How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware

Delaware’s 4.5 percent unemployment rate for May 2022, coupled with above-average wages for LPNs, makes it an excellent choice for nursing students.

During your clinical training, expect to work in neonatology, pediatrics, obstetrics, gerontology, and hospice settings.

Twenty-one percent of Delaware’s population is under 18, and 20 percent are over 65, so take advantage of schools that provide exposure to that entire age range.

In addition, 9.3 percent of First State residents under 65 have one or more disabilities affecting their daily activities, and eight percent lacked health insurance as of July 1, 2021.

Job Requirements for Delaware Licensed Practical Nurses

Under Delaware law, applicants for licensed practical nursing training programs who live, attend class, or work here must provide their fingerprints and other documentation to obtain a criminal background check.

The student must have the background check conducted at the individual’s expense.

Practical Nursing Schools in Delaware

Four programs address Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Delaware.

Other schools exist in the state, but their courses do not specifically address LPNs and LVNs.

Take classes in neighboring states or set your sights on an RN degree.

Polytech Adult Education

The Polytech Adult Education Practical Nursing program runs for 1496 hours over three semesters costing $14,699, including textbooks.

You must register in person.

Because clinical training begins in semester one, students must be 18 before classes start.

Also, you will need two written professional recommendations and a copy of your official high school transcript, GED, or equivalent.

Furthermore, you must take and pass the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills and have an interview with the Practical Nursing staff at Polytech.

Finally, submit the materials and your completed application together.

Keep a copy of everything in case anything goes astray.

After acceptance, you must contact the State of Delaware Adult and Child Abuse Registry to obtain your criminal background check.

In addition, you must document that you have received all required immunizations, provide proof of health insurance, undergo a drug screen, and submit a comprehensive physical.

The 823 Walnut Shade Road campus in Woodside, DE, houses the LPN program.

Delaware Technical Community College

The Practical Nursing Studies Diploma Program at DTCC takes place at their Charles L. Terry Jr. Campus on 100 Campus Drive in Dover and at the Jack F. Owens Campus on 21179 College Drive in Georgetown.

DTCC tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year runs $2,287.50 per semester for 15 or more credits for in-state students and $5,718.75 per semester for out-of-state participants, plus an additional $95 in fees, not including lab fees.

Consequently, the four-semester program will cost at least $9,245 for Delaware residents and $22,970 for out-of-state tuition.

New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District

Parents, how would you like to keep thousands of dollars in tuition and fees in your pocket?

If your child has reached eighth grade or higher, they are eligible to attend the Nursing Technology program at NCCVT.

Apply in grade eight or nine and complete the prerequisites until grade 11 for a head start against other aspiring Delaware nurses.

In addition, since the four campuses belong to the New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District public schools, the entire program will cost you nothing but your child’s time and effort.

NCCVT students will take the Delaware nurse aide certification exam by the end of 11th grade.

Moreover, nursing technology students also participate in cooperative on-the-job training in 12th grade, gaining 18 months of work experience while still in high school.

After graduation, students need one additional year to acquire their practical nursing license.

Delaware Skills Center

The licensed practical nursing program at 500 Ships Landing Way in New Castle costs $13,500 and includes tuition, a testing fee, background check, drug testing, course materials, and supplies.

The school does not accept financial aid, although the Department of Labor pays the entire cost of the program for eligible aspiring Licensed Practical Nursing students living in Delaware through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Delaware – Summary Table

Experience Requirements and Salary Expectations in the Blue Hen State

Delaware requires nursing program applicants to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to attend classes and receive licensure.

In addition, except for vocational training programs in Delaware high schools, applicants for practical nursing training programs must be at least 18 when they begin classes.

For example, New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District enrolls students in the Nursing Technology program from the beginning of grade 11.

Graduates of Blue Hen State practical nursing programs can expect salaries higher than the national average.

The annual mean wage for Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurses sat at $53.040 as of May 2021, leaving Diamond State LPNs with $1,190 more per year in their bank accounts than the national mean wage.

Because Delaware lies within the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, annual salaries run $55,640.

Regional Salary in Delaware