Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Delaware

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE

Median Salary
$39,240
Delaware (2024)
National Median
$39,530
All states
Time to Complete
6-12 weeks
From start to licensed

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Delaware

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Delaware, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 150 hours, which includes 75 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical training. After completing the program, candidates must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Prometric, which costs $115. Certification is managed by the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) and must be renewed every two years, requiring 24 hours of continuing education and at least 64 hours of paid work experience. Delaware also offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific training or experience requirements and pay a $30 fee.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Delaware

DetailDelaware
Licensing BodyDelaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ)
State License Required Yes
Education150-hour state-approved training program (75 hours classroom, 75 hours clinical)
Experience Required64.0 hours
Exam Prometric CNA Exam ($115)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 18, high school diploma or GED, and a criminal background check are required. Renewal requires 24 hours of CE (including 6 hours of dementia training and 2 hours of abuse prevention) and 64 hours of work for pay in the past 24 months. If certification lapses, the CNA must retake the competency exam.

Source: Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Delaware

The median certified nursing assistant salary in Delaware is $39,240 per year, which is 0.7% below the national median of $39,530.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$32,640
25th$36,280
50th (median)$39,240
75th$43,680
90th (experienced)$47,990

Delaware employs approximately 5,660 certified nursing assistants.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+2.3%
Average
Annual Openings
204.1
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
1,441.5
Nationwide

Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware Worth It?

Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Delaware?
The path to certified nursing assistant licensure in Delaware: complete the required education (150-hour state-approved training program (75 hours classroom, 75 hours clinical)), gain 64.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Prometric CNA Exam.
Does Delaware require certified nursing assistant licensure?
Yes, Delaware requires a state license to practice as a certified nursing assistant. The licensing body is Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ). You must pass the Prometric CNA Exam.
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Delaware?
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Delaware is $39,240 per year. — within a few percent of the $39,530 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $32,640, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $47,990.
How expensive is certified nursing assistant licensing in Delaware?
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($115) and required training.
How many months or years does certified nursing assistant certification take in Delaware?
Expect to spend 6-12 weeks from start to finish in Delaware — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a certified nursing assistant license in Delaware?
Delaware requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your certified nursing assistant license.

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