Do you need a degree to be a direct support professional?

No, you do not need a degree to be a direct support professional. Direct support professionals may want to at least receive CPR training and understand basic, life-saving techniques. They should also know and understand how to administer the principles behind several home-based medical care techniques.

How do I get DSP certified?

You get DSP certified by finding an accredited program in your state specifically designed to ensure you've gained proper baseline training. DSP certifications can vary from state to state, so be sure that you understand the requirements for your current location.

How long is DSP training?

DSP training can take anywhere from 70 hours at minimum to a maximum of 100 hours, though the final training time does rely heavily on the state. There are different tiers involved in training, such as regulatory legal training, behavioral analysis and support, and developmental disabilities, along with a slew of others.

Is direct support professional a good job?

Yes, direct support professional is a good job. In fact, most direct support professionals report a more fulfilling experience. While many have also reported that income and stress do not balance each other out, the individuals they assist mostly provide a reason to continue doing the work as they watch them progress.

What is a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional certification is a license that allows an individual to work with others who have developmental hurdles. Direct support professionals must undergo a state-mandated course and test to receive their certification. This certification is necessary to ensure the individual has the appropriate knowledge and practices to care for their clients.

How To Become A Direct Support Professional: What It Is and Career Path

What is a direct support professional and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A direct support professional is a caregiver who provides support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or other special needs. They work in a variety of settings, such as group homes, day programs, and private residences. Their responsibilities may include helping with daily living activities, providing emotional support and companionship, administering medication, and coordinating medical appointments. Direct support professionals must have strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

ScoreDirect Support ProfessionalUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $32,077

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.0

Growth Rate 36%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.10%

Asian 8.29%

Black or African American 9.66%

Hispanic or Latino 15.07%

Unknown 4.28%

White 61.59%

Gender

female 75.56%

male 24.44%

Age - 50

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 50

Stress Level

8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

7.7

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

9.6

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Direct Support Professional?

Pros

Chance to develop strong relationships with individuals and families
Room for growth and advancement
Paid training and certifications
Meaningful work that provides a sense of purpose
Job stability and security

Cons

Can be physically and emotionally demanding work
Low pay compared to other professions requiring similar education/training
Limited opportunities for benefits or paid time off
May require working long or irregular hours, including weekends and holidays
Dealing with the bureaucracy of government funding systems and regulations

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Key steps to become a direct support professional

Explore direct support professional education requirements

Most common direct support professional degrees

High School Diploma

29.7 %

Bachelor's

28.8 %

Associate

20.2 %

Start to develop specific direct support professional skills

Skills	Percentages
Direct Support	18.94%
Developmental Disabilities	11.77%
Autism	8.73%
Direct Care	6.81%
DSP	6.76%

Gain additional direct support professional certifications

Direct support professional certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific direct support professional certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for direct support professionals include Medical Assistant and Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C).

More About Certifications

Research direct support professional duties and responsibilities

Work with adults who have disabilities to help manage everyday tasks such as laundry, cooking, preparing groceries, etc.
Provide care to adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities while administering their medication via AMAP certification
Support the development of individuals with autism by promoting community involvement and performing exercises to strengthen their cognitive and social skills.
Assist with toileting, including urinals.

Prepare your direct support professional resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your direct support professional resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a direct support professional resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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