Best LPN Programs in Delaware 2026
Explore Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs in Delaware with details on schools, classes, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about state licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities across Delaware.
Delaware LPN Program Overview
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
In Delaware, prospective Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students must meet specific eligibility criteria before applying to a program. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and submit to drug screening. Most programs require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the TEAS, which assesses proficiency in reading, math, science, and English. Some schools may ask for proof of immunizations and CPR certification before starting clinical activities. Competitive programs may also consider applicants’ academic performance and relevant healthcare experience.
Program Curriculum and Accreditation
LPN programs in Delaware prepare students through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training. The curriculum covers foundational nursing concepts, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and geriatric care. Students also gain critical skills such as medication administration and patient communication. Clinical rotations in long-term care facilities or hospitals give students practical experience with real patients under supervision.
Accredited programs meet standards set by organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or are approved by the state’s licensing authority. Attending an LPN program in Delaware that is approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing ensures eligibility for the NCLEX-PN exam and licensure from the Delaware Board of Nursing. Employers also prefer graduates of accredited programs due to the rigorous training and industry standards met by those institutions.
LPN Schools and Classes
Delaware offers LPN programs through vocational-technical schools, community colleges, and some private institutions. These programs are approved by the state’s nursing board and designed to provide students with comprehensive training for entry-level nursing roles.
Coursework typically includes subjects such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nursing fundamentals, nutrition, developmental psychology, and nursing ethics. As students advance, they take specialized classes in maternal-child health, mental health nursing, pharmacology, and gerontology. Clinical experiences accompany most courses, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world healthcare settings.
Career Outlook
LPNs in Delaware are employed across a variety of healthcare environments, including long-term care facilities, assisted living centers, physicians’ offices, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare. While hospitals are more selective in hiring LPNs, opportunities still exist in outpatient and specialized units.
The demand for LPNs in Delaware remains strong due to the aging population and ongoing need for long-term patient care. Work-life balance is achievable, especially in residential care settings, though shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. LPNs often work as part of a collaborative patient care team, and Delaware offers potential advancement opportunities through LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
LPN Program Length
Program duration in Delaware depends on the format. Full-time LPN programs typically take about 12 months to complete, with students attending classes and clinicals during the day. Part-time and evening/weekend programs, which are ideal for working adults, may take 18 to 24 months. These flexible formats allow students to complete the same educational and clinical requirements at a slower pace that fits their schedule.
Tuition and Costs
Tuition for LPN programs in Delaware generally ranges from $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the institution and program duration. In-state residents at public technical schools and community colleges often pay lower tuition compared to private institutions. Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, lab fees, health screenings, CPR certification, and NCLEX-PN exam fees.
Student housing is a consideration if attending a program far from home. While many students commute, those needing housing should expect to pay market rates for rentals, which range from approximately $800 to $1,300 per month depending on location in Delaware
Can I Take LPN Classes Online?
Delaware does not approve fully online LPN programs due to the necessity of supervised clinical experience. While some theoretical coursework may be offered in hybrid formats, core nursing classes and all clinical components must be completed in-person. Practical nursing education requires hands-on training in patient care environments to build critical skills, assess student competency, and meet state licensure requirements set by the Delaware Board of Nursing.
LPN Licensure Requirements in Delaware
NCLEX-PN Exam Information
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Delaware, candidates must first graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program and then pass the NCLEX-PN exam. This national licensure exam evaluates the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice. In Delaware, applicants must request official transcripts from their nursing education program and complete a criminal background check as part of the exam application process. The Delaware Board of Nursing facilitates the examination application through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services (DELPROS) portal.
LPN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact
Delaware offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs who are already licensed in another U.S. state or territory. Applicants must provide verification of their current, unencumbered license and evidence of completing a practical nursing program approved by that state. In addition, candidates must complete a background check and submit an online application through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.
Delaware is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs to practice in other compact member states without having to obtain additional licenses. This multi-state license option is available to nurses whose primary state of residence is Delaware and who meet all NLC eligibility criteria.
Licensure Requirements
The Delaware Board of Nursing oversees all LPN licensure in the state. To obtain an initial LPN license, applicants must:
- Graduate from a Board-approved practical nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-PN exam
- Submit a completed application and pay required fees through DELPROS
- Undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check
All educational documentation must be sent directly to the Board from the issuing institution. Foreign-educated applicants may be required to submit credential evaluations and proof of English proficiency depending on their background.
License Renewal
Delaware LPN licenses must be renewed every two years (biennially). The renewal deadline is February 28 of even-numbered years. To renew an LPN license, the Delaware Board of Nursing requires:
- Completion of 24 hours of continuing education during the two-year license period
- At least 3 of the 24 hours must be in substance abuse education
- Submission of a renewal application through the DELPROS system
- Payment of the renewal fee
LPNs must maintain documentation of their continuing education in case of audit. Clinical practice hours are not a renewal requirement unless stipulated under a disciplinary action.
Delaware LPN Salary Compared to National Average Salary For LPN/LVNs
The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Delaware is $66,510, which is higher than the national average of $62,340. This wage difference is influenced by several state-specific economic factors, including a higher cost of living index compared to many other states. Additionally, Delaware's growing population and a significant demand for long-term care services for its aging demographic contribute to more competitive compensation for LPNs. State regulations and the local healthcare system's structure also play a role in establishing these higher salary benchmarks.
Average LPN National Salary
$62,340 per year
2024 Median Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Delaware LPN Certificate/Diploma vs. Associate Degree
LPN Diploma/Certificate
Program Length:
11-12 months.
Credential Awarded:
Diploma or Certificate of Completion.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
Yes. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Program Focus:
Concentrates on core clinical skills, basic patient care, pharmacology, and hands-on training for entry-level LPN positions.
Average In-State Tuition in Delaware:
$8,000 - $17,000 (Varies significantly between community colleges and private/vocational schools).
Best For:
Individuals seeking the fastest and most direct path to enter the nursing workforce as a licensed practical nurse.
School Types:
Community colleges (like Delaware Technical Community College) and public vocational/technical schools (like Polytech Adult Education).
LPN Associate Degree
Program Length:
2 years (full-time).
Credential Awarded:
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS or ASN).
NCLEX-PN Eligibility:
No. This program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) exam.
Program Focus:
A broader curriculum including advanced patient assessment, leadership, community health, and general education courses, preparing for the more complex RN role.
Average In-State Tuition in Delaware:
$16,000 - $20,000 for the complete program.
Best For:
Students committed to becoming an RN from the start or current LPNs using a bridge program to advance their career.
School Types:
Community colleges (Delaware Technical Community College is the primary provider).
Choose Diploma/Certificate If:
- Faster Entry to Workforce: You can complete the program and be eligible for licensure in about one year, allowing you to start earning and gaining experience quickly.
- Lower Initial Cost: The overall tuition and time commitment are significantly less than for an associate degree, making it a more accessible entry point into nursing.
- Focused, Hands-On Training: The curriculum is streamlined to teach the essential, practical skills needed for the LPN role without extensive general education requirements.
- Foundation for Advancement: It serves as a solid career credential on its own while also providing a pathway to LPN-to-RN bridge programs later if you decide to advance your education.
Choose Associate Degree If:
- Higher Licensure & Scope: It leads directly to licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN), which comes with a broader scope of practice, greater autonomy, and more responsibilities.
- Increased Earning Potential: RNs consistently earn higher salaries than LPNs due to their advanced training and responsibilities.
- Wider Career Opportunities: An RN license opens doors to a greater variety of roles and specialties in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
- Seamless Path to a BSN: The general education credits earned in an associate degree program are designed to transfer more easily into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
📚 LPN vs Other Entry Level Healthcare Careers in Delaware
| Career | Salary | Program Length | Exam | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN | $58,700 - $68,600 | 11-12 months | NCLEX-PN | 450+ hours | $7,000 - $14,000 |
| MA | $37,800 - $47,200 | 9-12 months | CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) | 160-200 hours | $6,000 - $16,000 |
| CNA | $35,900 - $45,900 | 4-12 weeks | Prometric CNA Exam | 75+ hours | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| DA | $46,400 - $58,400 | 9-12 months | DANB (RHS, CDA) | 250-350 hours | $6,000 - $15,000 |
| Pharm Tech | $37,000 - $46,700 | 6-9 months | PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) | 120-160 hours | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,500 - $49,100 | 4 weeks - 4 months | CPT (NHA) or PBT (ASCP) | 40-120 hours | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| OTA | $62,100 - $78,800 | 2 years (Associate's Degree) | NBCOT COTA Exam | 640+ hours | $13,000 - $18,000 |
Delaware LPN Program Resources
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