Licensing
How to Get Your LPN License in Delaware (2026)
In brief
Step-by-step guide to earning your LPN license in Delaware: programs, NCLEX-PN, the Delaware Board of Nursing, eNLC compact privileges, 24-hour CE requirements, and top employers like Christiana Care and Bayhealth.
In this article
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware
Delaware may be the second-smallest state by area, but it has a strong healthcare economy anchored by Christiana Care Health System, Bayhealth, and a thriving home health and long-term care sector. Its location in the heart of the mid-Atlantic corridor, bordering Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, makes compact licensure especially valuable. Here's your complete guide to earning your Delaware LPN license in 2026.
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Practical Nursing Program
Delaware LPN programs must be approved by the Delaware Board of Nursing. Programs accredited by ACEN or holding Delaware Board approval qualify. Delaware Technical Community College is the primary in-state provider of LPN education, with campuses in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown.
A standard LPN program runs 12-18 months and includes:
- Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, foundational coursework
- Pharmacology, drug safety, dosage calculations, medication administration
- Clinical nursing skills, wound care, IV therapy, catheter care, vital signs, basic assessment
- Long-term care and geriatric nursing, important given Delaware's older coastal population
- Clinical rotations, primarily at Christiana Care and Bayhealth facilities
Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore also means some students complete programs in Pennsylvania or Maryland and then apply by endorsement.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
After graduating, the Delaware Board of Nursing reviews your application and Pearson VUE issues your Authorization to Test. The NCLEX-PN:
- Format: Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), 85 to 150 questions
- Exam fee: ~$200 (NCSBN fee, paid to Pearson VUE)
- Time limit: 6 hours
- National first-time pass rate: ~83-85%
- Pearson VUE centers: Wilmington is the primary Delaware testing site; Philadelphia, PA centers are a short drive away
The exam covers safe and effective care environments, pharmacological therapies, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
Step 3: Apply for Your Delaware LPN License
Submit your application to the Delaware Board of Nursing (under the Division of Professional Regulation):
- Application fee: approximately $75-$100
- Criminal background check: fingerprint-based, required for all initial applicants through Delaware State Police
- Official transcripts from your nursing program
- NCLEX-PN passage (transmitted by Pearson VUE)
Out-of-state LPNs can apply for licensure by endorsement. Delaware background check and application fee still required.
Delaware LPN licenses renew on a 2-year cycle. Keep your address current with the Division of Professional Regulation.
eNLC Compact Membership
Delaware is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), covering both RNs and LPNs/LVNs. If Delaware is your primary state of residence, your Delaware LPN license grants multistate practice privileges in all eNLC compact states, 40+ states, without a separate license.
This is particularly relevant for Delaware LPNs because:
- Maryland (neighboring) is a compact member
- Pennsylvania (neighboring) joined the eNLC
- Many Delaware LPNs work across the tri-state border area and benefit from compact privileges
Note: New Jersey is not currently an eNLC member, so compact privileges do not extend there.
Declare Delaware as your primary state of residence to hold the compact multistate privilege.
Continuing Education Requirements
Delaware LPN licensees must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal period. Delaware does not currently mandate specific CE topics for most renewal cycles, though the board recommends staying current with evidence-based practice guidelines.
Approved CE includes:
- ANCC-accredited online and live CE providers
- Delaware Board-approved workshops
- Employer-sponsored competency training that meets board criteria
Keep CE documentation for at least 4 years.
Delaware LPN Salary Ranges
Delaware LPN salaries typically range from $42,000 to $58,000 per year, influenced by the state's high cost of living and proximity to Philadelphia:
- Wilmington / New Castle County: highest market in the state, reflecting the Philadelphia metro area influence
- Dover / Kent County: mid-range, competitive with state government and Bayhealth opportunities
- Sussex County (beach communities): seasonal demand surges; some SNFs and home health agencies offer premium pay during summer
- SNFs / long-term care: strong demand statewide, particularly in the Wilmington suburbs
- Home health: persistent demand; mileage reimbursement and flexible scheduling common
Top Employers for LPNs in Delaware
- Christiana Care Health System, Delaware's flagship nonprofit health system; Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital
- Bayhealth, multi-hospital system serving Kent and Sussex counties (Milford and Dover campuses)
- Nemours Children's Health (Wilmington), pediatric LPN opportunities
- Kindred / SavaSeniorCare, SNF chains with Delaware facilities
- Genesis Healthcare, headquartered in nearby Kennett Square, PA; large Delaware SNF operator
- Amedisys and Bayada Home Health, major home health employers in Delaware
- Delaware Department of Corrections, LPN openings at correctional facilities
- Beebe Healthcare (Lewes), Sussex County hospital serving the beach/coastal community
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