Delaware Skills Center CNA Program

The Delaware Skills Center in New Castle, Delaware offers a focused and comprehensive Certified Nursing Assistant program designed to launch your healthcare career in just six weeks. This intensive training prepares students to work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care settings while developing essential caregiving skills. Whether you’re starting a new career path or looking to enter the healthcare field, the CNA program at Delaware Skills Center equips you with the practical knowledge and clinical experience needed to pass the Delaware State Test for Nurse Aide Certification and begin making a difference in patients’ lives.

Operating as part of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, the Delaware Skills Center has been providing quality vocational training for over 60 years. Their CNA classes in New Castle combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, all taught by qualified Registered Nurses in an environment that simulates real healthcare settings.

CNA Program Quick Facts

• Program Length: 6 weeks (225 total hours)
• Cost of Program: $155.00 for background check and drug screening (additional tuition fees may apply for non-funded enrollments)
• Accreditation: Approved by the Delaware State Board of Education and Delaware Department of Long Term Care
• State Exam Pass Rate: 99% pass rate on the state test for CNA
• CNA Program Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm (classroom/lab); 6:45am-2:45pm (clinical)

CNA Training Structure

The Delaware Skills Center structures their Certified Nursing Assistant program to provide a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for success in healthcare settings.

Classroom Learning

The curriculum prepares students for practice and certification with 75 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction covering essential topics including:

• The aging process
• Anatomy and physiology
• Attention to performing activities of daily living
• Communication skills development
• Dementia training
• Infection control
• Promoting health and caring during illness
• Psychosocial needs
• Safe practice
• Professional work ethics

The program is divided into four main units:

1. Introduction to the Role of the Certified Nursing Assistant
2. Factors Affecting the Resident
3. Caring for the Residents
4. Skills Laboratory

Clinical Experience

Students complete 75 hours of clinical practicum in a long-term care facility. This hands-on training takes place during the fifth week of the program, where students apply their classroom knowledge in a supervised healthcare setting.

• Clinical Days: Monday through Friday
• Clinical Hours: 6:45am to 2:45pm
• Clinical Setting: Long-term care facility

Exam Preparation

The final 75 hours of the program are dedicated to “Preparation for Practice” and State Test preparation. This component includes comprehensive review of both written and performance aspects of the Delaware State Test for Nurse Aide Certification. Attendance for these hours is mandatory to ensure students are fully prepared for the certification exam.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Delaware Skills Center’s CNA program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Delaware resident at least 18 years of age
• Valid Delaware Driver’s License or official Delaware State Identification Card
• Social Security Card
• Proof of Selective Service Registration (males only)
• High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• Ability to pass a reading and math exam
• Pass Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening
• Not listed on the Adult and Child Abuse Registry
• Reliable transportation
• Up-to-date immunizations including:
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Influenza vaccination (September-May)
  • DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tuberculosis test (PPD Skin test, QuantiFERON Blood Test, or Chest X-Ray)

All required documentation must be complete and submitted to the school no later than two weeks prior to the start of class.

CNA Class Schedule & Flexibility

The Delaware Skills Center offers a structured schedule for their CNA program:

• Class Format: Full-time, daytime program
• Program Days: Monday through Friday
• Class/Lab Hours: 7:30am to 3:00pm
• Clinical Hours: 6:45am to 2:45pm
• Total Program Length: 6 weeks (225 hours)

2025-2026 Program Start Dates:

• Cycle 1: August 18 – September 26, 2025
• Cycle 2: October 6 – November 14, 2025
• Cycle 3: November 24, 2025 – January 9, 2026
• Cycle 4: January 19 – February 27, 2026
• Cycle 5: March 9 – April 17, 2026
• Cycle 6: April 27 – May 29, 2026

Punctuality and attendance are mandatory for program success. The program allows a maximum of three absences, with two unexcused tardies counting as one absence.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

For non-funded enrollments, the tuition for the CNA program is $2,565.00. Additional costs include:

• Background Check and Drug Screening: $155.00 (required for all students)
• Payment can be made online at www.deskillscenter.org

The Delaware Skills Center is partially funded by the Delaware Workforce Development Board and Department of Labor. Students may be eligible for financial assistance through these organizations.

Acceptable payment methods include:

• Cashier’s Check or Money Order payable to Delaware Skills Center
• Credit card payment in person at the Main Office
• Online credit card payments at www.deskillscenter.org

Please note that cash and personal checks are not accepted.

How to Apply

To apply to the Delaware Skills Center’s CNA program:

1. Submit an online application at www.deskillscenter.org
2. Call (302) 654-5392 to schedule an appointment for a reading and math test
3. Complete an interview with program staff
4. Upon acceptance, complete the background check and drug screening
5. Submit all required documentation at least two weeks prior to the start of class
6. Attend orientation

For questions or additional information about the application process, contact the Delaware Skills Center directly.

CNA Program Location & Contact Information

• Institution Name: Delaware Skills Center
• Address: 500 Ships Landing Way, New Castle, DE 19720
• Phone Number: (302) 654-5392
• Fax: (302) 654-9418
• Website: www.deskillscenter.org
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 7:30am – 3:00pm, Friday – CLOSED (June 23 – August 18)

Additional Resources

Delaware Skills Center provides a comprehensive CNA Student Handbook that includes detailed information about:

• Program objectives and curriculum
• Attendance policies
• Grading system
• Clinical requirements
• Professional conduct expectations
• Dress code
• Student services and support

Students will receive this handbook electronically upon enrollment and will be required to sign an agreement to abide by all general policies, rules, and regulations.

Summary and Next Steps

The Delaware Skills Center’s CNA program in New Castle offers a pathway to a rewarding healthcare career through intensive, hands-on training and professional development. With a remarkable 99% pass rate on the state certification exam and an 85% overall job placement rate, this program provides the skills and confidence needed to succeed as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

The program’s small class sizes (8:1 student/faculty ratio) and dedicated skills simulation lab ensure personalized instruction and plenty of practical experience. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to take the Delaware State Test for Nurse Aide Certification and begin making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Before you decide, make sure you’re choosing the right CNA program for your goals.
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