There are several LPN programs in Delaware for you to choose from if you are interested in entering the health care profession. It is considered to be one of the best places to work as an LPN and there are growing opportunities for nurses who would like to work in this capacity. As the health care industry is one that is always growing, this is genuinely a good way to get involved. You will have job security and be safe in the knowledge that you will always be needed.
Statistics For LPN Programs In Delaware
Below are some useful statistics for you to keep in mind about LPN programs in Delaware.
Delaware receives a Comfort Score Rank of 2nd out of 51 states. The average LPN salary that you can earn in Delaware is $47,600 and there are 2,360 LPNs employed in the state. The top city in Delaware for LPNs to work in is Wilmington.
In Delaware, the LPN program option is a very popular way for people to become nurses. This is because it does not take a lot of time and you will be able to move on to being an RN at any point. It is a very useful stepping stone. The programs that you will be able to choose from should consist of:
- Coursework, that will take around a year to complete, and
- Hands-on clinical training, without which you can not be registered as an LPN
In Delaware there is an additional requirement. Students who want to become an LPN need to have a CPR card. This is something that you cannot avoid obtaining, so it is worth while embarking on a CPR course as early as possible. Remember that your CPR card has to be renewed regularly. Once you have completed your course you will have to write the NCLEX-PN examination so that you can be registered as an LPN. If you have any questions about any part of the proceedings it is suggested that you contact the admissions office of your chosen college or school. The most popular LPN programs in Delaware are:
- Community colleges
- Vocational schools
- Online courses
- Distance learning programs
Becoming An LPN In Delaware: Steps And Tips
There is a relatively simple process that you can follow in order to become an LPN in Delaware:
- Graduate from an LPN school that is accredited by the state board of nursing of Delaware.
- Complete the number of clinical hours required by the state of Delaware.
- Apply to the Delaware state board of nursing for licensure with your transcript and proof of your clinical hours.
- Complete all necessary requirements, such a drug screening and criminal background checks, and ensure that the state board of nursing has the results.
- While you wait to write the NCLEX-PN exam, you can get a provisional license to practice as an LPN.
- Register for the NCLEX-PN exam through the testing body Pearson Vue for a cost of $200.
- Write and pass the exam.
There are two ways to become licensed as an LPN in Delaware that LPN programs in this state may prepare you for. These two ways are:
- License by Examination, and
- License by Endorsement
License by Examination: This is the method that is described above. It involves completing a program and then applying to the Delaware State Board of Nursing for licensure. You will have to send off for a transcript form your school. You will also have to pass the required background test and include the information in your application. Schedule and write the exam through Pearson Vue, and sit back and wait for your results. If you pass you will be licensed. This is the more well-known way to get your LPN license. There is, however, another option as well for LPNs from outside the state of Delaware.
License by Endorsement: The first thing that you will have to do here is to fill out the Application for Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse by Endorsement offered by the state board of nursing of Delaware along with the request for the criminal background check. Have your application notarized. You will then have to gather the following documentation:
- Application form
- Application fee
- Copy of driver’s license or identification card
- Copy of your current nursing license with signature and expiration date
- Verification of original licensure by examination
- Employer Reference Form from your nursing school or previous employer
This is the information that you will have to submit if you want to move from another state into Delaware and practice as an LPN there. All of this information should be sent to:
Board of Nursing
Cannon Building
861 Silver Lake Blvd., Suite 203
Dover, DE 19904-2467
The Employer Reference Form needs to be sent by your employer or the school where you completed your LPN program directly to the State board of nursing.
As you can see, LPN programs in Delaware are only part of the process you have to undergo in order to successfully become a licensed practical nurse in this particular state.
Delaware Board Of Nursing
If you are interested in embarking on one of the LPN programs offered in Delaware it is important that you know how to get hold of the state board of nursing. This is a body that will help you to:
- Find LPN programs in your area
- Ascertain whether or not a program is indeed accredited
- Get your LPN license
- Inform you of your scope of practice
- Ensure that you and the program you attend adhere to the standards, policies, administrative rules and regulations required
The Delaware state board of nursing is therefore the agency that will protect you from your school should your nursing school be doing anything incorrectly or illegally. On top of that the board protects your school and your employer from anything that you may do wrong as an employee or student there. The state board is a governing agency and it is worthwhile having a working knowledge of your state board of nursing before you apply for any of the LPN programs that you are interested in.
The Delaware Board of Nursing will have all of the information that you will need about LPN programs in Delaware. Visit their website.
Other contact information:
861 Silver Lake Blvd.
Cannon Building, Suite 203
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302.744.4500
Fax: 302.739.2711
Website: http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/
Contact Person: Pamela Zickafoose, Ed.D, RN, CNA-BC, CNE, Executive Director
List Of Programs In Delaware
There are several options to choose from if you are looking for LPN programs in Delaware. Below are some of the better known programs. When choosing a program, ensure that it is accredited by the appropriate bodies. If it is not you will essentially be wasting your time with the program. Take the time to look into the quality of the tuition that the program offers so that you can be sure that you are getting the best quality possible. If you can, visit each campus to investigate its clinical facilities. Find out about the qualifications of the teachers.
- Del Technical & Community College – Terry
http://www.dtcc.edu/terry
100 Campus Drive
Dover, DE 19901
- Delaware Technical & Community College – Owens
http://www.dtcc.edu/owens
18 Seashore Hwy
Georgetown, DE 19947
- Delaware Institute of Health Sciences
4708 Kirkwood Highway, Second Floor
Wilmington, DE 19808
302-633-4010
dihsinc.com
- Del Technical & Community College – Stanton
http://www.dtcc.edu/stanton-wilmington
400 Stanton-Christiana Rd
Newark, DE 19702
- Delaware Skills Center
1300 Clifford Brown Walk
Wilmington, DE 19801
- Delcastle Technical High School
http://www.nccvotech.com/hs_dc.htm
1417 Newport Road
Wilmington, DE 19804
When compared to several other states, such as Kentucky for example, Delaware simply does not have as many options. However, what the state lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. As we can see from the first section, out of all of the states, Delaware comes second in terms of the comfort experienced by the LPNs who work there. If you live in Delaware you may have trouble getting into one of the limited number of schools because of limited space issues, but if you can you will be able to work as an LPN in one of the best states for the job.
There are a number of things that need to be taken into account when looking into school. For example you need to make sure that the tuition will be of the kind that will adequately prepare you to take the NCLEX-PN examination. In addition you will need to be adequately prepared for life in the real world of nursing. A program that prepares you at a theoretical s well as at a practical level is the best to consider. Also keep cost in mind, but remember that there are a number of financial aid options in the state that you could benefit from that will help you afford LPN programs in Delaware.