MSN Programs in Delaware

By EveryNurse Staff on June 14, 2021

Nurses with an interest in teaching the next crop of health care professionals or who wish to take on a higher leadership role will need to obtain an advanced degree first. Entering an MSN program in Delaware is just one of the ways that today’s nurses can prepare for advanced placement within their field. In addition to becoming a clinical nurse specialist or nurse-midwife, this type of degree is also needed for jobs that focus on having an administrative role or becoming a nurse educator.

Schools With MSN Programs in Delware

In an attempt to meet the needs of a diverse student population, the University of Delaware provides online MSN programs and hybrid campus MSN programs. Each program requires nurses to complete a collection of clinical practicum courses. Depending on the concentration chosen, students will encounter a program comprised of 34 to 46 credits, which includes core courses and the option to conduct research – like completing a thesis or scholarly project. Campus-based instruction is offered for a concentration in Adult Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner, while the curriculum for the Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Services Administration tracks is offered completely online.

Widener University delivers an MSN degree curriculum that provides three different programs for registered nurses who already hold a bachelor’s of science in nursing to choose from: (1) Adult Health-Gerontology (provides certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) with an emphasis placed on health promotion/disease prevention and concepts of illness care), (2) Adult Health-Gerontology with Emergency/Critical Care (educates nurses on how to care for critically ill individuals, and those facing health emergencies), and (3) Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) CRNP Program, which trains nurses as advanced practice clinicians who provide primary care for individuals and families using a holistic approach towards family health management.

There are three different ways that a nurse may approach the MSN program at Wilmington University, which is located in New Castle. The Nursing Leadership concentration prepares students to pursue a career related to becoming an Executive, Educator, or Legal Nurse Consultant. A few required courses for this track include Research in Nursing Practice and Politics and Policy in the Healthcare System. Nurses interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner will take classes during a five-year program that aims to strengthen their health assessment skills. Some nurses may opt to obtain a dual degree – an MSN with MS or MBA (Health Care Concentrations) – by completing a 51-credit program designed for aspiring nurse administrators.

Offering online instruction for nurses looking to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Nursing Education, Brookline College provides a way for students to gain an education through flexible scheduling options. The program is available to registered nurses (RNs) who have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), as well as possess an up-to-date, unencumbered RN license.

Delaware MSN Checklist

Become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Delaware.
Apply to an RN-MSN program or earn an MSN degree.
Fulfill requirements regarding supervised clinical experience. For example, Advanced Practice Nurses must complete either 600 hours over past two years, or 1,500 hours over past five years regarding a specific specialty in Delaware.
Complete the Authorization for Release of Information form to request a criminal background check, as well as submit to fingerprinting.
Submit proof of national certification from the issuing organization.
Apply for licensure with the Delaware Board of Nursing (~$124 fee). The Board must receive transcripts directly from an applicant’s school of nursing.
Pass Delaware’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Delaware MSN Salary & Job Outlook

Upon completing an MSN program in Delaware, many nurses will pursue a job position that involves administration or education. While some graduates are attracted to enforcing and improving policies, others have a desire to teach the next round of up-and-coming nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses with an MSN degree stand to make the following median salaries in Delaware when finding employment as a medical and health service manager ($108,690), nurse practitioner ($91,670), or nurse-midwife ($65,720).

The BLS also reports that Delaware is one of the top five states in the United States that offers the highest pay for nursing instructors and teachers with a median salary of $81,120 per year.