BSN-to-DNP Programs in Delaware – 2026
Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
As a graduate of one of the BSN-to-DNP programs in Delaware, you’ll be well prepared to assume a leadership role in a variety of medical practice settings. Whether your interests lie in advanced clinical practice, executive management, or nursing education, a DNP can help propel you to the front ranks of nursing leadership in the First State. In Delaware, DNPs make $141,230 annually on average, and their employment opportunities are projected to expand by 55 percent in just 10 years. Want to find out more? The guide below to the best BSN-to-DNP programs in Delaware has all the information you need to choose the right program.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BSN-TO-DNP PROGRAMS IN DELAWARE (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the Best BSN-to-DNP programs in Delaware (Online & Campus) for 2026.
1. University of Delaware - Newark
Specialties Offered: Family/Individual Across the Lifespan, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
The BSN-to-DNP program emphasizes leadership, healthcare innovation, and clinical practice. The curriculum is structured to build progressively from advanced nursing foundations to doctoral-level practice. All tracks begin with core courses, including Advanced Pathophysiology, Evidence-Based Practice & Research, and Leadership in Healthcare Systems. Your study plan will also include track-specific specialty coursework focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients in your chosen population. Finally, the program includes doctoral-level coursework with classes like Population Health & Epidemiology, Informatics in Healthcare, and Quality Improvement & Patient Safety. A total of 68-74 credits is required, based on your chosen specialty concentration.
All students complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate clinical hours. Clinical hours consist of direct patient care within your chosen specialty, as well as indirect clinical hours through the completion of a DNP Project/Capstone.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP program, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited institution and an active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States. Candidates are required to submit three letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources, a Personal Statement outlining career goals and interests, a curriculum vitae or resume highlighting clinical experience, and official transcripts from all post-secondary schools previously attended. Transcripts should reflect a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Some applicants are required to participate in an interview with faculty as part of the admission process. Additionally, GRE scores may be requested, depending on your academic background.
Why Choose This Program
• As a nurse educator, I understand the importance of having quality clinical experiences in your DNP program. One of the things I appreciate about the BSN-to-DNP program at the University of Delaware is that the School of Nursing guarantees 100% clinical placement support, ensuring you have appropriate clinical opportunities with highly qualified preceptors.• I have spent my whole life living in rural areas. From working in hospitals and clinics to home health, hospice, and academia, I have seen the challenges patients in underserved communities face. The University of Delaware emphasizes addressing health disparities and improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations by facilitating clinical contracts in areas of great need.
• The University of Delaware School of Nursing is recognized for excellence in advanced practice nursing education. Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP program are prepared not only for clinical practice but also for roles in healthcare administration and policy.
• Graduates of the BSN-to-DNP program consistently demonstrate a 100% pass rate on board certification exams. The high success rate reflects the program's effectiveness in preparing nurse practitioners to provide the highest quality patient care.
2. Wilmington University - New Castle
Specialties Offered: Nurse Anesthesiology
The 90-credit curriculum integrates online and in-person didactic coursework, simulation labs, and extensive clinical practice experiences. The study plan includes Foundational Sciences and Principles, such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, & Mathematics for Anesthesiology, and Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan. Advanced Clinical Integration begins in the second year of the program, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care. Doctoral-Level Practice and Leadership courses include Specialty Anesthesia and Leadership, Policy, & Inforatics.
As a student in this post-baccalaureate DNP program, you will complete more than 2,000 clinical hours across diverse care settings. Clinical rotations occur in sites, including ChristianaCare hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, specialty practices, and community hospitals. You will gain experience in regional, general, pediatric, cardiac, obstetric, and neuroanesthesia.
Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program at Wilmington University, you must possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program, have an active, unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the United States, and have at least one year of critical care nursing experience, preferably in intensive care.
You are required to submit a resume or CV, a Personal Statement, three letters of reference, and transcripts from each college or university you previously attended. While a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is acceptable for admission, candidates with higher GPAs are more competitive. An interview with program faculty is the final step in the admission process.
Why Choose This Program
• The BSN-to-DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program at Wilmington University provides comprehensive training in both didactic and clinical domains, offering a leadership and policy focus, which means you will be prepared for roles beyond clinical practice.• Choosing to pursue the Nurse Anesthesiology program at Wilmington University sets you up for a lucrative career. CRNAs are among the highest-paid advanced practice nurses, with strong job growth projected.
• Wilmington University offers guaranteed clinical placements through ChristianaCare. The program's directors and clinical coordinators work with you to ensure you have ample opportunities to practice in various settings with diverse patient populations.
• If you are searching for a BSN-to-DNP program with a nurse anesthesiology focus, and if you are looking for strong clinical partnerships, accredited training, and a program with strong roots in Delaware's healthcare system, Wilmington University is an excellent choice!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
1. Who Accredits BSN-to-DNP Programs In Delaware?
| S.No. | Accrediting Agency |
| 1 | Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| 2 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited BSN-to-DNP Programs In Delaware?
| 2 |
3. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Delaware?
| Hourly | $67.90 |
| Weekly | $2,716 |
| Monthly | $11,770 |
| Annual | $141,230 |
4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Delaware?
| Hourly | $49.95 |
| Weekly | $1,998 |
| Monthly | $8,660 |
| Annual | $103,900 |
5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced BSN-to-DNP Graduates Make In Delaware?
| Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $56.52 | $2,261 | $9,800 | $117,570 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $66.72 | $2,669 | $11,570 | $138,780 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $74.30 | $2,972 | $12,880 | $154,550 |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $88.79 | $3,552 | $15,390 | $184,690 |
6. What Is The Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Delaware By Metro?
| Metro | Hourly | Monthly | Weekly | Annual |
| Dover | $67.23 | $11,650 | $2,689 | $139,840 |
7. Average BSN-to-DNP Salary In Delaware VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Delaware
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference | |
| Number | % | ||
| Dentist | $227,200 | -$85,970 | -37.84% |
| Optometrist | $141,480 | -$250 | -0.18% |
| Nurse With BSN-to-DNP | $141,230 | $0 | 0.00% |
| Pharmacist | $137,430 | +$3,800 | +2.77% |
| Physician Assistant | $136,270 | +$4,960 | +3.64% |
| Veterinarian | $123,420 | +$17,810 | +14.43% |
| Radiation Therapist | $115,940 | +$25,290 | +21.81% |
| Physical Therapist | $104,530 | +$36,700 | +35.11% |
| Dental Hygienist | $98,660 | +$42,570 | +43.15% |
| Occupational Therapist | $94,180 | +$47,050 | +49.96% |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $92,070 | +$49,160 | +53.39% |
| Audiologist | $88,370 | +$52,860 | +59.82% |
Nearby States
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and Allied Health educator with over 20 years of experience in clinical and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master's degree in Education. Darby has worked as a Registered Nurse in diverse healthcare environments, including medical-surgical, pediatric, and psychiatric nursing. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and student mentoring across nursing and allied health programs.
Popular Related Articles