DNP Programs in Delaware
Many nurses are born leaders. Those that choose to advance their practice towards a more leadership-focused specialty of nursing can earn either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP). DNP-prepared nurses may focus on concepts that are critical in today’s healthcare arena, such as:
- Organizational systems
- Business management
- Leadership in nursing
- Policy-making
Additionally, DNP nurses can choose clinical practice tracks such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or midwifery. Depending on their starting point, it may take students three to four years to complete a DNP program. Time to completion also depends on full or part-time status.
2025 Best DNP Programs in Delaware
Looking for the best DNP programs in Delaware? RegisteredNursing.org has done the research to help you find top choices. Our rankings focus on quality, affordability, and student success. We know picking the right program matters for your future. Check out our list to see which schools stand out. Trust RegisteredNursing.org to guide you to the best options. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
University of Delaware
Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner DNP program offers a hybrid learning format. It focuses on advanced pediatric care, population health, and clinical leadership. This CCNE-accredited program features a competitive tuition rate of $1,069 per credit, a 100% board pass rate, and flexible 3-5 year completion options. Students gain advanced clinical skills through immersive learning experiences, preparing them for expert pediatric practice.
- 100% Online with Clinical Placements
- Advanced Pediatric Care Focus
- $1,069 per Credit Tuition
- 3-5 Year Completion Options
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Practice Doctoral Degree
- 100% Board Pass Rate
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Population Health Emphasis
- Expert Faculty Mentorship
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Delaware's online DNP program offers various specializations, including Family, Adult-Gerontology, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Pediatric Primary Care, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The flexible 3-5 year program, with a tuition of $1,069 per credit and Dean's Scholarship availability, emphasizes population health and evidence-based practice. No GRE is required. The program includes occasional campus immersions.
- 100% Online Program
- Multiple Advanced Practice Tracks
- $1,069/credit Tuition Rate
- 3-5 Year Completion Options
- 100% Clinical Placement Support
- Population Health Focus
- Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
- No GRE Required
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Occasional Campus Immersion
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's hybrid DNP program, specializing in Family Nurse Practitioner, focuses on primary care across the lifespan. This 81-credit program includes 1,120 practical hours, preparing graduates for leadership roles in integrated healthcare. Applicants need one year of RN experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program offers both post-baccalaureate and post-master's entry options and is CCNE accredited.
- 81 total credit hours
- 1,120 clinical training hours
- Primary care across lifespan
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- 3.0/3.5 minimum GPA requirement
- One year RN experience required
- CCNE accredited program
Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Delaware's hybrid DNP program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner prepares students for lifespan mental healthcare delivery. The program emphasizes psychotherapy, medication management, and evidence-based practice. It includes 1008 clinical hours within its 81-credit curriculum. An interview is required for admission, and the program is CCNE accredited.
- 81 total credit hours
- 1008 clinical training hours
- Hybrid delivery model
- Psychotherapy and medication management
- Lifespan mental health focus
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- CCNE accredited program
- Interview required for admission
- Washington State approved
Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Delaware offers a hybrid DNP program specializing in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. This program focuses on health promotion and disease prevention for adults aged 18+. It combines rigorous coursework with 1,120 clinical training hours. Applicants need one year of nursing experience, a Delaware RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program prepares graduates for interdisciplinary care delivery.
- 81 total credit hours
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Specialized adult/elderly care focus
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Delaware RN licensure required
- One year nursing experience
- Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's online DNP program, focusing on Family Nurse Practitioner, delivers comprehensive primary healthcare training across patient lifespans. This 81-credit program includes 1,120 clinical hours and emphasizes leadership in integrated healthcare. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA, a Delaware RN license, one year of nursing experience, and must complete an interview.
- 81 credit hours total
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Comprehensive primary care focus
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited program
- Interview required for admission
- RN licensure in Delaware
- One year nursing experience required
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Delaware's online DNP in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care prepares advanced practice nurses to deliver specialized care for adult and elderly patients. The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, and leadership skills. This 81-credit program with 1,120 clinical hours develops advanced clinical skills and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare.
- 81 credit hours total
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Prepares primary care practitioners
- Focuses on adult/elderly health
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach
- Advanced clinical skill development
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu
Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Visit Website
Wilmington University's innovative DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate provides a dynamic 48-63 credit pathway for master's-prepared nurses seeking to transform their clinical and educational capabilities. This comprehensive program strategically blends advanced nursing practice with pedagogical expertise, enabling graduates to excel in complex healthcare environments. Students develop robust skills in evidence-based practice, instructional methodologies, and leadership, positioning themselves as cutting-edge nursing educators. The program offers multiple concentration options, emphasizing clinical innovation and educational leadership through a flexible online learning format.
- DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
- 48-63 total credit hours
- Two concentration options
- Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
- 500-1000 practice experience hours
- Dual application required
- Post-masters level program
- Multiple nurse educator courses
- Clinically focused doctoral degree
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website
Designed for ambitious nurses pursuing advanced leadership roles, Wilmington University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program delivers a comprehensive online curriculum focused on healthcare leadership and systemic transformation. With leadership concentration options, students navigate 12-16 courses across 28 months, integrating critical competencies in health policy, informatics, and population health management. The program's flexible format accommodates working professionals, providing 100% online and hybrid learning experiences. Graduates emerge as sophisticated healthcare leaders prepared to drive organizational change and implement strategic improvements in complex medical systems.
- 100% online or hybrid options
- Leadership and Advanced Practice tracks
- $2,139 per course
- CCNE accredited program
- 12-16 courses, 28 months
- 1000-1500 practice hours
- Multiple pathway options
- Doctoral-prepared faculty
- Flexible cohort start dates
Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Wilmington University's pioneering dual-track program uniquely combines Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This 60-credit online curriculum empowers master's-prepared nurses to become advanced mental health practitioners across patient lifespans. Emphasizing holistic care and evidence-based interventions, the program provides comprehensive clinical training through extensive practicums. Students develop sophisticated skills in mental health assessment, treatment strategies, and healthcare policy, positioning themselves for national certification and transformative patient care leadership in psychiatric nursing specialties.
- Online dual-degree program
- 60 total credit hours
- 700 clinical hours
- National certification eligible
- Master's degree required
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership skill development
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Two separate applications
Choosing a DNP Program
Delaware has only one DNP program based in-state–Wilmington University. However, the neighboring states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have over thirty available!
There are specific items students should consider when choosing a DNP program.
What to Consider When Choosing a DNP Program
- Cost – Currently, the tuition at Wilmington University for DNP students is $617 per credit. This figure does not include additional university fees. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. The university has a detailed breakdown of cost and expenses on its website and includes financial aid information.
- Online Option – The DNP program at Wilmington University is 100% web-based. No campus visitation is required. In fact, students have the choice of presenting their final DNP project virtually or in-person.
- Accreditation – Wilmington University's DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This ensures the curriculum has met national educational standards in nursing.
- Residency Options – Wilmington University requires DNP students to complete 500 experiential engagement hours. This means that students must utilize nursing theory and apply it to professional nursing practice. University faculty provides oversight, and students work alongside a mentor. Following graduation, students may choose to apply for formal residencies or fellowships. While Delaware does not have one of these programs available, neighboring Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have quite a few opportunities.
As stated earlier, Wilmington University is the only DNP program based in Delaware. Their webpage provides a wealth of information about the program. The program is 100% online which is beneficial for students who must work full-time. The program can be completed in as early as 28 months. The following tracks are offered:
- Traditional DNP: Advanced Practice
- For NPs, CNMs, CNSs, and nurse anesthetists
- Traditional DNP: Leadership
- Accelerated MSN to DNP: NP to DNP or Leadership to DNP
- Combination NP/ DNP
- FNP and DNP
- Adult-Gerontology NP and DNP
- Psychiatric/ Mental Health NP and DNP (available in 2018)
Admission & State Licensing or Certification Requirements
Admission
Admission requirements for the DNP program at Wilmington University vary depending on which track the student chooses. Requirements include:
- Current APRN license
- Proof of specialty certification
- Current employment in an advance-practice setting (i.e., administration, executive leadership, etc.)
- Transcripts from a CCNE accredited program
- Resume/CV
- Letter of recommendation
- Completion of a 1,000-word essay
Certification
The DNP program at Wilmington University requires existing national certification as an admission requirement for those in the advanced-practice concentration. In the combined post-master's certificate and DNP option, graduates are eligible for APRN licensure as well as national certification.
For those interested in the DNP-Leadership concentration, national certification is recommended, but not required. Students who complete the DNP-Leadership track are eligible to become certified in:
- Executive Nursing Practice
- Nurse Manager and Leader
- Nurse Executive-Board Certified
- Nurse Executive, Advanced-Board Certified.
Licensing
Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means that nurses and advanced-practice nurses can provide care to patients in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses. For first-time APRN licensing in Delaware, requirements include:
- Master's degree (or higher)
- Post-basic program certificate in a nursing specialty (with certification)
- Practice in his/her clinical specialty for either 600 hours in the previous two years, or 1,500 hours over the last five years OR graduate from a specialty program within the last two years
- Establish a collaborative agreement (if the applicant has practiced as an APRN for less than two years or fewer than 4,000 hours)
- Provide proof of certification
- Arrange for transcripts to be submitted
- Complete the application for prescriptive authority (for controlled and non-controlled substances) if applicable
- Complete the APRN application form and pay any applicable fees
Additionally, Delaware allows APRNs to apply for independent practice. Those approved do not need to establish a collaborative agreement. Delaware also allows APRNs to apply for a temporary license.
Delaware BSN to DNP Program Options
Unfortunately, Wilmington University's DNP program requires a minimum of an MSN for admission- no BSN to DNP option is available at the school.
Related Education Paths
Helpful DNP Agencies and Organizations in Delaware
List of Campus and Online DNP Programs in Delaware
New Castle, DE
Wilmington University
- Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
- 48-63 total credit hours
- Two concentration options
- Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
- 500-1000 practice experience hours
- Dual application required
- Post-masters level program
- Multiple nurse educator courses
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online or hybrid options
- Leadership and Advanced Practice tracks
- $2,139 per course
- CCNE accredited program
- 12-16 courses, 28 months
- 1000-1500 practice hours
- Multiple pathway options
- Doctoral-prepared faculty
- Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online dual-degree program
- 60 total credit hours
- 700 clinical hours
- National certification eligible
- Master's degree required
- Advanced clinical training
- Leadership skill development
- Evidence-based curriculum
Newark, DE
University of Delaware
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% Online with Clinical Placements
- Advanced Pediatric Care Focus
- $1,069 per Credit Tuition
- 3-5 Year Completion Options
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Practice Doctoral Degree
- 100% Board Pass Rate
- Comprehensive Clinical Training
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Multiple Advanced Practice Tracks
- $1,069/credit Tuition Rate
- 3-5 Year Completion Options
- 100% Clinical Placement Support
- Population Health Focus
- Evidence-Based Practice Emphasis
- No GRE Required
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 81 total credit hours
- 1,120 clinical training hours
- Primary care across lifespan
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- 3.0/3.5 minimum GPA requirement
- One year RN experience required
- CCNE accredited program
- Doctorate - DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- 81 total credit hours
- 1008 clinical training hours
- Hybrid delivery model
- Psychotherapy and medication management
- Lifespan mental health focus
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- CCNE accredited program
- Doctorate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 81 total credit hours
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Specialized adult/elderly care focus
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Delaware RN licensure required
- One year nursing experience
- Interdisciplinary healthcare preparation
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan - Online Learning - Website
- 81 credit hours total
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Comprehensive primary care focus
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited program
- Interview required for admission
- RN licensure in Delaware
- Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 81 credit hours total
- 1120 clinical training hours
- Prepares primary care practitioners
- Focuses on adult/elderly health
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Post-baccalaureate and post-master's options
- CCNE/CNEA/ACEN accredited
- Interdisciplinary healthcare approach