Becoming an LPN in Delaware

Though Delaware is small, its commitment to improving quality healthcare by training and supporting its nursing population is actually quite large. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is estimating a 12% increase for licensed practical nursing (LPN) employment nationwide through the year 2026, making it a great choice for those looking for job security. The BLS also reports that LPNs in Delaware earn a mean hourly wage of $24.20, which equates to an annual salary of roughly $50,330. To get in on this promising career, enrolling in one of the state’s LPN programs is the first step.

Details on Delaware LPN Schools & Classes

Delaware boasts several schools with LPN programs that are dotted throughout the state, particularly in Wilmington and Dover. Students must enroll and graduate from an accredited LPN program, and then pass the NCLEX-PN exam, in order to gain licensure as a practical nurse. Most LPN programs take anywhere from 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on full or part-time attendance.

Course titles typically found in LPN programs in the state include:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Human Development
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Essentials-Maternal/Child Nursing
• Essentials-Mental Health Nursing

Accreditation

Proper accreditations are one of the most important things that a school with an LPN program can have, as this is a sign of a quality. Big national organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing are great to look for, as well as smaller, regional accrediting bodies. In addition to this, the Delaware Board of Nursing may also be able to help you find an approved LPN program.

Admission Requirements

While each school’s requirements may differ slightly, most will require the following in order to gain entrance in to an LPN program in Delaware:

• High school diploma or GED (official transcripts requested)
• College Placement Test (CPT) or SAT/ACT scores may be required
• CPR certification
• Submission of a completed application and any applicable fees

Tuition and Costs

Many prospective students worry that they can’t afford an LPN program, but the truth is that many programs are much more affordable than you might think. Due to the shorter duration of LPN programs, the total cost is significantly less expensive than longer nursing programs, such as RN programs. LPN programs require students to pay for tuition, program/mandatory fees, and course materials. As an example, the total estimated cost of the 12-month LPN program at the Delaware Institute of Health Sciences is $15,371. This includes tuition, fees, books, and more.

Delaware LPN Licensing Requirements

Delaware applicants for LPN licenses must first complete a Board-certified nursing program and sit for the NCLEX before he or she can practice in the state. In order to receive state licensure, the applicant must submit a notarized application to the state, including:

• Official transcript, showing date and degree received sent directly to the Board office from the nursing school.
• Fingerprinting and criminal background check.
• Driver’s license copy or official identification card.
• Completed Nursing Reference Form.
• Proof of registration (ATT) for the NCLEX.

Delaware LPN licenses expire Feb 28^th every even-numbered year and require the nurse to have worked either 1000 hours in the past 5 years, 400 hours in the past 2 years, or complete continued education requirements.

NCLEX Exam Information

Delaware LPN students must pass the NCLEX-PN exam in order to officially gain licensure once an accredited program has been completed. This exam tests students’ knowledge on a variety of nursing-related topics. A detailed overview of the NCLEX-PN can be found here, and students can take the NCLEX-PN practice test to prepare themselves for the real exam.

LPN Reciprocity and eNLC

Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact—1 of 24 states allowing nurses to work in multiple NLC states without additional licensing as long as they have registered a primary state of residence. As of January 2018, the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) will be in effect, which aims to increase access to care while maintaining public protections. Nurses with an existing NLC multistate license will be grandfathered in to the eNLC. LPNs in states outside of the compact area can apply for a Delaware license by endorsement, submitting a notarized application and providing the following:

• Proof of active license in another state.
• Official transcript from state-approved nursing program.
• Proof of passing the NCLEX.
• Driver’s license copy or official identification card.
• Criminal background check.
• Foreign applicants must also submit an evaluation of their official transcripts—a full course-by-course review by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)

For detailed information about LPN endorsement by application in Delaware check out:
https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/reciprocity/

LPN Salary in Delaware By Area

The table below lists career information retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Delaware. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Delaware LPN to RN/BSN programs page.