To Become A Direct Support Professional" width="100%" height="145px" />Mariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Written By Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Education Writer Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Updated: Jan 2, 2024, 5:50am
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To Become A Direct Support Professional" width="100%" height="145px" />
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If you enjoy working closely with people and are interested in pursuing a career within healthcare that offers challenging, yet meaningful work, you may want to look into becoming a direct support professional.
Direct support professionals play an integral role in their communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by helping them become integrated and engaged members of their community. This article provides an overview of the steps you can take to become a direct support professional, including certification, training and essential skills.
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A direct support professional supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by equipping them with life skills and habits they need to succeed in their community. They assist their clients by addressing their conditions and behaviors through the implementation of personalized care plans.
DSPs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including administering and tracking prescribed medications, helping individuals develop appropriate social, housekeeping, and money management skills, and maintaining records of activities and progress.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for home health and personal care aides will grow 22% through 2032, which is much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Nearly 685,000 job openings are projected each year over the next decade. Home health and personal care aides’ median salary was $30,180 in 2022.
There are no formal education requirements to become a direct support professional. Most employers require a high school diploma at the minimum. Though continuing your education is not necessary, earning a related bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or sociology can give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
Direct support professionals work closely with people of all ages who may have mental, developmental and physical disabilities. Being able to assist patients with sensitivity and compassion requires strong interpersonal skills, such as empathy, patience and understanding. The following is an overview of the type of skills that are key for a successful career as a direct support professional:
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) offers a voluntary national certification program for DSPs working in community human services. This certification program provides national recognition for the contributions and competence of DSPs who meet the certification standards. Depending on the employer, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certifications may be required.
The NADSP offers various levels of certification, which include DSP-I, DSP-II, and DSP-III, through participation in the NADSP E-Badge Academy. Electronic badges are earned by demonstrating core competencies and completing accredited education hours.
A renewal application form needs to be completed every two years. In addition to paying a fee, you must also complete and submit 20 hours of training.
The responsibility of a direct support professional can range from offering counseling and crisis intervention to assisting individuals with personal hygiene, housekeeping and other routines. DSPs may also assist with administering medication and developing behavioral management plans.
It’s essential for direct support professionals to have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients and ensure they feel safe and comfortable. DSPs are often responsible for maintaining records of their patients’ appointments, medications and other activities. Being organized and detail-oriented ensures all tasks are completed and accurately documented.
DSP certification provides national recognition of the professional skills and competencies of direct support professionals who apply and meet the NADSP standards. NADSP offers three levels of certification, which require at least 50 hours of training. Obtaining a certification can provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
DSP training periods vary by state and employer; some states require DSPs to complete a training program. Employers commonly offer on-the-job training that covers behavior management, occupational safety and CPR. Voluntary NADSP DSP certification requires at least 50 hours of education and 20 hours of continued education every two years.
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Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to brand strategies and driving small business growth through targeted content. In the last three years, she's primarily produced education-focused content, writing on topics like degree programs, trade schools and career pathways.
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