University of Delaware Nursing School Review

Founded in 1743, to meet the need for an educational institution for local clergymen, the University of Delaware (UD) has gone on to enroll over 20,000 students in any given semester, with most being undergraduates. The university is a Carnegie Research University, and undertakes a high level of research in several fields. The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Review of University of Delaware Nursing Degree Programs

What began as the Department of Nursing in the year of 1962 is now the University Of Delaware’s School of Nursing. The school has a threefold mission of providing liberal and professional education, a research-based nursing program and service to the community through volunteer programs. Three nursing certificate programs, three undergraduate nursing degree programs and six graduate nursing degree programs are offered. The school is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

University of Delaware Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Traditional Nursing Program- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The traditional program educates both high-school graduates and current college students seeking to enroll in the nursing field. The program operates in an immersion format, focusing on providing necessary education and skills while allowing the students to practice these skills in a clinical setting. The school also offers an immersion laboratory in which nurses can explore a variety of critical care situations including surgery, health assessment and maternity. Students in this 4-year, 122 credit program will earn a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing.

Accelerated BSN Nursing Program (ABSN)

The Accelerated Nursing Program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing seeking to earn a BSN qualification. The accelerated program is a 17 month full-time program. Students must have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in their previous nursing program. Domestic and international students must have their credits evaluated for transferability, which could affect the time required to complete the program.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN) Program

Licensed nurses not yet holding a degree can participate in the RN to BSN program to complete the last two years of their undergraduate education. Registered nurses interested in this program may receive a free transcript evaluation by contacting the school. Students receive credits for their previous education and experience and must complete 60 more credits to receive the BSN degree. Nurses must hold a 2.5 GPA from previous educational qualifications. The program is offered completely online.

University of Delaware Graduate Degree Programs

Admission requirements for graduate degree programs vary. In general students must hold at least a RN qualification from a school accredited by a nursing body, and also recent Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. Students should have at least one year of experience.

University of Delaware Masters Degree Nursing Programs

Registered Nurse to Master’s of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) Program

The Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN) degree program is for nurses who do not hold an undergraduate or BSN degree and would like to earn an MSN. The program coursework is completed online and students participate in a clinical practicum in their location. Students may choose from the following concentrations for their MSN degree:

  • MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist (CSN) (Both Adult and Child Specializations)
  • MSN Health Services Administration Degree (HSAD)
  • MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
  • MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
  • MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) (offered in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson University)

Admission requirements include that students must have a 3.0 GPA from previous education experience. Students complete from 44-47 credits. A unique feature to this program is that students earn both a BSN and MSN degree, while most RN to MSN programs only award the MSN qualification.

The programs are offered in both an online and hybrid program format to suit students’ schedules. Most classes that are offered on-campus are offered in the afternoons after 3pm, in order to suit the demands of working nurses.

University of Delaware Nursing Doctoral Degree Programs

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing program at the University of Delaware offers students a comprehensive education in nursing research and leadership which will prepare them for a career in academia or leading a health care organization.

The course requires students to gain necessary research experience through working as assistants on research projects and completing their own research dissertation. Generous financial aid packages which offer a living stipend and health benefits are available on a competitive basis. The course requires 41 credits to complete. Students are awarded a PhD in Nursing Science. The programs is the first of its kind in Delaware.

University of Delaware Certificate Programs

Basic School Nursing Certificate

The Basic School Nursing Certificate allows nurses to fulfill the Delaware Department of Education’s requirements to use their degree to work in a school setting. The program fulfills the gap in training for school nurses that traditional nursing programs do not provide. The program is delivered in 6 modules over a total of 90 hours.

Participants in this Department of Education approved program will receive a certificate in Basic School Nursing from the University of Delaware.

CNS, ANP and FNP Post Master’s Certificate

Students holding an MSN qualification have the opportunity of advancing their study by earning a post-graduate master’s certificate as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). The area of concentration can be decided upon by the student and time varies according to the certificate concentration chosen. Students must have at least one year of experience before pursuing a post-master’s certificate.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The University Of Delaware School Of Nursing offers generous financial aid opportunities and referrals to outside scholarship opportunities. The financial aid package for doctoral students includes a stipend, health benefits and tuition fees covered. Students must be enrolled full-time to receive financial aid and work a minimum of 20 hours. The school also advertises several external award opportunities including the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) in which students can receive a scholarship for working in an underserved community. The NHSC scholarship offers full tuition and school fees support for service. Several students have also offered $10,000 scholarships through the New Careers in Nursing Scholarship (NCIN) program. The NCIN scholarships are for students of backgrounds underrepresented in nursing or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact:
University of Delaware
401 Academy Street
Newark, DE 19716
Tel: (302) 831-2000

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