If you live in Delaware and would like to break into the field of nursing as quickly as possible, you should consider becoming a licensed practical nurse, or LPN. While it takes anywhere from two to four years to complete the necessary schooling to become a registered nurse, training to become an LPN usually only takes around 12 to 18 months.
The only way to be hirable as an LPN in Delaware is by completing a training program that has been approved by the board of nursing. Once that's done, you can sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and be on your way to obtaining your license. Learn more about being an LPN in Delaware, including which schools to consider, by reading on below.
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Top LPN Programs in Delaware
Like most aspiring licensed practical nurses, you are probably excited and a bit nervous about launching your career. Since the training program that you complete is designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, it's crucial to select one that has a solid reputation and strong NCLEX pass rates.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed while trying to find LPN programs in Delaware. To make things easier, we've rounded up info about the top programs in the state:
Delaware Institute of Health Sciences
4708 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 633-4010Delaware Skills Center
1300 Clifford Brown Walk, Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 654-5392Delaware Technical Community College
100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE 19904 (302) 857-1000Delaware Technical Community College
21179 College Dr, Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 259-6000Polytech Adult Education
823 Walnut Shade Rd, Woodside, DE 19980 (302) 697-4545
Neighboring States: Maryland | New Jersey | Pennsylvania
In addition to ensuring that the LPN program adequately prepares students for the exam, make certain that it is officially approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing. Keep in mind too that many programs offer online components, and most can be taken on a full- or part-time basis.
LPN Licensing Requirements in Delaware
As with most U.S. states, to become an LPN in Delaware, you must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Complete a board-certified LPN training program, which typically takes 12 to 18 months.
- Submit your notarized application to the board of nursing along with a copy of your driver's license or ID card; official transcripts from your training program; fingerprints for a background check; proof of registration for the NCLEX-PN; and a completed Nursing Reference Form.
- Take and pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam, which is administered around the year at sites around the state.
As a Nurse Licensure Compact, or NLC, state, LPNs from other NLC states can more easily transfer their licenses through a streamlined process.
LPN licenses in Delaware expire on February 28 of each even-numbered year. To renew your license, you must show that you have worked at least 1,000 hours over the last five years or at least 400 hours over the last two. Moreover, continuing education is required. You can learn more about this by contacting the state board of nursing.
Delaware Board of Nursing
When applying for your Delaware LPN license, you will send your information to the state board of nursing. Going forward, this is also the same agency that will handle renewals when they come up, and it's where you need to turn if your license lapses or if you encounter any other problems.
Contact information for the Delaware State Board of Nursing is as follows:
Delaware Board of Nursing
861 Silver Lake Blvd #203, Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Fax: (302) 739-2711
LPN Salary & Employment Outlook in Delaware
If you're going to put time, money and effort into gaining the credentials that you need to become an LPN, you'd probably like to make sure that LPNs in Delaware are fairly compensated and that they can easily find employment. Happily, you don't have to worry about either thing in the First State, as the outlook for each is quite good.
For example, in 2022 LPNs in Delaware earned $58,880 per year, which is equal to $28.31 per hour. These figures are higher than those for the nation as a whole, where LPNs earn an average of $54,620 per year, or $26.26 per hour.
As far as job outlook goes, things look pretty rosy there too. From the year 2014 through the year 2024, there is expected to be a 10-percent increase in jobs for LPNs across the state. This rate of growth is a bit slower than that for the nation as a whole, which is around 16 percent. Still, it means that around 80 new LPN jobs will open up each year during that time period, so it shouldn't be difficult for LPNs with the proper credentials to find employment now and in the future. Please note, however, that LPNs are paid more in some areas than in others.
LPN Salaries in Delaware By Area
Depending on where you live in Delaware, the amount that you can potentially earn as an LPN varies pretty significantly. Since this is a very small state, however, it only has a few major metro areas, and employment across the state is fairly uniform.
Note also that geography is only one factor affecting LPN salaries. You may be paid more or less based on your level of experience, the quality of the training that you received, the scarcity or overabundance of LPNs in the area and other factors.
With all of that being said, here is some information about the outlook for LPNs in various parts of Delaware. As you can see, the number of available positions and the average pay vary widely, so it may be worth it to relocate if possible.
| Area | Total Employments | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 520 | $24.74 | $51,460 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022
As you can see, there are several steps involved in becoming an LPN in Delaware. If you start now, though, you should be able to start looking for jobs in your area within a year or so.
