Delaware Nurse Practitioner Licensure Steps - 2025

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Delaware

Nearly one in five Delawareans live in federally designated primary care shortage areas—leaving thousands waiting longer for appointments, especially in rural corners of the state.

This guide unlocks a high-impact career path: becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Delaware—empowering you to serve communities in need, step into clinical leadership, and drive better patient outcomes.

By following this comprehensive roadmap, you will master every regulatory, educational, and practical step required by the Delaware Board of Nursing. Explore the state’s unique practice authority, prescriptive laws, and renewal requirements—so that you can start making a difference as swiftly and smoothly as possible.

Delaware’s evolving healthcare landscape demands advanced clinical providers who are ready to serve diverse populations—from underserved rural towns to fast-growing urban centers. NPs are vital to closing care gaps, expanding access, and bringing compassionate expertise where it’s needed most.

This guide is your step-by-step blueprint for licensure, compliance, and long-term success as a Nurse Practitioner in Delaware. With clear explanations, direct links to regulatory authorities, and actionable advice, you will move from aspiring APRN to state-licensed provider—with confidence and clarity.

Advanced Education Requirements

Over 83% of Delaware’s nurse practitioners hold a graduate nursing degree, underscoring the state’s commitment to advanced clinical expertise and patient safety. To join their ranks, careful planning and program selection are essential—this section outlines exactly what you need to know to meet Delaware’s rigorous educational standards and position yourself for licensure success.

Plan the Graduate Pathway

Every aspiring Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Delaware must complete a graduate-level nursing program that is both accredited and specifically designed to prepare Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). The Delaware Board of Nursing strictly enforces these standards to uphold patient care quality and public trust. Understanding program expectations and timelines is critical to your success.

Choose an Approved and Accredited NP Program

Delaware law requires completion of a master’s, post-master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing or a related field with a direct clinical focus. Your program must be accredited by a recognized national nursing accrediting agency, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The Delaware Board of Nursing reviews transcripts to verify that your degree and coursework meet the state’s standards before permitting practice or conferring licensure.

Programs must include:

• Core advanced practice courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment
• Direct patient care clinical hours (population-specific)
• Specialized content aligned with your intended population focus (e.g., family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health)

Delaware does not recognize non-accredited, non-clinical, or certificate-only programs for NP licensure.

Understand Delaware’s Clinical Hour and Curriculum Mandates

Per Delaware Administrative Code 24-1900, NP candidates must complete at least 500 faculty-supervised, direct patient care clinical hours as part of their graduate program. These hours must be documented and verifiable, emphasizing hands-on experience within your chosen specialty. The Board may require additional clinical hours or specific coursework if deficiencies are identified during transcript review.

Further, the curriculum must align with nationally recognized educational standards for nurse practitioners, ensuring you are fully prepared for the scope of practice authorized in Delaware.

Strategically Evaluate Program Format and Fit

Delaware recognizes both in-person and distance (online) NP programs, provided they hold proper accreditation and deliver required clinical experiences within the United States. Many candidates choose online or hybrid models to accommodate work and family obligations. However, ensure the program you select collaborates with approved Delaware preceptors and clinical sites, as out-of-state placements must meet Board standards for supervision and documentation.

Carefully consider your target timeline: Full-time students typically complete NP programs in two to three years, while part-time pathways may extend up to five years. Strategic planning around personal commitments and clinical site availability is vital to avoid delays.

Align Population Focus With Career Goals and State Demand

Delaware’s healthcare landscape—marked by rural health needs, rapid telehealth expansion, and high demand for Medicaid providers—offers unique opportunities for NPs to make a statewide impact. Choose a program that matches both your career aspirations and the population foci most needed across the state. The Board recognizes specialties in accordance with national consensus model standards, and your graduate preparation must directly align with your intended practice area for licensure eligibility.

Summary: Secure Accredited, Rigorous Graduate Preparation

Delaware’s advanced education standards for NPs are clear and uncompromising: accredited, graduate-level clinical degrees are non-negotiable, and specialty preparation must match your intended role. Begin your journey with diligence and strategic foresight—ensuring your program meets every requirement, both for licensure and for your future patients’ safety.

National Certification

Why does national certification matter for aspiring Delaware Nurse Practitioners? National certification is not just a milestone—it is a legal prerequisite for advanced practice authority in Delaware. Without it, Nurse Practitioners cannot qualify for licensure, practice privileges, or prescriptive rights in the state. Certification validates your clinical expertise, demonstrates competency in a chosen population focus, and satisfies a critical Delaware Board of Nursing requirement for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility with an Approved Certifying Body

Before applying, ensure eligibility with a nationally recognized certifying agency. The Delaware Board of Nursing accepts certifications from prominent organizations, including:

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
• National Certification Corporation (NCC)

Each certifying body sets its own requirements, which typically include completion of a graduate-level nursing program and a specified number of clinical hours in the NP role and population focus.

Step 2: Apply for Certification

Submit an application directly to your selected certifying organization. The process generally requires:

• Official transcripts from your graduate nursing program
• Verification of clinical hours
• RN licensure documentation
• Application fee (typically $240-$400 depending on certifier and specialty)

Application review times vary, but most candidates receive eligibility determinations within 2–6 weeks. Carefully review the requirements and instructions of your certifying body to avoid delays.

Step 3: Schedule and Take the Certification Exam

Once approved, schedule your exam at a designated testing center or online (if available). The exam will assess both clinical and professional knowledge aligned with your population focus (e.g., Family, Adult-Gerontology, Pediatrics). Passing scores and result timelines vary by organization, but most candidates receive results within days to weeks following completion.

Step 4: Obtain Official Certification Results

Upon passing the exam, you will receive formal notification and a certificate number. This credential is valid proof of your advanced practice competency and is a mandatory component of your Delaware APRN application.

Step 5: Maintain and Verify Certification

To remain eligible for APRN practice in Delaware, you must keep your national certification active. Most certifying bodies require renewal every 5 years, involving:

• Continuing education (CE) hours, including pharmacology content
• Practice hour verification or retesting
• Renewal fees and periodic audits

The Delaware Board of Nursing will independently verify your certification status through the issuing organization during application and renewal. Ensure your certifier has current contact information and promptly addresses all board requests for verification.

Pro Tip: Incomplete or lapsed certification is among the most common reasons for licensure delays and denials in Delaware. Set calendar reminders well in advance of renewal deadlines, and always confirm with your certifier that your credentials are up to date.

Meet Delaware’s Additional Requirements

Over 91% of Delaware’s Nurse Practitioners report that state-level compliance steps beyond core licensure are essential for full, uninterrupted practice. This section ensures you won’t miss a single detail that could delay or limit your ability to serve.

• Complete a Criminal Background Check: All Delaware APRN applicants must undergo both state and federal criminal background checks. This step uses fingerprinting, generally coordinated through the Delaware State Police. For process details, refer to the Delaware Board of Nursing’s official fingerprinting instructions. Results must be sent directly to the Board.
• Submit Proof of Good Moral Character: The Delaware Board of Nursing requires applicants to attest to ethical conduct and may request supporting documentation if there is a history of criminal or professional disciplinary action. See Delaware Administrative Code 24-1900-2.0 for details on required disclosures.
• Register for Delaware’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP): Nurse Practitioners seeking prescriptive authority must enroll in the Delaware Prescription Monitoring Program and maintain active use of the system for all controlled substance prescriptions. This is mandated by state law and monitored during audits.
• Secure Controlled Substances Registrations: To prescribe controlled substances in Delaware, practitioners must first obtain a federal DEA registration, then apply for a Delaware Controlled Substance Registration through the Delaware Office of Controlled Substances. Both are required before issuing any controlled prescription.
• Comply with Supervised Practice for New Graduates: Delaware requires newly licensed APRNs without two years and at least 4,000 hours of clinical practice in their population focus area to complete a period of supervised practice. A collaborative agreement with a physician or experienced APRN is mandatory during this phase. Review the specifics at Delaware Code Title 24, Chapter 19.
• Document Continuing Education in Required Topics: Each renewal cycle, Delaware APRNs must fulfill targeted CE, including hours in pharmacology and controlled substance prescribing, if applicable. Refer to Delaware Admin. Code 24-1900-8.0 for exact requirements.
• Observe Telehealth-Specific Regulations: Delaware’s telehealth rules require both initial patient encounters and ongoing care to comply with state law. NPs must verify patient identity and maintain Delaware licensure for patients located in-state. Review the latest standards at the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation Telemedicine page.
• Maintain Accurate Practice Location Records: Any changes to your primary practice site, including transitions to rural or telehealth-based service, must be reported promptly through the Delaware Board of Nursing online portal.
• Meet Out-of-State Practice and NLC Requirements: While Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for RNs, APRN practice is not currently covered. NPs must hold a Delaware-specific APRN license to practice in-state, regardless of NLC status. See NCSBN’s NLC page for compact details.

Delaware’s licensing landscape is thorough by design. By methodically checking off these ancillary requirements, you guarantee your eligibility and readiness to practice at the top of your scope—without administrative surprises.

Application Process

Over 2,600 nurse practitioners are licensed to practice in Delaware, according to the Delaware Board of Nursing—demonstrating both the state’s demand and rigorous standards. This section walks you step-by-step through submitting your Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) application in Delaware, ensuring nothing stands between you and your new credential.

Access the Delaware Board of Nursing Online Licensing Portal

Start by navigating to the official Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services (DELPROS) portal. This is the central hub for all licensure applications, renewals, and verifications managed by the Delaware Board of Nursing. New users must create a DELPROS account; returning applicants can log in with existing credentials.

Pro Tip: Use a personal email address you’ll retain access to, as all official communications—including status updates and deficiency notices—will arrive through this account.

Complete the Online Application for APRN Licensure

Once inside DELPROS, select “Apply/Manage a License” and choose the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) application. Follow the system prompts, entering required personal details, education data, and licensure information. Carefully select your intended population focus and specialty, matching your national certification.

Upload and Submit Required Documentation

During the application, upload scanned copies of the following documentation as prompted (do not send originals):

• Unencumbered Delaware RN license or proof of multistate privilege
• Official graduate transcripts (must be sent directly from the institution if not uploaded)
• Verification of national certification, sent directly from the certifying body
• Completed criminal background check (instructions provided in DELPROS)
• Any additional forms required for prescriptive authority, if applying

For full documentation policies, review the Delaware Administrative Code, Title 24, Chapter 1900.

Common Pitfall: Missing or delayed transcripts are a top cause of application processing delays. Request transcripts and certification verifications be sent as early as possible.

Pay the Application Fee

Delaware requires a non-refundable application fee, payable online by credit or debit card at the time of submission. APRN application fees are published on the Board of Nursing fee schedule. Additional fees may apply if seeking prescriptive authority or controlled substance registration.

Submit Verification of Licensure and National Certification

Verification of your RN license is typically conducted via Nursys for U.S. licensees. For national certification, arrange for your certifying organization (such as AANP or ANCC) to send official verification directly to the Board. DELPROS will prompt for these details and provide instructions.

Complete the Criminal Background Check

All Delaware APRN applicants must undergo a state and federal criminal background check. The Board provides fingerprinting instructions in DELPROS after application submission. Results are sent directly to the Board and are valid for 90 days.

Monitor Application Status and Respond Promptly

After submission, track your application’s progress in DELPROS. The Board will notify you of deficiencies or required corrections. Most applications are processed within 4–8 weeks after all documentation is received, but timelines may extend during peak periods.

Pro Tip: Log in to DELPROS weekly until licensure is granted. Immediate responses to Board requests can avoid costly delays.

Receive Your Delaware APRN License

Once approved, the Delaware Board of Nursing will issue your APRN license electronically. You may print your license from DELPROS. Verify your status using the Board’s public license lookup tool before starting practice.

For unique scenarios such as endorsement, international graduates, or those seeking prescriptive authority, specialized application steps apply. Review the Board’s official guidance for APRN licensing and the Administrative Code for full regulatory details.