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Best direct support professional certifications
The best certifications for a direct support professional are Medical Assistant, Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C), and Medication Aide Certification (MACE).
Direct support professional certifications demonstrate your competency as a direct support professional to employers. However, not all direct support professional certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best direct support professional certifications. Obtaining a direct support professional certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for direct support professionals
| Rank | Direct support professional certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical Assistant | ASPT |
| 2 | Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C) | NADSP |
| 3 | Medication Aide Certification (MACE) | NCSBN |
| 4 | Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med) | CSA Group |
| 5 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
| 6 | Professional Credit Associate (PCA) | CPI |
| 7 | Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS) | American Red ... |
| 8 | Direct Support Professional Certified Level 1 (DSP) | NADSP |
| 9 | Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA) | NHA |
| 10 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 11 | Certified Medical Manager (CMM) | PAHCOM |
| 12 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 13 | HIPAA Professional (HIPAAP) | HIAA |
| 14 | Basic Life Support (BLS) | AHA |
| 15 | Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA) | NCCT |
| 16 | Certified Healthcare Safety Professional - Fire Safety Management (CHSP-FSM) | IBFCSM |
| 17 | Registered Medical Assistant | APA |
| 18 | Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS) | NEHA |
| 19 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 20 | Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP) | NAPCP |
20 best direct support professional certifications
1. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
3. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)
The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med)
Certifies minimum performance criteria for personnel maintaining medical gas pipeline systems in hospitals and health care facilities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Professional Credit Associate (PCA)
Certification enables you to make your clients, customers, colleagues,employers and others with whom you do business aware of the knowledge and skill you have invested in your career in the credit industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)
Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
8. Direct Support Professional Certified Level 1 (DSP)
This credential recognizes Direct Support Professionals who have demonstrated competence (measured and approved by the NADSP). This credential sets this group of DSPs apart from other DSPs in that they have demonstrated skills that typical entry level DSPs would not have acquired. The primary competence credential for direct support practice, the DSP-Certified credential is the core of our credentialing program. Regardless of specialization, every DSP approved as a DSP-Certified has demonstrated skills and knowledge that enable him or her to practice high quality direct support.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
11. Certified Medical Manager (CMM)
Becoming a Certified Medical Manager means that you have Completed the process of certification, including submitting an application and passing a written examination that qualifies both your experience and knowledge within the ambulatory health care delivery environment. Made a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in health care office management through continual education and association within the profession of health care office management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
13. HIPAA Professional (HIPAAP)
The Center's HIPAAP designation imparts the knowledge you'll need to attain the goal of becoming a HIPAA privacy officer-focusing in on the administrative simplification provisions, particularly the policies and procedures that providers and organizations need in place to comply with privacy and security standards. This program will provide you with a solid grounding in HIPAA terminology, as well as the implications of HIPAA for the insurance industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
14. Basic Life Support (BLS)
The Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Classroom Course is designed to provide a wide variety of healthcare professionals the ability to recognize several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED, and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
15. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
16. Certified Healthcare Safety Professional - Fire Safety Management (CHSP-FSM)
The International Board for Certification of Safety Managers, also known as BCHCM, is proud to announce the new healthcare Fire Safety Management (FSM) designation. The FSM is a specialty endorsement designation to the existing Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) credential. Applicants for the new FSM designation must hold the CHSP and be in good standing with the Board. Any CHSP member can apply to sit for the FSM exam by completing an on-line application and paying the current examination fee of $150. There is currently no application fee. The Board does not need any supporting documentation such as reference forms or transcripts. The FSM exam is comprehensive in scope and contains from 80-100 multiple choice questions. The exam is challenging but does not contain questions requiring math or engineering calculations. The exam content has been developed with the assistance of practicing professionals and subject matter experts. The Board statistically analyzes each exam to ensure the validity of all questions. The Board also uses analytical techniques to ensure the reliability of each exam version to access the competency of each candidate. Each exam may contain 5 to 10 "trial questions" that are being validated for use on future exam forms.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
17. Registered Medical Assistant
Registered Medical Assistant : EDUCATION or Experienced 1. Completion of an Approved Medical Assistant Program 2. Minimum of 200 Hours Lecture 3. Minimum of 80 Clinical Rotation In Physician's Office or Urgent Care Center 4. Or A Minimum of 1 Year of MA Experience in Physician's Office 5. High School Diploma or G.E.D 6. Successful Completion of Certification Exam
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
18. Certified Professional - Food Safety (CP-FS)
The Certified Professional - Food Safety is for food safety professionals and is designed for individuals within the public and private sectors whose primary responsibility is the protection and safety of food. The exam for this prestigious credential integrates food microbiology, HACCP principles and regulatory requirements into questions that test problem solving skills and knowledge.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
19. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
20. Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP)
The CPCP credential is awarded to P-Card professionals who have demonstrated experience and understanding of the body of knowledge necessary to administer a Purchasing Card program. This credential focuses on individual skills and knowledge of specialized P-Card functions. Achieving this designation allows P-Card professionals to be recognized for their exemplary level of expertise.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a direct support professional?
The best direct support professional certification is Medical Assistant. The Medical Assistant is awarded by the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this direct support professional certification:
- To become a certified Medical Assistant, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for direct support professionals?
The most in-demand direct support professional certification is Medical Assistant based on all active job postings. Having this direct support professional certification will give you access to more direct support professional jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a direct support professional career and salary?
The Basic Life Support certification will help you to secure a registered nurse position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A registered nurse's average salary is $63,827 whereas direct support professionals make an average salary of $32,077.
The most common combination of direct support professional certifications include: Medical Assistant, Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C), and Medication Aide Certification (MACE).
Online courses for direct support professionals to earn certifications
1. Community Awareness Course: Sexuality and Disability
This community awareness course from the University of Minnesota Program on Human Sexuality will provide you with a solid introduction to human sexuality for those living with disabilities. Often there are assumptions that the disabled or differently abled people are not sexual, do not have sexual needs, or cannot be involved sexually. In this professionally produced one-hour course, you'll learn about the basics of disabilities and human sexuality. We'll then learn about three different...
2. Traditional herbal medicine in supportive cancer care: From alternative to integrative
Please join us for an exciting and innovative journey, examining one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of the oncology setting: Traditional Herbal Medicine in Supportive Cancer Care. This course is presented with short lectures offering a wide range of issues related to the principles and practice of herbal medicine in cancer care. The course includes interviews with leading world experts from the field of Integrative Oncology, from the U.S. and Canada, as well as Europe, the...
3. Supporting Employees with Disabilities
How to Make Your Workplace More Accessible and Inclusive for People with Disabilities...
4. Mental Health and Wellness Professional (MHW) Diploma Course
Discover a flexible and comprehensive way of understanding mental health as a Certified Mental Health Professional (MHP)...
5. Introduction to Technical Support
Technical Support professionals are in great demand! This is the first course in the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate program, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in technical support. You will begin this self-paced course by learning what Informational Technology (IT) support is all about. You'll find out the roles and responsibilities of Technical Support professionals and become familiar with all the different career paths you can take in Technical Support. You will also...
6. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care
This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...
7. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
8. Mental Health Ambassador Certificate
Be a leader in improving society's mental health and learn to provide mental health first aid...
9. Healthcare IT Support
Are you looking to get your foot in the door as a Healthcare IT Support specialist? Do you want to solve technical problems for healthcare professionals and health system employees? Have you always wanted to enter an in-demand field in Health Information Technology? The courses in this specialization are designed to pique your interest regarding the ever-evolving field of IT support in healthcare. In order to help physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and a wide range of other allied health...
10. Mental Health First Aid Skills -
This course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge for learners to help and support those experiencing MH issues...
11. IT Support Technical Skills Bootcamp
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Professionals...
12. Mindfulness for Mental Health, Personal Growth & Inner Peace
The essential guide to cultivating positive mental health, practicing mindfulness, and advancing your personal growth...
13. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
14. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
15. Mental Health and Neuroplasticity: Change your Brain
10 Alternatives to Medication to Improve Mental Health - Research backed treatments for Depression and Anxiety...
16. Workplace Mental Health: A Manager's Ultimate Guide
How to manage mental health in the workplace to boost productivity and be the best boss!...
17. Straddles and Strangles - Volatility moves in any direction
Straddles and Strangles are non-directional strategies that can profit from big moves in any direction...
18. IT Support Technical Skills Helpdesk
Hands-on Technical skills for IT Support Learners...
19. AngularJS Custom Directives with Dan Wahlin
Take your Angular JS skills to the next level and learn the inner workings of Angular JS and custom directives!...
20. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...