Direct Support Professional Fundamentals

What you'll learn

The Direct Support Professional microcredential series is a unique grant-funded opportunity for you to pursue national certification as a Direct Support Professional while earning college credit toward your degree. Direct Support Professionals or DSPs work with people with developmental disabilities, supporting and advocating for and with them so that they can live their best lives. This is the first of two microcredentials and it prepares you to earn the DSP I national certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Thanks to a partnership with the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), limited time grant funding is available to pay for your tuition, fees, books, course materials, NADSP credentialing, and educational support. Eligible students who complete each microcredential and certification can earn $750 stipends. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares all for further study and readies existing DSPs for advancement.

An online microcredential from Rockland Community College (40 instruction hours). Registration is completed with Rockland Community College. Eligible for financial aid.

Who can enroll

Ages 18 and up.

Upcoming sections

What you can earn

Skills covered

Career outlook

Related occupations: Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Patient Care Technician

Healthcare support jobs in New York are projected to grow faster than average through 2032.

Funding opportunities

You may be able to pay for this course with the funding below. Each program decides who qualifies.