LPN Programs in Delaware 2026
To become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware, you must complete a Delaware Board of Nursing-approved program and pass the NCLEX-PN. Programs range from community college tracks to private vocational schools and typically run 11 to 18 months. Tuition at public programs can fall below $10,000, and federal financial aid is available for eligible students.
Sponsored School(s)
Delaware requires LPN candidates to complete a Board-approved practical nursing program before sitting for the NCLEX-PN. The Delaware Board of Nursing sets baseline requirements for all approved programs, including a minimum of 200 clinical hours, and maintains the current list of approved programs. How you choose among those programs depends on your schedule, budget, and what you want out of your first nursing role.
Use the links below to jump to program options, admission criteria, cost information, and salary data for Delaware LPNs.
- Approved LPN programs in Delaware
- Admission requirements
- Evaluating program quality
- Financing your LPN education
- Attending an out-of-state program
- Delaware LPN salary and job outlook
Approved LPN Programs in Delaware
The Delaware Board of Nursing approves all practical nursing programs in the state and publishes the current list on its website. Established, approved programs include Delaware Technical Community College, which offers practical nursing instruction at multiple campus locations, and Polytech Adult Education, which runs an intensive three-semester, full-time program totalling approximately 1,496 hours over 11 months. Dawn Career Institute received approval from the Delaware Board of Nursing in January 2024. Contact individual programs for current enrollment and scheduling details, as program status can change.
Geographic location matters less than it might appear. Some programs deliver instruction at facilities across multiple counties, so a program based in one part of the state may be accessible from another. That said, clinical rotations often differ from classroom locations. Confirm where hands-on training occurs before drawing conclusions about the commute distance.
All approved programs include clinical training alongside classroom and lab instruction. The Board requires a minimum of 200 clinical hours, though most programs exceed that floor. Graduates of approved programs are eligible to apply to the Delaware Board of Nursing to sit for the NCLEX-PN. For the full licensure process, including the NCLEX-PN application steps, see LPN license requirements in Delaware.
Admission Requirements
LPN programs in Delaware generally require a high school diploma or GED. Most programs also require a criminal background check and drug screening before enrollment. Academic thresholds are typically lower than those for registered nursing programs, but admission isn’t automatic.
Some Delaware LPN programs require the TEAS or another entrance assessment, but requirements vary by school. References or interviews may also be part of the application process at some programs. A few programs set a minimum age, which can affect recent high school graduates. Review the specific requirements for each program you’re considering.
Making the cut doesn’t always mean immediate enrollment. Waitlists are common at programs with limited seats, and the time between acceptance and the first day of class can run several months. Build that into your timeline if you’re planning around a target start date.
Evaluating Program Quality
NCLEX-PN pass rates are one of the most direct measures of program outcomes. Pass rates vary by year and by program. The Delaware Board of Nursing publishes pass rate data by institution at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/passrates. Review the most current results before applying, keeping in mind that pass rates also reflect each program’s admissions process and the population it serves.
Job placement rates tell you what happens after licensure. Ask programs for their most recent placement figures and how they define placement. A job offer in any field is different from placement in a nursing role. Retention rates, meaning how many students who start actually complete the program, are another useful signal. High attrition can reflect program difficulty, a lack of academic support, or both.
For adult learners who can’t attend full-time daytime classes, scheduling flexibility isn’t optional. Some programs are designed with working adults in mind and offer evening or alternate-schedule options. Others run as full-time day programs only. Confirm the format before applying.
Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) means an independent nursing organisation has reviewed the program and found it meets a recognised educational standard. ACEN accreditation is not a state requirement for Delaware Board of Nursing approval, but it can matter for your next credential. Some LPN-to-RN bridge programs require applicants to have graduated from an ACEN-accredited program. If you’re planning to advance to RN, check the admission requirements of bridge programs you might apply to later.
Financing Your LPN Education
Tuition at public practical nursing programs in Delaware can fall below $10,000 before financial aid. Private vocational programs typically run higher. Rates vary and can change, so contact individual programs directly for current figures.
Federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for most students. Pell Grants are available to eligible students and don’t require repayment. Students with military service or other qualifying status may be eligible for additional federal grant programs.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) can cover training costs for applicants who meet eligibility criteria. The program targets individuals with limited job prospects who need short-term training that leads to employment. WIOA funding is administered locally through Delaware’s workforce development offices. Not all LPN programs participate, so confirm program eligibility before counting on this as a funding source.
Delaware also administers the Governor’s Education Grant for Working Adults and the Governor’s Education Grant for Unemployed Adults. Both offset a portion of program costs for qualifying applicants. Eligibility criteria differ between the two. Check with Delaware’s workforce development resources for current requirements and application information.
Out-of-State Programs
Delaware is a small state, and many students live within a reasonable commuting distance of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey. Completing an LPN program in another state is an option. Applicants graduating from out-of-state programs should confirm with the Delaware Board of Nursing that their program meets Delaware licensure requirements, including a minimum of 200 clinical hours, before enrolling.
ACEN accreditation doesn’t substitute for Delaware Board of Nursing approval in this context. State approval and national accreditation are separate designations, and an accredited out-of-state program isn’t automatically accepted for licensure in Delaware. Verify directly with the Board.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
LPN Salary and Job Outlook in Delaware
Delaware LPNs earned a median annual wage of $68,710 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s above the national LPN median of $64,400 for the same period. BLS employment data show that approximately 2,240 LPNs are employed in the state.
| Area | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $68,710 | 2,240 |
| National | $64,400 | 648,410 |
Projections Central estimates 16.8% employment growth for LPNs in Delaware between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 210 job openings per year. That’s well above the national LPN projection of 5.3% for the same period. Entry-level wages will typically be lower than the median. First positions often come in long-term care, nursing homes, or home health settings. For a fuller picture of the career, including work settings and scope of practice, see becoming an LPN in Delaware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many LPN programs are approved in Delaware?
The Delaware Board of Nursing approves all practical nursing programs in the state and publishes the current list on its website at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing. Confirmed approved programs include Delaware Technical Community College, Polytech Adult Education, and Dawn Career Institute, which received Board approval in January 2024. Check the Board’s website directly for the most current list, as program status can change.
Do I need to take the TEAS to get into an LPN program in Delaware?
Some Delaware LPN programs require the TEAS or another entrance assessment, but not all do. Admission requirements vary by school. Confirm requirements directly with each program before applying.
What is the minimum clinical hours requirement for Delaware LPN programs?
The Delaware Board of Nursing requires a minimum of 200 clinical hours for all approved practical nursing programs. If you attend an out-of-state program and plan to seek Delaware licensure, confirm with the Board that your program meets this standard before enrolling. Most approved programs exceed this minimum as part of their standard curriculum.
Can I use WIOA funding to pay for an LPN program in Delaware?
WIOA can cover training costs for eligible applicants, but participation in the program varies. Not all Delaware LPN programs are WIOA-approved. Funding is administered through local workforce development offices. Confirm whether your target program participates before building WIOA into your financial plan.
Does ACEN accreditation matter for Delaware LPN programs?
ACEN accreditation is not required for Delaware Board of Nursing approval. However, it can affect your next step. Some LPN-to-RN bridge programs require applicants to have graduated from an ACEN-accredited program. If advancing to RN is part of your plan, check the admissions requirements of bridge programs you’re considering before you commit to an LPN program.
Key Takeaways
- Board approval is required — Any program you attend, in Delaware or another state, must meet Delaware Board of Nursing standards, including a minimum of 200 clinical hours.
- Admission varies by program — Requirements differ by school. Most programs require a background check and drug screening. Some require the TEAS or another entrance assessment. Waitlists are common, so factor in time between acceptance and enrollment.
- Pass rates vary by year and program — Review the Delaware Board of Nursing’s published pass rate data at dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/passrates for current figures before deciding.
- Multiple funding sources are available — Federal Pell Grants, WIOA, and two state Governor’s Education Grants can reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying students.
- Delaware wages exceed the national median — BLS data show a median LPN wage of $68,710 in Delaware vs $64,400 nationally as of May 2025, with 16.8% projected job growth through 2032.
Compare Delaware Board of Nursing-approved LPN programs, tuition estimates, and application details for programs across the state.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Licensed Practical & Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses, and Advanced Practice Nurses across roles, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.