Last updated: June 2026 | Researched and reviewed by Daniel Etheridge, CRNA
Delaware has one accredited CRNA program, and it is brand new.
The Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University earned initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) in October 2025, making it the first nurse anesthesia program in state history. The inaugural cohort began in January 2026.
For years, Delaware ICU nurses had to leave the state to become CRNAs. That is no longer true. This guide covers the new program’s cost, requirements, and timeline, plus your nearby out-of-state options.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware now has 1 COA-accredited CRNA program, its first ever (accredited October 2025).
- The program is a 36-month, full-time DNP offered by ChristianaCare and Wilmington University in New Castle.
- Published tuition for the cohort now recruiting totals about $152,785 (90 credits), before fees and out-of-pocket costs.
- Cohorts begin each January; clinical training starts in year two with more than 2,000 clinical hours.
- Nurse anesthetists nationally earn a median of $212,650 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2023).
Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University
This program is a collaboration between ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest health system, and Wilmington University, with support from Anesthesia Services, P.A. (ASPA), the state’s largest anesthesia group and ChristianaCare’s exclusive anesthesia provider. That partnership matters: your clinical training pipeline is built directly into the health system where most of Delaware’s high-acuity anesthesia cases happen.
Program facts (verified June 2026)
| Degree | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Nurse Anesthesiology |
| Length | 36 months, full time (9 semesters, 90 credits) |
| Format | Blend of online and in-person coursework; clinical experiences begin in year two |
| Cohort start | January each year |
| Accreditation | COA initial accreditation October 2025; next review October 2031 |
| Location | 320 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Contact | (302) 356-6892 |
What it costs
Wilmington University publishes full per-credit tuition by cohort, which is more transparency than most programs offer. For the Class of 2029 cohort, didactic credits run $1,155 to $1,337 per credit and clinical credits $3,780 to $4,375, for a published program total of $152,785 across 75 didactic and 15 clinical credits. The university notes an anticipated 5% annual tuition increase, so later cohorts should budget higher.
On top of tuition, plan for university fees (application $35, registration and technology fees each semester, $150 graduation fee) and required out-of-pocket costs the program itemizes: malpractice insurance during clinicals, two Self-Evaluation Exams ($580 total), the National Certification Exam ($1,125), textbooks (about $2,500), simulation subscriptions, certifications, and professional meeting attendance. Total cost of attendance lands well above the tuition sticker, consistent with most CRNA programs nationally.
Admission and deadlines
Applications are reviewed as they are completed, with select candidates invited to interview until the cohort fills. Applications for the January 2027 cohort opened January 20, 2026 and were due April 30, 2026 per the university’s published timeline. If you missed that window, contact the program directly about waitlist status and watch for the January 2028 cycle to open. A baccalaureate or graduate nursing degree and critical care experience are required; review the program’s admission page for the full checklist before applying.
Out-of-state options for Delaware nurses
One program means one set of seats, so many Delaware nurses will still look across state lines. The closest concentrations of programs are in Pennsylvania (more CRNA programs than any other state), Maryland (3 programs including Johns Hopkins), and New Jersey (Rutgers). You can compare every state in our CRNA Schools by State guide. Delaware residents may also qualify for in-state tuition rates at programs in several southern states through the Academic Common Market; check eligibility before assuming out-of-state rates.
Delaware CRNA salary and outlook
Nationally, nurse anesthetists earn a median annual wage of $212,650 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023); published state-level estimates for Delaware are limited. With ChristianaCare anchoring the state’s surgical volume and the new program producing its first graduates in early 2029, Delaware’s CRNA job market is positioned to grow from a historically import-dependent state to one training its own anesthesia workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CRNA schools are in Delaware?
Delaware has one accredited CRNA program: the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University, which received COA initial accreditation in October 2025. It is the first nurse anesthesia program in the state’s history.
Is the Delaware CRNA program accredited?
Yes. The program holds initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, granted October 2025, with its next review scheduled for October 2031. Always confirm current status on the COA’s official list before applying.
How much does CRNA school cost in Delaware?
Published tuition for the cohort currently recruiting totals approximately $152,785 over 36 months (90 credits), plus university fees and several thousand dollars in required out-of-pocket costs like exams, textbooks, and certifications.
When does the Delaware CRNA program start?
Cohorts begin each January. The program runs 36 months full time, with clinical rotations starting in the second year.
Do Delaware nurses still need to leave the state for CRNA school?
Not necessarily. For the first time there is an in-state option. But with a single program and limited cohort seats, many applicants will still apply to programs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey as well.
Disclaimer: Information is for educational purposes only. Verify accreditation status against the COA’s published List of Accredited Educational Programs and confirm all costs and deadlines with the program before applying.