Like many states, Delaware is facing a shortage in healthcare workers, including nurses. The cause of these shortages is complex, making them even more challenging to address. Research has found that solving this problem in Delaware will require a multi-pronged approach that includes both workplace initiatives and policy changes.
DNP-prepared nurses are in a unique position to help. Because they are qualified for leadership roles, DNPs can work toward solutions in the workplace, like retention programs to address burnout and creating supportive work environments. They can also use their expertise to lobby for institutional and policy changes, like tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and tax incentives to attract more people to the profession.
If you’re interested in pursuing a DNP in Delaware, there are various options to choose from, some that you may not find anywhere else. Below, we cover the details of these programs so you can choose the one that is right for you.
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DNP Programs in Delaware
Delaware offers a variety of DNP programs that prepare nurses for advanced practice or leadership positions. There are online, hybrid, and in-person options, too, allowing you to choose a program that suits your schedule and learning preferences.
According to the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, all DNP program graduates must complete at least 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours. This total includes hours accumulated during master’s programs. The hours listed in the summaries below include the number of hours that are built into the curriculum to help satisfy this requirement, but how many hours each student needs will vary.
Delaware MSN to DNP Programs
The MSN to DNP program at the University of Delaware is a hybrid program, allowing students to take most courses online while also providing opportunities for face-to-face learning.
University of Delaware
- Newark, Delaware
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 336
Tuition: $1,069 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP track at the University of Delaware is for nurses who hold an MSN and a national certification as an advanced practice nurse. The program is 36 credits with 336 indirect clinical hours included, but students can take additional credits to complete enough clinical hours to meet the 1,000-hour requirement. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format, and the program can be completed in three years.
Online DNP Programs in Delaware
Online programs can be a convenient choice for nurses who intend to keep working while pursuing their terminal degree. There are six DNP programs in Delaware that offer this option.
Delaware Online MSN to DNP Programs
Wilmington University has an impressive six DNP tracks for MSN-prepared nurses to choose from. While these programs are available online, the school also offers in-person and hybrid options for some of these programs.
Wilmington University
- New Castle, Delaware
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $2,139 per course + fees, or about $713 per credit
Program Overview:
The Wilmington University offers various paths for MSN-prepared nurses who wish to pursue a DNP. Nurses in any specialty can enroll in the traditional MSN to DNP track. APRNs will take 12 courses, and nurse leaders will take 16. Both options can be completed in 28 months.
Another option is the MSN to DNP/MSM track. In this program, nurses earn a DNP and a master’s in management with either an advanced practice or leadership concentration. APRNs take 18 courses with 500 hours and can complete the program in as little as 20 months. Nurse leaders take 22 courses with 1,000 hours and complete the program in 28 months.
There is also an MSN DNP Leadership (Accelerated Option). In this option, MSN students can take DNP-level courses to meet their MSN requirements, allowing them to complete the DNP program at an accelerated pace. By enrolling in this option, students are conditionally accepted into the DNP program contingent on completing their master’s level work. The total credit requirements vary depending on the concentration. Students in the legal nurse consultant, nurse educator, or nurse executive concentration will take 39 credits instead of 45. Those in the public health concentration will take 36 instead of 45.
The MSN to DNP with Post-Masters Certificate option is available both online and in the traditional classroom setting and allows students to complete a DNP and a post-master’s certificate simultaneously. There are six post-master’s certificate options available (FNP, PMHNP, Legal Nurse Consultant, Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, and Public Health), and requirements vary for each option.
Students who are interested in leadership and management may want to consider the MSN to DNP/MBA option. APRNs take 18 courses, complete 500 hours, and can complete the program in 20 months, while nurse leaders take 22 courses, complete 1,000 hours, and complete the program in 28 months.
The last option is the PhD to DNP track. Nurses who have already completed a PhD or a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) degree can obtain a DNP with a concentration in either Leadership or Advanced Practice. Requirements vary depending on previous education and experience.
Many of the DNP programs at Wilmington University can be completed entirely online, but students in some programs also have the option to attend hybrid courses on the Brandywine or New Castle campus. Location varies by program.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Delaware
While all of these programs can be completed in three years or less, consider the programs below if you’re looking to complete a program as quickly as possible.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest DNP programs in Delaware are at Wilmington University. The MSN to DNP track, MSN to DNP/MSM track, and MSN to DNP/MBA can all be completed in 20 months by APRNs. (Nurse leaders can finish these programs in 28 months.
Best DNP Programs in Delaware
The best program is the one that suits your needs, but it’s fair to say that, while Delaware does not have a long list of options, some of the programs that are offered in the state are unique. Wilmington University, in particular, offers several programs that aren’t widely available, including the MSN to DNP/MSM track, the MSN to DNP with Post-Masters Certificate track, and the MSN to DNP/MBA track.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Delaware
Determining the final cost of a program is challenging as every school has its own fees and added costs, and some students may require more credits than others. That said, per credit, Wilmington University offers the most affordable program. Courses are $2,139 each. Most courses are three credits, which breaks down to $713 per credit.