Delaware — The First State
Delaware is small in size but big in healthcare opportunity. CNA programs complete in 8–14 weeks, the state offers day, evening, and weekend schedules — and employer-sponsored free training is widely available.
Program costs & details
Delaware requires 150 total training hours — higher than the federal 75-hour minimum — which means programs are more thorough but take a bit longer. The upside: Delaware CNAs come out well-prepared, and the longer training is reflected in competitive wages. Programs offer day, evening, and weekend scheduling throughout Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and New Castle.
| School / Program | Location | Cost (approx.) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Skills Center (DSC) | New Castle | ~$900–$1,100 | 8–10 weeks | In-person, daytime |
| Coleman's CNA Academy | Statewide | ~$1,200–$1,400 | 4 weeks (140-hr intensive) | In-person — day, evening & weekend options |
| Unity Career Institute | Dover area | ~$1,100–$1,300 | 4 weeks | Day, evening & weekend programs |
| Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) | Wilmington / Dover / Georgetown | ~$1,200–$1,500 | 8–12 weeks | In-person, multiple campuses |
| Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) — Tuition Assistance | Statewide (Coleman's Academy) | FREE (if eligible) | 4 weeks | Funded through DSHA for qualifying residents |
| Employer-Sponsored Programs | Statewide | FREE (federal requirement) | Varies | On-the-job training at nursing homes & hospitals |
Delaware requires 150 total training hours — double the federal 75-hour minimum. This is one of the higher state requirements on the East Coast, alongside states like California (160 hrs) and Maine (180 hrs). The extra hours mean two things: your training takes 8–14 weeks rather than 4–6, and you come out significantly better prepared than CNAs from lower-hour states. Delaware employers know this and it shows in hiring decisions. Budget for the Prometric NNAAP exam fee and an IdentoGO digital fingerprint background check on top of tuition — plan for approximately $150–$200 in additional fees.
2026 salary data
Delaware CNAs earn around $18–$20/hr on average statewide, with Wilmington commanding the highest wages due to proximity to the Philadelphia healthcare market. Indeed reports $19.51/hr average from active Delaware job postings as of May 2026.
| City / Area | Avg Hourly | Avg Annual | Cost of Living Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $19–$25/hr | ~$39,000–$52,000 | Largest city, ChristianaCare hub — highest DE wages |
| Newark | $18–$23/hr | ~$37,000–$48,000 | University of Delaware area, ChristianaCare Newark |
| Dover | $17–$22/hr | ~$35,000–$46,000 | State capital, Bayhealth Medical Center |
| New Castle | $18–$23/hr | ~$37,000–$48,000 | Delaware Skills Center area, strong long-term care demand |
| Milford / Lewes | $17–$21/hr | ~$35,000–$44,000 | Bayhealth Milford, growing coastal retirement community |
| Georgetown / Seaford | $16–$20/hr | ~$33,000–$42,000 | Beebe Healthcare, lower COL in Sussex County |
| VA Medical Center (Wilmington) | $20–$28/hr | ~$42,000–$58,000 | Federal pay scale, strong benefits — highest stable wages in DE |
Sources: Indeed (May 2026), ZipRecruiter (June 2026), Talent.com. Actual pay varies by facility, shift, and experience.
Landing your first job
Financial aid & free options
Your next step
Delaware LPN programs run 12–18 months and the median LPN salary is $53,920/year — a strong jump from CNA wages. ChristianaCare and other Delaware health systems offer tuition assistance for CNAs pursuing LPN credentials.
150 hours total. Prometric NNAAP exam. IdentoGO fingerprint background check. 8–14 weeks.
Delaware Technical Community College offers LPN programs at multiple campuses. 12–18 months. Median DE LPN salary: $53,920/year. ChristianaCare tuition assistance available.
DTCC ADN programs and University of Delaware BSN. Wilmington University also offers RN programs. Average DE RN salary: $77,760/year.
For moms in Delaware
The First State is ready for you