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Delaware RN Certification and Schools - DE

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 12th, 2010

Delaware, known as “The First State,” was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution back in 1787. Just as in all other states in the nation, there are more job vacancies than qualified nurses to fill them, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts up to a 25% increase in nursing jobs by 2016 in Delaware.  To address the nursing shortage in this state, the Delaware Health Care Commission produced a study and recommendations to solve the nursing shortage.  Key solutions include targeted recruitment of nurses, increased educational scholarships for nursing programs, appropriate staff compensation and improved retention strategies, and enhanced continuing education opportunities for licensed nurses throughout the state.   Delaware is clearly taking an active role in recruiting and retaining more nursing professionals, which is good news for those who desire a nursing career in this state.

Education Through Delaware RN Schools

A career in nursing begins with an education either online or through one the accredited Delaware RN schools.  Prior to obtaining a license in the state of Delaware, candidates must first complete a degree or diploma in nursing.  Luckily for today’s would-be nurses, the national nursing shortage has prompted a number of scholarships to be created for students to complete nursing programs.

The state of Delaware hosts a number of programs for traditional college students, working professionals, and online for students to obtain an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing.  Certificate and diploma programs are offered at most major hospitals throughout the state.  These educational programs vary in length, intensity, and range of subject matter covered in curricula, but ultimately, they all satisfy the educational requirements for national and state licensure. 
 
Bachelor’s and Master’s nursing degree programs take 4–8 years to complete and typically include liberal arts classes such as history, languages, mathematics, etc. in addition to nursing-related instruction on the human body and its functioning, nursing ethics, clinical practice and administration, and research methods.  Associate’s and diploma programs are designed to cover the foundations and principles of nursing without the liberal arts class requirements.  These programs usually can be completed in 2–3 years.

Through campus or online programs, aspiring Registered Nurses in Wilmington, Dover and Newark, Delaware may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Bayhealth Medical Center, Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital.