Known for being the “First State” of the 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the “Home of Tax-Free Shopping” as one of only five states without a sales tax, Delaware is situated in the northeastern region of the United States along the Atlantic Ocean on the Delmarva Peninsula. As the state with the fewest number of counties, Delaware is the second smallest and sixth least populous state in the nation with a population of just 917,092 residents. Despite being a “Small Wonder” that is the only state in the country to lack any national parks and ranked 49th in nation with a total area of 1,982 square miles, Delaware is home to a number of graduate level nursing programs to prepare individuals for advanced practice roles. The following are the Master’s degree programs in Nursing that have been fully accredited by the CCNE or NLNAC within the state of Delaware.
Delaware State University
Department of Nursing
First founded in the capital city of Dover as a land-grant educational institution in 1891, Delaware State University is a public comprehensive university that has a long and proud history of academic excellence educating African Americans. In fact, the U.S. News and World Report survey from 2014 ranks DSU as the 9th best historically black college in the entire nation. Strongly committed to eco-friendly practices, Delaware State has received accolades for its green efforts by winning the Second Nature’s Climate Leadership Award and being the only HBCU participant in President’s Better Buildings Challenge. The DSU Department of Nursing is also nationally recognized for being home to the 265th best graduate nursing programs in the United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Nurse Educator – As a dynamic program intended to prepare registered nurses for leadership positions as an educator in staff development, academic, or community health education settings, the Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator program emphasizes the liberal arts, scientific, and professional aspects of higher education for multicultural student populations. Within two years full-time or three years part-time, students are educated on evidence-based teaching strategies, creativity to improve the delivery methods of nursing education, principles of learning, pedagogy of effective teaching, and responsibility for continuing professional growth. Students in the program may be eligible to become members of the Delaware State University Student Nurses’ Association and Nursing Honor Society.
MSN Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PHCNS) – The Master of Science in Nursing PHCNS degree program is designed to enhance registered nurses’ knowledge and background in evidence-based nursing, health policy, financing, health disparities, health promotion, and community health. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates who will provide primary healthcare to communities in all multicultural groups across the lifespan, function as expert clinicians in a variety of community health settings, and develop collaborative relationships with other healthcare providers to improve quality of care. After completing the program, graduate advanced practice nurses are eligible to sit for the examination to become certified as a Public/Community Health Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Delaware State Board of Nursing
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
John R. Price Building Room 120A
1200 N. DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 857-6781
[email protected]
http://www.desu.edu/health-and-public-policy/department-nursing
University of Delaware
School of Nursing
Situated on a vast 2,011-acre campus in Newark within an hour of the metropolitan hubs of Philadelphia and Baltimore, the University of Delaware is a state-assisted public institution of higher learning with a private charter. Well-known in the region for its small class sizes, breathtaking campus atmosphere, diverse student body of more than 17,500, and an affordable price tag, UD is currently ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as the 75th best college and 31st top public school in the nation. Not only is the UD School of Nursing nationally recognized as the 127th best graduate nursing school, it is home to the 37th best online graduate nursing programs in the United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) – The AGCNS program is designed to provide learners with the conceptual foundation and practical knowledge necessary for developing essential core advanced skills inherent to the role of Clinical Nurse Specialist. Organized around the competencies declared by the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, the program is strongly based on assessment skills, therapeutic interventions, evidence-based practices, issues in healthcare, leadership, and mentorships. Students can complete the required 34 semester credits, 509 clinical hours, and six-credit thesis project within three semesters full-time or five semesters part-time.
MSN Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) – Delivered in an innovative hybrid format with the six required core graduate courses offered fully online and nine clinical courses provided in an interactive classroom environment, the AGNP program intends to prepare nurses to be providers of primary healthcare for adults over the age of 18. Within 43 credits and 672 clinical hours, students gain experience with pathophysiology, pharmacology, statistics, research methods, community health, advanced health assessment, women’s healthcare, and mentorship. In place of an Application of Research, students have the option to finish the program with a master’s thesis or research project according to their interests.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – For nurses who have already completed a Bachelor in Nursing Science (BSN) degree and have a minimum of one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse, the FNP program prepares nurses to provide primary healthcare to persons of all ages across the spectrum. With a strong emphasis on promoting, maintaining, and restoring the health of individuals and families, the program consists of 46 total semester credits and 756 clinical hours in a primary care setting. Students can complete the hybrid format program within 2.5 years full-time and 3.5 years part-time.
MSN Health Services Administration (HSAD) – Offered in a completely web-based online format from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection, the Health Services Administration degree (HSAD) program focuses on preparing students for management or leadership positions in healthcare organizations. Students gain the necessary skills needed to succeed in administrator roles in healthcare systems, hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, consulting firms, and other health-related settings. The program may be completed in 24 months full-time or 36 months part-time, including the required 126 hours of clinical practicum in an approved setting.
MSN Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) – In collaboration with Thomas Jefferson University, the School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP). Although the first 22 credits of core courses can be taken at the University of Delaware, the finale 15 credits are completed at Thomas Jefferson University for a total of 37 credits. The program is designed to prepare practitioners who can competently care for pre-term and full-term infants who are critically ill, growing, and have chronic conditions. Graduates are experts in neonatal care, managing the care of newborns and infants, and working with parents and families during times of stress in acute settings.
MSN Nursing of Children Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Focused on the developmental health needs of children from birth through adolescence along the health continuum, the Nursing of Children CNS program ensures that graduates are prepared to sit for the national certifying examination as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. While the first clinical course focuses on wellness and acute illness, the second clinical course emphasizes children with chronic medical concerns. For completion of the MSN degree, students must complete a minimum of 34 semester credits and 511 clinical hours in an approved pediatric health setting.
RN to MSN with Concentration in Health Services Administration – For applicants who have an associate’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited institution and licensure as a registered nurse in Delaware, the RN to MSN degree program is designed with an emphasis in Health Services Administration to prepare students for leadership roles. After completing the first 13 credits of the program, students are considered MSN students and continue with the remainder of the required courses. Within the program, nurses obtain leadership and marketing skills, learn how to apply management concepts in healthcare systems, and comprehend the ethical and legal aspects of healthcare organizations.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
25 North College Rd.
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-1253
[email protected]
https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/son/graduate-programs/
Wesley College
Department of Nursing
As a small school with slightly more than 2,100 students on its 50-acre campus in the heart of the historical capital city of Dover surrounded by pre-Revolutionary War buildings, Wesley College is a comprehensive private institution that has grown to be a higher education beacon in the eastern region of the country. Named for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, the liberal arts college is aligned with the traditions and values of the United Methodist Church with more than 30 areas of professional study. According to the U.S. News and World Report survey from 2014, Wesley College is ranked as the 38th best college in the North. The Wesley College Department of Nursing is also nationally recognized for being home to the 50th best graduate nursing program in the entire United States.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Offered to registered nurses with or without a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the Master of Science in Nursing degree program is designed to prepare students to assume an advanced practice role as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). With a strong foundation in liberal studies providing the base for professional graduate level nursing practice, the program is provided in a career mobility model with both a thesis or non-thesis option. Since graduates from the program are eligible for licensure in the state of Delaware, all students are required to complete a clinical capstone project and a minimum of 500 clinical hours in various approved community healthcare settings under the supervision of certified advanced practice nurses in the field.
Accreditations
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
120 North State St.
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-2300
[email protected]
https://wesley.edu/academics/programs/graduate-programs/nursing-msn
Widener University
School of Nursing
Although the main campus is located in Chester, Pennsylvania just 15 miles south of Philadelphia, the private comprehensive institution of Widener University also has a satellite Delaware campus situated in America’s Corporate Capital of Wilmington near the border. The U.S. News and World Report survey ranked Widener University as the 181st best college and 48th best college for veterans in the nation. Not only is Widener recognized as one of just 76 institutions that qualify for the new community engagement classification by the prestigious Carnegie Foundation, the university has been ranked as the 19th most civic-minded college in the United States by Newsweek magazine. Furthermore, the Widener School of Nursing has been distinguished as having the 332nd best graduate nursing program in the country. Within the School of Nursing, the Freedom Battalion of Widener University has commissioned more nurses as officers in the U.S. Army than any other college in the nation.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
MSN Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AGCNS) – Focused on preparing graduates as advanced practice registered nurses for clinical nurse specialist roles, the AGCNS program provides a broad foundation in health promotion, disease prevention, wellness, illness care, and clinical decision making based on evidence. With a strong emphasis on caring for individuals from late adolescence through older adulthood throughout the health continuum, the program requires students to complete a minimum of 41 credits and 500 hours of faculty-supervised clinical hours. After finishing the program within 18 to 24 months, graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist certification examination.
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Widener is designed to prepare advanced practice nurses to be providers of primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan. Firmly based on a holistic approach to management of family healthcare through interdisciplinary collaboration, the program involves clinical experiences in community health centers, senior rehabilitation facilities, child daycare programs, family practice settings, schools, home health agencies, and hospitals. In order to foster essential critical thinking, decision making, and leadership skills, students are required to complete a minimum of 46 credits and 672 clinical hours of field practice. The program can be completed in 18 months full-time or 24 months of part-time study at the Delaware campus.
RN to MSN Program – For students who have valid licensure as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania or Delaware, a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, and at least one year of recent nursing practice, the School of Nursing offers a bridge RN to MSN program. In preparation for the AGCNS or FNP program, students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in population health, research design, evidence-based practice, dynamics of healthcare, and statistical analysis. All courses in the bridge program are delivered in a hybrid format with the majority of work online with one to two on-campus meetings in an interactive classroom setting.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
4601 Concord Pike Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 477-2100
[email protected]
https://www.widener.edu/academics/graduate-studies/nursing-msn
Wilmington University
College of Health Professions
With its main campus located near the city of Wilmington in the historic town of New Castle easily accessible from the major centers of Philadelphia, New York City, and Baltimore, Wilmington University is a private non-profit institution that offers exemplary undergraduate and graduate degree programs with an array of flexible formats at an affordable price. Currently home to more than 8,000 students, the Chronicle of Higher Education has named Wilmington University as the 4th fastest-growing institution in the nation. Forbes magazine has also nationally recognized it as the 172nd best college in the Northeast and the 207th top research university in the nation. The College of Health Professions is distinguished for its commitment to excellence in nursing education by being ranked as the 166th best graduate nursing school with the 72nd best online graduate nursing programs in the nation.
Master’s in Nursing Degree Programs
Dual Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) – With a strong concentration on Health Care Administration, the dual MSN/MBA program is a coordinated effort between the College of Health Professions and College of Business. Within the required 51 credit program, students engage in an intensive curriculum based on leadership roles in advanced nursing practice, nursing research, evidence-based decision making, bioethics, philosophical perspectives in nursing leadership, managerial accounting, financial management, health insurance reimbursement, and a culminating Capstone project. In addition to completing the program at the New Castle, Wilson Graduate Center, Dover, and Georgetown campuses, students can complete the dual MSN/MBA degree online.
MSN Nurse Leadership – Offered to registered nurses with valid licensure in the traditional classroom or online format, the Nurse Leadership program is designed to prepare professionals for advanced practice roles as a caregiver, leader, educator, and/or conductor of research. The main goals of this MSN program are to prepare graduates who can function effectively in advanced nursing practice roles in diverse settings, engage in professional development through lifelong learning, and broaden career opportunities in nursing. For completion of the degree, students are required to complete all 36 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. While the program is usually finished within two to three years, it must be completed within a maximum of five years from the start date.
MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Designed to prepare professional nurses for advanced practice nursing roles as primary care providers for individuals and families across the age spectrum in acute or chronic healthcare settings, the Nurse Practitioner (NP) program is delivered only in a conventional classroom format at the Wilson Graduate Center and Georgetown campuses. Within the program, students have the freedom to choose between two distinct concentrations, which are Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Through a seamless blend of nursing theory, laboratory experience, and clinical practice, graduates from the program are eligible to sit for national certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center.
Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
320 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 356-6915
[email protected]
http://www.wilmu.edu/health/nurprograms.aspx