Direct Support Professional I Microcredential

Stackable to Degree Program

This microcredential aligns with requirements for the Human Services A.S. should students choose to continue their education after obtaining the microcredential. Direct Support Professional Level I (microcredential) → Direct Support Professional Level II → Human Services, AS → Human Services/Social Work BA/BS (transfer college)

Local agencies are seeing a high need for direct support positions, especially those in the category of Developmental Disabilities.  In addition to working with individuals with developmental disabilities, direct support professionals may work in child care centers, day treatment programs for persons with mental illness, residential treatment facilities, eldercare and respite programs, foster care agencies, jails and alternative correction programs, short‐ and long‐term rehabilitation centers, crisis centers, day habilitation programs, assisted living/skilled nursing facilities, sheltered workshops, and other human service settings.  The Direct Support Professional microcredentials provide training to increase the potential for advancement within these organizations. The curriculum presented in this microcredential aligns with the national certification offered to Direct Support Professionals through The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)

Microcredential Outline

The curriculum presented in this microcredential aligns with the national certification offered to Direct Support Professionals through The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). This microcredential provides the student the opportunity to apply for Level One certification.  15 competency areas have been approved by the NADSP Board of Directors. These competency areas allow direct support professionals to meet the industry demand for quality care of the populations they serve.  Additionally, each competency area outlines specific observable skills that should be demonstrated by the direct support professional. For a level 1 certification, 50 educational hours in the following competency areas are required: Ethics, Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Safety, Person- Centered practice, and Health and Wellness. 

The Direct Support Professional I Microcredential is 12 credits and comprised of the following courses:

  • HLTH 1207 Foundations of Personal Health (3 cr.)
  • HUSR 1010 Human Services I (3 cr.)
  • HUSR 1030 Intro to Helping Skills (3 cr.)
  • HUSR 1221 Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (2 cr.)
  • HLTH 1010 Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer (1 cr.)