Best LPN Programs in Delaware

Last Updated/Verified: Aug 8, 2023

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 an 9% increase for licensed practical nursing (LPN) employment nationwide through the year 2029, making it a great choice for those looking for job security. To get in on this promising career, enrolling in one of the state’s LPN programs is the first step. LPNs in Delaware earn approximately $27.58 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $57,360. This is roughly $1,500 per year more than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Delaware are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 4 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 3 programs. For more information on our LPN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LPN programs in Delaware click here.

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 accreditation is one of the most important things that a school with an LPN program can have, as this is a sign of 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 into 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 LPN program at the Delaware Skills Center is approximately $13,300.

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

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 on February 28th 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 continuing 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 NLC

Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact— allowing nurses to work in multiple NLC states without additional licensing as long as they have registered a primary state of residence. 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)

Top Ranked Delaware LPN Programs

1

Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) – Dover

100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE 19904 - (302) 857-1000 - Visit Homepage

Delaware Technical Community College's Dover campus offers an exceptional practical nursing diploma program that prepares students for licensure and beyond. The curriculum supports hands-on learning to give students the confidence to provide outstanding patient care.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) – Georgetown

21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947 - (302) 259-6000 - Visit Homepage

The Georgetown campus of Delaware Technical Community College provides students with a practical nursing program that equips them to become members of the healthcare team. Through classroom lectures and clinical experiences, students learn the theoretical and practical applications of entry-level nursing techniques.

Overall Score: 99.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

Delaware Skills Center

1300 Clifford Brown Walk, Wilmington, DE 19801 - (302) 654-5392 - Visit Homepage

Delaware Skills Center, located in Wilmington, offers a fully accredited practical nursing program for those looking to enter nursing practice. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7am to 3:30pm in a rigorous, full-time format that can be completed in around 10.5 months. The curriculum includes courses in Nursing Science & Theory, Medical Technology, and more.

Overall Score: 85.74 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Delaware

RankedProgramScore
#4 Polytech Adult Education
823 Walnut Shade Rd, Dover, DE 19901
(302) 697-4545
74.77

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional DE Nursing Resources

LPN Salary in Delaware

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.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Dover520$24.74$51,460

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)