Direct Support Professional
Learn more about this free program today.
REQUEST INFOReady to apply now?
APPLYTurn Your Calling into a Career
You have a passion for helping others. We do, too! Mentorship, high quality education and real-world experience are at the core of what we do at DCC.
What's more, our three-tiered Direct Support Professional (DSP) microcredential program is free of charge thanks to a partnership with the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), so you can focus on what’s important – building your skill set and capacity to serve! Note, priority for this program will be given to people currently working in the direct support professional field.
NOTE for all new students: Due to high demand, priority will be given to those who currently work as direct support professionals and who are able to commit to completing all of the courses required for the microcredential in the fall semester.
tiers to build your knowledge and skills
incentive upon successful completion of each tier of the microcredential*
credits toward a certificate or degree
* One-time bonus awarded upon successful completion of each DSP tier in the microcredential (2.0 GPA or better for all three classes) and corresponding NADSP DSP tier
Anyone with an interest in working closely with people with disabilities – whether you’re just entering the Human Services field or looking to grow your expertise.
Because microcredentials can both stand on their own and “stack” (apply) to our Human Services certificate and degree programs, you decide how much education you want to complete. Future social workers, counselors and psychologists can start as DSPs, or it can be a fulfilling career in its own right.
In a word, flexible! Courses can be taken online or in-person, full-semester or accelerated, synchronously or asynchronously – we’ll work with you to create a schedule to fit your life (not the other way around!)
Tuition, books and fees are fully covered by a grant from New York State. Additional assistance (up to $2,300) may be available to offset the cost of childcare, transportation etc. You’ll also receive a $750 bonus for successfully completing each tier of the microcredential (you must finish all three courses within the microcredential, earning a minimum 2.0 GPA in each course) and the corresponding NADSP DSP tier. Please note: priority for this program will be given to people currently working in the direct support professional field. Space may be limited for those not currently working in the field.
Recognizing the need to attract and retain dedicated direct support professionals to provide quality care for people with disabilities, the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) entered into a partnership with the State University of New York (SUNY), which aims to expand access to educational pathways and career advancement within the profession. Supported through $5 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, the microcredential programs will enable direct support professionals to secure national certification and academic credit toward a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree.
What You’ll Study in Our Direct Support Professional Programs
Our DSP microcredentials provide the framework you need to grow your career. Coursework is structured into three microcredentials with nine credits in each and aligns with the requirements for certification from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).
Over the course of your studies, you have the potential to earn 27 credits (or almost half of an associate degree), in addition to more than 50 different industry-recognized badges to demonstrate new proficiencies as you acquire them. If you’re brand new to the field, you’ll also be placed in an internship where you’ll be able to practice your skills.
Should you decide to continue at DCC, you can apply your coursework to an associate degree or certificate in Human Services.
DSP I (9 credits) is the first tier of the microcredential program.
- BHS 110: Introduction to Human Services
An overview of the ever-changing dynamics of mental health, substance abuse, poverty and trauma intervention - PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology
Emphasizes major aspects of human behavior and adaptation to the environment - ENG 101: English Composition
Addresses the major principles of college writing for beginning college students
Through successfully completing the above coursework, you can earn NADSP e-badges in the following competency areas: Crisis Intervention and Prevention; Health and Wellness; Person-Centered Practices; and Safety.
DSP II (9 credits) is the second tier of the microcredential program. To enroll in DSP II, students must complete the DSP I microcredential or the DSP Level 1 certification from the NADSP.
- PSY 102: Interviewing and Counseling Skills
Teaches counseling and crisis intervention skills emphasizing client growth and interpersonal effectiveness - PSY 201: Abnormal Psychology
A conceptual framework for understanding the development and effects of behavioral disorders - PSY 202: Therapeutic Intervention Skills
Integrates theoretical and experiential learning to provide an overview of therapeutic treatment strategies in current use
Through successfully completing the above coursework, you can earn NADSP e-badges in the following competency areas: Evaluation and Observation; Communication; Professionalism and Ethics; and Community Inclusion and Networking.
DSP III (9 credits) is the third tier of the microcredential program. To enroll in DSP III,
students must complete DSP I and II or the DSP Level 1 and 2 certifications from the NADSP.
- PSY 203: Developmental Psychology
Systematically examines patterns of human development across the lifespan - PSY 134: Group Dynamics
A theoretical and experiential study of the factors involved in group interaction - BHS 245: Issues and Ethics in Human Services
Considers the application of specific ethical issues confronted by human services professionals
Through successfully completing the above coursework, you can earn NADSP e-badges in the following competency areas: Empowerment and Advocacy; Community Living Skills and Supports; Education, Training, and Self-Development; and Cultural Competency.
What Direct Support Professionals Do
As a DSP, you’ll make a difference in the lives of others – with a focus on assisting people with developmental disabilities. Given the solid academic foundation and experience you’ll gain in our microcredential programs, you’ll be equipped to serve individuals of all ages – working in a variety of settings from daycare to eldercare, in outpatient and residential treatment facilities, jails and alternative correction programs, crisis centers and more. Our curriculum aligns with the certification offered to DSPs through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), which means the work you do at DCC is recognized across the country.
People Also Considered
Contact Us
Lacie Reilly, Instructor & Program Chair, Human Services
Taconic Hall 309
Phone: 845-431-8349
Email: lacie.reilly@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601