
- Evidence-Based Practice Focus
- Diverse Patient Population Training
- 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
- Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Delivery
- 42 Total Credit Hours
- 816 Practicum Hours
- $848 per Credit Tuition
- 3-Year Completion Path
- Advanced Clinical Training
- 100% Clinical Placement
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Master's - Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Family Nurse Practitioner track available
- 3-year program completion
- Multiple application deadlines
- $848 per credit tuition
- Multiple advanced practice tracks
- Interprofessional education opportunities
- Fall application deadline July 1
- Winter application deadline October 15
- Master's - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Total Credit Hours
- 500 Practicum Hours
- 3-Year Part-Time Format
- Dean's Scholarship Applied
- $848 per Credit
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Advanced Teaching Courses
- Master's - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 3-year program completion
- Advanced mental health practice
- Interprofessional education focus
- $848 per credit tuition
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Online Learning - Website
- Post-Master's Certificate Program
- Over 500 clinical training hours
- Individualized study plans
- $848 per credit tuition
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Minimum 3.5 master's GPA required
- Admits students annually
- Prepares for advanced practice roles
- Graduate Certificate - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master's Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 500+ clinical training hours
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Advanced acute care focus
- $848 per credit tuition
- Specialized patient care training
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education, Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education
- Part-time study, 1-2 years
- Tuition rate $848 per credit
- Minimum 3.5 master's GPA required
- Focuses on nursing education leadership
- Targets nurses with master's degree
- CCNE accredited program
- Potential course work reduction
- 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