Certified Nursing Assistant Programs in Delaware

Have you ever considered a fulfilling healthcare career? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Delaware is an excellent opportunity to join this booming industry, providing valuable care to patients in need. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of obtaining your CNA certification in Delaware, discussing the available certified nursing assistant programs in Delaware, certification pathways, examination process, and more.

Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to advance your healthcare career, understanding the CNA landscape in Delaware will provide you with a solid foundation for making informed decisions. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of certified nursing assistant programs in the First State!

Delaware CNA Certification Pathways

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware starts with completing a state-approved training program and successfully passing the state evaluation process. The Delaware Division of Long-Term Care Residents Protection (DLTCRP) is responsible for certifying CNAs in the state. To join the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete a DLTCRP-approved program and pass the Nurse Aid Competency Examination.

Approved CNA Programs in Delaware

Finding a state-approved CNA program in Delaware is crucial for ensuring your success in this career. These programs provide vital classroom instruction and clinical training, preparing you for the challenges you’ll face as a certified nursing assistant. You can find a list of approved CNA programs in Delaware through the link provided in the source section.

Additionally, there are alternate paths for eligibility to take the CNA exam in Delaware. These include being a current nurse or student nurse, an out-of-state nurse aide, or having a lapsed certification as a nurse aide.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers flexible, affordable nursing programs designed to meet the needs of working nurses, with options to accelerate education and earn dual credits. The programs are accessible online, making it easier for students to balance their studies with their professional responsibilities.

Program Offerings:

RN to BSN: Complete in 2 years.
RN to BSN + MSN: Complete in 3 years.
MSN: Complete in as little as 12 months.
DNP: Complete in only 28 months.

Flexibility and Accessibility:

Programs are designed by nurse leaders and are available both in-person and online. Most programs are 100% online, with asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules.

Affordability:

Wilmington University is noted for being the most affordable private, nonprofit university in its region. All students pay in-state tuition rates, regardless of their location. The university also partners with organizations to offer tuition assistance and reimbursement opportunities.

Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™:

This option allows students to apply course credits to multiple degree and certificate programs, potentially earning a degree and certificate simultaneously or accelerating into the next degree at no extra cost.

University of Delaware

The School of Nursing at the University of Delaware offers comprehensive nursing education at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a strong emphasis on research, clinical practice, and innovation. The programs are designed to prepare students to become experts in population health and to excel in diverse healthcare settings.

Educational Offerings:

The School of Nursing provides a range of career-oriented programs, including pre-licensure preparation and graduate nursing education. The programs are designed to equip students with healthcare knowledge, clinical reasoning skills, and technological expertise to deliver high-quality, population-oriented healthcare.

Program Levels:

Undergraduate Programs: Focus on preparing students for entry into the nursing profession.
Graduate Programs: Offer advanced nursing education in various specialties, including aging, mental health, community engagement, health disparities, and symptom and data science.

Accreditation:

The nursing programs, including the baccalaureate, master’s, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs, are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Nursing School as an Alternative

For those considering a broader nursing career, nursing education can serve as an alternative to CNA training in Delaware. To obtain CNA certification, nursing students must complete a “Fundamentals/Basic Nursing” course. This requires at least 75 hours of clinical instruction in a long-term care facility.

Out-of-State CNAs and Reciprocity

If you’re an out-of-state CNA looking to become certified in Delaware, you may be eligible for reciprocity. To qualify, you must be current and in good standing in your home state’s CNA registry and verify either 420 hours of work experience or a Maryland nursing assistant certification as a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA). The fee for reciprocity in Delaware is $30.

CNA Training Costs and Financial Aid Options

The cost of CNA training in Delaware can vary depending on the program, ranging from $1,100 to $3,300. Course fees, textbooks and the State of Delaware Certification Exam are usually included in the cost. These items add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget. Additional expenses, such as uniforms, watches, drug screening, background checks, health exams, and immunizations, may also be incurred.

Typical Training Expenses

A typical CNA program can cost around $1,300, with prices ranging from $550 to $2,565. The cost of the state certification exam usually falls between $75 and $115.

The Delaware CNA Examination Process

The Delaware CNA exam has two components. The first is a clinical skills test, and the other is a knowledge test. These exams are administered on-site at nursing homes or training program locations or at regional testing sites throughout the state, managed by Prometric.

To become a certified nursing assistant in Delaware, you must pass both the clinical skills and knowledge tests. Let’s take a closer look at the components of these exams and the fees associated with them.

Exam Components

The Delaware CNA Examination features a written or oral portion consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed within 90 minutes.

The clinical skills portion is administered individually, assessing a candidate’s knowledge of handwashing protocol, dressing, providing perineal care, catheter care, and measuring and recording a radial pulse, among other essential skills.

CNA Certification Renewal and Continuing Education

CNAs in Delaware must renew their certification every 24 months to maintain their status on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry. To be eligible for renewal, CNAs must have completed 24 hours of approved continuing education in the two years and performed a minimum of 64 hours of direct care, receiving payment for these services.

Renewal is free unless your certification has lapsed, in which case a $25 fee will apply. To renew your certification, you can submit the renewal application form, along with the applicable fee payment, to one of the DLTCRP addresses located in Milford or Wilmington on Mill Road.

Staying up-to-date with your certification and continuing education ensures you remain a valuable asset in the healthcare industry.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Delaware

The hourly wage for nursing assistants in the Wilmington, DE-MD-NJ Metropolitan Area is $14.08 per hour. This translates to an annual salary of $29,290. As the population of those aged 65 and above in Delaware continues to grow, the demand for CNAs remains substantial.

Nursing assistant occupations are highly popular in Delaware. According to a report of 2014-2024, it ranks in the top 10 occupations with the most annual openings. Pursuing a career as a CNA in Delaware presents an opportunity to secure a stable job with competitive pay, providing essential care to patients and supporting the growing healthcare industry.

CNA Classes and Programs by Location

Delaware offers a variety of state-approved CNA programs across the state in cities like Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown. These programs provide the essential training and skills necessary for aspiring CNAs to succeed in their careers. By choosing the right program and location, you can embark on your journey towards becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware.

Wilmington CNA Programs

In Wilmington, there are eight state-approved CNA classes, providing comprehensive training and resources for aspiring CNAs. One way to acquire free CNA classes in Wilmington is to receive training at a local nursing home while being paid as an employee. This offers a cost-effective approach to obtaining the necessary qualifications.

Dover CNA Programs

Dover offers a variety of CNA programs, including Unity Career Institute Nursing Assistant Program, Always Care Health Services, Inc., and Beebe Medical Center School Of Nursing. These programs provide comprehensive training and resources to prepare you for a successful career as a CNA.

Georgetown CNA Programs

Georgetown offers several CNA programs, including Camtech, Inc., Indian River High School, Tri-State Technical, Beebe Medical Center, Milford Center, Poly Tech High School, and Sussex Tech High School. These programs provide the necessary training and resources to prepare you for a successful career as a CNA in Georgetown.

For more information on Georgetown CNA programs and their contact details, you can visit the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services website. Choosing the right program in Georgetown is the first step towards a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry.

Summary

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware is an exciting and rewarding career choice. With various certification pathways, state-approved programs, and financial aid options available, there’s never been a better time to pursue this fulfilling profession. By understanding the CNA landscape in Delaware, you can make informed decisions about your education and career path.

Whether you’re just starting your healthcare journey or looking to advance your career, this comprehensive guide has provided you with the essential information needed to navigate the world of CNA programs in Delaware.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Delaware?

Becoming a CNA in Delaware requires completing an approved program of 150 hours, with 75 hours each of classroom instruction and clinical training. On average, this typically takes around 2 months to complete.

How much does CNA training cost in Delaware?

CNA training in Delaware typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000, including all materials and state examination fees.

Non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross and Job Corps of Delaware offer free CNA courses, however, students may need to pay for supplies and other associated costs.

Does DCCC have a CNA program?

Yes, Delaware County Community College offers a Certified Nurse Aide program with rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences that equip students for successful careers.

What state pays the most for certified nursing assistants?

Alaska is the highest-paying state for certified nursing assistants with an average annual salary of $43,080. This high salary is because Alaska has one of the highest costs of living in the country.