Delaware Nursing Schools

Though Delaware is a small state without many colleges, it still has some very good nursing degree programs, and plenty of employment opportunities for graduates. There are small technical and community colleges that offer associate’s degrees (some of which are transferable to four year schools), as well as larger schools that offer advanced degrees.

Because Delaware has a lot of diversity both geographically and population wise, it has developed several programs to help recruit health care workers to rural areas, and recruit minority workers to areas where nurses are needed the most. Even though it’s usually rural areas and small hospitals that are hardest hit by the nursing shortage, even Delaware’s large hospitals face a dearth of qualified nurses.

Incentives for Delaware Nursing Students

Delaware’s large hospitals, like those in Newark and Wilmington, offer sign on bonuses in excess of $5,000 for new hires, as well as excellent benefits. In addition to these incentives, Delaware also offers some unique bonuses to nurses and nursing students, including:
– A State Loan Repayment Program that targets doctors, nurses, midwives, and other top- and mid-level health care workers
– Loan forgiveness for BSN students willing to work in an area with a severe shortage of health care workers
– Scholarships, grants, and programs that allow students to transfer low cost community college credits to University nursing programs
– Competitive salaries

Many nurses overlook Delaware in favor of larger states in the area, including New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. This has left Delaware seriously short the number of nurses it needs to serve its population, which means that there are no lack of job opportunities for recent nursing graduates. In addition to several large hospitals, Delaware is also home to numerous small emergency clinics, private practices, alternative medicine centers, specialists, nursing homes, psychiatric care facilities, and more.

Salaries for Delaware Nurses

Wilmington is Delaware’s most metropolitan area, and host to several hospitals including A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital, and Wilmington Hospital. An RN in Wilmington will earn a median income of about $69,000, which is over the national average. This reflects a range of $56,000 to $81,000. Other areas of Delaware, including rural areas further down state, will have a different median income for nurses. All figures are from the BLS.

Delaware Board of Nursing

Delaware’s Board of Nursing is a key resource for information on licensing and examinations, current news within the nursing industry, and information on nursing education programs. Delaware’s Board of Nursing can be reached through their website, or at 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Cannon Bldg. Suite 203, Dover, DE, 19904 or on their website.

Nursing Scholarships & Grants in DE

The following nursing scholarships and grants are available for Delaware residents and students enrolled in Delaware nursing programs.

Delaware Community Foundation
The Foundation offers a variety of scholarship programs for nursing students including the Margaret A. Stafford Nursing Scholarship Fund, a need-based scholarship that awards $1,000 to nursing students who are Delaware residents. Students can use the scholarship at any accredited college or university with a nursing program. For a grant application and guidelines, call the Foundation at (302) 504-5239.

John B. Lynch Scholarship Foundation
Delaware nursing students under the age of 30 are eligible for scholarships through the Foundation.  Graduating high school seniors accepted into a nursing program can also apply for financial assistance.  Only undergraduate students are eligible for Foundation scholarships.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic potential for support. Award amounts vary but cannot exceed $10,000 over four years. Completed applications are due by March annually. For applications and guidelines, write the Foundation at 10 Montchanin Road, P.O. Box4248, Wilmington, DE 19807 or call them at (302) 654-3444.

Educational Institute Nursing Scholarships
When you apply for financial aid, some colleges automatically check for all college-based scholarships you may be eligible for.  However, double check and asks specifically about nursing scholarships and grants.  You can also contact the nursing department and ask them if they know of nursing scholarships and grants you may be eligible for.  Get all applications and guidelines so you know submission deadlines and award amounts. The following is an example of institutional-based nursing scholarships and grants.

Delaware Technical & Community College
The College manages several nursing scholarship programs. Each campus offers separate scholarships to nursing students.  For example, the Terry Campus in Dover offers The Marilyn and George H. Chabbott Scholarship for nursing students older than 21 and who live in Kent County.  Award amounts are typically $1,000 and can be used for tuition or other expenses related to nursing education.  Additional information is available through the school’s financial aid office.

Employer-Sponsored Nursing Scholarships
Ask your employer if they offer company-sponsored nursing scholarships.  If your parent still claims you as a dependent child, check with their employer for applicable financial assistance.  Larger employers often have nursing scholarship programs for employees and their family members.  There may be restrictions such as length of employment with the company that determine eligibility.  The company’s Human Resources Department will have nursing scholarship applications and guidelines. An example of an employee-related scholarship program is the support provided by the CTW Foundation, Inc.

CTW Foundation, Inc.
The CTW Foundation, Inc. (formerly the Beneficial Foundation, Inc.) provides scholarships to the children of employees of Beneficial Corporation and its affiliates.  Nursing students whose parents are employees of Beneficial Corporation are eligible for these scholarships. Completed applications should be mailed to the Foundation, c/o Hodson Services, LLC, 300 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 100, Wilmington, DE 19809.  Questions should be directed to the Foundation at (302) 429-9427.

Community-Based Nursing Scholarships
These types of nursing scholarships and grants restrict eligibility to applicants who meet residency requirements.  Nursing scholarships may be available through civic and other community organizations.  An important resource is community foundations which offer nursing scholarships and grants, usually through donor-advised funds, to local residents.  Contact any of these resources directly for additional information, including applications and guidelines.  The George E. Gordy Family Educational Trust Fund is an example of a foundation that offers community-based nursing scholarships.

George E. Gordy Family Educational Trust Fund
The Fund offers scholarships to nursing students who graduated from a high school in Sussex County in Delaware. Award amounts range from $350 to $3,000.  Completed applications must include an application form, transcripts, and documentation of financial need.  Applications must be mailed to the Fund by mid-February annually. For applications, write the Fund at c/o Wilmington Trust Co., 1100 North Market Street, Suite 310780, Wilmington, DE 19890 or by calling (302) 855-2814.

List of Top Nursing Schools, Colleges & Accredited Programs in Delaware

Beebe Hospital School of Nursing

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Delaware Board of Nursing
424 Savannah Rd
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Phone: (302) 645-3251 x5465
Website: www.beebeschoolofnursing.org
Beebe Hospital School of Nursing is a 2-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Dawn Career Institute

Nursing Programs Offered:
Certificate Program less than one year in Vocational Nursing
3700 Lancaster Pike Suite 105
Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: (302) 633-9075
Website: www.dawncareerinstitute.edu
Dawn Career Institute is a less than 2-year, Private for-profit

Delaware State University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN/BSN)
Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
1200 N. Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 857-6060
Website: www.desu.edu
Delaware State University is a 4-year, public institution.

Delaware Technical and Community College-Owens

Nursing Programs Offered:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Certificate Program less than one year in Vocational Nursing
Certificate Program between one and two years in Registered Nursing
Certificate Program between two and four years in Registered Nursing Transfer
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Route 18, Seashore Highway
Georgetown, Delaware 19947
Phone: (302) 856-5400
Website: www.dtcc.edu/owens/
Delaware Technical and Community College-Owens is a 2-year, public institution.

University of Delaware

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Nursing of Children Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Health Services Administration Degree (HSAD)
Post-Master’s of Science in Nursing Certificate
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: (302) 831-2000
Website: www.udel.edu
The University of Delaware is a 4-year, public institution.

Wesley College

Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certificate Program less than one year in Vocational Nursing
Certificate Program between one and two years in Registered Nursing
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Accreditation: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
120 N State St, Dover
Delaware 19901-3875
Phone: (302) 736-2300
Website: www.wesley.edu
Wesley College is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.

Wilmington University

Nursing Programs Offered:
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Mobility)
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
320 Dupont Hwy
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Phone: (877) 967-5464
Website: www.wilmu.edu
Wilmington University is a 4-year, private not-for-profit institution.